Networks Propose Presidential Decathlon

[Spurminator]

Networks to organize "Decathlon" for Presidential candidates
ASSOCIATED PRESS
October 4, 2004

NEW YORK-Motivated by the overwhelming ratings success of the first Presidential debate on Thursday, network executives are quickly organizing a week-long Decathlon, where candidates George W. Bush and John Kerry will compete in various compe ions to determine the "Ultimate Candidate."

Fifty-five million viewers tuned in to watch as John Kerry proved to be the better public speaker than George W. Bush, but Bush Campaign officials are enthusiastic about the possibility of showing Bush's other strengths.

"This could give the President an opportunity to really shine," said Bush campagin adviser Mary Matalin. "He has so many other strengths that the public might not be aware of."

Events proposed for the compe ion include Humorous Interpretation, the 40-Yard Dash, Punt-Pass-and-Kick, a game of Chess, a scavenger hunt, Trivial Pursuit, freestyle rhyming, fantasy football, a watercoloring compe ion, and acoustic guitar.

Kerry campaign officials are working hard to include a swimsuit compe ion, but Bush advisers are reportedly balking at such an event.

Since they were first broadcast in 1960, the presidential Debates have been key in determining which Presidential candidate could give the better performance in front of a live audience. That year, Democratic nominee John F. Kennedy outspoke in bant Vice President Richard Nixon in a debate that many historians believe swung the race in Kennedy's favor.

Since that year, candidates have pined for effective soundbytes to hammer during their debates.

"It is important to have a pithy slogan that the public can remember you by," said Kerry adviser Joe Lockhart, and key influence behind the "Same But Different" theme throughout the Kerry campaign. "The debates are a great way to penetrate the public with your message."

Advisers on both sides welcome an extended compe ion, believing that the public will get a broader view of each candidates talents beyond speaking ability and appearance.

[SpursWoman]