[Cultural Jihad]

Total waste of W's time and energy. Nothing to be gained by Bush.

Don't be foolish. Kerry is the nominee of his Party, and our system of self-governance demands that the top two contenders for the highest office square off in a debate.

Also, President Bush has no need to worry about the debate or in wasting his time there. Most of us have a higher regard for his abilities, apparently.

[Salvey]

Don't be foolish. Kerry is the nominee of his Party, and our system of self-governance demands that the top two contenders for the highest office square off in a debate.

I'm not aware of any such demand, either historically or legally. I can think of a few off-hand examples in 20th Century contests where no debates were held.

Also, President Bush has no need to worry about the debate or in wasting his time there. Most of us have a higher regard for his abilities, apparently.

Agreed. Bush destroyed Gore, in my estimation, and he will cream Kerry. That wasn't my point...which was that Bush's declining to participate in any debates would not damage him, so why bother?