Debate Diary: What must the candidates do in this debate?

This is part of a series of articles examining and explaining the debate process in preparation for the U.S. Senate debate between Mark Warner and Jim Gilmore. The two will debate live Oct. 3 in Roanoke. Read related articles.

As noted before, both candidates want to be declared the winner and commit no gaffes. Because of Warner’s large lead in the polls, he has less pressure on him generally. It is important for him to keep his cool, not get defensive in responses and focus on his key theme of bipartisanship. Gilmore has few options but to go on the offensive and attack Warner. However, he must do so on the issues both in terms of his past record as governor and current positions on such issues as healthcare, energy, taxes, etc. Gilmore needs to be careful not to come across as mean, sarcastic or angry.