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Professor helps steer presidential debate conversation

It seems like Kansas University Professor Diana Carlin is all over the media landscape recently.

That's not uncommon in presidential election years, when national media turn to Carlin, a professor of communication studies. They're seeking to glean some of her expertise on presidential debates.

In recent weeks, her name could be spotted in news articles in USA Today, slate.com and even The Hollywood Reporter.

Carlin has been researching presidential debates since 1980 and spent 13 years working with the Presidential Debate Commission that organizes the debates and has a book on presidential debates set for publication in November.

On Monday, she took some time out to answer a few questions from Heard on the Hill before heading to Germany and Belarus to deliver speeches there on the U.S. electoral process.

Carlin said the debates remain a popular method for voters, especially undecided ones, to hear the presidential and vice presidential candidates on a wide range of issues.

"It's because it's the only time you see them side-by-side," she said. "This is an hour and a half of uninterrupted dialogue."

Mostly, voters will be watching debates to look for something to reassure an already-held belief, she said.

She cited Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's performance in last week's debate as having firmed up the base of the Republican party.

"Palin's star was fading quickly and there were a lot of concerns," she said, but after the debate, Carlin said the base of the Republican party seemed more assured of the choice after the debate was over.

Look for both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama to trade more talking points during tonight's second presidential debate, scheduled for 8 tonight.

By Andy Hyland

October 7, 2008

Heard on the Hill