German election battleground moves to TV studio

Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder and conservative challenger Angela Merkel square off today in a live televised debate – a crucial encounter that gives both candidates a chance to impress undecided voters two weeks before Germany’s September 18 election.

The 90-minute debate, being broadcast on four channels during prime time, offers the beleaguered Schroeder an opportunity to showcase his strong television skills amid polls giving Merkel’s Christian Democrats a double-digit advantage over Schroeder’s Social Democrats.