A case study focused on the set-up, execution, and post-debate review of one specific debate held in October 1988 in Rochester, New York among the candidates for the 30th Congressional seat. Data were gathered via pre-and post-debate interviews with the candidates involved, their party chairs and campaign managers, as well as close on-site observation. Data revealed heatedly negotiated rule-making sessions involving stations, candidates and their staffs, a variety of pre-debate maneuvers, the strategies of the candidates during the debate, and the positioning of candidates after the debate for future elections. Findings suggest that a key element of the debates was the free multi-media post-debate press coverage which confirmed for the viewers what they saw or thought they saw in the television performance. (KEH)