The leaders debate – UK political history in the making.

Tonight, in a studio in Manchester, a historic first for UK politics will occur. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 10 days, or you’re completely apathetic to the whole process, you may have noticed an increasing amount of hype and coverage regarding the UK’s first ever televised prime ministerial debate. At 8.30pm the three candidates Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg will be ushered onto the stage by the veteran ITV newsreader Alistair Stewart signalling the beginning of what may be one of the most definitive events of the UK 2010 general election.

Of course with over 76 rules and a strict time limit it may also be one of the dullest, most partisan and downright stagnant political broadcasts in history. Thankfully thou an armada of reporters, journalists, bloggers, tweeters and body language experts will be on hand to record and dissect every single last minute.

Debates have long been an integral part of US presidential campaigns. Unfortunately, this has led to them becoming heavily rehearsed and choreographed. 40 years of watching US debates has not gone unnoticed by either politicians or the electorate. Nothing about these debates will be left to chance; answers will have been practiced, jokes will have been scripted, even body language and mannerisms will have been coached into the participants.

Despite the sterile nature of the debates and the rigidity of the whole process there is still a chance that one candidate will come out looking better than the others. A complete knockout blow is incredibly unlikely, but despite this the three debates may well just provide a dispirited and disillusioned electorate with an affirmed choice fro prime minister.