NBC: Bush will use this one-liner in debate: Is that your Final Answer?

[npincus]

Tom Brokaw insinuated tonite that this is a one-liner Bush has been using lately and will likely use in the debate to highlight Kerry's so-called "flip-flops". Kerry NEEDS a pithy, clever one-line comeback to this one.

IDEAS, please!

So far, I've thought of: America's Final Answer to you come November 2nd will be "You're fired!" I think we need a better one. Help!

[CatWoman]

1. so now * thinks he's Regis Philbin

:puke:

[BurtWorm]

167. That's good! Kerry can start his reply by saying, "Look, Regis..."

:thumbsup:

[Newsjock]

2. Mr. President, ...

... you cannot even phone a friend.

[Norbert]

18. Lifelines.

You are a quicker thinker than I am.

[MockSwede]

95. YEEHAAA!

THAT's the one! He sure doesn't!

[Stephanie]

165. They won't use it

If they were going to use it they wouldn't be announcing it now. I think that is just a response to Kerry's remark the other day about Bush using a lifeline.

[Lex]

3. "Yes, it's my final answer, you asshole. You wanna piece of me? Huh?!"

.
How's that for a comeback?

[shockingelk]

4. "Only if ..."

".. you mean you finally understand it's been my answer since before you traded Sammy Sosa."

[Sick_of_Rethuggery]

5. "May be if you had read even

the first page on the PDB's, we wouldnt be here today..."

[codegreen]

6. Kerry to Bush: "Fuck you"

i think that would be an acceptable response.

Kerry should pull no punch. i want the following words used often:
failure
fraud
deception
incompetent
delusional
beligerent
crass
arrogant
simple minded
ignorant
national disgrace
propaganda
smears
lies
omissions
corrupt

[VOX]

Oh, I wish. I wish.

Unfortunately, this won't fly too well, but oh, I wish!

Cheers, codegreen -- :toast:

[codegreen]

47. *sigh*

i suppose requesting that JK clobber * with a punch to the mouth, knocking out teeth, if he smirks, wouldn't fly either... :toast:

it's sad; i want to consider myself a compassionate, evolved, moderately intellectual human being, but i am seriously wanting this to break out into a fistfight. i'd almost feel ashamed of myself if i weren't too busy grinning ear to ear and laughing at the thought of it.

whatever percentage of us have indeed been driven crazy by Bush, i guess i would have to include myself. losing my damn mind, i am.

[leftist.]

106. I'm with you 100%

I feel the same exact way. I don't *want* to feel this way, but during all the swift boat nonsense I kept hoping to see a red banner CNN headline like:

Breaking News: John Kerry is currently outside of John O'Neil's house with his sleeves rolled up pounding on his door screaming 'Get the F out hear you little bastard!!!"

[goclark]

7. I can give you my FINAL Assessment

My FINAL Assessment of your presidency is "Mission Not Accomplished."

You can take that Assessment to the Bank of Halliburton!

[Catch22Dem]

13. The Bank of Halliburton...formerly known as

The United States Treasury!

[jimshoes]

8. Good I hope the idiot tries to funny his way

through the debates. It will show what little regard he has for the human carnage that is going on in Iraq.

[pacalo]

60. I agree. That's when Kerry should mention what's going on in Iraq.

[progdonkey]

134. exactly

Kerry should respond to something like "final answer" by saying, "On a more mature note..." or "I think the American people deserve a president, not a game-show host..." without ever cracking a smile; really almost have a look of scorn on his face.

[qanda]

9. Only if that's your final excuse

eom

[Lex]

11. Oh, that one is GOOD. n/t

[Catch22Dem]

15. That one gets my vote

I hope someone is reading this!

[iwantmycountryback]

31. Perfect!

He must use that.

[mazzarro]

42. I ilke that!

If I may take the liberty to modify it. I will say: "Only if that's your final excuse and Mr. Bush, tell the truth for once"

[incapsulated]

58. OK, your's is best. :o) n/t

[RevCheesehead]

133. BINGO!

I'm sure James Carvelle has some snappy answer handy. The man is a master at handling the BS of Crossfire.

