The protests in Los Angeles were unusual in the fact that a seemingly insightful group of people gathered instead of the customary, disillusioned mob of gang members. Not that there wasn’t the usual share of violence exchanged between the police and the protesters. It wouldn’t be L.A. if something didn’t catch on fire.
Convention excitement aside, the next substantial prime-time events are destined to be a series of nationally televised debates. They will undeniably have a greater impact on the voting public than the conventions had. Hopefully they will give us what we have all been waiting for — the answer surrounding George W.’s performance as he faces Al Gore for the first time in a pivotal encounter.
Will Bush babble forth incoherent nonsense and tuck protectively into the fetal position or make a valiant stand against the incumbent vice-president?
Gore’s oratory ability far exceeds that of the Texas governor, and Gore has had a captive national audience for eight years. In addition, Bush’s refusal to modify his speaking style will be under further scrutiny if he is repeatedly tongue tied in the debates.
Both candidates have already debated against their own respective party candidates. However, the effort exerted at the primary-level is less than national debate.
If you tuned into the Gore-Bradley debates, you were treated to a medley of mud-slinging and name calling. A little arm tweaking is to be expected, but no one likes a whiner. Hopefully, the candidates will elevate above this childish behavior and focus on the gaps in one another’s platforms.
What should you expect during the next couple of months? The Commission on Presidential Debates has offered three presidential and one vice presidential debate. Gore has taken a strong stance regarding the proposed schedule, accusing Bush of worming away from the challenge they present and pushing W. to agree to the commission’s itinerary.
This obvious political tactic hopes to establish Gore as a leader — a duty low on the list of a VP’s job description. Additionally, Gore’s public backing of the schedule should give him a slight advantage heading into the debates due to his apparent comfort with the forum.
Bush’s greatest hope of gaining the debate edge is a proposal to completely abandon the current style for an unconventional method in order to generate higher numbers among apathetic youth. But he could bring wife Laura onstage for a mid-debate smooch, which grabbed a few points for Gore at the convention. Point in fact, the following debate would certainly better fit the prime-time format.
Any fans of the Late Show know Dave Letterman has invited both candidates to debate live with Letterman himself acting as moderator.
Gore hastily said he would participate in the event, but Bush is again dragging his feet. Consequently, the chance of this particular debate happening during this election year is slim at best. The lack of formality that the Late Show debate would certainly present is enough to keep W. up at night with cold sweats.
Letterman’s goal was not to recommend an alternative debating forum, so much as it was an off-center skit for a good laugh. Nevertheless, both candidates stand to benefit from a Late Show meeting.
Abandoning the seriousness that traditional debates pose in order to help reveal a truer personality, Bush and Gore could shed the stuffiness of past presidents. Clinton blazed new trails during his 1992 campaign by blowing his sax all over late night giving him a youthful appeal. If either Al or George W. follows suit, a precedent to appear as a man of the people will reestablish pride toward the White House.
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