Debate prep takes many forms: studying, rehearsing, systematically lowering the expectations of voters and the press. This episode, we talk with Lis Smith about how that process works. She worked on Governor O'Malley's debate prep team this year, and on President Obama's rapid response team in 2012. Plus, we talk with Jim Lehrer, the "dean of moderators," about the particular challenges moderators are facing this year. Update: This episode misstated Lis Smith's role on President Obama's 2012 campaign. She worked on his rapid response team.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices