Pres. Obama rehearsing with John Kerry for the next debate in Wmsburg, VA

[Duppers]

Last edited Mon Oct 15, 2012, 03:01 AM - Edit history (1)

The president has set aside a serious chunk of time for preparation after being faulted for underestimating the importance of his first debate with Romney. He'll be hunkered down in Williamsburg, Va., from Saturday until Tuesday rehearsing with Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass, acting as a proxy for Romney.

Next to last paragraph here: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/national/biden_contradicted_sworn_testimony_dYkz7Z4XaGbPWg7RQU1mXL

I was not aware of this until late last night. Here the story - I was walking down an isle of my local supermarket looking for canned tomatoes around 9:30 last night. Only a very tall well-dressed gentleman and myself were in the isle. Standing a few feet away, I glanced at him sideways and did a double take. "Excuse me, sir, do people tell you that you look like John Kerry?"

He turned and looked directly at me and said, "All the time."

"OMG, YOU ARE JOHN KERRY!!"

He smiled a big grin and said, "Yes, I am."

It was a surreal moment. Sen. Kerry in a supermarket, shopping for his own groceries by himself??!! I thought I must be dreaming. Remember, I did not know that he and the President were going to rehearse together, much less be here in Williamsburg!

I ran and found my hubs in another isle and brought him over and made a couple of camera shots. I cannot link/ post those pics because they're online only on my FB page and on DU's FB page.

True story. Do you think RMoney has ever shopped for his own groceries in the last 20 yrs, other than that photo-op?

Btw, my local, cheap Food Lion does not carry many Heinz products and Sen. Kerry asked me about that.

Edited to include one of the pics I made of JK with my hubs

[JI7]

1. Duppers

is this Story of meeting JK your story ? or are you quoting from another source ?

if it is yours can you post this in the John Kerry Forum.

link to Kerry Forum

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=forum&id=1109

[Duppers]

4. Uh? It's my personal experience last night.

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll cross-post there too.

[Maximumnegro]

2. Is Kerry going to do a bunch of coke

during the prep? Because that's the only way I see him doing a good job being Romney. WTF is Kerry the double? That has never made sense to me.

[Duppers]

11. LOL. He did have quite a bit of chocolate in his shopping cart.

Since Kerry was a Presidential candidate in 2004 and has had past experience with RMoney when they were in Mass. together, I suppose it makes sense.

[cheriemedium59]

16. Senator Kerry also won all 3 debates when he ran for Prez

[Duppers]

19. VERY true! nt.

nt

[treestar]

58. He was debating the Shrub

So that's faint praise!

[Duppers]

73. word

[ProSense]

81. No it isn't

People see what happens in debates.

Someone pointed out that Bush destroyed Ann Richards. When Republicans employ underhanded tactics, one never knows how a debate will unfold.

Kerry kept Bush in check.

It reminds me of the low expectations people had of Elizabeth Warren. She is someone, like Kerry, who has a history of being a good debater dating back to their school years.

She kicked Scott Brown's ass.

[treestar]

84. Bush vs. Ann Richards

I missed that, but how he could have destroyed here is amazing. She had several well known zingers against him.

[JI7]

21. i remember Teresa talking about keeping Chocolate and other sweets away from him

[Duppers]

31. He had 2 cartons of OJ, chocolate cookies, ...

Bottled water, jelly, and some of those little yucky white donuts.
(I'm not remembering but looking at my pic of his cart.)

Yep, he really does have a sweet tooth. But whatever does it for him. He needs to stay hyper.

[MBS]

36. He KNOWS Mitt Romney

Not as a friend, but from MA politics. Also, as others have said on this thread, he's an outstanding and very experienced debater. . . from school days on. He knows how to do this stuff, and, I'm guessing, rather enjoys it. A good role model in that regard.

[Cha]

46. that's cool, but, imv...they need to know it's a Psycho they're dealing with..

Last edited Sat Oct 13, 2012, 07:26 PM - Edit history (1)

and, definitely check out mitt romney is his primary debate performances(which we saw here on a Vid), his campaign of Severe Lies, and his last debate.

And, Know mitt with go triple Double Back Flip Psycho in his next debate and bring in Candy and the Town Hallers with him.

Edit: changed "their" to they're

[treestar]

60. I'm hoping for a GHWB looks at his watch moment

for Mittwit, as he is likely to not like this set up with "you people" asking him questions. Whereas our President, like President Clinton, is a people person and likes those.

