shape the presidential campaign down the stretch to election day on November 6.
All debates are coordinated by the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates. Each debate starts at 9:00 pm eastern time (0100 GMT) and runs for 90 minutes.
First presidential debate:
Wednesday, October 3 at University of Denver, in Denver, Colorado.
Moderator: Jim Lehrer, executive editor for PBS NewsHour.
Format: Six 15-minute time segments each focusing on one issue. Moderator asks an opening question, and candidates have two minutes to respond. Remainder of time used for discussion.
Topics: The US economy health care the role of government governing.
First and only vice presidential debate:
Vice President Joe Biden v. Romney's running mate Paul Ryan.
Thursday, October 11 at Centre College, in Danville, Kentucky.
Moderator: Martha Raddatz, senior foreign affairs correspondent, ABC News.
Format: Nine 10-minute segments. Moderator asks an opening question, and candidates have two minutes to respond. Remainder of time used for discussion.
Topics: Domestic and foreign issues.
Second presidential debate:
Tuesday, October 16 at Hofstra University, in Hempstead, New York.
Moderator: Candy Crowley, chief political correspondent, CNN.
Format: Town meeting, in which citizens -- undecided voters selected by polling group Gallup -- ask questions. Candidates each have two minutes to respond.
Topics: Domestic and foreign issues.
Third and final presidential debate:
Monday, October 22 at Lynn University, in Boca Raton, Florida.
Moderator: Bob Schieffer, chief Washington correspondent, CBS News.
Format: Identical to the first debate.
Topics: Foreign policy.