(New Scientist) Tonight, millions of Americans will watch the first of three 90-minute election debates as presidential candidates Barack Obama and Mitt Romney square off – while millions who can't tune in will probably catch a recording later. But if the debate is a lacklustre snore draw, with just a handful of worthwhile flashpoints, there's no reason those watching the re-run should have to plough through the entire thing.
At least, that's the thinking behind a novel AI system designed to detect the liveliest bouts of verbal fisticuffs in a debate.