[Cha]

64. Here's hoping there's no Plants in the audience for mitt. PBO can take

care of either side.

[treestar]

70. He definitely can, Cha

Remember him making the speech to all Republicans? Whereas there's plenty of evidence the Mittwitt does not speak well to any but his fellow capitalists, as at the place where he made the 47% comment.

[Cha]

72. Yes, and I've seen him take

answers from repubs in his Town Halls. It takes it as an opportunity to educate.

[politicasista]

106. +1

Watch for sour Candy. Amazing the media has let Mute get away with so much.

[treestar]

59. I wonder what his critique might have been

about Obama's first debate with Rmoney.

[Cha]

65. Excellent Inquisitive Question, treestar! nm

[JI7]

13. you know Kerry played different versions of Romney including very aggressive

Obama did not prep as much plus it was partly strategy in the way he responded.

if the problem was Kerry there is no way they would prep with him again considering how important this is.

btw, if Kerry was debating Romney he would have been able to kick his ass while coming off as the nice guy. the way he did with Bush.

there is a reason why Kerry was asked to debate prep and it wasn't just because of Massachusettes.

[CTyankee]

48. I don't know if Kerry came across as a "nice guy" in the debates. I remember hearing him being

dismissed as a "good debater, but stony faced." And Teresa was a real downer in that campaign. She focus grouped HORRIBLY I learned...

[mzmolly]

43. Me either frankly.

I like Kerry, but Carville or ??? would make a much better faux Romney.

[gateley]

82. Carville could have been great!

[cyclezealot]

45. Wasn't Kerry Obama's debate coach for the first round?

Should not that have been enough. Guess, Obama choose Kerry because he knows Romney being from Massachusetts. Kerry lost in 2004.. Instead of coke, maybe Kerry needs a hit of Speed.. Lets home Obama choose the right person. This time around.

[Duppers]

3. Forgot to mention

Sen. Kerry did have an entourage but they were in other isles, shopping for their food items.

We met them when checking out and walked to our vehicles together.

[Drunken Irishman]

5. Did you tell him to tell the President to kick some Romney ass?!?

[Duppers]

12. He did not tell us that why he was here other than to campaign in the state!!!

I had to google to find more info about his visit here and found the article above.

Dang it. IF he had told us, I sure would have had other things to say.

I was so seriously star-struck! It was soooo dang unexpected.

[helpisontheway]

6. OMG! I live in Williamsburg!

He was at Food Lion? Which one? Heard rumors they are staying in Kings Mill.

[Duppers]

14. The one over on Merrimac Trail.

Not the greatest supermarket in town, as you may well know.

[helpisontheway]

20. Wow ...I would have pictured

him as a Harris Teeter type of guy!
I go to that Food Lion when I need to grab something quick! Wow that is so cool!

[Duppers]

27. Me too.

They obviously did not know the town or the supermarket here very well.

There's Farm Fresh, Fresh Market, and Harris Teeter which are all much more upscale.

I shop at that Food Lion only because it's convenient and CHEAP!

(I live in Queens Lake, btw.)

[rosesaylavee]

7. Very cool

Not at all shocked he's a regular guy who knows how to buy his own groceries.

And wouldn't it have been fun if you and he had asked the manager about the Heinz products?

Very cool. Thanks for the thread.

[TroyD]

8. But is Sen. Kerry a good debate prepper?

Or would Bill Clinton or Joe Biden be better?

[helpisontheway]

10. Bill Clinton would be better BUT

We need him in Ohio. We have to have someone in Ohio while Obama is off the trail.

[woolldog]

29. is Clinton in Ohio now?

[helpisontheway]

33. I think so. Read something about

Bill going to Ohio today or tomorrow And Bruce Springsteen would be with him.

[MBS]

37. Kerry is the perfect choice

He knows Mitt Romney's shtick through and through and he's an excellent debater himself.
Clinton and Biden can contribute good pointers and serve as good examples, but there is no one better than to imitate Romney for this purpose than Sen. Kerry. God, I'd love to be a fly on the wall on their sessions this weekend. .

[karynnj]

92. Apparently Obama and his team think Kerry is best for this

They could have asked ANY Democrat - and none would have turned him down. The behind the scenes story seem to suggest that Poufle and Axlerod met with Obama right before the debate and they suggested the strategy he use -- which was NOT what they practiced. In addition, they spoke of Obama being similar to how he was the night of the debate in practice two days before and then very good and energized the night before. This suggests that either Obama is not consistent - something NO ONE can change or that the Chicago guys argued for a dignified, refusing to get into a fight and just state your case approach.

