Keller @ Large: What To Watch For In Clinton-Trump Debate

BOSTON (CBS) - What should you be watching for in tonight's debate if you are that highly sought-after commodity, a truly undecided voter?

First, look for signs of competence.

We've seen the pitfalls of stubbornness and inexperience in recent presidencies. No human takes on the presidency knowing everything they need to know to do the job properly.

So which candidate is most persuasive about their credentials, and best conveys an ability to know what they don't know, seek guidance from those who do, and respond wisely to their advice?

Second, look for empathy.

If you were in dire need or under fire from the federal bureaucracy, which candidate would be more likely to run an administration where your plea for help or relief would be heard? If you were at their mercy for whatever reason, would they show you any?

Thirdly, watch for poise.

At the heart of every anti-government grievance is the complaint that government overreacted, overreached, didn't act calmly and deliberately. Which candidate better models that behavior?

Competence, empathy and poise. Aren't these the core elements of a great teacher, cop, manager, journalist, or leader of any kind?

They don't seem like too much to ask of a president. And if both of these candidates seem lacking in certain ways, no one said being a voter was a no-brainer.

It's up to you to watch, listen, and decide which one has more of them than the other.

Listen to Jon's commentary: