For those following the UK leaders election TV Debates would notice that this is having a significant impact on the opinion poll ratings of the 3 main parties (Conserative, Labour and Liberals)

Nick Clegg's party have shot up in the opinion polls because of his performance in these first two debates.

Some have suggested that presentation and style should not determine who is elected because of the serious issues facing the UK public.

So what are your opinions about the leadership debates...do they clearly help the public make up their minds and choose the right leader?

I must admit I have not seen these debates, so I can comment only generally.

I am undecided about the impact of style and presentation on election results. Studies routinely show that people generally hear what they are predisposed to hear almost regardless of content or presentation. Additionally, people tend to listen primarily to those who reinforce a position they already have.

This isn't to say that negative campaigning doesn't work (unfortunately it works too well in the States) - or that positive campaigning is not inspiring and motivational. But I sometimes think that many elections are won not by anything that is said or how it is said. Many election campaigns seem to be won simply because the ultimate winner isn't his or her predecessor.

Am I too worn out by American politics?

Ok as an ex pat looking in its very interesting.

Over the recent political history the media have been the mouth peice for the political parties.

Now we can here things 'from the horses mouth'. I think Clegg's rise is not only due to presentation but suddenly there was a mouthpiece for their policies.

It is refreshing to see, however should all the fridge parties be involved?

I only got to see a brief portion of the UK debates, but it did seem like there was at least an effort to discuss issues.

These things have a way of degenerating into show business. 20 years ago, I saw the leaders debate on the CBC before the upcoming Canadian election.  I was riveted to the screen.   It was a discussion of topics like health care finance, affording pensions, and dealing with trade with the USA. It seemed several decades in the future. On the other hand, the last leaders debate in Canada degenerated into an argument, while everybody tried to get in a jab or two at Steve Harper. Still better than the simultaneous debate between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin, which was supercilious at best. (Palin was positively rude to the moderator on several occasions and apparently paid no political price for her conduct.)

It's really hard to have a public conversation about the things that matter (such as energy policy) at a time when, politicians will say anything to get elected. When it's not election time, there is little interest in listening.

Karl, i would agree with you. Politicans are in it for themselves and not 100% for the people unfortunately.