"Four Questions with Professor William Benoit"

Bill Benoit is a Professor in the School of Communication Studies at Ohio University

Bill has published articles in various journals, including Communication Monographs, Journal of Communication, Human Communication Research, Quarterly Journal of Speech, Journal of Applied Communication Research, Political Communication, Journalism & Mass Communication Quarterly, and the four regional communication journals.  He has published several books, including Accounts, Excuses, and Apologies and Communication in Political Campaigns.

1.  The moderator of the Vice-Presidential debate, Martha Raddatz, was previously married to a top Obama official.  Do you view this as a potential conflict of interest?

"I wouldn't be surprised if the Romney campaign didn't complain about this (as would the Obama campaign if the situation was reversed).  I'm not sure how much power a moderator has."

2.  What did you think about the Commission on Presidential Debates’ decision to deny Univision's request to host a 'forum" with the Presidential candidates that would address Latino issues?

"Although I think there is debate fatigue, I tend to think more debates tend to be better.  However, there are hundreds or thousands of special interests and the CPD can't schedule debates for every one.  Where do you draw the line?  I don't remember the CPD sponsoring any debate that focuses on one element of the electorate."

3.  Which of the four debates do you think will attract the largest television viewing audience and why?

"The first debate.  Some will watch all four debates (presidential and vice presidential), but the debate that is most likely to attract viewers is the first one."

4.  The second Presidential debate is a “town meeting”, as opposed to the more traditional debate style.  Which candidate does this unique format benefit and why?

"Both are seasoned campaigners, so I doubt there is much difference."