KCTS 9 Coverage of the Debates

With everything that's going on in our country and around the world, this year's election is shaping up to be even more divisive, decisive and just plain important than any election in this young-ish writer's memory. As a child of the 70s, I remember the rollercoaster of electoral politics as early as the fifth grade, when my teacher attempted to keep the Cold War alive in our hearts—a failing idea as by the time I was in junior high, Reagan was sending Colin Powell to meet with Gorbachev to find out what the future held. From early on, I could not wait to cast my ballot, fervently believing that if only I could vote, elections would go my way. Well, let's just say I've learned a lot since then—some of it through experience and some through tuning in to shows like FRONTLINE, Bill Moyers Journal and Washington Week.

That said, I still always get excited, optimistic, frustrated and just generally worked up every four years when it's time to elect a new President. I can't imagine ever choosing not to vote (even if sometimes it's hard to know how to vote). Whether or not your mind is made up on the issues, the candidates and the initiatives, there's a lot to be learned from the upcoming debates and special programs we're offering before November 4.

Here's a look at our on-air debates schedule and feel free to leave a comment in this space before, during or after the debates.

PBS Newshour Debates 2008: First Presidential Debate
Friday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m.
PBS' Jim Lehrer and Ray Suarez moderates the first debate between John McCain and Barack Obama at the University of Mississippi. The focus of the debate is on foreign policy.

This debate also airs live in Spanish on KCTS 9 V-me, with an interactive forum following the debate. You can locate KCTS 9 V-me on your TV here.

The Governor’s Debate: Live from Yakima
Wednesday, October 1, at 7:00 p.m.
Candidates Gov. Christine Gregoire (D) and challenger Dino Rossi (R) square off in a live debate moderated by KCTS 9’s Enrique Cerna and hosted at Yakima’s Capitol Theatre. Help us by submitting your questions for the candidates to connects@KCTS9.org.

PBS Newshour Debates 2008: Vice Presidential Debate
Thursday, October 2, at 6:00 p.m.
Gwen Ifill, of PBS' The NewsHour and Washington Week, moderates the vice presidential debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin. The debate will take place at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. Analysis from The NewsHour team anchored by Jim Lehrer with David Brooks and Mark Shields follows.

PBS Newshour Debates 2008: Presidential Debate (Second debate)
Tuesday, October 7, at 6:00 p.m.
The second presidential debate between McCain and Obama features undecided voters posing questions to the candidates. Tom Brokaw moderates the debate, live from Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee.

Vote 2008: Washington State Governors Debate from Spokane
Thursday, October 9, at 7:00 p.m.
The gubernatorial candidates return to the stage to take questions in Eastern Washington. Moderator Steve Becker and a panel of journalists featuring Spokesman Review political reporter Jim Camden will pose the questions that matter to the citizens living and working in our ever-changing and fast-growing state.

Reichert–Burner Debate: A KCTS 9 Connects Special
Friday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m.
This is an hour-long debate between Republican incumbent Rep. Dave Reichert and Democratic challenger Darcy Burner for Washington’s 8th Congressional District seat.

You can still RSVP for the event here. You can also submit your questions for the candidates to connects@KCTS9.org.

PBS Newshour Debates 2008: Presidential Debate (Third debate)
Wednesday, October 15, at 6:00 p.m.
The third presidential debate between McCain and Obama focuses on domestic policy. Bob Schieffer moderates the debate, live from Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. Analysis from The NewsHour team anchored by Jim Lehrer with David Brooks and Mark Shields follows.

Here are other election-related programs that you shouldn't miss in October:

Frontline: The Choice 2008
Tuesday, October 14, at 9:00 p.m.
Since 1988, FRONTLINE has brought viewers the most in-depth reports on the Presidential candidates available anywhere. Now, America's most-trusted news show brings you the stories behind two unlikely candidates in this unprecedented and historic presidential contest.

Special encore presentation: Monday, November 3, at 8:00 p.m. Frontline producer Mike Kirk (Bush’s War, Cheney’s Law), who got his start at KCTS 9, will join us in the studio.

KCTS 9 Connects: Vote 2008
Monday, November 3, at 7:00 p.m.
On the eve of an historic election, Enrique Cerna takes an in-depth look at the presidential race and critical state and local races that will affect Washingtonians. In this live, one-hour report, we will focus on the contentious gubernatorial and 8th Congressional District seat rematches; the proposed transportation plan for the Puget Sound area; and the Death with Dignity Initiative.