Kerry can win the debate with a handshake before it even begins

[PurityOfEssence]

Sadly, people are incredibly facile. Aware of this, Rove has made sure we won't be seeing the two of them side by side; people have a weird and built-in primitive admiration for the taller and for those with better hair. Kerry is AT LEAST 5 inches taller, and where Junior's hair is receding and thinning, Kerry's is a veritable forest.

There will be a brief handshake at the beginning; Kerry should warmly shake his hand, look him in the eye, and hold on for just a few seconds. Even a three second lengthening of the contact will make an indelible impression, and Junior's palpable fear will be evident. It will throw Junior off and he will freak out, showing himself to be a personal coward and lily-liver. Kerry needs to be careful, and not make it look like he's not letting him go, but he should kill him with kindness; Junior can't face anyone without a thuglike advantage, and it'll throw him off for the rest of the night.

Lest we forget: Bush is VERY physically awkward (remember the Ricky Martin moment at the inauguration?) and skittish; Kerry will look calm and statesmanlike in comparison. Catching Bush in the lie of his very essence is paramount, and here's where he will look scared, stiff, clumsy and supremely phony.

Remember: much of modern elections are decided on such base and primitive reactions that pure showmanship like this is not to be underestimated.

[Beetwasher]

1. They Control the CAMERA ANGLES

It's in the MOU.

How much do you want to bet that the camera will either be a top down shot or a bottom up shot during the handshake so you can't tell who's taller?

[PurityOfEssence]

8. Who is this "they"?

Those who call the shots call the shots; you're quite right. For this theory to work best, it needs to be fairly close to level.

Still, if it's an up shot (not too likely) Kerry either looms in the BG or towers in the FG. If it's a wide shot from above (as it probably will be) it still diminishes Junior. If Bush partisans are controlling this and do it thus, it shows a very unflattering angle on him: he only looks non-idiotic from a head-on view. So be it.

[4_Legs_Good]

2. Also, a buzzer would be nice!

You know, give George Jr. a little shock!

Heh heh heh.

You're right, of course about height and hair. I hope we can win the battle of the image before either opens his mouth.

david

[MissouriTeacher]

3. I wouldn't be surprised...

if they negotiated a 'no-handshake clause.'

But you're right, I remember how * almost pissed his pants when Al Gore came out from behind his podium in one of the debates in 2000.

[AlexHamilton]

4. Good Point...

While I wish it wasn't true, you are exactly right. Many people often go with their "gut instinct" on which candidate to vote for. For some reason Bush has come out on top as the "guy next door". We have to change that to win over many of those who are currently following Bush blindly.

Alex Hamilton
IBTP

[WiseMen]

5. Hope Kerry does NOT stoop is shoulders as he usually does when

he meets shorter people. He should stand straight and force Bush
to either look up or look at his tie.

[tridim]

6. He should lean in and say

"I will crush you", like Drago in Rocky IV.

Bush will be wearing lifts to gain an extra few inches.. Kerry should wear lifts as well.

[JI7]

7. Kerry should pretend in his mind that it's a good friend and not Bush

that way he can hold the act of appearing warm and genuine with a smile. he can give a quick greeting like "how are you" which should be long enough moment .

[LuminousX]

9. All Kerry has to do is share some personal comments with

Bush as they shake hands, something very benign like "I really appreciate the opportunity to share the stage with you on this historical event. I hope our debate can be forthright and beneficial to the American people." Say that while shaking Bush's hand. All the people will see is Kerry speaking to Bush while shaking Bush's hand and the moment will be captured on film.