As Clock Winds Down, Obama and Romney Agree to \'Monday Night Football\' Interviews

The last couple of national media interviews for the two presidential candidates will take place during one of the few events that still unites much of the country: a football game.

President Obama and Mitt Romney will appear at halftime of the “Monday Night Football” game in New Orleans between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New Orleans Saints. They will answer questions - presumably somewhat more oriented to the world of sports than to Libya or auto bailouts - from the ESPN studio host, Chris Berman.

It is becoming something of a tradition the night before the election: four years ago Mr. Obama and John McCain also appeared at halftime on “Monday Night Football.”

Mr. Obama has made numerous appearances on national television in the campaign's waning weeks, answering questions from Jon Stewart on Comedy Central's “Daily Show,” Jay Leno on NBC's “Tonight” show and Brian Williams on NBC News.

Mr. Romney meanwhile has turned down ever y national media interview for many weeks.

Bill Carter writes about the television industry. Follow @wjcarter on Twitter.