BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) "If my students are any indicator of the interest in the debate, I have to believe this is must see TV (and of course Radio)!" Ted Lina is Moderator of Political debates at St. Joseph's Collegiate Institute in Buffalo. Lina sees Tuesday night as the first round in a three round fight.
President Trump and former Vice President Joe Biden face-off Tuesday night for a 90 minute debate Tuesday night at 9pm. WBEN will air the debate LIVE with coverage from 8pm-11pm.
The moderator holds the key according to Lina. In this case, it's Chris Wallace of Fox News. "It bothers me that they often set rules, but they don't abide by them," said Lina. "And if you ask a question, get an answer, or repeat the question. That way, everyone is aware that the question was not answered."
The debate is being promoted like a UFC fight and everyone is waiting to see who lands the bigger blow. But should debates be that way? Is there too much focus on the "moments" and not the issues?
"I would definitely with you Brian, if it was a hundred years ago," said Lina. "But unfortunately each side has moved to the extreme left and right and so has the media."
In addition to the answers from the candidates, Lina will be watching for non-verbal cues. "In this age of television, style has replaced substance. What you say it not as important as how you say it. Likeability is very important. Confidence is very important. Body language such as fidgeting and eye contact take on a life of their own," he said.
For more than 30 years, St. Joe's has hosted a highly anticipated political debate between candidates of elected offices. Even with a pandemic this year, Lina said students at St. Joe's will host a debate in the race for the 27th Congressional district between Chris Jacobs and Nate McMurray in October.
