[linskyjack]

I read today that Kerry has agreed to the bi-partisan Election Debate Group's plans for three debates. Bush wants two. Bush also wants to be seated during the debates and doesn't want an open format. The open format would occur during debate two--a group of independent voters would be allowed to ask the candidates questions.

What is Mr. Bush afraid of?

[EdGreene]

Originally Posted by linskyjack

I read today that Kerry has agreed to the bi-partisan Election Debate Group's plans for three debates. Bush wants two. Bush also wants to be seated during the debates and doesn't want an open format. The open format would occur during debate two--a group of independent voters would be allowed to ask the candidates questions.

What is Mr. Bush afraid of?

Dubya gets his tongue caught on his eye teeth and can't see what he is saying?
Dubya's brain is as thin as frost on your windshield?
Dubya's brain is partially fried from all that coke(aine)?
He can't use aTeleprompter?
His Teleprompter can't think?
He won't be in a hand-picked audience?
That he'll (again) suggest that OB-GYN's need loving?
That Cheney won't be there with his hand up his butt-as per usual?
That maybe Kerry will wear his medals?
That he can't duck uppercuts?
That his arms are too short to box with G-d?

[Wino]

Bush will probably require all those attending to sign loyalty oaths to him before entering.

[EdGreene]

Originally Posted by Wino

Bush will probably require all those attending to sign loyalty oaths to him before entering.

Dang, I forgot that

[bassetman]

Bush gets the questions and the answers ahead of time right?

[Wet Chicken]

Originally Posted by linskyjack

I read today that Kerry has agreed to the bi-partisan Election Debate Group's plans for three debates. Bush wants two. Bush also wants to be seated during the debates and doesn't want an open format. The open format would occur during debate two--a group of independent voters would be allowed to ask the candidates questions.

What is Mr. Bush afraid of?

He's afraid that the world will see HIM as he truly is Think I'll make some popcorn for when the debates are on. Should be rather "entertaining"

[Mulder_Lite]

Actually, it is not a matter of "afraid", it is good political strategy. If you are ahead, then you don't want to debate because weighing the probability of being more ahead vs. losing a lead is a no-brainer. You can be sure if Kerry had a comfortable lead, he would do the same. Not that I expect any of the Bush-haters to accept that answer, but I am pretty certain Bush isn't "afraid" of Kerry or visca-versa or that any politician that has reached the level these two have would be "afraid" of anyone else. Silly, really.

[Fidelista]

How about a "real" debate?. How do think Mr.Bush would handle that---without Cheney?. I would love to listen!!!!!

[Mulder_Lite]

Originally Posted by Fidelista

How about a "real" debate?. How do think Mr.Bush would handle that---without Cheney?. I would love to listen!!!!!

I really think you guys are barking up the wrong tree. Most of the country does not see Bush the way Moore-ons do. He is more affable and likeable then Frenchy (at least according to what I've read on polls on the two as to how they present to people). I question you're relying on Kerry beating up Bush in the debates. I'm not predicting here because I don't know how Kerry is going to do--I do have a good idea as to how Bush is going to do based on how he did in 2000. Trust me--he will show up and he will present well. Kerry may present better, but you people seem to think its a given. You may be very surprised.

[Wet Chicken]

Originally Posted by Mulder_Lite

I do have a good idea as to how Bush is going to do based on how he did in 2000.

Bush didn't really do all that good in 2000, even though the republicans will try to convince you otherwise. But that's old news and that was against Gore. Kerry will kick bushs @$$ in the debates and eveyone is already starting to call Kerry the "comeback kid" Well first of all bush HAS to show up or the public will perceive him as being weak and deceitful. The only question is how much "training" they will give bush on how to answer his questions. I'm just waiting for that one question to be asked of bush that he hasn't a memorized answer for, and THAT is when the true bush will trip and make every blunder in the books. Thank God the cameras will be running so that we can see it on instant replay Then Leno and Letterman will joke about how badly bush did on his feet. Boy I can't wait!

