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Schwarzenegger to Only Participate in One Debate where Candidates Are Given Questions Ahead of Time
Aired September 03, 2003 - 05:06 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Now for the latest on the California recall. We know Arnold Schwarzenegger is not scheduled to participate in a scheduled debate this week. Instead, he has chosen to appear in just one of three other scheduled debates. His opponents are accusing him of appearing in a debate that will allow the actor to memorize his lines.
Here's CNN's Kelly Wallace.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Arnold Schwarzenegger's pick for his one and only debate, the only debate where all the candidates get the questions in advance, a September 17 forum sponsored by a California broadcasters association. Schwarzenegger was asked by a local TV reporter how this debate won't seem like the actor turned candidate is reading from a script.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR CANDIDATE: And it's going to be great debates, very lively debates, and I'm really looking forward to that. And I think that everyone that wants to join should jump in there. This is their chance.
WALLACE: Schwarzenegger's aides deny the candidate chose this debate because he would be able to prepare his answers in advance.
REP. DAVID DREIER, SCHWARZENEGGER AIDE: It'll be a 90 minute debate. It'll include a wide range of candidates and it will give the California voters a chance to see all the candidates.
WALLACE: But Schwarzenegger's rivals are seizing on the issue. An aide to State Senator Tom McClintock, a Republican candidate trailing Schwarzenegger in the polls, told CNN Schwarzenegger "does great if he has a script."
The other Republican in the race, businessman Peter Ueberroth, set up an online petition urging Schwarzenegger to debate on Wednesday.
Political observers say the Republican front runner's decision to participate in only one debate is a strategic gamble.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I think it will hurt him with some constituents, some voters, those who have been pressing him to take a firmer stand on some positions. WALLACE (on camera): Schwarzenegger would cede the spotlight on Wednesday. He'll give a speech to college students, an apparent campaign strategy to be on center stage the same day the other major candidates square off in the first debate.
Kelly Wallace, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Candidates Are Given Questions Ahead of Time>
Aired September 3, 2003 - 05:06 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Now for the latest on the California recall. We know Arnold Schwarzenegger is not scheduled to participate in a scheduled debate this week. Instead, he has chosen to appear in just one of three other scheduled debates. His opponents are accusing him of appearing in a debate that will allow the actor to memorize his lines.
Here's CNN's Kelly Wallace.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
KELLY WALLACE, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Arnold Schwarzenegger's pick for his one and only debate, the only debate where all the candidates get the questions in advance, a September 17 forum sponsored by a California broadcasters association. Schwarzenegger was asked by a local TV reporter how this debate won't seem like the actor turned candidate is reading from a script.
ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER (R), CALIFORNIA GOVERNOR CANDIDATE: And it's going to be great debates, very lively debates, and I'm really looking forward to that. And I think that everyone that wants to join should jump in there. This is their chance.
WALLACE: Schwarzenegger's aides deny the candidate chose this debate because he would be able to prepare his answers in advance.
REP. DAVID DREIER, SCHWARZENEGGER AIDE: It'll be a 90 minute debate. It'll include a wide range of candidates and it will give the California voters a chance to see all the candidates.
WALLACE: But Schwarzenegger's rivals are seizing on the issue. An aide to State Senator Tom McClintock, a Republican candidate trailing Schwarzenegger in the polls, told CNN Schwarzenegger "does great if he has a script."
The other Republican in the race, businessman Peter Ueberroth, set up an online petition urging Schwarzenegger to debate on Wednesday.
Political observers say the Republican front runner's decision to participate in only one debate is a strategic gamble.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well, I think it will hurt him with some constituents, some voters, those who have been pressing him to take a firmer stand on some positions. WALLACE (on camera): Schwarzenegger would cede the spotlight on Wednesday. He'll give a speech to college students, an apparent campaign strategy to be on center stage the same day the other major candidates square off in the first debate.
Kelly Wallace, CNN, Los Angeles.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com
Candidates Are Given Questions Ahead of Time>
