Tonight marks only the second time in this campaign season that the sitting president will face off against his Republican rival. There’s been much anticipation over the upcoming debate, being held at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York. The talking heads and the blogosphere have been abuzz since the strong performance Mitt Romney gave at the first debate on October 3^rd. Romney received much praise for his performance, while Obama was criticized as having been lackluster, even apathetic toward a seemingly critical moment in the presidential campaign.

For Romney, the first debate was a crucial “make or break” moment for his presidential ambitions. For weeks beforehand (and especially after the Republican National Convention in early September) Romney struggled with one problem after another. The 47% comment; being outshined by a chair at the RNC; the criticism he received after the Libyan ambassador’s death. The Republican contender struggled to maintain his position in the polls, lagging behind Obama in many critical swing states; Conservative pundits felt almost dejected. Many were hoping for some miracle before Election Day.

Obama, meanwhile, continued to do well in the polls not so much because of his actions, but almost seemingly in spite of them. Romney was Obama’s biggest help in the national polls; he, too gave a lackluster performance at his own convention, having been largely outshined by Bill Clinton the previous evening. And yet he held a comfortable lead in the electorate, so there was no need to worry, right?

Then came October 3^rd. The biggest reaction many people seemed to have toward that debate was surprise at how strongly Mitt Romney debated. It wasn’t so much that the President debated poorly; it was simply that it was obvious his contender was much more prepared and eager than the sitting President. But this little detail has made all the difference. In the two weeks since the debate, Mitt Romney has surged, breathing new life into his once dejected supporters. Obama supporters, meanwhile, are wondering just how this could have happened with only one debate. The vice-presidential debate has been largely declared a tie, and has made seemingly little difference.

There are two more debates before the election; two more chances for Mr. Romney to continue his momentum and two more chances for Mr. Obama to turn around a campaign that has begun to lost some of its momentum. If there is one thing political observers and voters alike have learned, it is that as far as the voters are concerned, the race is far from over.

-Jake Langlois

On this week’s Eye on Triangle, we bring you stories from across NC State, as our contributor Jay speaks with students from the Democratic and Republican Parties. In addition, Lucia returns with another Eye on the Arts. Deondre’ spoke with a representative of one of the largest anti-drug organizations in the world. In addition, Gene has some new wacky science facts for us! Tune in at 7, it’s going to be a great show!

If you live in the Triangle and don’t already know Jenny Besetzt, it’s about time you did. Jenny Besetzt is a five piece band from Greensboro making a name for themselves spinning dreamy trails of melodic melancholy shoegaze.

Case and point: Jenny Besetzt – Teenage Lions

Jenny Besetzt press photo by Sarah Martin

If you missed Jenny Besetzt’s shining set at Hopscotch 2012, or on tour with No Age and Memoryhouse, bring a blanket at 6 p.m. to Harris Field at NCSU.

Also check out Some Army from Chapel Hill-Carrboro. This band’s first official pop-folky release was featured in Paste Magazine’s “List of 12 North Carolina Bands You Should Listen To Now” and we here at WKNC definitely agree!

I can’t believe it’s free y’all. But it is.

Come out this Friday, October 12th and join all of us here at WKNC for October’s Fridays on the Lawn, an outdoor concert in front of the Witherspoon Student Center on NC State’s campus! This month’s concert features two great local artists: Some Army and Jenny Besetzt, as well as FREE PIZZA provided graciously by Marco’s Pizza on Hillsborough Street.

As always it will be a great deal of fun, so bring a blanket and some friends to enjoy local music, free pizza, and enter in to our giveaway raffle.

A big thank you to Student Government and the Inter-Residence Council for their continued support!

Each week, the WKNC music directors tally up spins for new releases and submit their top charts to CMJ.

Hey Everyone,

Our show if filled to the brim with content for you all. Of course, we are bringing updates on the election, with an interview with Young Americans for Liberty. Third Party Candidates have increasing importance in this year’s election, so we’ve got more coverage on them as well. Also, we have a story dealing with women’s Orgasms and a bit of Weird Science. All that, plus Eye on the Arts and Holidays of the Week. It’s gonna be a great show tonight.

Thanks,

EOT

Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Top:

Each week, WKNC compiles a list of charts and adds.

Each week, the WKNC music directors tally up spins for new releases and submit their top charts to CMJ.

Hey Everyone,

So tonight, we’ve got cool stories for everyone to enjoy. Campus Crime has been recurring lately, so we’ve got some tips on how to stay safe. Next, a story on the upcoming Presidential Debate, and a very interesting piece on Third Party Candidates. As usual, we are also bringing Soundbytes from the Pack, Holidays of the Week and Community Calender.

Thanks,

EOT