From the Magazine: Candy Crowley\'s Debate Prep

Domain: Bethesda, Md.

Age: 63

Vocation: CNN chief political correspondent; moderator of the second presidential debate, on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at Hofstra University.

Name game: I considered changing it many times. When I was at NBC, I was Stephanie for about two and a half seconds, but I could never remember to say it. I've given my parents huge grief over Candy.

Toughest D.C. interviews: Senator Mitch McConnell, because he is relentlessly on point, and he's unflappable. I'll say the same for the House minority leader, Nancy Pelosi. My staff will tell you. I always say those people are hard.

Debate goal: Surprise me. Don't make it so that I know what you're going to say. That is what I most want out of both these guys. Sit back, drop your 12 points and surprise me with an answer.

Fantasy career: Homicide detective.

Superstitions: Don't brag on your kids. It's bad luck.

Item she can't toss: My dad, who died in 1989, had a cigar box, in which there were the most random things you could imagine: a gum eraser, a knife I got for him for Christmas, a Ducks Unlimited decal. I just can't get rid of it.

What she does every day: I practice Transcendental Meditation. I'll do it in the morning. If I have to, I do it at the office. Most times, I will do it when I get home, but not before bed, because it tends to be energizing.

In the fridge: I started being a vegetarian on the Bob Dole campaign in 1995. We were in South Carolina, and someone served me a hamburger, and I thought, “I don't want to eat this anymore.”

Favorite memento: I went to Poland with George H. W. Bush right after the Iron Curtain fell. We were in Lech Walesa's house, where I saw a Solidarity poster. A short time later in Gdansk, I saw the same poster and bought it. It says, “Choose Your Poland.”

Missouri or Missoura: I was raised there, but my nieces, who were also raised there, say “Missouri.” When I say “Missoura,” they go crazy. “Missoura” tends to be the more Southern, rural way to say it. But everyone knows what you mean.

Talent she wants: Mind reading.

Best recent gift: After I was named moderator of the , I got in the mail a cast of a thumbs up. It came without comment, which makes it even better.

Most cherished piece of furniture: My coffee table, which has an antique silver teapot on it next to cowhide coasters. I don't know why they go together. But I like it.

Favorite chore: My favorite thing to do is go through my files and shred stuff. That is so liberating.

Interview she most wants: I like dark characters. I'd go for Ahmadinejad or the new leader in North Korea.

Necklace collection: When my sons were young and I was on TV, it was not real to them. One gave me a painted clay necklace, and I wore it on the air. After that, everyone started giving me necklaces to see them on TV.

Travel ritual: Travel comes up so spontaneously, I have no time for a ritual.

Decorating style: My dad was in the furniture business, and he said, “You are not a sofa-and-two-wing-chair kind of gal.”