[LANMaster]

Originally Posted by EdGreene

Dubya gets his tongue caught on his eye teeth and can't see what he is saying?
Dubya's brain is as thin as frost on your windshield?
Dubya's brain is partially fried from all that coke(aine)?
He can't use aTeleprompter?
His Teleprompter can't think?
He won't be in a hand-picked audience?
That he'll (again) suggest that OB-GYN's need loving?
That Cheney won't be there with his hand up his butt-as per usual?
That maybe Kerry will wear his medals?
That he can't duck uppercuts?
That his arms are too short to box with G-d?

LOL, Now THAT was funny.

[Mulder_Lite]

Originally Posted by Wet Chicken

Bush didn't really do all that good in 2000, even though the republicans will try to convince you otherwise.

The debates are widely recognized as the reason Bush won. The consensus was that he did better than Gore--grant you that's not difficult, but I don't see Kerry as much more personable than Gore. Maybe in a Herman Munster sort of way!

Originally Posted by Wet Chicken

But that's old news and that was against Gore. Kerry will kick bushs @$$ in the debates

He may very well do so, but don't forget Bush kicked Kerry's arse in the conventions--by all accounts he was much better than Kerry. And I know some Moore-on is going to come through with the teleprompter crap again, but there is a huge difference between reading a teleprompter and delivering a message with conviction and emotion. Again, I say you people underestimate Bush and perhaps that is his greatest asset.

[iltos]

Originally Posted by Mulder_Lite

Actually, it is not a matter of "afraid", it is good political strategy. If you are ahead, then you don't want to debate because weighing the probability of being more ahead vs. losing a lead is a no-brainer. You can be sure if Kerry had a comfortable lead, he would do the same. Not that I expect any of the Bush-haters to accept that answer, but I am pretty certain Bush isn't "afraid" of Kerry or visca-versa or that any politician that has reached the level these two have would be "afraid" of anyone else. Silly, really.

imo, way beyond silly.....your arguement of political strategies is well reasoned, and the fact that it still holds sway in this time when the nation needs to hear these two men enter into a discussion that will help the decision process is an excellent example of what american politics has become....its not REALLY about the people anymore, about informing voters of the choices before them....its about the best ways to gather our votes....

[Mulder_Lite]

Originally Posted by iltos

imo, way beyond silly.....your arguement of political strategies is well reasoned, and the fact that it still holds sway in this time when the nation needs to hear these two men enter into a discussion that will help the decision process is an excellent example of what american politics has become....its not REALLY about the people anymore, about informing voters of the choices before them....its about the best ways to gather our votes....

I see your point, but you can't blame that on politicians. They know most of America "buys" a candidate and they have to "sell" it. They won't look at the records of the two and look at facts (this forum is an excellent example of how hysteria governs most of the thought process), they will buy the best packaged product. Any candidate that doesn't recognize that won't be elected. Blame your fellow Americans, not the candidates.

[iltos]

Originally Posted by Mulder_Lite

I see your point, but you can't blame that on politicians. They know most of America "buys" a candidate and they have to "sell" it. They won't look at the records of the two and look at facts (this forum is an excellent example of how hysteria governs most of the thought process), they will buy the best packaged product. Any candidate that doesn't recognize that won't be elected. Blame your fellow Americans, not the candidates.

An equally good point it's pretty disgraceful, isn't it?....

tho i would take issue with "hysteria governing most of the thought process" here....certainly, some people can be abruptly dismissive of an arguement, either based on its "improper" formation, or because it is so radically different from one's percieved reality....but i feel that what goes on here most of the time is indicative of how little is actually black and white anymore....which to me, shifts part of the blame for the packaging back on the politicians....educated and connected, buffeted by oft times chaotic winds of power, state and national political aspirations has in truth become another large grey area.....simply talking to the voters might win you a seat on the city council or the school board, but to make a career in politics, you stop telling voters what YOU believe at some point, and start listening to what others tell you is believable....

a long winded definition of political expediency.