Kerry has made huge strides over the last couple of weeks mostly because he's been able to hold Bush accountable through his major speeches and, in the case of the debates, face to face. Prior to that, Bush had had a free run of smearing and just plain making things up. This Wednesday's debate is the last chance to hold his feet to the fire. From Thursday until Nov 2, it will be all Big Lie all the time, 24/7.
There are clear signs that the press is highly conflicted and trying to find a way to call Bush's bullshit. However, their hands are tied by the
"canons of journalistic objectivity". The general public, thick as they are, no longer think Bush is particularly honest (can you believe that was ever his calling card?), but unless he is exposed as the shameless bullshitter he is, he stands a chance of snowing just enough people to make the election too close for comfort (NB: I think we prevail in any case, but I want him crushed).
If Bush can be cornered on just one issue, then I'm convinced his whole lying house of cards will come crashing down. The time to do it is the next debate. The person to do it is Bob Shieffer, the debate moderator (along with Kerry, of course). And the topic to do it on is health care, which will likely be a big theme.
I try to develop this argument at greater length in the exteneded copy, but if you agree with me, please help by contacting Shieffer and laying out the urgency of holding Bush accountable. Letters to the media aren't my forte, but I think there is a strong case to be made and that Shieffer is a journalist of high integrity who can be prevailed upon to do the right thing. If someone has his contact info, it would be great if you would post it, along with anything you send to Shieffer.
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