Time (Not) on Our Side

In the presidential debate, of course the issues are always in the spotlight and, consequently, are what all the pundits talk about the day after. But tonight, as you may have noticed, there was just as much talk about time limits as there was about the issues. You may have even noticed the timer lights showing up in some of the camera shots.

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Each candidate has two minutes to respond to each question posed to them, and then the other candidate has one minute to respond to the issues raised. But, unfortunately, the candidates just can't seem to keep to their predetermined limits. "I'm just trying to keep up with him," Obama joked about going over the time limit with respect to McCain.

"I'm just going to stop right now, and you didn't even have to wave at me, Tom," McCain ended one of his answers, referencing an earlier joke that the moderator, Tom Brokaw should just wave at him rather than relying on the lights to tell him when he was done.

Poor Brokaw just has to keep reminding the candidate all night long to keep within the time limits. Granted, that's part of his job as moderator, but does he have to remind them after every question? Just play by the rules, boys.