Presidential Debates

[cyr330]

Could it be a real possiblity for the chimpanzee to skip all debates for this election? That would be a first in modern presidential elections, and I wonder what the repercussions would be? Any thoughts on this possiblity?

[Chili]

1. I strongly believe he will make every effort...

...not to.

If he can get away with it, if polls tell him that defying tradition and not debating at all won't hurt him in the least, he will refuse.

The question is: will the media ridicule him for it like they would Kerry, if he tried the same thing?

No.

[punpirate]

2. Bushies won't skip them...

... but they won't agree to three, and have already tried to set conditions favorable to them for the number of debates to which they agree.

My guess is that, having provisionally agreed to two debates, they will then work toward only one. Once the Democrats agree to that, they'll then start in on specific conditions which will reduce the debates to campaign rhetoric and no more, and on terms advantageous to them.

They've already started on the process by suggesting two debates. The conditions will get worse, over time.

Kerry people, beware.

[bluestateguy]

3. They want a joint press conference, not a debate

Something so formulaic, so predictable and so boring as to be ignored by the people.

[napi21]

4. I don't think so. He'll agree at the last minute. But the Pubs will

do a mass media blitz on how we all know that our dear Pres isn't the best communicator, and even though he makes some verbal gaffs, he does such a good job in office, these debates the Dems insisted on won't mean much.

They will AGAIN put the bar sooo low for him, we';; be back to "If he shows up, and doesn't fall off the stage, he'll win.

[punpirate]

5. Well, since a joint committee...

... between Repugs and Democrats decides the rules for debates, then if what you suggest happens, that will mean that the Dems caved in to the `pugs. If the Dems do that, they're the stupid ones.

[bobbieinok]

6. B/C pulled this in 2000 also

seemed to agree to 3 pres and 1 VP and then pulled back

after a period of back and forth, democrats agreed to new B/C plans.

so repubs won thru blackmail.......got pre=screened questions at least for 1 debate, hokey (pro W) media moderators......at least 1, both were seated

W got everything set to his advantage.....I hope Kerry team is smarter

if no debates or Kerry with empty chair, DO YOU THINK MEDIA WILL BROADCAST THIS.......OF COURSE NOT

[Kazak]

7. The debates have already been scheduled, right?

If Bush* doesn't show to any or all of them, then Kerry should show up and give hour long tirades against the Bush* admin, unopposed.