UK: Debate prep and forecasts

The Guardian

Romney and Obama curtail debate expectations ahead of first meeting

The two campaigns are feverishly preparing for the first of three debates that could be Romney's last chance to turn it around

By Ewen MacAskill

Each side took part in the usual ritual of talking up their opponent at the weekend in an attempt to dampen expectations. Paul Ryan, the Republican vice-presidential candidate, speaking on Fox News on Sunday, described Obama as "a very gifted speaker". Supporters of Obama claimed Romney had won nearly all of the debates during his gruelling nomination process.
Estimates for the number of viewers in America range from 50 million to 60 million, almost double the number who watched the party conventions. There will be two additional debates, in Long Island and Florida, but it is the first that usually has the most impact.
Obama, with significant poll leads in the swing states, can play defence, just getting through the evening without making a mistake. The onus is on Romney to make an impression.

Read it at The Guardian:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/sep/30/romney-obama-first-presidential-debate