Debate 2008 Rules

“Debate 2008” Hosted by Fox News

The Democrats

The Democrats will have 25 minutes for their debate.

The Debate will begin with an introduction of all three Democratic Candidates Senator Edwards, Senator Clinton, and Senator Obama. Once the debate begins the rules will be as follows:

1. Each candidate will have 2 minutes to respond to every question asked of them directly.
2. If a candidate mentions another candidate’s name, that candidate will have the opportunity for a 30 second response.
3. If at any time, you feel that you want to respond to a question that was not asked of you directly, you will be given an index card to raise, in order to notify the Fox News panel, and we will allow you to have 30 seconds to respond as well. (We do want to request that the candidates use the index cards sparingly as it will make it difficult to touch on a range of issues during the debate)
4. The final 3 minutes of the allotted 25, will be allowed for a one minute closing from each candidate.

The Republicans

The Republicans will have 35 minutes for their debate.

This Debate will also begin with an introduction of all four Republican Candidates Senator McCain, Congressman Paul, Governor Huckabee, and Mayor Giuliani. Once the debate begins the rules will be as follows:

1. Each candidate will have 2 minutes to respond to every question asked of them directly.
2. If a candidate mentions another candidate’s name, that candidate will have the opportunity for a 30 second response.
3. If at any time, you feel that you want to respond to a question that was not asked of you directly, you will be given an index card to raise, in order to notify the Fox News panel, and we will allow you to have 30 seconds to respond as well. (We do want to request that the candidates use the index cards sparingly as it will make it difficult to touch on a range of issues during the debate)
4. The final 4 minutes of the allotted 35, will be allowed for a one minute closing from each candidate.