I am writing this column on the Sunday before the first presidential debates of 2012. Yet I can predict the outcome. The winner, declared by popular acclaim, will be the man who leaves the best impression –the man who avoids the guffaws and squeezes in a few clever remarks that can be tweeted around the world.

His supporting cast will include professional makeup artists, debate coaches, and a cadre of script writers armed with millions of dollars of market research. A “production” director will provide on-line prompts to the performer to maximize the drama. “Talking points” and “one-liners” will be carefully orchestrated and inserted for maximum impact. The actor will wear his rehearsed Clark Gable smile even when challenged. Occasionally a display of righteous indignation will put the audience on the edge of their seats. The winner will be a crowd pleaser – and yes, he will probably be the next president. If nothing els,e it will be great entertainment!

The debate this week will be a verbal tennis match where one-upmanship will win match, and probably game. Throughout the match, the players will wear masks as they hit the ball, their actual agendas and intentions hidden underneath their serves and choreography. Who are these people, and what are their “real” positions? I don’t know. I doubt many do. We hear only the poll-tested, empty BS. Few get to go backstage.