[The White Tree]

155. Thats excellent

:-)

[Kahuna]

159. Good one!!!!

:yourock:

[Mad_Dem_X]

170. I like that one! BTW...

isn't that catchphrase a little old? I thought people stopped saying, "Is that your final answer" a long time ago. LOL, W is so behind the times.:eyes:

[Wickerman]

10. How about, George, this election is about so much more than cheap

one liners - that belongs to the failed policies of your administration.

You know -
wanted, dead or alive
bring 'em on
mission accomplished
read my lips, no new ta, er, sorry, wrong asshole...

[NC_Nurse]

12. Depends...

on whether I need to change course because it's obvious the one I'm on isn't working. I have the ability to analyze data and make new decisions. I am not a rigid idealogue who cannot admit a mistake at the cost of hundreds of lives.
We live in a changing world that requirses dynamic leadership. This is not your father's world baby bush

[judy]

22. In the same spirit as NC_Nurse

Kerry: You know Mr.pResident, making the best decision in matters that affect this country and the world at large, is not a TV Game show in spite of what you seem to think. We live in a changing world that requires dynamic leadership, the ability to analyze data, and admit our mistakes.

[necso]

37. I like something along this line.

Sometimes circumstances, one's position or one's understanding (etc) change.

You have to be man enough to deal with it and not just stick to whatever course you have previously decided (or chanced) upon.

It's called being adult.

And the sticking-with-it-no-matter-what thing is commonly called "being pig-headed" or something like that.

[goclark]

90. Can we break it down a wee bit..LOL

I had a dream that it can happen like this...

Bush: Maybe Senator Kerry can give us his FINAL WORD on that issue

Kerry: When you say "US/WE" are you talking to VOICES that we can't hear(slyly touches first one ear and then the other) or are you referring to "WE the People of the United States?"

Kerry: Chuckle and say, " Just checking for sound "

Kerry continues: I have seen your immature ADS saying I change my mind. I am a man of ACTION. I could not possibly SIT and READ A BOOK and WAIT for my Staff to tell me what to do in a national emergency! I can change course in mighty waters! I am the quarterback that can reverse the play and throw the winning touchdown."

"Damn right I change my mind! I am a LEADER, not a follower!
Your motto should be: "My mind is made up, don't confuse me with facts."
"Mr. President, I will never waiver from this statement: You are the WRONG MAN for the WRONG JOB."

[kstewart33]

14. "At least I understand the question." eom

[Postman]

16. Very cute Mr. President, but while you and your neo-con masters

are living in the land of make believe, over 1000 Americans and 10,000 Iraqis are dead because of your reckless policies.

[spooky3]

99. "Mr. Moderator, could we schedule debate when my opponent is sober?"

[kstewart33]

17. Keep brainstorming guys!

I'll prep a list of the best and fax it to Kerry HQ in WDC.

[Nashyra]

23. Yes it's the same as my First Answer

Do you finally understand it or do you need a lifeline?

[JPJones]

65. We have a winner! n/t

[dogtag]

19. Are those socks in your pants again , or are you just

glad to see me?

[burned]

20. How about

Mr. President, did you just make that up?

[Kipepeo]

75. LOL

In my dream debate.

:)

[goodboy]

164. Did you just make that up, or were you awake all night memorizing it? eom

[Arkana]

21. "Yes, Mr. President, that's my final answer..."

"...and unlike you, I didn't need a lifeline." <points to earpiece in *'s ear>

[goclark]

30. Kerry should pt. to his own ear

and then chuckle...

That should get the press needing to explain what Kerry meant by it.

[BootinUp]

53. What is all this about a lifeline?

Is that in the debate agreement or something? An earpiece for Bush?

[dolstein]

112. Mr. President, that's my first, my last, and my only answer

And at least I have an answer. As your record shows, you don't HAVE an answer to this problem.

[Kierkegaard]

24. They cannot address one another.

Don't bother compiling the list of one-liners.

[kstewart33]

28. Believe me, they will work it in

Keep generating ideas DUers!

[Lex]

29. They can make cracks I'm sure. And Bush doesn't follow the rules

but he will expect Kerry to follow them.

[eleny]

46. True - but you can bet they'll bait each other within their answers

So Kerry might as well be ready. You can't really believe that * will live within the parameters!

[geek tragedy]

82. Like that will stop the Smirking Frat Boy.

He doesn't think rules apply to him. If Kerry complains, he'll look like a whiner.

