A question for DUers : Good or Bad idea ?

[kentuck]

I'll preface it with, since we know George W Bush does not want to talk about the issues because they are not in his favor, his intent is to destroy John Kerry through negative ads and character assassination, just like he has a history of doing with other opponents, and the question is:

Should John Kerry make a bold offer to George Bush to agree to stop all negative campaigning and talk about the issues that are important to our country?

If Bush refuses, which he will, does that give John Kerry ammo to use against Bush whenever another one of these type of ads reappear?


PS on edit: I am going to a Friday night poker game and will return later and check out the responses. :)

[NewHampshireDem]

1. Kerry has done this time and time again n/t

[bluestateguy]

2. And what is the definition of "negative campaigning"?

even if they did reach such an agreement it would likely break down over quibbling as to what constitutues "negative campaigning". This has been tried in senatorial and gubernatorial races before and it has always fallen apart.

[west michigan]

3. I am afraid....

... it is the right thing to do for we the people. He would look like he would be capitulating if he does so. It would appear that he would be ducking for cover and look weak. He would be tarred as such. Of note ... I never recall a headline that stated "Gore fights back"

[NavajoRug]

4. Kerry should have done this a long time ago . . .

His biggest blunder was focusing so much time and effort on his Vietnam record at the convention, instead of simply GOING OUT THERE AND WAGIN A BATTLE OF IDEAS.

[Bandit]

6. So you believe Kerry has blundered.

I guess you didn't watch the Convention because besides just telling people who Kerry was it was about nothing if it wasn't about the issues. Sheesh don't people pay attention at all?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

5. He already did this, in a very classy way, in his acceptance speech at DNC

He addressed Bush directly and said something like let's put away the negativity, and have a campaign of ideas.