First Debate To Feature Three Sections on Economy

POLITICS -- September 19, 2012 at 3:55 PM EDT

First Debate To Feature Three Sections on Economy

Moderator Jim Lehrer plans to spend half of the Oct. 3 Presidential debate on the economy. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images.

The Commission on Presidential Debates announced Wednesday that moderator Jim Lehrer has selected the topics for the first meeting between President Obama and Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

This domestic policy debate will feature six, 15-minute segments: three about the economy, a discussion on health care, the role of government and governing. Lehrer noted the topics could change based on news developments, and will not necessarily be in that order.

The Oct. 3 forum at the University of Denver will begin at 9 p.m. ET and last 90 minutes.

Watch Lehrer discuss his role as moderator here or below.

Lehrer describes why he changed his mind about no longer moderating debates in this August interview.

Tune into your PBS affiliate to watch Gwen Ifill and Judy Woodruff co-anchor our debate special Oct. 3, and each evening there is an official debate. Mark Shields and David Brooks will join them for analysis.

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