Moderators Announced for 2012 Presidential Debate Series

On Monday, the Commission on Presidential Debates announced that Jim Lehrer, Candy Crowley, Bob Schieffer and Martha Raddatz have been selected as debate moderators for the series of 2012 Presidential debates between Mitt Romney and Barack Obama and for the Vice Presidential Debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden.

Jim Lehrer hails from PBS, which receives government subsidies to fund part of its broadcasting budget. It’s left-leaning content and tone are a testament to the network’s understanding of where its bread is buttered. Mr. Lehrer will be moderating the first debate on October 3rd despite having previously stated that he would not be moderating any more debates. Reportedly, the PBS host changed his mind once learning of the debate format. Lehere said that he shares “the Commission on Debates’ belief that the format has the possibility to open up the debates for a more spontaneous and deeper exchange of positions and ideas.”

CNN’s Candy Crowley, who recently said that the Romney-Ryan ticket “looks a little bit like some sort of ticket death wish”, will be moderating the second Presidential Debate on October 16th. Crowley is the first woman in 20 years to moderate a Presidential debate.

Rounding out the Presidential Debate moderators is CBS’s Bob Schieffer who just completed a Sunday night interview of Romney and Ryan. Schieffer will host the last Presidential debate on October 22nd.

ABC’s Senior Foreign Affairs Correspondent, Martha Raddatz, will handle the Vice Presidential Debate on October 11th.