Posted on 09/01/2004 11:22:05 AM PDT by RWR8189
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President Bush's re-election campaign this week will appoint Bush family confidant James Baker to negotiate the details of campaign debates between Bush and Democrat John Kerry, Republican officials said on Wednesday. The selection of Baker, who was Bush's lead representative in the Florida recount battle in 2000, came amid indications that Bush only wanted to agree to two debates with Kerry rather than three as proposed by the Commission on Presidential Debates.
Proceeding without formal agreement from the Bush campaign, the commission set debates beginning Sept. 30 in Coral Gables, Florida, with a second slated for Oct. 8 in St. Louis and a third Oct. 13 in Tempe, Arizona. A vice presidential debate between incumbent Dick Cheney and Kerry's running mate, Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina, was set for Oct. 5 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Republican officials said the Bush campaign would name Baker this week. Baker, a longtime friend and adviser to Bush's father, former President Bush, has served as White House chief of staff, treasury secretary and secretary of state.
Kerry's campaign has already designated Washington power broker Vernon Jordan as its lead debate negotiator.
Republicans expected the Bush campaign to push for two presidential debates and a vice presidential debate.
"Two debates are sufficient and will not dominate the entire fall schedule. Three debates would have a tendency to be a little overbearing on your campaign strategy and tactics," said Republican strategist Scott Reed.
Bush advisers have attempted to lower expectations for Bush in the televised face-offs, describing Kerry as a skilled debater. They used a similar tactic in 2000 and Bush was seen as the winner of debates with Democrat Al Gore.
What happened to Kerry's weekly challenge?
STOP! Velvet Hammer Time!
When Kerry loses he can always have Vernon Jordan get him a job at Revlon. He might have to show up more than 23% of the time though.
Maybe Baker can get them to change some or at least one of the debate moderators.
He's our Tom Hagen. Love it.
Good man.
I thought drudge reported that the candidates already had the debates and the moderators set up.
MAKE BRITT AND CHARLES ARE TWO OF FOUR PEOPLE ON THE PANEL
Kerry's weekly challenge is just Kerry vs Kerry.
MAKE SURE BRITT AND CHARLES ARE TWO OF FOUR PEOPLE ON THE PANEL
VERY IMPORTANT!!!!
Baker is mr. smooth but he knows how to stick a knife hard when it's time.
Good pick. Baker's The Man.
Dan
First, instead of all liberals, let's negotiate at least one debate with a conservative debate moderator.
On smart and tough hombre. When the Pres. calls in Baker, the going is going to get very rough for someone
I would encourage a debate in California - say Sacramento
GOOD FOR HIM! He did an excellent job during the 2000 election.
The way he talks out of both sides of his mouth that should be easy.
Yep. I remember his cool, steady hand while the Dems tried to steal the election. What was happening was insanifying{tm}, but Baker was very reassuring.
Dan
Since the media jig is up there should be an old media hack like Brokenjaw or Blather and a new media star like Rush or Hugh Hewitt as the moderators. Two debates are better than three if we're winnin, which we are and will be....
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