yahoo: Bush campaign non-committal on debates against Kerry

[Raster]

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/afp/20040905/pl_afp/us_vote_debates

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Campaign officials for US President George W. Bush (news - web sites) were non-committal as to when -- or whether -- he would take part in debates against Democratic challenger John Kerry (news - web sites).

Ken Mehlman, campaign manager for Bush's re-election effort, said the president's campaign would announce its intentions in due time.

"We look forward to the debates. We look forward to having a debate about debates. We will, in an appropriate time, which is shortly, talk about our intended participation," he told ABC television's "This Week" program.

With the Democratic and Republican nominating conventions out of the way, the three scheduled campaign debates are seen as a major opportunity for each candidate to make major gains with voters, and to set themselves apart from his opponent, in advance of November's presidential election.

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http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/afp/20040905/pl_afp/us_vote_debates


My money says the darkside will do ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING to avoid having their meat puppet meet Kerry in a one-on-one debate. After all, they have to rehearse him for days for a simple 15 minute speech with no questions.

[MidwestTransplant]

1. I think this is a set up to lower expectations

[ps1074]

5. EXACTLY

Right on target.

Lower the expectations about Bush being affraid to debate.

Then by just showing he will be declared winner by the media.

[Sandpiper]

2. If Bush tries to weasel out of debating

Then the Kerry campaign should hire someone to follow him around in a big, yellow, chicken suit everywhere he goes.

[expatriot]

3. oh they're so scared that Bush will totally bomb (set up 4 lo expectations

e

[Malva Zebrina]

4. they are trying their bullying tactics again as they did with the 911

panel. Someone should ask the question--why? Why is it necessary to do this if Bush can defend himself and his policies in a debate?


These tactics should not be accepted by anyone, especially Kerry. They, the Bush cowards, should not be allowed to ride roughshod over these debates according to their arrogant will. They do not own this debate forum, although they might think they do. No way. Forgedda bout it.

[PATRICK]

6. Survive, thrive, cheat

and the spin and moderators and the structure will be adequate depending on Bush's needs or desperation. IF Kerry allows himself to get blindsided.

Just for fun. Work on the possibility that Bush might employ sophisticated
means to get answers fed to him.

At least consider it, for crying out loud. Being prepared could be real fun.

[NoSunWithoutShadow]

7. * won't agree to debate unless Cheney comes with him. n/t