Via State Department: “The Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) was established in 1987 to ensure that debates, as a permanent part of every general election, provide the best possible information to viewers and listeners. Its primary purpose is to sponsor and produce debates for the United States presidential and vice presidential candidates and to undertake research and educational activities relating to the debates.”

Dates and Locations
• September 26, 2008 – First Presidential Debate – Domestic Policy – University of Mississippi, Oxford, MS
• October 2, 2008 – Vice Presidential Debate – Washington University, St. Louis, MO
• October 7, 2008 – Second Presidential Debate – Town Meeting – Belmont University, Nashville, TN
• October 15, 2008 – Third Presidential Debate – Foreign Policy – Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY

Background Information
• Many Debates in Variety of Venues Would Enliven Race – AEI
• Overview of the Presidential Debates – FPC Briefing with Janet Brown of the CPD
• Presidential Debate History and Resources – Poynteronline
• Presidential Debates 1960-2008 – The American Presidency Project
• Televised Presidential Debates – Democracy in Action, George Washington U.