MADISON (WKOW) -- Representatives of both the Republican and Democratic parties say Wednesday's first debate between President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney could give a bounce in the Badger state to the perceived debate winner.
Rep. Chris Taylor (D-Madison) says President Obama has been expert at connecting with people at past debates, and says his focus on women's issues and the middle class will resonate here.
Republican Party of Wisconsin communications director Nathan Conrad says the failure of president's economic policies to produce a faster recovery, gives an opening for former governor Romney to make a large impression.
UW-Madison political scientist David Canon says the first presidential debate in a campaign is more important for the challenger, with an opportunity to make more of an introduction to voters.
Canon says body language has become an important aspect to presidential debates. Canon notes Richard Nixon's visible anxiety with the television medium in his debate with John Kennedy; George Bush's gaze at his watch, during a debate with Bill Clinton; Al Gore's audible sigh over hearing debate positions from George W. Bush.
Canon says Wisconsin remains a battleground state within a broader definition, and the debate will help continue to distinguish the candidates. Polls this week show Obama with a more than ten percent lead over Romney in Wisconsin.
