Look how it starts off and compare it with the craziest thing I've ever heard in the last few lines.
LONG-'HALL' DEBATE PUTS HEAT ON PREZ
By STEFAN C. FRIEDMAN
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October 3, 2004 -- Coming off perhaps his worst-ever debate performance, President Bush must rebound at Friday's town hall-style debate in St. Louis ? but he faces an uphill battle, political gurus and debate experts told The Post.
"I think the landscape shifted dramatically enough that the pressure really is now on Bush," said Neil Berch, a political science professor at West Virginia University.
The president faces the additional heat of knowing that the second debate will be the last chance for him to showcase his foreign-policy skills ? the field where experts believe Bush holds an advantage over Sen. John Kerry.
"Bush needs to be more aggressive and make the case that Kerry isn't a plausible commander in chief," Berch said.
The final debate, which focuses on domestic policy, is on Oct. 13.
Having originated in 1992, the town-hall presidential debate's more casual format has been popular with the public.
Politicians used to speaking from behind a lectern must learn how to look comfortable getting on and off a stool for 90 minutes and dealing with questions from the general public.
Experts agree that this format is exactly where Bush excels.
"His folksiness and charm play well in this format," said Berch.
The 90-minute time frame will allow 14 to 16 "swing voters" to ask questions.
Moderator Charlie Gibson will select an equal number of questions on foreign policy, the economy and domestic issues.