He needs to have an answer ready.

[JereIC]

25. "Yes, and it's the truth." -eom-

end of message

[jumpstart33]

26. The deaths of 1050 US soldiers is much to serious for cute one-liners...

or cute camera ops like looking under a desk for WMDs. There can be no final answer to a consistently wrong-headed policy that has made us less secure at home and abroad.

[juajen]

73. Not strong enough.

How about changing that last phrase to "There can be no final answer to a disasterous, bull-headed policy that has killed thousands and endangered the world and Americans at home and abroad."

BTW, I have a question. Are we going to get this debate in real time, or is there going to be a five second delay to rescue Georgie?

[zbdent]

27. "You know, Mr. Bush, maybe you should have phoned a friend

when you wanted to go to war with Iraq, not when you went in to testify before the 9/11 commission . . ."

[DU9598]

33. No, george

My final answer is that "you're fired!"

[Zynx]

32. Yes and I at least answered the question.

[irancontra]

34. the problem is... I don't think Rove will use it that way...

Lehrer will ask.. Kerry will respond clearly & honestly.. Bush will get a rebuttal, then he will say *smirk.. is that you're final answer?... people will laugh... then he'll rebutt or whatever you call it(when he talks).. so in essence the debate rules won't allow for a quick retort... or am I wrong?

Rove&co have really figured this whole thing out for * to make the best case setup for him.. we need to be super-clever tactically.

[Texas_Dem]

86. This scenario is correct

it is going to be difficult to counter the snippy remark directly.

Kerry will have to come back later in the debate and say that Shrub offers excuses, not answerers and he should go and buy a vowel or better yet a dictionary.

OK.. wishful thinking, but fun to imagine.

[Southern Patriot]

137. If Kerry can spot it coming...

he could sneeze loudly...

Bush: "If that's your final ans ---HA-CHOO00--

Kerry: "Excuse me--- mild allegy to excuses."

[Thrill]

35. Kerry: "Bush are you telling the truth now"

"Because you rarely do"

[Clark4Prez]

36. If you're never wrong, you never learn

And you, Mr. President, never learn,

You never learn not to rush to war, without a plan for winning the peace
You never rush to spend, without a plan for paying for it
You never learn, Mr. President, and that is my final answer

[Kahuna]

162. This is a really great reply.. Makes you think.

:thumbsup:

[Carolinian]

38. Kerry should say it before Bush gets a chance.

[Sparkly]

54. You beat me to it

Exactly what I was thinking! :D

[Francine Frensky]

150. It's a trick. There's a reason Rove let this leak -- so that

maybe Kerry would take the bait.

The joke is ruined once everybody knows the line. That gameshow is old news anyway. I bet they kicked the idea around but decided not to use it so that's why it was released to the public.

[Carolinian]

152. I think you're right. Kerry shouldn't be defensive. Stick to issues

[MnFats]

39. your paid staff had to borrow a line from an ancient cheesy TV show?

"I hope the rest of your hired help is doing better than that."
or

"Maybe you should see if you can get your money back."

[jmowreader]

78. Not "your" money back, "our" money back

That's a common Repug meme: taxes are "your money" that you send to the government so they can squander it on things like...oh, starting unnecessary wars.

[iwantmycountryback]

40. Mr.Bush if only you had the same skepticism

about the CIA's documents saying Iraq had WMD's as you did about the agency this past week.

[Malva Zebrina]

41. My opponent thinks in black and white

there is seldom a final answer on any issue that is crucial to the well being of our country. For instance,on May 1, my opponent theatrically made a staged landing on the USS Abraham Lincoln, dressed in a flight suit and said "Mission Accomplished". After that brash and ill advised announcement, we have had an escalation in combat, have no direction from him as of yet, and some eight hundred or more of our brave American soldiers have been killed in combat.

He said just the other day, incredibly, that he would make the same speech as he made then. Black and white thinking is what has sunk us into a quagmire in Iraq.

[BootinUp]

45. I think that would reinforce what Bush is saying.

Kerry needs to win over voters that think he will be flim flammy on the WOT.

[Malva Zebrina]

49. self deleted--double post

[Malva Zebrina]

50. You could be right--any of us could be right

I will watch the debates but not consider them anything more serious than an entertainment show. It is not a real debate at all, and all of the titillating reports leading up to it are attempts by the media to gain more viewers--the more viewers the better they can reach more people with their biased reporting in favor of Bush.