However, no matter who suggested he take what approach or tack - Obama is a seasoned professional and he will dynamically make the choice of what to do. If he wins, the win is his. I never heard the prepared praised as the man/woman who made the difference. There are way to many variables to assume that EVERY combination of question and Romney response can be modeled. What the practice MUST do is to be sure that the candidate has clear concise responses on his programs and criticisms of him. Obama HAD this down pat in debate one.

Just as Kerry can not make Obama debate like Kerry, Clinton could not get him to debate like Bill Clinton.

[Hawaii Hiker]

9. I wonder if President Obama will be doing a campaign event or two

in next couple days?..

He should be making OH & VA his second homes for the next month...

[Duppers]

17. that's the truth!!

We profusely thanked JK for coming to this purple state, told him that we needed his help here.

[cheriemedium59]

15. What a fantastic story! Wow! I am still angry at the Swift Boat crap he went thru..

[MBS]

38. yup, it was a travesty.

And our country paid a very heavy price.

[ProudToBeBlueInRhody]

18. At least it didn't end like this....

[Duppers]

23. I had not seen that Cheers! So funny.

Thanks for that vid!

I did say something very stupid to Sen. Kerry, however. I told him we were in a big hurry because we had to get home in time to watch Bill Maher! duh! Was that ever a frikin stupid thing to say...but my hubs had been hurrying me like crazy, telling me that we had just so many mins or we'd miss a bit of Real Time.
I made it appear that watching Bill Maher was more important than talking to him. Sheeshh!!! Color me dumb!!

[MBS]

40. God, this is fantaastic!!

Thanks .

[robinlynne]

22. GREAT!!!!

[Drahthaardogs]

24. Kerry? He should be practicing with James Carville

Carville could channel Romney better than Romney.

[Duppers]

26. that's a good point. nt

nt

[ailsagirl]

95. Or he should practice with Joltin' Joe

If he can handle Joe-at-his-strongest, he'll easily be able to trounce nitt

[BeyondGeography]

25. Love Kerry

Apparently he was good as a stand-in for Romney the first-time around. The problem was Prez's half-assed approach to prepping which he is obviously changing for Round 2.

[Duppers]

28. Me too!

He was so approachable.

[BeyondGeography]

32. I'm not surprised, but it's always good to have one's charitable impressions confirmed

Kerry is a great American; one of the greatest in our lifetimes, IMO.

Your anecdote made me smile; thank you for sharing with us.

[Duppers]

34. My pleasure. :)

nt

[MBS]

41. I agree with every word!! n/t

[mnhtnbb]

30. Great story. I ran into John Edwards in the supermarket one day---

after his fall and after Elizabeth's death. What do you say to someone who screwed up his life so badly?

But I do think it's interesting that both men would be in a grocery store by themselves. Says something about Dems.

[Duppers]

35. That was what I was thinking too.

With very few exceptions, our candidates are humble - just wish that could be conveyed to those low-info, working class voters.

[demosincebirth]

39. I think Obama should take a few lessons from Al Sharpton and part of his style and really throw

a kink in Mitwitt's style of interrupting and interrupting. Obama is great president, but he needs a little, shall we say, street banter to break the constant barrage of bullshit that Mitt the Witt is so used to spewing.

[treestar]

62. Say the Mittwit interrupts Obama directly

What should he do? I can't picture Obama saying something like, "I'm talking" - I bet this is going to be the Mittwitt's "trick" for this town hall meeting.

[demosincebirth]

86. That's his style and no one has ever challenged him with the same. You are right, too. Obama

should say are you interrupting me again? and make it sound forceful.

[treestar]

87. Maybe handle Mitt how he would a child

Obama is very parental and teacher-like in nature, so it would help to make Mitt out to be a child and treat him accordingly, then it wouldn't come across in a negative light.

Though maybe the public who considered Mitt to have "beaten" Obama before might allow Obama a lot more room to get back at the Mittwitt

[Waiting For Everyman]

102. Obama has a big voice -- he could turn his back to Romney and continue, talking louder.

Refuse to recognize the interrupt. I could picture that working although it might not. Live events are always risky.

[beachmom]

115. Bad idea. nt

[AspenRose]

42. That's a fantastic story

I passed Joe Biden on I-395 once - he was driving his car, with his (then alive) mom in the front seat. It was Easter Sunday 2008, before he had been picked as Obama's VP. I was so exited to have gotten a look at him, even though briefly

One of the cool things about living near DC You just never know who you're going to see!

