Posted on 09/30/2004 10:10:14 AM PDT by rumrunner
DJ Kerry Team Wants Debate Lecterns Free Of Timing Lights
09/30/2004
Dow Jones News Services
(Copyright © 2004 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.)
CORAL GABLES, Fla. (AP)--Democratic presidential candidate John Kerry's campaign demanded Thursday that the lights signaling when a speaker's time has expired during debates with President George W. Bush be removed from the lecterns because they are distracting, but the commission hosting the debates refused.
An angry exchange between representatives of the Kerry campaign and the Commission on Presidential Debates took place just hours before the candidates were to meet at the University of Miami for the first of three debates, The Associated Press learned. Kerry's team threatened to remove the lights when they visit the debate site with the candidate later in the day.
"We'll bring a screwdriver," said a Kerry aide familiar with what several people called an angry exchange. The commission did not return a call seeking comment.
The commission placed the lights on the lecterns in clear view of the television audience and those in the auditorium. An agreement between the Kerry and Bush campaigns specified that timing lights "shall be placed such that they are visible to the debate audiences and television viewers."
However, Kerry's team contended that the agreement doesn't specifically say where the lights should be placed, and it said putting them on the lecterns creates a distraction. The Bush team pushed for the lights in negotiations with Kerry advisers.
The commission is a nonprofit and nonpartisan corporation that has sponsored all the presidential debates since 1988.
-PJ
"Despite the damage done to the light on the lectern done by the Kerry campaign today, we will show the 'Time's Up!' light to the millions of viewers tuned in to the debate."
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I would pay to see that. :)
All right--no one is to use flash photography at the debates!
Anyone want to bet whether the MSM TV feeds will show the light on Traitor John's Podium?
I'm hoping that a technician trips over the power cord and the place goes dark for 5 seconds. Then we will be able to see if Kerry's tan glows in the dark.
Prairie
The president gets to have a place for his notes, while John Effin stands without any covering...
>>>oh, never mind, bad mental image...
Bright Lights, Big Pussy.
What we really need is one of those little countdown timers in the upper left corner of the screen--sort of like the "clock" on televised football games.
Heck--let's take it one step further. How about yellow penalty flags?
Just think - Kerry could then dazzle us with his sports knowledge by telling us how Ron Spurrier is his favorite Gator coach.
(BTW, I'm a UF grad)
Viewers won't notice the red light because they'll be too busy looking at his redish skin.
Kerry flip-flops on timing lights! ...it's never-ending!
It's all about blending.
"You're killing me, Smalls."
(Demo)Rats on Crack!
>>>We need the oompa lumpa picture...<<<
http://www.bradsperspective.com/misc_files/oompa_kerry.jpg
Yep--that's the one!!!!!!
I prefer the soccer rules. A yellow card for each infraction. Two, and he's gone.
I like the flags, because they get thrown in the direction of the perpetrator.
We can add a little zing to the proceedings!
However, Kerry's team contended that the agreement doesn't specifically say where the lights should be placed, and it said putting them on the lecterns creates a distraction. The Bush team pushed for the lights in negotiations with Kerry advisers.
Well good grief where are they supposed to be placed so the candidate and tv viewers can both see it? Now wait a minute, let's just put sKerry's light straight in the middle of his forehead. Or on his nose.
Prairie
Can't do that. It would distract people from his tan.
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