The media is our enemy, imo. It will all hinge upon what they decide to put forth and not on what the staged faux debate presents. Given their record, I am not optimistic that anything the more intelligent candidate says will be touted as the better.

[VOX]

43. "Yes, it's my final answer, and I didn't use any lifeline to Dick Cheney..

to get there!"

[Kahuna]

161. Tee hee. Good one!

:thumbsup:

[Mountainman]

44. "I won't say mission accoumplised until it really is accomplished"

[Heath.Hunnicutt]

142. YES! This one's a winner! nt

[tinrobot]

48. Mr President...

Do you think the future of our country is a GAME SHOW?

You really are in denial, aren't you?

[BootinUp]

51. Thats a pretty good smack!

Kind of reminds me of something Howard Dean would say.

[The empressof all]

109. Yes this was my thought as well

I would include something like....Mr. Bush this may come to a shock you you but you are not playing war games with GI Joes. These soldiers bleed real blood, their families cry real tears...It's time to grow up now and Work with the world community like a real man.

[Cocoa]

168. that's a good one

Kerry has to make Bush's silliness the issue.

[jean]

52. that does qualify as a direct question and is verboten!

[nicktom]

55. Sounds like a direct question to me,

which is not allowed unless your a smart ass named Bush. I think it would be smart for JFK to be prepared with a good comeback.

[0rganism]

56. "The president seems to think this campaign is a game show."

"Unfortunately, this is not a game show with simple game show rules, and he's all out of Lifelines. It's time for The American People to vote him off the island."

[incapsulated]

57. "The final answer will come on November 2..."

"When the American people put an end to an incompetent, failed administration that has been reduced to recycling old one-liners from quiz shows in the face of the mess they have gotten this country into."

Edit: too long and pbl's is best, anyways: "Only if that's your final excuse."

[cidliz2004]

59. I'll say YES, if you give a final position on your ---policy.

[cidliz2004]

61. Which is it ? Are you a Uniter or a Divider? Are you not in favor

of Nation building or are you in favor of it? Did you not support the 9/11 Commission and then support it? Are we going to find Osamma - dead or alive? ... Just go into a barage of Bush Flip Flops and then finish with MR. BUSH WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOUR FINAL ANSWERS?????

[cidliz2004]

62. Which is it ? Are you a Uniter or a Divider? Are you not in favor

of Nation building or are you in favor of it? Did you not support the 9/11 Commission and then support it? Are we going to find Osamma - dead or alive? ... Just go into a barage of Bush Flip Flops and then finish with MR. BUSH WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOUR FINAL ANSWERS?????

[rockymountaindem]

63. If the candidates aren't allowed to question each other directly,

then this shouldn't be an issue.

[liberalpragmatist]

64. Maybe a simple "YES" would suffice

Just give Bush a look that conveys mild annoyance, and say it an emphatic but annoyed tone. "Yes."

[Radical Activist]

66. Is that your final excuse?

He's got lots of em for everything

[incapsulated]

68. Too late! :)

pbl's, upthread: "Only if that's your final excuse."

But it's the best no matter who thinks of it. I hope the Kerry folks take it up.

:hi:

[NinetySix]

67. Mr. Bush, that's a good line.

Maybe come late January you can use it in your new job: game show host.

edit: Beginning January 21st, right here on NBC!!

[npincus]

70. that made me laugh!

[snippy]

69. Kerry and all democrats should start preempting this right now.

Every democrat should start saying something like this:

This country faces serious problems both at home and internationally and needs a serious leader who can help solve those problems. Bush has made serious mistakes at home and in Iraq and thinks that those mistakes can be covered up with stupid jokes. Stupid jokes and misguided stubborness are not a solution to the problems our country faces.

Whatever statement Kerry decides to use about Bush's jokes during the debate, it should be distributed as soon as possible to every democrat talking head and pundit. If it is repeated often enough between now and the first debate Bush will either drop it from his prepared answers or will look bad and can be hammered afterward for doing exactly what the democrats predicted.

[Kipepeo]

71. Simple: HE Should Use it FIRST

before Bush says it to him, he should say it to Bush.

