Erstellt am: 3. 10. 2012 - 15:46 Uhr

US debates: more pie-throwing than politics

Reality Check: US presidential debates, can the African Union Forces stabilize Somalia? Bahrain protests, refugees' personal stories told in "Dorthin kann ich nicht zurück"

Tonight sees the first of the much hyped televised debates between Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. The subject is the economy - but that's more than likely going to be a minor detail. These debates usually turn into no more than a verbal sparring match with little policy content.

With Obama's quick wit and formidable debating skills, it's hard to see how Mitt Romney can improve his already shaky standing in the polls through the confrontation. However, never say never. Live debates are the time when the candidates come off the script and have to talk spontaneously - and that's when mistakes happen. All politicians have their moment when they wish they had chosen different words but if you compare Barack Obama's with Mitt Romney's few would argue that it's Romney's that howl louder.

However, many polls show Romney has made some gains recently, and while Obama has the wit and experience, the clangers Romney has dropped in the last few months may have made him more cautious.

Media and political analyst Danny Schechter. says it really comes down to who makes fewer mistakes - and he will be watching the debate keenly - for entertainment value!

• Somalia conflict

Stephen Chan discusses the situation in Somalia and the changing power balance with the Al Shabab
Islamic militants.

• Bahrain jails doctors involved in protests

A group of doctors have been jailed in Bahrain after losing their appeal in the country's highest court. Fiona O'Brien from the Gulf States News explains the case and its significance.

• Lange Woche der Flucht

The personal stories of people who have fled their homelands and arrived in Austria as told to Ursula Sova and compiled in her book "Dorthin kann ich nicht zurück". There will be a reading from the book tomorrow night in the Radiokulturhaus.

FM4 Reality Check

Monday to Friday from 12.00 to 14.00, and after the show via Podcast or fm4.orf.at/realitycheck.