All Bush has to do is warn anyone watching the debate to watch out for the word "but" coming from Kerry. Kerry says one thing and always says "but" when changing the subject or justifying his opposite viewpoint.
Once Bush says to watch for the word "but" Kerry will be thrown off his stride because he cannot answer questions without using the modifier to adjust (read change) his position.
"All Bush has to do is warn anyone watching the debate to watch out for the word "but" coming from Kerry"
I like it and I think you are correct. I was thinking something similar. Like at the beginning challenging sKerry to answer all questions by first pointing out the success or experience that makes him qualified. Then Bush could state flatly that he won't be able to do it. I'd love to see sKerry's reaction.
He was offering involved and self-contradictory statements in debates in 1963. That's when I debated against his Liberal Party at Yale in the Political Union, and beat them. LOL.
Congressman Billybob
Latest column, "America Fails the 'Global Test' "
If you haven't already joined the anti-CFR effort, please click here.
Sorry.
I didn't read all the posts before I put my two cents in--BUT you and I have the same idea. We almost wrote the same words about how it would affect Kerry's response.
This would be so simple for Bush to use as an attack mode. The publich would start listening for Kerry's BUTS and it would help beat his butt.
I don't want to sound egotistical but somehow we need to get this brought to the attention of Rove, etc.
Excellent point. Don't let Kerry get away with using the word "but". Focus on the decisions that Kerry has had to make other than marrying rich, he really hasn't been held accountable for anything he has done. Look for Bush to focus on bills with Kerry's name and lazy record of not doing anything or showing up when expected. That would put him back on his heels.
BINGO!
I have used this tactic in debating my wife's doc ( he was on three sides of every two sided issue).
Well said Morgan. I think you boiled down the whole article to this one sentence. Excellent.
Here's a beginning response for Bush. "Tonight my opponent will say that he "has a plan". But he doesn't. Tonight my opponent will be negative and attack me no matter what question is asked." Soemthing to that effect would work.
I've heard the word "but" referred to as "The Great Canceller." Linguistically, it ususally cancels out EVERYTHING that came before it, the subconcious effect is to say "forget all that, here's the real point."
We've all seen it: "You're doing a really great job, but...", "That's a really good point, but...".
Once someone pointed the phenomenon out to me years ago, it's like a red light flashing every time "but" pops up! If Bush could point it out clearly and with good humor, it would totally change every person's experience of listening to Kerry, because he does it constantly. Once you're conscious of it, it's very hard to miss.