I know it's stupid. I know it's cheesy. But it will leave Bush dumbfounded.

Especially if Kerry gets it in right away and laughs all-relaxed like "I'm just playin' with ya'" like Bush would.

Then Bush can't use it without looking like he's stealing material. Not as quick on the draw, etc.

[LatinManNH]

72. The final answer will come

Nov. 2 when the American people tell this administration, "You're fired!"

[ItsMyParty]

74. Of the 29 excuses you used to invade Iraq, is that your last?????

Or, which of the above things you said tonight is your "last lie" and who, sir, is the "last soldier to die in Iraq for nothing"???? And, really, George, when is the last time you drank/snorted coke???

[Doosh]

76. the Kerry team better think of a clever retort for this

no excuses.

[AgadorSparticus]

77. "Yes, Mr. President., it is my final answer as long as you are telling

the truth. <---this shifts the emphasis back on *.

[GDoyle]

79. How about....

Bush: "Is that your final answer?"

Kerry: "Yes it is. You are the weakest link, goodbye."


GDoyle

[AgadorSparticus]

80. lol. that's good too!

[Carni]

83. This is a winning line

I was aiming for the same thing but this is WAYYYYY better than mine.

[AgadorSparticus]

128. thanks!

:)

[goclark]

93. Goood

[Carni]

81. Until you fuck something else up George... that is my final answer

Or a variation on same theme (sort of)...

Until I learn that your admin has been caught lying again and that congress and the public have been mislead (again) that is my final answer.

[central scrutinizer]

84. don't take the bait - no clever rejoinders, please!!!

instead turn it around - "You think you can dismiss your failures with a clever witticism - it is time to stop joking around about 9/11 ("I hit the trifecta!") and Iraq (crawling under the desk - "I know the WMD's are here somewhere"). It is no laughing matter to the 9/11 familes and the families of soldiers in Iraq. Show up Bushco's folksy bullshit for what it is - a way to avoid taking responsibility.

[AgadorSparticus]

144. i disagree. if logic worked in our society, bush would be imprisoned.

unfortunately, we have a populace that responds to clever soundbytes and emotional appeals. it doesn't have to make sense. it just needs to appear like it sort of does. this administration feeds off of lies, associations, and repetition. they appeal to the base level of emotions and intellect. combine that with cunning verbal acrobatics and you have a powerful punch. it is the zippy one liners that people remember when they go into the booth.

[mediaman007]

85. As final as a Texas rancher is honest.

[mediaman007]

87. As final as WMD's in Iraq!

[mediaman007]

88. As final as Guard duty in Alabama!

[mediaman007]

89. Yup, final like Condi won't testify, then she will testify!

[Texas_Dem]

91. Is that your final excuse or will the CIA guess for you?

[mediaman007]

92. Yup, final like a frozen Enron 401K account!

I don't think it matters if they make sense. As long as Kerry has a long list of Bush* failures to draw upon (shouldn't be too tough)

[Onlooker]

94. Clever soundbites don't advance American interests

Since Bush will more than likely use the comments in the middle of one of his answers, he'll certainly score a point or two. There will be laughter and applause, and then the debate will go on.

When Kerry responds, he should say, You asked me my final answer, my final answer is that clever soundbites don't advance American interests. We're talking about the lives of our soldiers and the safety of our citizens and you still haven't answered how you will defeat Al Qaeda or bring peace to Iraq.

[gordianot]

96. Comeback: So you have finally asked a question?

[Bryan]

97. "George, we're having a debate now. You can watch TV later, okay?"

How about full-bore mockery of George's essentially childish nature? I believe that everyone knows, deep down, that Bush is a squirrely little shit, and a sudden break in the facade of respect would turn people to Kerry's side.

[gordianot]

107. Can he ask questions?

I have not looked at the rules but past debates did not allow direct questions. If this breaks the rules wouldn't Kerry be able to say whatever he wants.

What would they do with Kerry if he answers this dip with follow up questions. I have a feeling behind his patrician demeanor Kerry is capable of getting down and dirty.

Not wanting to get off subject after the well known smears, but it took nerve jumping off that boat. Facing this weasel who Kerry crossed paths at Yale, is not going to intimidate Senator Kerry. I think Kerry comes across strongest when he is angry. I loved the line he used in the Primaries about * dishonesty. The best thing * could do is try to cross Mr. Kerry. John Kerry is definitely a fighter.