I've also met and had my photo with Tom Udall and Ben Ray Lujan, both from New Mexico. We used to live in NM, and Udall was my congressman before he ran for the Senate.

[marions ghost]

52. Accidentally ate dinner at a restaurant table next to HRC in DC

this past March--she was just popping in after work it looked like. It was very crowded and noisy. I tried to appear cool like I always sit across the table from the Sec of State. She was chatting to Homa. She prob knew I had recognized her & was glancing her way--at one point she smiled directly over and I smiled back. There was a big black SUV and a couple guys looking official and talking on cell phones waiting for them. They made a quick exit.

One time the Rolling Stones ate in a restaurant next to the house I was living in in college--the restaurant was just a dumpy little place. Yep I saw Mick Jagger in my neighborhood for about 3 minutes. Very surreal.

That's about it.

[Siwsan]

44. Love the John Kerry in the grocery store story!

I got to meet him, once. It was a huge thrill, for me. And, what a nice, nice man.

[Tx4obama]

47. Where on the DU's FB page is the photo? I couldn't find it there :( n/t

[Duppers]

75. are there 2 DU fb pages?

I wondered that when I posted because there was an obvious troll posting.
Would you please link the correct/real DU FB for me? Thanks!

[Tx4obama]

89. Here ya go...

DU Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/democraticunderground

Also on the front page of DU here where we are now: http://www.democraticunderground.com/index.php
there is a big blue box (center/right) with the Facebook icon, you can click on the 'F' and it takes you to the DU Facebook page.

[Duppers]

94. thank you for everything

Tx4obama, you made my pic posting possible!

[joanbarnes]

49. Did you show him where the ketchup is?

[Duppers]

76. he was already there.

[Cha]

50. I can imagine your excitement at meeting John Kerry in

person, Duppers! The good politicians are what's holding our Country and Planet together! Our Life Line!

Kerry asked you about the lack of Heinz products!

[itsrobert]

51. Probably doing research

For the all important question on how much a gallon of milk cost.

[underpants]

53. I was wondering where the O Man was staying in the 'burg

I am watching the W&M JMU game right now (in Harrisonburg) - tape delayed.

That is a great story. Kerry is a cool cat. He and Gore are the best Presidents we ever had who won their elections.

[Duppers]

79. either Kingsmill or the Wmsburg Inn

Security tighten up here today, so I don't think they're going to tell us where he is staying .

My guess is at the Inn because, as you know, it has hosted many presidents in the past.

[EarthGurl2012]

107. Too funny because . . .

As I sit here in my JMU Tee, accompanied by tie-dye "Duke" Purple/Gold knee socks . . . wishing the "O Man" and "K Man" much Aloha.

[sandyshoes17]

54. Kerry's too honest and upstanding to play Romney

They need some slimy lying bastard to practice with. He was expecting an honest debate and look what happened, when your dealing with repubs you need to get down in the muck. They will use any low blow they can find. The only way they win is by enough money to cheat.

[treestar]

63. Even Shrub didn't do that at the debate

It's weird just how evil Rmoney is.

[TwilightGardener]

55. How well can Kerry channel "rabid asshole", though?

Can't we get Chuck Schumer? Or Ed Rendell? (not saying either of these men are assholes, mind you...)

[politicasista]

99. Yep. Give them something to do

Last edited Mon Oct 15, 2012, 06:24 PM - Edit history (1)

Let them feel the wrath of Twitter for a few days.

Hoping that O is going to slay Mute tomorrow.

[frazzled]

56. I hate to say it ...

but I think Kerry is a terrible choice for a debate prep partner. Talk about booooorrrrrrriing. I've talked to John Kerry privately in person on several occasions (used to live in MA), and let me tell you, he's not much of a people person. Don't get me wrong, he's a good man, but I don't think he can play Mitt the jovial "what me?" liar very well.

Maybe they think he knows Romney best. But I dunno. He's I'd pick someone who's good at doing perky lies to practice with.

[ProSense]

61. Gives meaning to the phrase: To each his own

My experiences are completely different. Kerry is warm, friendly and very funny. In fact, he comes off as a people magnet.

President Obama picked him for a reason.

