Governor, Angelides agree to debate (if 'generally accepted' format used)

AP - Contra Costa Times ^ | September 9, 2006 | Steve Lawrence

[calcowgirl]

SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democratic challenger Phil Angelides tentatively agreed Friday to an hourlong, televised debate on Oct. 7, but Angelides tied his appearance to use of a "generally accepted debate format."

Angelides' campaign manager, Cathy Calfo, said the state treasurer had accepted 10 debate invitations, including the one next month from the California Broadcasters Association.

But she said the acceptance was subject to use of a "generally accepted debate format that allows for an open and spontaneous exchange between the candidates and questioners."

At issue is the format proposed by the association, which would have Schwarzenegger and Angelides sitting behind a table. In a statement, Calfo said that was not "an actual debate format and would end up being nothing more than a talk show."

In a letter to the broadcasters, she said a generally accepted format would have the candidates standing behind podiums. But Calfo also said Angelides was willing to use a more casual approach that allowed the candidates to sit on stools or stand and move around the stage.

Joe Berry, the Broadcasters Association's vice president, said the table format was the organization's idea and was not negotiable.

"We told the candidates there was going to be a conversational format," Berry said. "In order to facilitate that format, it would be a sit-down debate. That's what we offered both of the candidates. As in past debates, we don't negotiate format. They can take it or leave it."

Steve Merksamer, one of the governor's debate negotiators, said the governor's campaign also wanted the table format and wasn't willing to change.

"They (broadcasters) believe this is the best format to make it the most interesting TV," he said. "At the end of the day, that's what you want."

Calfo said Schwarzenegger's refusal to stand next to Angelides in the debate was "a bit bizarre."

Asked if Angelides would refuse to attend the debate if he disagreed with the format, his campaign communications director, Amanda Crumley, said, "We will attend the debate if it is in a generally accepted debate format. ... That's not the case right now."

The broadcasters' debate, scheduled for the third anniversary of the recall election that swept Schwarzenegger into office, is the only one the governor will attend.

Former Govs. Ronald Reagan and George Deukmejian didn't debate their re-election opponents, and former Govs. Gray Davis and Pete Wilson only had one debate with theirs, said Merksamer, who was Deukmejian's chief of staff.

The debate, if it takes place, will be held at Sacramento State University from 6 to 7 p.m. and will be moderated by the association's president and chief executive officer, Stan Statham.

Statham said the format would include questions from him to the candidates.

"We're going to make it as conversational and discussionlike as possible and try to get to as many important public policy matters ... as possible and try severely to keep the candidates on topic," said Statham, a former legislator and television anchorman.

He said the candidates would be allowed to respond to each other's comments.

The association said it was encouraging people to mail or e-mail questions they would like the candidates to answer.

Statham said 45 to 50 radio and television stations had agreed to broadcast the debate live.

"There will not be a major or rural community that won't be able to see this," he said. "We will have at least 95 percent penetration, probably more."

He said the association suggested the time for the debate, though Saturday night is usually a light television viewing period.

"We think we will get the largest political audience," Statham said. "Those people who care will tune in. Who wants a political debate competing with 'Desperate Housewives?'"

[calcowgirl]

It looks like Stan Statham will give us another nondebate debate, just like the Recall.

"Table Format"?