Presidential debate #2: The rules

By GottaLaff

A Limited Town Hall

Lynn Sweet previews the rules for Tuesday night's town hall presidential debate moderated by NBC's Tom Brokaw.

The questions will "be culled from a group of 100 to 150 uncommitted likely voters in the audience and another one-third to come via the Internet." Gallup "has the job of making sure the questioners reflect the demographic makeup of the nation."

"An audience member will not be allowed to switch questions. Under the deal, the moderator may not ask followups or make comments. The person who asks the question will not be allowed a follow-up either, and his or her microphone will be turned off after the question is read. A camera shot will only be shown of the person asking -- not reacting."

"While there will be director's chairs (with backs and foot rests), McCain and Obama will be allowed to stand -- but they can't roam past their 'designated area' to be marked on the stage. McCain and Obama are not supposed to ask each other direct questions."

God forbid anyone should ever ask a candidate a follow-up question. That might lead to, you know, real information and some actual insight.