This election year, it is always important to make your vote count, whether you are a regular voter or casting your ballot for the very first time. As a prelude to the general election’s first presidential debate, here is a fascinating panel discussion with Sun-Times journalist, Laura Washington, and Chicago Public Radio political reporter, Ben Calhoun, who are joined by Stephen Kinzer, Professor of Journalism and Politics at Northwestern University, and Bruce Newman, Professor of Marketing at DePaul University.

This discussion is followed by complete audio of the first presidential debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama, with moderation by Jim Lehrer.

Recorded Friday, September 26, 2008 at Chicago History Museum.