[frazzled]

68. Really?

The first time I met him was at a brunch for my town's annual Democratic meeting (this was probably 2002, before he'd announced as a candidate). There were maybe 150 people in the room. After his speech (quite a good one), people were eating and talking, and all the potential gubernatorial candidates were working the tables, glad-handing people. I found JK standing alone along a wall, looking like a wallflower at a dance. I actually felt kind of sorry for him, he looked so uncomfortable, so I went over and tried to make some cheery conversation, telling him how good his speech was and how I hoped he'd run. He was almost mute, and frankly a bit awkward.

Next time was in 2003 at a backyard gathering in New Hampshire. By then he was in the primaries, and after the speech he was anxious to get out, but of course had to shake a few hands. This time, I asked him a question that he didn't want to hear: about his vote for the IWR and some statements he'd recently made on the eve of the Iraq invasion. He just got pissed off and snapped at me and turned and left.

I was a founding member of a chapter of Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, and through it I got to know some people who had been very high up in state politics for a long time. Their view of Kerry was a bit dim: he never came to organization meetings on big issues to which he was invited, or if he did, he would fall asleep. The advice I was given (as a kind of newish Massachusettsan) was that "if you need something done go to Teddy, he's the go-to guy. He'll send you staff, he'll be at your meeting, etc."

On a good note, my daughter used to have a job on her summers home from college at a bicycle shop in Belmont (home of Mitt Romney!). One day a bunch of black SUVs pulled up and John Kerry was ushered in. Secret Service emptied the store, but my daughter was chosen to be his "personal shopper." She had a nice time with him, and told me he shopped for jerseys off the sale rack, which she thought portended well for the national budget.

I'm sure he's a nice guy in the right context, but my personal experiences with him have been far less than "warm."

[ProSense]

71. Like I said, to each his own.

Of all the anecdotes about Kerry similar to yours, he always crushes his opponents. In his last election, his opponent tried to play on those stereotypes, and lost by more than 35 points. Kerry knows how to work a crowd.

Not everyone is going to like him, but a lot of people do. You can find similar anecdotes about Obama.

[politicasista]

110. +1

It's unfortunate that people will try to tear down Senator Kerry to praise Obama. Like that really helps O/B's cause.

[politicasista]

98. Wow. Tearing down Kerry to praise Obama

Last edited Mon Oct 15, 2012, 09:11 PM - Edit history (6)

Strange. President Obama has shown nothing but respect for Senator Kerry and vice versa. He (Kerry) hasn't done anything to him, Biden, Democrats or anyone.

Interesting. Kerry tries to help Dems and get Obama re-elected and we berate him for it. Wow.

[frazzled]

111. Where on earth did you come up with that?

My post was to say that I didn't think John Kerry might be the best debate partner, if you're looking for someone to perk up the president's performance. I gave my reasons. There is no place where I said this in order to praise Obama. I never praised Obama.

If eight years from now the future Democratic candidate were to pick Barack Obama as their debate-prep partner, I'd say the same thing; maybe worse. He sucks at debating.

Neither did I "tear down" Kerry. I said he's a good man. Just that my personal experiences with him made me think he's not a people person (the skill that Obama also lacks, except in the context of a large crowd), which is why I think it's a bad idea to put these two rather solitary men together and expect some sort of energetic performance.

My personal encounters with JK were real. The experiences I had with people in the Massachusetts political scene were real. I was a member of the Democratic Town Committee, was elected as a delegate to the state Democratic convention, and was a founding member of a chapter of Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts, which was comprised of a number of people who had held high positions in the commonwealth government and were very connected in state politics and government. If you can't handle these views, fine. Just don't make up shit about what I said.

[politicasista]

112. Ok,

Tear down was strong, and ok you didn't praise Obama (just noticing the avatar and some disrespect by some not all "Dems" "progressives" at Obama's expense).

If the Senator wasn't a "people person" he wouldn't got re-elected that many times. He wouldn't have gotten the big crowds and The Boss in 04 (same with Obama in 08 and 12). You made it seem like he isn't a nice person in contrast to the OP's story.

People need to stop expecting Kerry to do things like Uncle Ted and let him do his job for who he is, not for who he isn't. And stop expecting him and Obama to be like Clinton or favorite liberal Dems that are idolized here.

As for Obama, he doesn't seem to have an issue with when it comes to smaller crowds. Not saying he doesn't have flaws, but there have been pics of him (and FLMO) having a nice time one on one with voters, volunteers.

Ain't got no problem with nothing or what you have said, and not saying your take isn't reality. Just making an observation.


Agree to disagree. Peace.

