Granholm / DeVos Debate Dates Finalized

Mark your calendars! This morning's Detroit Free Press reports that dates for three debates between Granholm and DeVos have been finalized:

The first debate is expected to be hosted by WKAR, the public TV station on the campus of Michigan State University, on Oct. 2. The others are at WOOD-TV (an NBC affiliate) in Grand Rapids on Oct. 10 and at WXYZ-TV (Channel 7, an ABC affiliate) in Southfield Oct. 16.

The first and fourth debates could differ from a traditional "debate" format. According to a piece by Tim Skubick in the Lansing State Journal, the Oct 2 debate will be without any rules. Granholm and DeVos "can respond without a time clock, without restraints on the length of answers and without some red light going off."

Their fourth joint appearance on Oct. 12 at the Detroit Economic Club is more likely to be two presentations, not another debate.

Much like before the 2004 Presidential debates, both campaigns are posturing to lower expectations for their candidate so that they can call a "win" after the debate:

DeWitt acknowledged that Granholm is widely viewed as a superb communicator, but he wanted to make sure no one assumed she would handle DeVos with ease in debate. In recent months DeVos, who sometimes appears stiff on camera, "has gotten much better," DeWitt said.

Truscott, meanwhile, was lavish in his praise of Granholm's speaking skills. DeVos, he said, hopes to "hold his own" by focusing on his vision for Michigan and reminding voters about "the governor's record of failure."

Looking forward to discussing these with you all in the diaries / open threads!

Cross-posted on Michigan Liberal (fp).