"Five Questions with Professor David Lanoue"

Professor Lanoue is the Dean of College of Letters and Sciences at Columbus State University.  

Much of his research, including two books, has focused on political behavior in the U.S. He’s also the author or co-author of about 30 articles in academic journals, is the former president of the Southwestern Political Science Association and a frequent source for news reporters seeking expert analysis on political topics ranging from the Alabama governor’s race to presidential debates.

1.  In addition to his debate against Vice President Joe Biden on October 11, does Paul Ryan also have an obligation to debate the Democratic challenger for his Wisconsin congressional seat?

"I suppose nobody really has an obligation to participate in a debate.  But there's always the risk that the opponent will try to turn that non-participation into a campaign issue.  Usually, the claim is that the opponent has "chickened out", though that would be a tough sell in this case.  I suspect that even Ryan's constituents would understand that he has more productive things to do than spend an evening in Kenosha debating a no-name opponent with the national media watching to see if he slips up."

2.  Since there appear to be fewer undecided voters than ever at this point in the race, are the Presidential and Vice-Presidential debates more or less important this year?

"That's a really good question.  This year's convention bounces have been very small, which suggests that the vast majority of the electorate is just not movable. On the one hand, that means we probably shouldn't expect more than a 2-5 point bounce to result from even a one-sided debating victory.  On the other hand, the election may turn out to be so close that even a small movement in the polls could make a big difference in the Electoral College (assuming the debate bounce could be sustained over time)."

3.  Paul Ryan and his campaign staff have not publicly announced who is playing the role of Vice President Joe Biden in his mock debates.  Which Republican do you think would be best suited for this role?

"Maybe one of Biden's former Senate colleagues, someone who has spent significant time around him and knows him pretty well.  Someone who is smart and quick on his/her feet.   Also, someone who is enough of a moderate (at least by GOP standards) that s/he can try to "think" like Biden.  Someone like Lindsey Graham?"  

4.  Do you think three Presidential debates and one Vice-Presidential debate are exactly the right number, too few, or too many debates?

"I think there are too many presidential debates.  After two presidential debates and one vice-presidential match up, debate fatigue sets in, both for the candidates and the voters.  I can't remember anything memorable that has ever come out of a third presidential debate."

5.  Please name an important foreign or domestic policy issue that you predict will be wrongfully omitted by the moderators during the upcoming debates? 

"Domestic:  I'm biased here, but the future of higher education in a world of budget cuts, private on-line universities, MOOCs, and other challenges.  Is the four-year on-campus university a thing of the past?  (This is separate from the issue of college affordability, which probably will receive some attention.)"

Read more here: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2010/02/18/1020407/columbus-state-university-names.html#storylink=cpy