[missouri dem]

98. How about

George I have tried to explain in simple words that you could understand, but unfortunately you are the weakest link.

[Free2BMe]

100. Well the followers of W..

may well believe his ever word ...and follow his every will...Glass of grape kool aid anyone..(also known as the drink of choice which followers of the James Jones's tribe in Guyana drank before there demise...) but "he said"!!!!

[leftist.]

101. I'd say the first thing that came to my mind ...

"Jesus H, George, who writes this crap for you?!"

I might also add: "and if its the same person that told you to drop that 'Al Gore Internet' comment four years ago, you might want to think about firing someone."

[Free2BMe]

102. Kerry could really beef up..

W's ego by suggesting he go on the road with his "shoow"...like after November..

[spooky3]

103. "Regis Philbin is a friend of mine. Mr. Pres., you are no Regis Philbin."

[npincus]

104. that's pretty good!

[spooky3]

105. hehe-thanks, this is a fun thread!

[peekaloo]

108. No I'd like to phone one of YOUR "friends". can we get Victor Ashe on

the line? No? How about Ken Lay? No? Surely one of the Bin Ladens will take a call.......

[grasswire]

110. take an Ann Richardson tone:

Poor George Bush. Out of answers, out of touch, and out of a job come January!

[faithnotgreed]

111. ann is that you?

you got her spot on there....

[grasswire]

114. the beauty of this line...

...is that it also dredges up bad memories for W of Ann's prior lines about the silver spoon. Loaded words!

And no, I'm not Ann.

[Heath.Hunnicutt]

113. That is my answer given what I know now. I also know now not to...

...give you so much rope. So that's my answer. Period.

[deckerd]

115. Three Points Kerry must consider

1. What makes you think * won't use a different catchphrase knowing
(his handlers knowing) that Kerry's prepared for this one?

Kerry should be prepared for a comeback on this, but he shouln't hang on Bush's every phrase. This could be planted information.

2. Kerry's debate team needs to make sure Kerry is CONCISE and
quick on his feet. ALot of the answers in this thread sound like
Bad Kerryisms. Rambling, and require alot of background knowledge
before they really sink in.

I agree "Is that your final excuse?" is best.

But only for a quick, rules-breaking comeback.

3. It's important that Kerry not just let this sort of thing go, using Bush's own tactics (the quick, facile comeback.) Snappy answers are needed to neutralize the sting of Bush's stupid questions with the undecided crowd. But they don't generate any props for Kerry.

Regardless of what Bush says, Kerry should be prepared to make a snappy rejoinder, but he should follow it up at the end of the debate, in closing statements, like tbis:

(edited, see separate post for my suggested closing remarks)

[cheshire]

116. Depend, is that your final attempt to pretent this isn't serious.

[moondust]

117. "Just since that question was asked the world has changed."

Our policy toward the Taliban was (as yet unofficially) transformed on 9/11/01 in a matter of minutes. Mindlessly adhering to static, obsolete policies in a changing world is a prescription for disaster. Remember how Neville Chamberlain "stayed the course" of appeasement without due regard for reality until it was too late?

[LSdemocrat]

118. "I trusted you not to rush into war. You have failed that trust"

[bush equals idiot]

119. Reply.

No, America will have the final answer. And it's spelled TEXAS!

[n2mark]

120. Debates

Kerry needs a quip, Was it Reagan who said during the debates frequently, "there he goes again" which took the heat off of him, , bet Bush is going to try something like this. Hope the Kerry campaign watches the Reagan debates. He also should watch the Nixon/Kennedy debates. But, to be honest, I'll trust Kerry whatever he does.

Kerry is Kerry, let him be himself. It is when you are not being yourself, you lose. That is what happened to Gore. If Kerry loses
because he is being honest, then so be it. I want Kerry to be the man who I think he is.... I am voting for Kerry because of his integrity, I am voting against Shrub because he is an idiot. I am proud of my vote. To be honest, sure hope Shrub takes a few swigs of the bottle beforehand.

I have no expectations from either of them.....

The bottom line is.... what are the viewers expectations, what do they want?

[DemFromMem]

121. Mr. President,

I'm here to offer a lifeline to the American people to get out of the quagmire called your Iraq policy.

