They get podiums in those too, sometimes.
http://www3.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Obama+Holds+Town+Hall+Meeting+Health+Care+SJ1vRdYrhqEl.jpg
The last three presidential election town hall debates have been without a podium. I know that was the case in 1992, too, which was the first town hall debate. I haven’t bothered to find out about 1996.
Why can’t they use notes. I think it would make for a more informative debate if they were allowed.
Lectern. You want them to debate without lecterns. You stand ON a podium. You stand BEHIND a lectern.
Every dictionary I’ve just looked at gives “lectern” as one of the various definitions of “podium”.
You are both right!
Did we ever find out what that “thing” on GWB’s back was during his debate?
It was a handkerchief.