From "elrod" in a
thread on MyDD on how to win the debate (and post-debate), Kerry should:
- Answer questions succinctly.
- Not contradict something he's said before (post-debate analysis will check closely)
- Make his prime attacks on Bush's character, not just his decisions: poor judgment, lack of curiosity, living in fantasy land, dishonesty.
- Have a memorable line - call Bush the Tinkerbell Presidency. It will attack Bush's manliness and his attention to reality.
I think the Tinkerbell idea is perfect, both in the debate - allowing a moment of angry humor which will probably get the audience to express its recognition and appreciation, and as a bonus, get Bush where he lives, since it is a wonderful repudiation of his faux macho personality. It could be the line that sends him over the edge.
It also lends itself to a very successful post-debate spin, since Bush will certainly be speaking from fantasy-land, and the post-debate Democratic spinners will have a ready made shorthand phrase to describe his lack of reality testing-- even bought and paid for media won't be able to resist it.