[deckerd]

122. What Would Regis Do?

Suggested Kerry CLOSING REMARKS.

--------------------

In conclusion, I want to acknowledge all the questions that have been asked about my decisiveness, my eagerness to listen to all points of view, and whether or not it's preferable to my opponent's sticktuitiveness, even in the face of error.

Those are valid questions for anyone to be asking.

We all know it's time for America to cowboy up. But cowboys aren't stupid and they don't follow stupid decisions to the bitter end. That's not what America's about.

At one point in his incessant spinning, President Bush even said 'Is that your final answer??'
I can only assume he asked the same question of his advisers when they presented him with evidence of WMD...! I mean... what would Regis do?

America, this is NOT a game show. My opponent has had 4 years of opportunities to ask questions, and now he's ALL out of lifelines!

Mr. Bush, if Donald Trump were here tonight, and I almost wish he were given how scripted these debates are turning out to be. He'd say,

"George... you did what you thought was right. (pause) You tried to protect our troops, you did your best to protect the American people from an incident, such as happened on 9-11. (pause) But ultimately, you made too many mistakes. (pause) and it's time America had a -new- champion in the Oval Office!!"

In all seriousness, this is not a game. I truly believe that when it comes to this Administration and all those advisers around President Bush, America's Final Answer WILL come November 2nd and it will be: "You're fired!" Thank you, and may God bless us and protect this great country of ours!!"

[deckerd]

126. And also... "My opponent must like that show alot."

"If he's going quote catchphrases from "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?"
we might as well ask the same question about the people around him, because that's all they seem to want out of serving in the White House is to benefit those among us who are ALREADY millionaires.

Mr. President, stop asking America who wants to be a Millionaire,
and start asking, who wants Health Care!! ... Jobs! ... a Living Wage! Security for our families here at home! Body Armor for our troops!"

[HarveyBriggs]

123. The real question is, Mr. President ...

When we hear your final answer.

Problem with this, by debate rules Kerry and Bush cannot ask each other questions.

Harvey Briggs

[ncteechur]

124. No, my final answer is that you are a stupid piece of shit.

[milkyway]

125. "Unfortunately, you came up with the wrong answer in Iraq and

now you are in denial that we need to look for another solution."

[librechik]

127. "Mr. President--You're Fired!" n/t

[Moonbeam_Starlight]

129. WTF?

What a stupid, corny, cheesy thing for him to say!

I don't believe it anymore than I believed that bush was going to come up from the convention floor in a glass bubble. They just float stupid shit.

The media sucks.

[ComerPerro]

130. "Why did you threaten to veto the funds that would support the troops?"

How's that for a response?

[Terran]

131. I hope the idiot tries to use it twice in one debate

Imagine how lame that will look.

[Kimber Scott]

132. I thought they weren't allowed to ask each other questions?

nt

[pa28]

135. Just talk over him when he starts to say it.

It's a technique the other side has used for years. It doesn't really matter what he interrupts with just so long as * can't get the sound bite off cleanly. It will really piss him off too. :)

[Julien Sorel]

136. "President Bush, you're pretty quick with the one liners.

I'll give you that. Let me remind you of some others. "Bring it on." "I'm going to get Osama bin Laden dead or alive." "Fuzzy math."

If snappy one liners could take the place of good policy, Mr. Bush, you would have added millions of jobs instead of losing them, and we wouldn't be watching our finest men and women in uniform bogged down and risking their lives in a war you chose to send them to, and then mismanaged once you did"

[DemBones DemBones]

138. They are not supposed to speak to each other at all

during the debates, according to my understanding of the rules. Also, they have to stay 10 feet away from each other.

So, will the moderator disqualify Bush* if he directs a comment to Kerry?

[Chomskyite]

139. I'm still waiting for YOUR first answer

n/t

[demwing]

140. "Did you need a lifeline to Dick Cheney for that joke, George?"

Or how about -

"George, you are the weakest link. Leave the stage."

[mhr]

141. The Retort - "Is This Your Final Flip Flop?"

eom

[AntiFascist]

143. Kerry should say....

I'm glad you can find humor in this situation when our soldiers are dying in your FAILED war.

