Tuning in the debate; or tuning it out?

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Since the Kennedy-Nixon showdowns more than a half-century ago, there have been 23 other presidential debates over the years. Wednesday night's may be the most watched of them all.

The 90-minute debate about domestic policy begins at 8 p.m. on KXAN and on KXAN.com. The stakes are high for both Democratic President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger, Mitt Romney.

"I expect President Obama will try and not make a mistake, and for Governor Romney to try and humanize himself, project a personality," said Harvey Kronberg, editor of the political newsletter, Quorum Report

Although there will be three presidential debates, Kronberg expects the first one to be the trend-setter. "It will have the highest viewership," he said. "This is the first impression of seeing them both on a stage, and first impressions are the most lasting."

While Capitol insiders like Kronberg will be watching for the story behind the story, undecided voters will be looking for their own take-aways.

"I'm hoping to see more separation between the two candidates,"  said Tony Lasley of Round Rock. "Right now, they're in a horse race for my vote."

For others, like Connie Davis, it's just a distraction to tune out. "No, I don't like all the lying and back and forth stuff," she said. "I don't like it."

Kelsey Adams will watch, but asked what she expects, she replied, "Probably not much."

There have been good debate zingers over the years. Ronald Reagan's "There you go again", Walter Mondale's "Where's the beef?" and Lloyd Bentsen's "Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."

Kronberg said a good zinger, preferably spontaneous, can win the day.

"One line from each of them is going to be replayed over and over again," he said. "It's going to dominate at the water cooler, and that one line is the key."

Alamo Drafthouse had five theaters around town set aside for Wednesday's  presidential debate.

Dozens of people waited in line for a chance to watch the big debate on the big screen.

The South Lamar location showed the debate on two screens and by the sounds of the crowed, President Obama was the favorite.

Many people said they enjoyed watching it in a public setting to hear other people's reactions to the candidates responses.

During the debate people cheered, some booed and several laughed.

Some said it was a great debate, while others said the wanted more from the candidates.

"The debate is quite successful, you can see the values of both candidates, " viewer Sanjay Chala said.

Clair, who watched the debate inside the theater texted."Obama got some good zingers in. I think Romney was doing better at the beginning of the debate but Obama seems to be hitting his stride. Romney reversed on some major GOP points regarding taxes."

At the end of it all, many people did agree it was a good debate.

The second presidential debate will be held on Oct. 16th at  Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York.

The vice presidential debate will be held Oct.11 at Centre University in Danville, Kentucky.