11.   But the question remains whether debates over civil rights and constitutional protections have any relevance when suspected agents of terrorist groups such as al Qaeda may be operating domestically.

12.   But until that decision was made, the Hittson debate reportedly had the defense team scrambling for a courtroom response.

13.   Certainly, the debate will have viewers tuning in.

14.   Does this glass half-empty or half-full debate have any meaning for consumers?

15.   Even Mark McKinnon, the chief ad-maker for Gov. George W. Bush of Texas, conceded that the debates have had greater impact than the commercials.

16.   High-minded debate has a traditional role, too, but politicians have learned that voters sometimes turn the high road into a losing road.

17.   In fact, vice-presidential debates rarely have much of an effect on presidential contests, except in cases of memorable gaffes.

18.   In interviews in recent days, a panel of undecided voters said the debate had major significance as the first face-to-face, unscripted moment of the race.

19.   In the short term, the tax cut debate might have less effect on the economy than on congressional and presidential politics next year.

20.   Indeed, the political debate has yet to catch up with these developments.