[Lefergus70]

145. Kerry should say something like this at the debates:

"You should be thanking me instead of trying to discredit me. I've backed you on the war, I've given you the benefit of the doubt so many times - just as most Americans did. We believed you, thought you had inside information, noble intentions. But you've lost all credibility. Instead of bringing democracy to Iraq you've brought terror, death and chaos. Instead of fighting terrorism, you're creating terrorists So if I change some of my views on Iraq that's just what this country needs: a realistic, truthful look at what you and your warrior team have done; not the upbeat fantasy that you and your team have been selling us. You lied to us, over and over again, and as President you owe us all an apology.

If I am elected, that will be the end of the Bush doctrine. It has failed and left nothing but blood and destruction. I would assure other countries that we we're not going to invade an occupy them. And if you think it's exaggerated to even suggest that, let me remind you all that a Republican-sponsored paper to restore the military draft in this country has been moving along briskly, and if this government is returned to office, you can bet it will become a bill in Congress. If I'm in the White House I'll fight it tooth and nail."

[npincus]

146. NBC morning report; Bush practicing "one-liners" for debate

I believe it was Nora O'Donnell reporting from Crawford, Texas.

Is their campagin leaking this shit on purpose? It makes Bush sound like he's going on "The Tonight Show" and not a debate. I hope his smarmy, canned "one-liners" backfire and/or Kerry squashes him like a bug.

[Onlooker]

147. Kerry will need to respond without words!!!!

Since Bush will probably use the question in the middle of an answer, rather than make it easy for Kerry to have a comeback, Kerry should respond by pointing, first to Bush and then to his own watch, as if to say, "Be mindful of your time." (Alternatively, Kerry could point to Bush and then to his own crotch.)

One thing Kerry should be careful of is not respond by laughing and shaking his head yes or no. It would play into Bush's hands.

[MoonRiver]

148. "Mr pResident, I'm still waiting for you to give Americans ANY answers."

[The White Tree]

156. I like it. That's a good one.

[9119495]

149. "It's an answer the American people can trust. Can you provide

the same for a change?"

[Jim__]

151. Let me tell you something junior, I know Regis Philbin, ...

and you're no Regis Philbin.

[The White Tree]

153. How about - "It's better then no answer...

to the problems you've created for America over the last four years which is what your giving us."

[The White Tree]

154. "Is that all you've got"

I'd love to see Kerry do someting like Steve Martin did in the movie "Roxanne" (or it's precursor - Cyrano de Bergerac). In this story if you are unfamiliar with it (I'll use the Steve Martin version), the main character has a big nose and some one tries to make fun of him by saying, "hey Big Nose". Martin's character whirls around and pointedly says, "Is that all you've got", he then recites 20 (actually several more then 20) nose jokes prefacing each with a description of the joke (my favorite - "Obscure - I'd hate to see the grindstone, think about it"). In the end the insulter is embarassed and humiliated and Martins character is cheered.

Love to see that happen, but I'm not sure how he'd be able to pull it off in a debate like this.

Maybe -

"Is that all you've got"

"You imply I flip flop on the issues but let's look at you, Mr. President"

Then he could go off and list some of the flip flops of George Bush in regard to the war on terrorism and the Iraq war like how he said we were winnning then said we couldn't win it.

[ScreamingMeemie]

158. and the America is safer/America is in more danger lines over the span

of a week. :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

157. "If we're using game show one liners now, then you sir, are the weakest

link."

[democracy eh]

160. Is that Regis on the other end ot the earpiece?

You should at least have Ben Stein. I've got the guy on the Jeapordy winning streak in mine.

stupid f'ing debate rules.
yawn

[ShaneGR]

163. Actually, that's a direct question, and not allowed under the rules

They agreed that neither candidate would ask the other candidate a direct question.

[GiovanniC]

166. Why Don't You Ask The Audience?

On November 2.

[Cocoa]

169. Kerry should be serious

I think people realize that Bush's silliness, and the whores' silliness, are not appropriate at this time.

Beheadings, remember?

[Sparkle]

171. I agree. This is a serious situation and there's no time for

popular one-liners. The chimp needs to go!

[LuminousX]

172. Is That Your Final Answer?

There are no final answers, George. Life is not a game. We can only seek solutions and must never be so hard headed or mean-spirited that we cannot admit when something is failing.