Even without the cough–heard–round–the–world
With apologies to George Ramos, this year the first presidential debate is the Big Enchilada. Independent voters will finally be tuning in to see both candidates boca–y–boca. This cumulative first impression will probably decide the election.
And what will Independents be concerned about? Many are participating in betting pools based on the exact time Hillary will cough, with over–unders on duration and intensity.
Not since Ronald Reagan’s second debate with Walter Mondale has candidate health been a primary topic. That was in 1984 and health was a byproduct of the first debate after Reagan appeared to be a quart low on formaldehyde. His answers were sometimes confused and the Gipper looked old.
