The presidential debates may or may not have sway American voters. But there's something else going on behind closed doors in this campaign: secret science is scrutinizing voters and their behavior to a degree unprecedented in previous elections. The people who do this kind of work are absorbed by algorithms, and consumed by computer data all in the pursuit of the presidency.

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The Victory Lab: Sasha Issenberg

Many critics doubted this round of U.S. presidential debates would have much impact on the campaign. But the polls suggest the live performances have had an effect on many voters. Campaign strategists know how to spin the debates to make their candidates look better, but they also have more subtle ways of winning votes.

In his latest book The Victory Lab: the Secret Science of Winning Campaigns, journalist Sasha Issenberg, delves deep into the heart of modern U.S. election campaigning, and examines what he calls the secret science behind a winning strategy. Sasha Issenberg joined us from our Washington D.C. studio. Good morning.

This segment was produced by The Current's Ben Edwards.

And now that we've heard the insights into the science behind the campaigns, and seen the last presidential debate, we remind you that you can let us know whether or not you think the debates are still a useful forum for questioning the candidates on important issues.

We debated the question on yesterday's show. If you missed it, here is our segment.

And we have a poll going too, so you can vote. So far, most of you say Yes - that the presidential debates are no longer useful. Go ahead and click below with your answer.

Mail: CRTC & Cellphones

Canadians love their cell phones -- but their relationship with the cellphone providers is -- complicated. The CRTC will be hearing from customers at hearings across the country ... as it tries to develop a national code of conduct for cell providers.

Yesterday, we heard from Bernard Lord, president of the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association.

Lots of push back on what he said. Michael Collins lives in Burnaby, B.C. and shares this:

I just left my provider and it cost me nearly $600 to do so. I was charged to have my phone unlocked. I was charged to get out of my contract. I was charged an extra month as I had not given them one month's notice. I bought my smart phone from Apple. I own it outright. These charges were not for a subsidized phone.

Lynn Collins of Kincardine, Ontario fired off this:

As far as choice goes - the "Big Three" all stay pretty close with huge fees and contract rules. It isn't really a choice when all choices are equally bad and your only option that remains is... Can I get by with NO cellphone.

Gerry Brown lives in Toronto and writes:

The statement that there is no automatic renewal of wireless contracts is just plain wrong. Every major wireless carrier does have automatic renewal of their 3-year contracts unless you give them notice exactly as required. It's unfair.

And Sam Bennett tweets:

Clearly, Bernard Lord has been provided a company phone since the advent of the cell. His opinions don't reflect buyer reality.

If you need to vent, lots of ways to get in touch with us. Email us from our website. Tweet us @thecurrentcbc. Or of course, pick up your cell and call us toll free at 1 877 287 7366.

Last Word - Ira Glass promo

Tomorrow on The Current, we'll welcome Ira Glass, host of This American Life, considered one of the most influential radio programs in the U.S. We ended today's show with a preview, for today's Last Word.

Other segments from today's show:

Legal fall-out from Lance Armstrong's Doping

The Wreckage of Flight 402