Sounds like the Bush team is negotiating the debates thru the media ?

[kentuck]

Kerry should stick to his guns and ask for three debates - even if he only wants two? That is his negotiating strength at this time. He knows that Bush only wants two debates - actually he would prefer zero, but it is almost required that they have at least two debates. So, with that negotiating tool (3 debates) Kerry can get other points negotiated in his favor. Do not accept the Repub offers. Negotiate tough.

[THUNDER HANDS]

1. no more than ONE sit-down debate

They should have one standard standing debate, with both men at podiums.

One sit-down debate at a table with a panel of questioners.

One 'town hall' style debate with stools and audience questions.

If Kerry agrees to anything else he's giving Bush an edge.

[rndmprsn]

2. agreed

[Malva Zebrina]

4. I agree

Kerry has already challenged Bush to weekly debates, although that was probably campaign politics.

No way should Kerry capitulate to having
Bush run the format of the debates.

The talking point should be that Bush owes it to the American people if he cares anything about them.

Obviously, Bush is scared to debate Kerry. If he were not, he would be anxious to debate Kerry.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. Definitely stand-up debates.

Bush* will look especially puny standing next to Kerry. And historically, the taller guys have always won presidential elections.

[ibegurpard]

3. The Kerry campaign should give NOTHING away on this

Bush not agreeing to debates would be very bad PR. The Kerry camp has a very strong bargaining position on this, IMHO.

[Renew Deal]

11. Damn right.

Give them nothing.

[incapsulated]

5. This is an easy one

The Kerry people have to come down hard on Bush for chickening out on 3 debates. We cannot give an inch on this issue, if it get's down to two debates, Bush should have to pay dearly for it.

[sangh0]

6. Kerry should debate Bush* about the debates

.

[Lex]

7. Trying to bail out on a debate will make W look like a chickenshit

and his poll numbers will suffer mightily.

Well, he *is* a chickenshit, but trying to weasel out of a debate will REALLY look bad for Mr. Tough Guy Facade.

[kentuck]

9. James Baker is negotiator for Bush -- who's the negotiator for Kerry ??

Has anybody heard? Baker will want Repub crowds, with friendly questioners, and questions in advance, and laughing gas given to the audience...

[Renew Deal]

12. lol

:smoke:

[rocktivity]

14. Vernon Jordan was the head negotiator for Kerry

But he said back in July that Kerry would do all three debates, presumably under the conditions offered.

:headbang:
rocknation

[NightOwwl]

10. Kerry should show up for all three debates...

regardless of how many Bush accepts. Kerry on stage with one empty podium? Priceless.

[incapsulated]

13. Yeah...

And he can have a one-on-one chat with the American people, you know, the ones Bush can't be bothered with. I like! :)

[michigandem2]

15. don't let the snake get in there and slither around

stop him...call him on it and make sure the media knows HE is ducking...