I don't know if it's because of my job, because I'm genuinely interested in being well-informed, or because I have no life - regardless, I'm pretty pumped for tonight's televised debates.

This is 'real' reality television, complete with strategy, manipulation, judgment, backstabbing and undoubtedly, a whole lot of lying.

Who will win the Power of Veto, and will they use it to save themselves or someone else?  Will Elizabeth May hold an actual Immunity idol, or are we just supposed to know its there?  How much weight will Stephen Harper lose?  Dial 1.877.USIDOL9 to vote for Sarah Palin...

Outwit, outplay, outlast.

All kidding aside, I don't know anyone who is watching tonight to hear what the leaders have to say on the big issues.  Instead, it's about whether Sarah Palin can stand up under the pressure she's under to stop the Republican bleeding, nevermind form a coherent sentence.  For Biden, it's going to be a delicate balance between knocking her off her game and not appearing to be trying to knock her off her game - painting him as the mean old-man bully and winning her plenty of pity votes.

Dion is facing the rather difficult task of, well, winning an English-speaking debate.  Then again, perhaps our expectations for his performance are so low that there's no way he can do anything except exceed them.  Elizabeth May needs to prove that she needs to be there.  Harper will be busy trying to appear relaxed (but not too relaxed) and sweater-vest personable (but not too personable) while defending himself against four individuals thirsty for his blood.  As for Jack - see Elizabeth May.

Pass the popcorn.

Tammy Robert is the Executive Producer of 'The John Gormley Live Show' - listen live every weekday morning from 8.30am - 12.30pm on NewsTalk 650 or NewsTalk 980.