Posted on 09/30/2004 11:10:39 AM PDT by sr4402
Democratic candidate John Kerry's campaign demanded Thursday that the lights signaling when a speaker's time has expired during debates with President 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.
Story Continues Below
Kerry's team threatened to remove the lights when they visit the debate site with Kerry 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.
(Excerpt) Read more at newsmax.com ...
He AGREED to the lights!
But, fine, let them pitch a fit and show their butts.
And let him droan on and on; the longer he talks, the worse his numbers.
If they remove the light, just instruct the producer to cut the mike when the time is up.
Kerry is a p*ssy! He can't take the heat. He is already making excuses for his inevitable poor performance.
(Groan) I first agreed to have the lights, before I demanded that they be removed...
Why don't they mount Kerry's light on top of his head. When it comes on, it will appear that he actually has an idea!
He agreed before he disagreed. What else is new?
Kerry is now Flip Flopping on the lights he agreed to.
Nothing to see here, folks - move along...
Leave it to the Leftists to think that the rules and conditions apply to everyone BUT themselves.
Kudos to the commission for telling Kerry's goons where to stick it.
I'm telling you. You don't want to negotiate with James Baker. He is about as ruthless as possible and I'm glad he is on our side. He knew what we really wanted and he gave them beads in exchange for the kingdom on the things that matter about this debate.
I've read many predictions that Kerry will brazenly ignore the debate rules, ignore the moderator questions, and walk right up to Bush and interrogate him 1 on 1.
I hope W is ready for some kind of response to such tactics.
Kerry is desperate and is likely to try just about anything at this point.
Ever seen any rat anywhere give equal time to one of us?Never.
Personally, I'd be somewhat reluctant to publicly confess that I needed a screwdriver just to remove a freakin' light bulb, for pity's sake... :)
Why can't the broadcasters just superimpose a "game clock" on the screen?
Why can't the broadcasters just superimpose a "game clock" on the screen?
I would photoshop this if I had time!
I hope someone videotapes the idiots actually removing the lights. I love the excuse the Dems give that the lights are "destracting." What, does Comrade Kerry have some type of cognitive disorder where he can only think on one track at a time and can't be distracted? Gee,what a great attribute for a president to have.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.