Decision 2012: Candidates Prepare for Debates

President Barack Obama and challenger Mitt Romney have been practicing in mock debates as they prepare for the first of three meetings in this year's election campaign. The president is leading in the polls, but Romney says he's still confident of victory.

Class discussion: How important are presidential debates? Can a big mistake sink a candidate? Can a memorable performance propel him to victory? Find examples of debates' impact on past elections. Do debates draw fewer viewers than in the past? Will the debate get higher ratings than "Honey Boo Boo?"