ill Clinton and his opponent in the 1996 presidential election, Bob Dole, are teaming up to revive the commentary segment "Point-Counterpoint" on "60 Minutes."
Mr. Clinton and Mr. Dole have contracted to provide 10 debate segments, beginning Sunday night. The commitment does not extend beyond the end of the television season in May, but if the format is successful CBS will try to continue it next season, CBS executives said.
Don Hewitt, the executive producer and creator of "60 Minutes," said the segment would not use the "Point-Counterpoint" title. Instead it will simply be called "Clinton/Dole" one week and "Dole/Clinton" the next week.
"When you've got a name like that, you don't waste it," Mr. Hewitt said.
Mr. Clinton and Mr. Dole said yesterday that they were looking forward to the opportunity to provide the kind of thoughtful commentary that has been missing from the superheated and often shrill discourse that dominates much of television news. "I see this as an opportunity to try to have a really civil debate that enlightens people on the issues," Mr. Clinton said.
Mr. Dole said the two men expected to "have some fun" but also get into the issues that are roiling the country. "We have differences," he said. "We went at each other hard in 1996."
Mr. Clinton emphasized that the two men have a great deal of respect for each other. "I think Bob's a patriot," he said. "I admire him."...
Clinton and Dole Agree to Debate on Weekly '60 Minutes' Segment
New York Times | 3/06/03 | BILL CARTER
