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Kerry's wife calls presidential debates 'silly'

via CNN: Boston (AP) -- Teresa Heinz Kerry, the wife of Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry, says nine-way presidential debates are "silly" and a waste of time for the candidates and the voters.

"I don't think it really helps the American people, I don't think it helps the candidates," Heinz Kerry told the Boston Herald in an interview published Tuesday, the same day her husband was to face his rivals in a debate in his home town.

Heinz Kerry said debates have become about scoring a punch with quick soundbites.

"It's just silly," she said. "I think those debates are really unproductive and they made it hard for all of them to (get their message across)."

Eight of the nine Democrats were scheduled to appear Tuesday night at the 90-minute Rock the Vote forum in Boston that will air on Cable News Network.

Heinz Kerry said she has suggested Democrats focus on smaller group debates that alternate among all candidates or pick three or four candidates leading in particular states -- though she conceded the latter idea might not be fair to all candidates.

Heinz Kerry's comments are in line with frequent complaints from her husband, who has said the face-offs are not "real debates."

November 4, 2003