[amuse bouche]

83. I don't think he's boring at all

The speech he gave at the Convention was a fiery, genius beast

[politicasista]

105. What did Kerry do to Obama?

Last edited Mon Oct 15, 2012, 08:43 PM - Edit history (2)

[beachmom]

114. Everything I read was that JK did several versions of Romney

in debate prep, and he was not the problem. The President was. I think people are making too big a thing out of this anyway. The fact is JK can think fast on his feet, and is one of the best debaters in the country. Gosh, others are talking about Joe Biden, I remember those two in Foreign Relations Committee hearings together. I would say Biden could not out debate JK.

[treestar]

57. no no that did not work last time!

Release the Biden! The Biden should do the coaching!!!

Congratulations on your Kerry meeting! That must have been cool!

[Stargleamer]

78. Totally Agree--it didn't work last time!! I also agree that Biden should coach. . .

but also it might help if Bill Clinton were to coach him as well.

[ladjf]

66. I can't picture John Kerry as a good stand in for Romney. nt

[JI7]

67. it is true that John Kerry is nothing like Romney

[nobodyspecial]

69. I hope they have Obama practice reacting

to policy positions and changes made up by Romney on the spot.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

74. We were there a couple of weeks ago

That would have been interesting to meet John Kerry in a supermarket

I think Hillary was often seen in her local supermarket.

[Stargleamer]

77. This is actually quite worrisome. . .

Kerry was in the role of Romney before the 1st debate and we know how that turned out. They need someone who can act more like an asshole to prepare for the 2nd debate. Someone to act like a Rush Limbaugh/Romney combo.

[Historic NY]

80. I got a place down there...I know the Food Lion too.

[GranholmFan]

85. Still upset with him for 2004

And not fighting Ohio etc...

[YvonneCa]

113. You've been ...

...mislead. Not true.

[GardeningGal]

88. I'm jealous! nt

[creon]

90. Good choice

Kerry did well against GWB. And, he knows a lot about Mitt Romney. So, he is a good coach.

I live in TX. Full of GOP.

I have told people that I do not discuss politics and religion, and that I vote from civic duty.

That kills the discussion.

[Duppers]

91. I think that phone bank Our President dropped in at was here in Williamsburg too.

From Huffington Post today: Obama: Debate Preparation Is 'Going Great'

* Obama delivers pizza to volunteers in swing state office

By Jeff Mason

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., Oct 14 (Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama said on Sunday his debate preparation was "going great" and aides said the Democrat would be more aggressive in his next face off with Mitt Romney after their last encounter gave the Republican challenger a boost.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/10/14/obama-debate-preparation_n_1965457.html

[Duppers]

93. indeed it was

And was on our local news.

[Xyzse]

96. Love John Kerry...

I voted for him in 2004, and he is the first candidate for President I felt strongly about supporting.

Having said that, I don't know if he is the best person to practice the debates with due to his method.
I mean, he can be sharp, but he tends to be long winded and does stick with the facts.

They need someone who could:
Bullshit themselves from one place to the next.
Lie with a straight face and act like they believe it.
Project themselves on to you, calling you a liar after just lying less than a second beforehand.

Senator Kerry, is too good of a man to be such a way.
Then again, I have no idea who they could use as a debating partner when a lot of those that fit that bill, come from the other party.

[beachmom]

116. I think JK can argue points well. That is the main job of the debating partner.

He can make dishonest points if that is what his job is to do. I think that is exactly what he did last time. Plus he isn't the "coach" as some seem to think. He is also following the direction of the debate strategists.

[Xyzse]

118. I see...

Well, I don't know...
I feel like such a thing puts the guy who is a bit more honest in quite a disadvantage.

Hopefully this time though, they would be able to call out the lies a bit better and talk with conviction.

[politicasista]

97. Kick

Last edited Mon Oct 15, 2012, 08:47 PM - Edit history (1)

[Waiting For Everyman]

100. Lucky dog! What a cool story, and photo too!

I envy you living in Williamsburg as well, love that area (as history freaks do). Thanks for sharing with us.

[bamacrat]

103. Carville would have been better.

Hell Bill would have been best. I like Kerry as we all do but he has some of the same attributes that Obama does. They need an angry vicious person to prep him.

[politicasista]

108. You bring up a good point on the attribute factor

IDT the general audience isn't aware that Mute has a bad temper. YouTube has video links that prove this.

[beachmom]

117. Not really. Carville is good on TV, but a 90 min. debate is different.

If not Kerry, then another person who is used to debating. But not essentially TV personalities. They are overrated.