Debating Points

The three debates held so far have crystalized the all out war of Election 2004 into gladiatorial contests between the candidates. Much of the electioneering to date has been positioning the contending forces–armies moving into place, firing their long range weapons (media ads, rallies, conventions) at each other. Now, with three weeks left until the election, the lines are drawn and the candidates walk into No Man’s Land to do personal combat.

The forms have varied but the competition has been brutal. The first debate was very formal with the candidates standing apart as in a 19th Century duel. But John Kerry was deadly accurate, ambushing George Bush with a directness, eloquence and command of fact. Kerry stood up to Bush, challenging his policies and noting Bush’s many distortions of Kerry’s record. Bush was surprised early on and never recovered his game that night. He may well have lost the election. He certainly lost his lead.

Next up were John Edwards and Dick Cheney. The Sunshine Boy v Doctor Evil. Up close and personal. Cheney bites right into Edwards who punches back immediately. The two men smash each other at close range. Cheney is on his best behavior but still shows anger at Edward’s questions. Edwards is a bulldog. Not letting go no matter how ugly it gets. In his closing statement, Edwards thanks Cheney, among others, for their contributions to the debate. Cheney thanks only the others.

Round Two for Kerry and Bush. Less formal setting. No podiums, just stools, chairs, a silent audience and a line down the middle. Close range, if not close quarters. Once again Kerry is in Bush’s face, turning directly toward him to say “You are wrong”. Telling the President of the United States in person that he has been catastrophically wrong has to be incredibly difficult. Kerry does it for the (now) second time. In front of the entire world, no less.

But Bush is better in the second round. He is animated. He knows what to say. He paces the floor, leaning forward and often shouting his answers. Bush says pretty much the same thing he said in the first debate with far less difficulty. This time he works the silent room like a campaign rally, criticizing Kerry’s record with facts, speaking about his heart and the values that guide him. Many of Bush’s statements sound a bit odd as he speaks (the transcripts will read awkwardly and provide grist for satire). Many of his “facts” are incorrect but at least he sounds like he knows something this time.

Going into the final round Kerry still has momentum. The debates allowed him to credibly present his qualifications to be president. The American electorate have never really had that introduction. Kerry missed the opportunity at the Democratic convention be talking way too much about Vietnam. Had he spent more time showing what he has done since that Vietnam, Bush’s negative attacks may not have succeeded. Kerry is not wasting the this opportunity.

As Kerry has waxed, Bush has waned. In the first debate he was less knowledgeable and less articulate than Kerry. Bush looked anything but presidential. In the second, he was combative, strutting, thrusting his body forward, setting his jaw. More like a fighting cock than a president. Cheney, while demonstrating knowledge and competence, also contributed to the image of an administration that could easily get America in deep trouble in the world. Bush’s base won’t see this (or care) but it may well unnerve undecided voters.

So, it’s on to Tempe for the third debate. Bush may fare better this time since the debate will be over by 7:30 so he won’t be up past his bedtime. He will address a post debate rally at the Arizona Diamonbacks stadium, a taxpayer funded piece of corporate welfare for one of Bush’s buddies. Kerry will appear at the more modest Tempe Beach Park.

On a personal note, I live within a short drive of Tempe and the debate venues. It’s exciting to have all this taking place in my yard so to speak. My partner, Maggie plans to attend the debate with Billionaires for Bush (She’s always wanted to wear a tiara. I’ve always wanted to be a billionaire.) Friends are driving for the Kerry motorcade and I may land a “rope line” ticket for Kerry’s post debate rally. In the meantime, Tempe is already closing down streets 33 hours before the event. I’m sure everyone will enjoy the warm weather (low 90's). I hope all Kerry supporters will enjoy the Debate in the Desert.