Posted on 10/07/2004 5:19:50 AM PDT by Timeout
I believe I've figured out Kerry's strategy, especially in the debates. Actually, it's Schrum's stategy...he tried it with Al Gore, but Gore couldn't carry it off. With Kerry, I think it's working. Kerry is a better actor.
THEIR STRATEGY: Take the "likeability" card out of contention. Create an atmosphere where Bush has to choose between hitting back hard or appearing weak if he doesn't respond to harsh lies about him and Cheney.
Kerry trails in the "likeability" category, so take away the president's trump card: his connection with ordinary Americans.
THEIR TACTICS: Show disdain and disrespect. Take away any atmosphere which would play to GWB's class, his folksiness, his ability to connect with ordinary people. Force him into the gutter with Kerry. (Think: punk rock culture where "dissing" garners respect).
In the very first answer, call Bush a liar (misleader). Lie about his record, misquote him. This happened in both debates so far. Call him a stubborn warmonger, "out of touch with reality". After totally insulting Bush/Cheney, Kerry AND Edwards then went on to answer the question in a way that demanded a response. This took viewers' attention off the insults at the beginning. And it forces Bush or Cheney to choose between dealing with the insults or answering the policy challenge.
This can be a win/win for Kerry:
1. If Bush & Cheney get angry but don't rise to the bait, their anger shows and it takes away the likeability factor.
2. If they do rise to the bait, they look angry, weak, and defensive. (Also accomplishes #1). __________________________________
I think this is a very real danger for Bush.
I'm no debate coach, so I don't know the best way to counter them. I'll put my suggestion in my first post. But surely out in the blogosphere there must be lots of debate coaches and strategists who can tell us how Bush and Cheney can escape this trap.
This is a town hall style and Kerry will do anything to prevent GWB from coming across as a likeable leader. When he pulls his tactic in the very first question, Bush turns to the audience and camera and says:
"Senator Kerry's language is unworthy of an American presidential campaign. His is the kind of useless vitriol we've heard from them since the day I came to Washington. I've tried to work with Democrats through very perilous times for our country. But Senator Kerry's party has responded with personal insults. For two years now, they've called me and V.P. Cheney liars, Nazis...language we've never seen in our public disourse. They can't admit anything good...it's gotten to the point that good news for America disappoints them. So they resort to name calling and negativity.
"Folks, it's important you recognize this for what it is...a campaign tactic. They don't have a serious plan for defending the country or solving problems. When they call me names they are disrespecting all of you. I promised you I would bring honor and dignity to the office of president. They dishonor the office with their campaign tactics. They're denying you the serious discussion of issues that you deserve. I have never lied to you, I never will. Do I disagree with him? You bet! But I do not intend to get down in the gutter with them. I'm going to tell you our plans for the future, for defending your family in perilous times while continuing to grow an economy where everyone who wants a job can find one. We have serious matters to discuss...listen carefully. If all Senator Kerry can come up with is a distorted complaint about the past, then you'll know you're just geting more of the same from him...with no serious plan for the future."
Well...what do you think?
well, what you say is definitely true, and i'd love to see it, but i am no campaign junkie, so i don't know how it would be received ... but understanding what I as a Republican would like to here, i would like to hear Bush say that, I think the real question is, what does an undecided voter think of a statement like that?
Bush proved yesterday in his speech that he can respond forcefully and be "folksy" as you put it.
If Bush pulls off anything that's atleast 50% as effective as yesterday's speech, during Friday's debate, he wins the debate.
I think your answer would be absolutely a great thing for Bush to do.
I think it is perfect... and I really wish GW would do just that... It lays out Kerry and his cronies perfectly... Bad news for America is good news for Kerry...
Not bad, but I prefer smashmouth.
Regarding your response.. It's okay, but too sounds too defensive to me.
I'd use similar words but use them more forcefully.
ThaT WOULD BE AN AWESOME RESPONSE! i HOPE THE bUSH GROUP READS THIS!
good answer - Kerry needs a Time Out!
Good observations.
Excellent analysis, and excellent suggestion.
Undecides want to hear issues and plans of action. Accusing the other side of being negative and insulting is nothing that they haven't already heard even though you phrase it well.
I think it's time to dust off Reagan's "Well there you go again."
I'll tell you why Bush is losing.
Or, better put, I'll tell you why I'm not voting in the presidential election this year.
Bush is in the back pocket of the WTO and multinationals. He has turned a blind eye to their ruthless outsourcing of jobs to cheap labor markets. Our trade deficit is huge, and growing, and all he & his administration can do is try to defend it.
America's middle class is in deep trouble, and NEITHER side in this political debate is going to help.
Folks, I think as things are these analyses are interesting and fun to think about.
But I also think that this election will come down to who has the most effective lawyers. I believe our next president will come as a result of litigation.
Oh, sure. That'll happen.
You expect GWB to use the words, 'vitriol' and 'Nazi'? Uh-uh.
I would also like to see Bush say some of the same things he said in his speech yesterday but it worried me that he had to read almost all of it. I'm praying he will be much more prepared than he was in the first debate.
He definitly needs to point out that Kerry is a liar and a flip-flopper.
I've tried so hard to remain positive throughout this campaign. But it kept niggling at me the way Kerry and Edwards both came out so nastily if their very first responses. It only occurred to me overnight how that fit with their tactics.
It's very depressing. I just hope Bush's people have figured it out. When Kerry repeats his performance Friday night, Bush has got to counter with a strategy to set the debate back on friendly ground.
(Another factor I left out: Bush is very effective with humor. Kerry's tactics make humor impossible.)
"America's middle class is in deep trouble?"
Why because you're spending more than you make or because you're out of work during a historic low 5.4% unemployemnt rate? I'm in the middle class and I'm doing better than ever.
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