Watch CBS News

Analysis: First Presidential Debate Will Be Aimed At Undecided Voters

By Larry Kane

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney go toe-to-toe tonight in the first of three election-season debates. The debate in Denver will be aimed at undecided voters.

Debates are not about winning or losing, but getting messages out. Mitt Romney will try to show that he's sensitive to all income groups -- that's been a problem for him.

The President will try to show his command presence and that he cares about all voters. That will be his answer to Romney's past issues, but that will only go so far.

The small number of undecideds are interested in jobs and who will create them, but people want more than promises. They want to get details, solid details on who plans to do what.

The messaging on taxes, cutting the deficit, and getting the economy soaring will decide who gets the edge in the battleground states.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.