Kerry First Line: Are you coming to the 3rd debate?

[nostalgicaboutmyfutr]

Kerry should slam bush about coming to the third debate, right off the block....

puts him on the defensive immediately

Bush has to answer in front of all the people

Can't back down....

[Goldmund]

1. Why would he ask that?

Has Bush said that he wouldn't be?

I know there are speculations flying around, but this would be extremely politically ineffective -- unless Bush or one of his cronies have actually indicated that he may not be coming to the last debate.

[The Doctor.]

3. Instead I might make a point of

"Thanking the President for coming tonight", right at the get-go.

It's subtle and unlikely to cause a big stir, but pointed enough to evoke memories of the last debate and allude to the possibility of the Bush* skipping out on the third.

[Sparkly]

2. I'd like his first line to put Chimp on the defensive for his attacks

Make it clear that what they'll be hearing tonight is attacks on Kerry rather than defense of Chimp's record as the incumbent.

Make it so that each new attack is a sign of weakness. Point it out repeatedly as "There he goes again."

[RobertSeattle]

4. Or at least be subtle.

1. Thank Wasington University
2. Thank the moderator
3. Thank Bush for being there and looking forward to the 3rd debate as well...

[nostalgicaboutmyfutr]

5. Good one Robert...

I must remind myself that we need to be subtle...and nice about it...