BY THE TIME YOU READ THIS, THE DEBATE OVER THE PRESIDENTAL DEBATES
might be settled, but let me make a few points anyway:
Al Gore’s insistence on three commission-sponsored debates reflected an elitist view that self-appointed arbiters should control the election agenda. George W. Bush had the audacity to suggest that a candidate should exercise control over his campaign.
n One commission-sponsored debate and two others on “Larry King Live” and “Meet the Press,” as Bush proposed, was a better idea because there would be a variety of formats.
n If the debates on “Larry King” and “Meet the Press” were to receive less television coverage because the other networks refused to give their competitor exposure, it would be the networks that are to blame.
n Gore has said that he is willing to participate in any of 45 proposed debates. This is usually reported as reflecting well on Gore but the number is either meaningless or it suggests that Gore is crazy. You would have to hold a debate virtually every day to cram that many into the timetable between now and the election.
n Three debates are better than 45.
n Bill Clinton agreed to two debates with Bob Dole.
n When Gore told Larry King he would debate Bush “anytime, anyplace,” he lied. It was not a big lie, like Clinton’s lies. It was more of an exaggeration, as when Gore invented his importance to the Internet.
n If you aren’t supposed to take a person literally on some things, it is harder to take him literally on other things, such as his version of events surrounding fundraising violations or his campaign promises.
n Gore lied about his willingness to debate “anytime, anyplace” because it was an expedient way to make the point, probably true, that he is more eager to debate than Bush is. Similarly, the passion Gore displayed in French-kissing Tipper on stage was an expedient way to show people he loves her. And the Gore-Lieberman riffs on religion are an expedient way to assert that they’re upstanding men.
n In each of these examples, the intent is not to have the words or actions judged for what they are,a lie, an inappropriate display, self-righteousness,but for the impression they are trying to convey.
n It’s working.
