The 2000 Presidential Debate

The Commission on Presidential Debates was established in 1987 to ensure that debates, as a permanent(永久的, 持久的)part of every general election, provide the best possible information to viewers and listeners. Its primary purpose is to sponsor(赞助） and produce debates for the United States leading presidential and vice presidential candidates and to undertake research and educational activities relating to the debates. The organization, which is a nonprofit, nonpartisan(无党无派的, 超乎党派的) corporation, sponsored all the general election debates in 1988, 1992, and 1996.

Debate Schedule
Date:	October 3
Location:	University of Massachusetts
Format:	Candidates standing at podiums	Go !
Date:	October 5
Location:	Centre College
Format:	Candidates seated at table	Go !
Date:	October 11
Location:	Wake Forest University
Format:	Candidates seated at table	Go!
Date:	October 17
Location:	Washington University in St. Louis
Format:	Town Meeting	Go !

All debates began at 9:00 p.m. EDT and were 90 minutes in length. Jim Lehrer moderated the three presidential debates. Bernard Shaw moderated the vice presidential debate.