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October  Presidential  Debate  To  Include  Physical  Challenges  For  Candidates  To  Test  Stamina  And  Boost  Ratings

By MINDY PEARLESTEIN

Published October 7, 2012

Media reports describing President Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney’s first debate – often calling it a “showdown” or “faceoff” – made it sound like a title heavyweight boxing bout.  Portions of the third and final debate just might not be far from the mark.

In the Oct. 22 debate in Boca Raton, FL.,  the candidates will compete in a series of “physical challenges” the Commission on Presidential Debates announced today.  "Candidates each will compete against professional athletes in a series of physical tests that will push the candidates to their limits.”

Washington watchers believe the Commission hopes to boost the 70 million audience of the first debate to record numbers using reality TV-style content.  “The Commission has been hinting at this for at least the last two election cycles,” said Howard C. Fein, a D.C. Democratic consultant.

Fein believes that the physical challenge portion of the third debate will operate along the lines of the 1990s TV hit American Gladiators.  “The word is they are going to ‘borrow’ the look and feel of American Gladiators,” said Fein.

“If both sides stipulate before hand, they could compete for a designated number of electoral votes.” 

Physical contests would show a fresh side of the candidates, as well as attract new viewers.  Most believe Obama would have the edge.  He continues to play basketball and is thought to be the more athletic of the two.  Although he is only half Kenyan, Kenyans have been very competitive in track and field events in recent years.  Romney backers counter that smoking could slow Obama down whereas Romney lives a “clean” Morman lifestyle.

Unknown is how the physical challenge would be scored and what the prize would be.  Election law attorney C. Thomas Hicks, Esq. said that the candidates might be able to compete for electoral votes.   “The electoral votes become property interests of the candidates that are legally assignable,” said Hicks.