Maine Delegation Anticipates First Debate
WASHINGTON, Nov. 12, 2004 -While thousands across Maine will turn on their televisions to watch the first presidential debate Thursday night, members of Maine’s congressional delegation also will be camped out in front of warm TVs in the nation’s capital.
Months of negative ads and accusations will come to a head in Coral Gables, Fla., when President Bush and Sen. John F. Kerry take the stage. “They’ll both be pretty aggressive,” said Democratic Rep. Thomas H. Allen. “I expect a frank debate.”
The debate, which will take place at the University of Miami at 9 p.m.., will focus on foreign policy.
Allen said that this is Kerry’s opportunity to contrast what Bush has said about the “war on terror” with what Allen called a much different reality. “They really took their eye off the Al Qaeda ball,” he said. His advice for Bush: “Get real” and don’t sugarcoat things.
Republican Sen. Susan M. Collins said that regardless of what happens, it will be a good opportunity for a spirited debate. But her money was on Bush.
“In the past, I’ve thought that George Bush came out the better in these debates,” she said. “He surprised a lot of people four years ago when he bested Al Gore.”
Despite the fact that both candidates are fighting over what appears to be a relatively small number of undecided voters, Republican Sen. Olympia J. Snowe said the debate still has great potential to change people’s minds.
“Both candidates are going to be very conscious of the potential for being able to influence large segments of the voters,” she said. “I think that something could easily change based on a comment, or an approach, or an attitude or demeanor – whatever might strike people.”
Democratic Rep. Michael H. Michaud said that one criticism people have had of John Kerry is that he hasn’t been forceful enough in responding to his critics. The first debate, he said, is his chance.
He should “be honest and upfront with the American people” and not be afraid to be aggressive about telling people where he’s coming from, Michaud said.
Michael Barone, a political commentator for Fox news, said in an interview with the Bangor Daily News that the debate presents challenges for both candidates.
“You’ve got to sound human, not arrogant,” he said. “You’ve got to attack, but you’ve got to be likeable. I think it’s a tough requirement.”
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