WE need to set the agenda for the debates

[Lefty48197]

Naturally, Bush doesn't want any debates, so his handlers will push for the smallest number of debates. They'll start out talking about two, with the intention of settling for three.
We should push for the largest number of debates possible. We won't get any more than three, but we should let it be known that our candidates have nothing to hide, and are willing to discuss every single issue, every single day.
Bush has spent 3 1/2 years running away from discussing the issues. The very thought of free debates will certainly terrify Team Bush.
The one thing that we MIGHT be able to influence is the FORMAT of the debates.
The Bush campaign will push for the single moderator format, because it gives them the best chance of getting the questions THEY want. They'll probably agree to one debate with the single, "Phil Donahue" style moderator, although they'll push for Brit Hume or John McLaughlin to be that moderator.
They'll also settle for the debate format that uses a panel of three questioners, because the Bush camp knows they can control one of the panelists, influence the other, and limit the third by using the others to occupy as much of the alloted time as possible.
It's the third debate that scares the Bush handlers the most. It's that pesky debate, that is ACTUALLY a debate that they fear.
Bush doesn't want Kerry to ask him ANY questions.
That's why we should push like mad for that very format.
Kerry should start publicly pushing for that format. He could start saying, "I have a few questions that I'd like to ask the President directly". He could proceed to ask some questions through the media, knowing that Bush will not answer his questions. Kerry should then use the fact that Bush is ignoring his questions to push for the open debate format. I think people will pick up on it.
Bush will probably be so afraid that he just plain skips the debate. He might invade a country, or something, to fabricate a national emergency, but I doubt he'll participate in an open debate. He certainly won't agree to it, unless his debate negotiators' feet are actually held IN the fire.

[beyurslf]

1. The debates are already scheduled.

I am pretty sure there are 3 and one with the VP's.

The moderators and format are also chosen I think.

[CaTeacher]

2. have been scheduled for

months. He may try to weasel out--but that is another matter.

[Lefty48197]

3. I think a lot of public pressure could force Bush to accept a change in

the format. There's no explaination he could give that would sound good to the public.