Debate expert predicts civility

An M.U. communications professor and debate expert expects the two presidential candidates to stick to the issues in the next two debates. Dr. Mitchell McKinney says that’s what the swing voters are looking for, not personalities or on-camera appearance. McKinney says this week’s seated debate will be similar to last week’s; but he says the final “town hall” style debate will be more tame. McKinney says the candidates tend to be more polite to each other, and answer the questions asked, when “real” voters are in the room. His suggestion for Bush, hang tough and make a stronger case for change. For Gore, don’t turn off swing voters.