Let's be honest here... this is not a debate. This is a joint press conference. President Bush is going to come out with his same brand of illogic and fortune cookie sayings, and there isn't much that Kerry can do to counter them, as they are mostly circular arguments.
I do believe however that I have come up with the only winning debate strategy that we could use.
John Kerry should openly and defiantly ask the President the questions that we want answered.
"Mr. President, these debates have been set up in such a way that the American people will no get the answers they seek, and I think that's wrong. So I am leaving the book behind, and you're going to explain yourself..."
"Why have you not admitted to the American people your failure of judgment when it came to WMDs?"
"Why have we spent so many lives in Iraq, while abandoning the search for Osama Bin Laden?"
"Why should the American people trust you four another four years when the path you lead us on for the last four has been so disastrous?"
This is very simple. Screw the rules. George Bush will have two options. Answer the questions or look like a coward. I guarantee that the networks will not stop broadcasting drama like that. I dare the President or his handlers to try and end the debate early.
If they use this breach of the rules as a reason to not show up to the next two debates, we have the spin on our side.
"George W. Bush was asked some clear and direct questions, and now he's hiding from us."
There is no reason not to do this.
The American people deserve it.
John Kerry would look Strong and Resolute.
It would be brave.
It would make me proud.
We deserve the answers.
Let them call it a breech of contract and let them sue. I could give a damn.
Senator Kerry, please be a leader.