Regards, Ivan
Posted on 09/25/2004 4:45:19 PM PDT by MadIvan
Advisers to George W Bush have told him to take a leaf from the Ronald Reagan book and come across as more "likeable" than the notoriously dry and haughty John Kerry in the televised debates that may decide the outcome of the election.
President Bush's talent for folksy self-deprecation, particularly about his own public-speaking abilities, has been recognised by senior Kerry aides as a big threat during the debates, which begin on Thursday.
"Bush is the least understood debater of the last generation," said Joe Lochart, a former Clinton aide who is advising the flagging Kerry campaign. "But he has never lost a debate that I know of. Maybe in third grade."
Having used the Republican convention to suggest that he is the stronger leader for America in a post 9/11 world, Bush strategists hope that the debates will show that the president is also a more entertaining personality.
As their "likeability" model, Bush advisers are pointing to the late President Reagan, who won successive debates against Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale on wit despite struggling on policy detail. On one occasion, when President Carter began a long and detailed critique of Mr Reagan's health-care proposals, his opponent cut him off with a single, rueful phrase, "There you go again ..." which endeared him to all enemies of policy wonkery.
"If he can be to Kerry what Ronald Reagan was to Jimmy Carter in 1980, he'll win," said a Republican strategist. "He appeals to ordinary Americans in a way John Kerry doesn't. He's down-to-earth, straightforward and he doesn't condescend. But you don't need to be an orator to make simple points that voters understand. " When he came to debate against Mr Mondale, President Reagan was by then aged 73 and his advanced years had become an election issue. He drew the heat from a question on the subject of age by joking that he would not exploit his opponent's "youth and inexperience".
In previous presidential contests, the television debates have proved a turning-point. In 1960, radio listeners were convinced that Richard Nixon had outscored John F Kennedy; television viewers, on the other hand, were transfixed by Nixon's dark five o'clock shadow and profuse sweating and gave the contest to his rival.
It took weeks of negotiation between Bush and Kerry aides before the rules of engagement were laid out in a 32-page document. The candidates can bring their own make-up artist, but not use notes, charts or diagrams.
Standing behind podiums 10ft apart, they are banned from using "risers or any other device to create an impression of elevated height" - a rule likely to flatter the 6ft 4in Sen Kerry.
The topic of the first debate, however, will suit the President: foreign affairs and national security are considered among his strengths.
Sen Kerry was a champion debater in his youth but his reputation for public speaking has plummeted. On the stump he has come across as aloof and aristocratic, and attracted criticism for long-winded answers to questions.
In an attempt to "humanise" Sen Kerry before the debates, slots have been booked for him on a number of light-entertainment television shows. He swapped banter about his wealthy wife, Teresa, on the Late Show with David Letterman, even offering a spoof proposal to "eliminate all income taxes: ask Teresa to cover the whole damn thing".
A day later, he appeared on Live with Regis and Kelly. Asked by Regis Philbin, the former frontman for the show Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?, why it had taken so long to finalise the presidential debate details, he replied: "The big hang-up was that George Bush wanted to get lifelines. You know, so he could call somebody."
By the time the candidates take the stage on Thursday, their gags will at least be well-rehearsed. No one knows for certain, but most Democrat aides fear that the loudest laughter has been coming from the White House.
Regards, Ivan
Ping!
Kerry needs one of those carnival mirrors in front of him that add about 30 or 40 pounds. He looks like he hasn't eaten in awhile.
The next Thomas Eagleton.
Bring on the electroshock therapy.
Geez, talk about setting the bar low.
I know the odds are slim but I'd like to see GW give Kerry the ATOMIC WEDGIE and then ask if there are any Frenchies in the audience who'd like to come save Kerry's skinny a$$.
Looking forward to the debates. I know who's going to do much better. :-)
The debate I'd like to see is between Laura and Teresa.
How can Bush be so dumb if he has NEVER lost a debate? His critics are a hoot!
My nephew was born just a few short hours ago. Once he's barely old enough, I can't wait to prop him up on my knee and watch the debates with him. Away from his liberal mother, of course.
You can't coach likeability. Many Bush-haters acknowledge that it's much easier to like ole George than the American Gigolo.
Herein lies Kerry's problem. he has no ear for humor. In the first place, he should have trusted the intelligence of the audience and left out "You know, so he could call somebody", but that is typical elite liberal thinking, similar to the believe that no ordinary citizen could tell that a fake memo didn't look type written.
In the second place, that joke is funny coming from Leno. Coming from Bush's opponent, Kerry, it just sounds mean.
Check out the John F. Kerry Timeline. Email it to your friends.
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I question the implication that knowing what "lifelines" means in this context is an indication of high intelligence.
It's some game show thing, right?
Though I agree with you that Kerry has a tin ear.
If anyone is interested, CSPAN is replaying one of the Bush-Gore debate at 9:00 tonight. Osama Bin Laden will not be a topic.
I keep reading about how Kerry is losing his lead among women. In 1992 and 1996, the Democrats had the charming stud (Clinton, and yes, I know, UGH!). This time, it's us who have the charming stud. Na na na na na Democrats. Too bad. If there are voters out there who vote for irrational reasons, they might as well vote for our guy for irrational reasons.
Woo hoo! The Bush-Gore debates had me in stitches! I'll be sure to watch them again. Thanks for the heads up.
I don't think the idiot should have said anything, but since he did, everyone gets the "phone a friend" reference.
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