Segmentation Fault: Core dumped..;-)

Senator Kerry, it’s not 2-0 in the debates. It’s 1.5-0.5 in your favor. And it ain’t over yet.

Posted : October 10, 2004 at 6:22 pm [America/Los_Angeles]

Just sent this email to tellus@johnkerry.com

Senator Kerry:

Here are my $0.02 cents for the third and final debate in Tempe, AZ:

1. When the President is speaking, make a note of the top two things that you found outrageously wrong. I know how tempting it is to note “all” the crap. Trust me, you don’t have that much time. So, when it’s time for you to answer, with laser-like focus, go straight at “exposing” the top two lies with all the “facts” and “heart” that you can muster. You will need “both” (lots of facts with lots of heart) to “checkmate” the President in any argument during the debate. Kinda like the way you did it in the first debate with these lines:

   Jim, the President just said…”the enemy attacked us..”. Saddam did not attack us. Osama did…”

2. When you answer a question, get straight to your answer. With the question answered, explain the nuances. I think such a format goes very well with the audience who is trying to understand where you stand. I know that as a Prosecutor and a Senator, you probably were used to taking your time to build your “story” and then “get to the answer”. Not in a debate.
3. Get mad Senator Kerry. And then get even. No, I don’t want you to scowl or make funny faces. I just want you to realize that these debates are a lot more than a “public” job interview. You’re representing individuals who can’t speak for themselves cause they’re stuck in Iraq or Afghanistan. Think about the tens of thousands of Iraqis, Americans, Brits, etc. who have been killed since the start of the Iraq War. Think about the tens of thousands who have been maimed. In their own way, they’re all counting on you to “expose” the mistakes of this President and his Administration that has brought this calamity upon them and their families. Hear their cry, get mad and then get even.
4. It’s not enough to just repeat canned lines from your stump speeches in the debate. Prepare, prepare hard and go for the kill. You won’t get another chance.

5. Let’s say the question is for you. You answer for 120 secs. Then the President responds for 90 secs. Let’s also assume that Bob Schieffer, the moderator, decides NOT TO extend the subject anymore and moves on to the next question. Please, Please don’t waste unnecessary time in this round to answer President Bush’s erroneous statements from the previous response. First concentrate on the question at hand and then go back to the previous question if time permits.

In summary, answer the question first, answer them with plenty of “heart” and “facts” and then spend the rest of the time elaborating on your answer as deemed fit.

Let’s finish off these debates the way you started it. By hitting a home run!

A well-wisher

Sincerely,

Anand

I will be flying into Tempe on Wednesday (10/13/2004) and will be watching the debate from Well’s Fargo Arena. I also will most likely be attending Senator Kerry’s rally in Tempe after the debate.

I can barely wait

- Anand

Category: United (or not) State of American Politics 2004