Will Bush debate?

[TomClash]

The first debate is scheduled by the Presidential Commission for September 30. That's less than two weeks away. I don't think Bush has committed to a debate scedule yet. That leads to the obvious question - will he debate?

Ordinarily I'd say - "of course, he must because if he doesn't the negative backlash will be too great." But if he can get away with it, there is no reason to debate and this guy seems to get away with anything and everything.

Bush has a slight lead and he gains nothing by debating Kerry. Indeed, Kerry might look good standing next to him; the comparison might increase Kerry's stature. Why not just run out the clock?

And if he doesn't debate, what does Kerry do to make it a huge issue?

[still_one]

1. If bush should be so foolish

then Kerry slams everyday how he won't debate because he can't justify his record!!!

[Big Kahuna]

2. Probably not.

He knows he'll get his ass kicked.

Considering the season, He'll either rely on vague threats of a sudden proliferation of exploding Al'Queda Pumkins, or claim his "doctor forbids it" on account of his mental infrimity.

[dumpster_baby]

3. I agree--Bush is trying to up his lead right now so he does not have to

I agree. If in 1 week, Bush still has the same lead he does now, I think he will not debate.

That is one reason he is stalling. If the lead is maintained, then he will just say Kerry would not agree to terms, and refuse to debate.

He gets away with so much because his policies favor the rich and the upper income earners, and guess who writes and edits newspaper columns and who reads the news on the TV? RICH people and upper income earners. Heck, just about ANY talking head makes 200K or more. Most earn millions, at that is at the LOCAL level.

THe rich and the upper income earners are those who are being paid off by Bush via tax cuts, and they are returning the favor, in a thousand little ways.

I say off with all of their heads.

[olddem43]

4. He will show up for so-called debates but the questions will

be pre-screened and he will just recite the answers he has memorized.
There never will be any real debates.

[Mojambo]

5. He's already ducked the townhall debate

Wouldn't be hard at all to get out of the other two.

I still think he'll debate.

[RevCheesehead]

6. Debate? No. Regurgitate? Yes.

[BillZBubb]

7. Right now Bush* has nothing to gain and everything to lose.

So why would he want to debate. He knows his surrogates and the corporate media whores will gladly spin away any criticism for not debating. A majority of the population won't hold it against him if he doesn't debate. He's totally in the driver's seat. Still, to make things easier on himself, he'll "debate" once or twice.

But, Baker will put so many conditions on the debates, that it shows total desperation from Kerry when he capitulates and accepts Bush*s terms. Bush* that way shows he is in charge, while Kerry is seen as a weak compromiser.

Big psychological and tactical win for Bush*.