Debates - A Copy of the Rules Signed by Both Campaigns

[Dirty Hippie]

http://www.gwu.edu/%7Eaction/2004/deb04main/debateagreement.pdf

Nothing but a Dog and Pony show IMO.

Here is a guy who wants to reform the debate process.

http://opendebates.com/

[still_one]

1. Not necessarily

We have an opportunity to rebutal, plus no notes or props are allowed

[jmowreader]

2. They did ban the use of Bush's earpiece

Paragraph 5c: No props...or other tangible things may be brought into the debate by either candidate.

Oh man, this is gonna be a rout. If Bush doesn't have an earpiece Kerry's really in trouble.

[Pirate Smile]

3. The moderates are who hasn't signed it and who the * campaign

wants to make a party to the Agreement also. They have never had to previously sign onto these Agreements.

[mourningdove92]

4. Looks like, after using Nader, Bushco is now shutting him out

completely. Notice that one of the requirements is that neither Smirk or Kerry can debate anyone else after agreeing to these debates.

Not that I mind, Nader would just make things messier, but I wonder how he feels now?

[hansolsen]

5. Letting Gallup select a "representative" sample of "leaning" voters is

an open invitation for mischief. I wouldn't trust Gallup to walk my dog let alone have any supposedly non-partisan role in the debates.

We dropped the ball on this one.

[indie_voter]

6. It is skewed toward * ,but it is also an opportunity

for Kerry to show how well he answers tough questions from hostile people. This is one of his strengths.

This could backfire on *, packing the audience with * leaning people. The contrast between * and Kerry becomes that more stark.

[hansolsen]

10. Good point. N/t

[OneBlueSky]

7. personally, I find this whole thing asanine and juvenile . . .

these are two adults who are competing for the presidency, for pete sake . . . just show up and debate the issues . . . all of this other nonsense is just diversionary and stupid . . .

[Gin]

8. I thought I read a 3rd party would be allowed....did anyone else see that?

it will be a staged event...not a true debate...I think Kerry would do well in a full blown debate...this thing will be so controlled it will be too safe.

[Bread and Circus]

9. Democrats and Republicans doing their very best....

to behead democracy.

Great Job. :eyes:

After reading the original post and the "rules" I agree, it is a dog and pony show.

These men need to be challenged and the rules do everything to make sure that doesn't happen.