BUSH DUCKING DEBATE

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
BUSH DUCKING DEBATE
78
Wed, 09-15-2004 - 10:45am

Presidential Debates and Missed Opportunities<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />


Wednesday, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />September 15, 2004; Page A24


The president has been offered a rare opportunity to discuss key issues and concerns with Americans and appears to be leaning toward declining it . President Bush seems to be concerned about the town-hall-meeting format of the second debate, in which undecided voters picked by the Gallup Organization would ask the candidates questions. The Post noted that the Bush campaign is concerned that "people could pose as undecided when they actually are partisans."


Can't the president answer citizens' questions, partisan or not?


+++++++


I am extremely unhappy about the prospect of the president skipping the most critical of the three debates. But I am not surprised, given that the 1992 town-hall-style debate is largely seen as the nail in the coffin of his father's reelection bid and given the great pains the White House has taken to insulate President Bush from criticism and the opinions of Americans who are not vocal supporters.


Rather than canceling the town-hall debate, the Commission on Presidential Debates should leave an empty stool on stage next to the candidate who does show up. That might make for the most interesting presidential debate in years.


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A21915-2004Sep14.html?referrer=email


 

Donna

Patriotism means to stand by the Country. It does not mean to stand by the President. -- Theodore Roosevelt.

Donna

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iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 9:19pm


Well, actually I agree with you, but that does make me wonder why Dole lost to Clinton...seriously though, I try hard not to choose my president based on personality, but it's a simple fact of political life that there IS a likeability factor involved for a lot of people, whether we want there to be or not.

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 9:21pm


That's why I said that the angry bitter tone only appeals to the Bush haters-not everyone critical of Bush hates him, but you can't deny there are plenty of people who do. I know many personally.

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-06-2004
Fri, 09-17-2004 - 11:36pm
Thanks for that post, it really clarified your position for me. While I still won't be voting for Bush, I understand your point of view better, and respect it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 12:51am
I would bet that SOME type of diversion keeps GW from the presidential debates. Maybe another terrorist attack, maybe a HUGE occurance, maybe they will "find" WOMD's in Iraq, and need to suck up all the medias time, making it seem as if he was pulled away at the last moment. I will bet on it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 1:40am
Wouldn't surprise me if GW gets out of all of them as well. :( I'd be really disappointed and I hope the people demand a debate. At least one! XOXO.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-21-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 10:14am

I would bet that SOME type of diversion keeps GW from the presidential debates. Maybe another terrorist attack, maybe a HUGE occurance, maybe they will "find" WOMD's in Iraq, and need to suck up all the medias time, making it seem as if he was pulled away at the last moment. I will bet on it.


Yes, but I am even more afraid that these same reasons may be used for stopping the elections. Florida is having hurricanes this year, the new voting machines may be shut down and delay the voting, etc. and cause the president to have to be appointed by the supreme court again. They will use any excuse, as we know.

Donna

Patriotism means to stand by the Country. It does not mean to stand by the President. -- Theodore Roosevelt.

Donna
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 2:36pm


Why would he want to stop the presidential debates? They had a great deal to do with him getting elected last time.

iVillage Member
Registered: 08-05-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 4:36pm
Well why is he not going for them now? Why is he trying to get out? Kerry has offered to Bush to have weekly debates but of course Bush said "no." He only wants to answer question's he's prepared for and/or from loyal reps who sign an oath. XOXO.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-31-2003
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 5:04pm
Do you understand that it is never in an incumbants best interest to do a lot of debates? That is why Clinton chose to do only 2 also when he ran for his second term. This really isn't something unusual or some Republican scam.
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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-24-2004
Sat, 09-18-2004 - 5:13pm
<> Kinda like many people blindly believe whatever Bush or the GOP say.

Venus

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