Here's how I think the debate question should be handled.

[ibegurpard]

Theoretical press release:
"It's time for the Bush campaign to quit playing games regarding the Presidential debates. They are fooling no one if they think that they can represent President Bush as unable to deal with any debate format chosen. He has proven time and again that he is no slouch when it comes to debates and it is time to put this pattern of setting up low expectations to an end. John Kerry is confident in President Bush's ability to discuss the issues important to the American public in the formats and dates already scheduled by the commission on Presidential debates. This game is getting old."

Or something like that. Crowing about him ducking out of debates means we're stuck with him defying low expectations AGAIN when they give in and agree to it (which I'd bet the farm they will).

[Walt Starr]

1. Close to what should be said!

Very well done!

[ClassWarrior]

2. That's awesome! The hard part is done - now you just need to blast it.

There's a media blaster function here at DU - I haven't tried it yet, but this may be excellent use of it. Before you send it out to the media though, I'd change "John Kerry" to "John Kerry's supporters" or "the American people," but otherwise it's ready to send to the press.

Nice job!

[SeekingTruth]

3. Also, let Bush back out of the one Missouri...

and then Kerry should hold a town meeting by himself at the debate spot. And like someone else mentioned, he should have a lectern next to him where Bush was supposed to be.

To get major coverage, Kerry should also advertise it as a major policy speech and take care of things that need to be taken care of (his Iraq War vote, the 87 billion mess, and other issues)....

[RoyalWickedness]

4. Absolutely

Beee-u-ti-fulll!!!

[ClassWarrior]

5. kick

:kick:

[babylonsister]

6. How competent is *

anyway if he can't handle a debate. I don't WANT a president who won't embrace a healthy political debate. Though we know he suffers from foot-in-mouth...running scared from his own shadow?

[ClassWarrior]

7. He's a babbling bundle of fear.

Who wants a loose cannon like THAT to keep us safe??

[ibegurpard]

8. careful.

That's exactly the way they want the Kerry campaign to react. We need to call them on their game of setting low expectations and tell them to just do it...they're going to do it anyway. They want Bush to look like he's so very brave by heading into a format he's "uncomfortable" with. He is no such thing. They've played this game since Texas. Ask Ann Richards.

[ClassWarrior]

9. Yup. He's not incompetent.

He's dodging because he knows he has no record to run on and is afraid to be caught.

[ClassWarrior]

12. So are you going to blast it to the media?

It's way too good to just sit here wasted.

[ClassWarrior]

13. Or may I?

[ibegurpard]

16. Feel free.

Just take out any references that would indicate it came from the Kerry campaign.

[JI7]

10. GREAT response, i agree

i am wondering if part of this is a way to get lower expectations for bush when the debates DO happen.

[ibegurpard]

11. Not only that

It's a way of making him look reasonable, brave, and not afraid to take risks when he gives in and agrees to it as planned. Don't give them that.

[JI7]

14. kick

[GreenPartyVoter]

15. Send it as an LTTE to as many papers across the country

as you can

[Mike L]

17. Mock Bush for chickening out. Use Edwards to say, "What is GB AFRAID of?"