Debates

BetteDavisEyes · #1 09-28-2004, 04:27 PM

So the debates between Bush & Kerry begin this Thursday. We've seen Bush debate before. Does anyone have any predictions as to how this will turn out?

Do debates really help? I mean, if a person is undecided, does watching the debates really help them make up their mind?

Kevin · #2 09-28-2004, 04:52 PM

I think they're so scripted that they're a waste of time.

Love_Spell_6 · #3 09-28-2004, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BetteDavisEyes
So the debates between Bush & Kerry begin this Thursday. We've seen Bush debate before. Does anyone have any predictions as to how this will turn out?

Do debates really help? I mean, if a person is undecided, does watching the debates really help them make up their mind?

I hear Kerry is a really good debater..so we'll see.
I don't like the new rules they have this year..i.e. the candidates can't ask each other questions and they can't move from behind the podium. I thought it was funny when Gore walked up to Bush in the debates last time and Bush looked at him like he was gonna open a can of texas whoop *** on him LOL..

I already know i'm voting for Bush though..so the debates will be pretty much entertainment for me..

madmax · #4 09-28-2004, 04:56 PM

Waste of time. Not too many people watch them anymore. Half the networks wont even be televising the debates. Survivor is more important.

DeltAlum · #5 09-28-2004, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BetteDavisEyes
Do debates really help? I mean, if a person is undecided, does watching the debates really help them make up their mind?

The debates really only affect the undecided. Very much like news coverage and commercials. If someone has made up her/his mind, none of those things will likely change it.

As for debate style, I heard somebody doing a compairson on NPR today and they said that Kerry is very smooth and very much like a prosecutor in court -- always thinking and ready to pounce.

It will be interesting to see how The President comes across since extemporaneous speaking isn't one of his stronger points.

DGqueen17 · #6 09-28-2004, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktsnake
I think they're so scripted that they're a waste of time.

Exactly.

They better not bump ER off Thrusday night.

PhiPsiRuss · #7 09-28-2004, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ktsnake
I think they're so scripted that they're a waste of time.

What he said.

BetteDavisEyes · #8 09-28-2004, 06:45 PM

I don't know if this is true or not but I was listening to a radio station this morning & they said that the rules for the debate make up something like 36 pages! I also heard about the no moving rule & that the handshake must be brief. Supposedly, 5'11" Bush does not want to linger next to 6'4" Kerry b/c it would make him look bad.

hoosier · #9 09-28-2004, 06:53 PM

... according to my Atlanta TV guide.

The ABC listing is "to be announced" so they probably won't be debating there.

This means the coverage will be only sound bites, highlighting some stumble or error - not any real issues.

DeltAlum · #10 09-28-2004, 08:41 PM

Without mentioning any names, I actually met a woman who organizes these things.

The consumate political hack.

Think I heard that one of the last sticking points in the negotiations was the temperature of the room.

breathesgelatin · #11 09-29-2004, 01:25 AM

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...ion/index.html

According to this, several of the networks are balking at the guidelines the two candidates agreed on. I think they're right. The guidelines seem artificial and intent on making the debates as theatrical and staged as possible.

KSigkid · #12 09-29-2004, 08:54 AM

Again, to agree with what others said...the debates are just too scripted, but then again I've already made up my mind.

I'd like to see Kerry shoot himself in the foot (a la Michael Dukakis, his former boss), but beyond that I'm just hoping Bush turns in a good performance.

KSig RC · #13 09-29-2004, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KSigkid
I'd like to see Kerry shoot himself in the foot (a la Michael Dukakis, his former boss), but beyond that I'm just hoping Bush turns in a good performance.

Dude, I'm picturing Kerry in that ridiculous helmet in the tank, looking like Rocky the Flying Squirrel . . . god dukakis was hilarious.

That said - the debates can still have impact, especially when something happens like Reagan's "There you go again..." or the like . . . mostly sound bites, though, and very little in the way of actual political thought.

Kevin · #14 09-29-2004, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by breathesgelatin
http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/...ion/index.html

According to this, several of the networks are balking at the guidelines the two candidates agreed on. I think they're right. The guidelines seem artificial and intent on making the debates as theatrical and staged as possible.

Good for the media. I'll bet in a few years though, they'll hire private production companies tape the debate, then release them or allow the networks to rebroadcast them.