(CNN) -- After months of talking about each other and their policies, the world finally gets to see Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney go toe-to-toe on the same stage in three televised debates ahead of the U.S. election. Unlike other countries, such as the United Kingdom, where the prime minister must defend his policies under televised duress from the opposition nearly every week, face-to-face showdowns between the two men fighting for the White House only happen every four years. And while debates rarely swing the outcome of an election, a gaffe -- or a silver-tongued swipe at the opposition -- under the bright lights can alter the perception of the two contenders, for better or worse.
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Obama, Romney to debate domestic and foreign policy over three debates
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Telegenic John F. Kennedy outshined Richard Nixon in first debate in 1960
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Romney emerged victorius from primary season that included nearly 20 debates
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Then-candidate Obama easily handled Republican John McCain in 2008 debates
Graham says despite @placeholder's reputation as a great orator, his debate performances have not lived up to the standards of his speeches - and that at times the president can be awkward and long-winded in his debate answers.