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.
I think if Bush announced: "We've caught Saddam and the Iraqis are free, so we're getting out of that hellhole," he would do more to defeat Kerry than through any amount of stylistic gymnastics. What's doing in Bush (as I warned long ago - to jeers from freepers) is the war in Iraq. Kerry's poll numbers are up since he's started focusing on Iraq. He's tapped into the war's broad unpopularity with the American people. Back when he was taking the same position as Bush, he was losing. Most Americans aren't ideological enough to be OK with sending young Americans to die in a place where there's no clear imminent threat to the United States, and where all we've bought ourselves is a big mess. I'm a conservative Reaganite who worries that the whole conservative cause - on issues from abortion to taxes to spending to regulations - is going to go down in flames this election, because of this bone-headed Iraq war. (And for the last time, there were NO WMDs!)
You are right. I am so sick of Republicans refusing to put the blame for the division in this country right square where it belongs, right in the DemocRATS laps. I am sick of GWB taking the blame and no one calling it like it is.
I'll tell you why I'm not voting in the presidential election this year.
America's middle class is in deep trouble, and NEITHER side in this political debate is going to help...
Well, I hope if Kerry and komrads get in and turn our sovereingty over to the UN - giving the Islamic fascist groups free reign, you won't be asking for help when your butt is on the line. You wouldn't expect help, would you?
And just how good do you think our economy will be under socialism?
Kerry is an avowed "Internationalist" - translate, Socialist. Translate: "Global Test."
This is aobut our very freedoms, friend - and I'd rather be able to call you friend than komrad,,,
See my post 139 to find out who you are going to vote for if you dont vote for Bush - and your non vote will count as a vote for Kerry. So don't think that you "won't be voting"
They were just saying on Fox that the SKerry team said that Bush would have to tone down his negativity for this debate.
Because I'm an American and don't live in Australia. My post was responding TO an Aussie post.
BINGO! Bush just needs to make people "recognize" the type like your brother in law...negative ninnies with nothing positive to offer.
Distill it down to this. Kerry will unload in the first answer with words like "mislead" and "out of touch", etc. Right then and there, Bush should attack the tactic, underscoring how they're tearing everything down and not offering a vision for the future.
AND THEN, Bush should have a prepared line to repeat every time Kerry goes negative...along the lines of "There you go again". It should be short and simple, simply reminding people of what he pointed out at the top. I can't come up with the exact line, but Peggy Noonan could!
Great post. I wouldlike to thank Australia for being such a good friend to America. So sad that John Kerry doesn't recognize the sacrifice of the Australian people in order to better the world. Australia rocks!!
I think your entire premise is incorrect.
I sent a copy of your debate response to my representative hoping he will forward to the president's campaign I suggest everyone do so one should get through to the presidnet's team
The Prez needs a good healthy dose of self confidence. I think sKerry caught him off gaurd.
Someone on tv yesterday put that famous line into perspective: Bentson may be famous for that exchange, but it was Dan Quayle who became Vice President.
(And to add insult to injury, it was Lloyd Bentson who was kept waiting in the White House, while Bill Clinton fondled Kathleen Wiley.)
I like the way you think. Karen Hughes, are you listening?
PLEASE - does anyone have a link to Karen Hughes???/
I have one to Marc Racicot and others - but I would sure like to be able to sent stuff to Karen,..She is the most powerful!
He was poking fun of his hard work comments, too.
What's more, I think Dubya could pull it off because -- unlike Jonn Kerry -- is likeable and believable AND sincere.
Yep. I think its the right way to go.
I like it. great answer
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