THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 20, 1996 TAG: 9609200554
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B1 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Column
SOURCE: Guy Friddell
LENGTH: 56 lines
In denying Ross Perot the right to debate with Bob Dole and Bill Clinton, the presidential debate commission has thrown the Texas jack rabbit exactly where he wants to be - in a briar patch of controversy that will excite the electorate.
The commission couldn't have done Perot a better turn. His campaign was languishing in the polls, deep-sixed in single digits.
Now folks are arguing over whether Perot should or shouldn't be allowed on the platform with the two major parties' candidates.
It is an issue any fool can understand. It is without the complex, distracting elements of NAFTA or the deficit. It centers smack on the man. It appeals to the fair-mindedness of many Americans, even those who regard Perot as a pest deserving of a shot of ``Quick, Henry, the Flit.''
And he is disporting himself in the role of underdog, rapturously extracting every possible ounce of political leverage from the rocket's red glare of publicity.
Further, he is going to keep stoking the fires, planning to sue the low-ratin' high-falutin' commission, and, if necessary, get an injunction to try to block the debates.
Speaking Tuesday in San Francisco to the Commonwealth Club of California, he noted that his ratings ``roared up'' in the polls after he took part in the 1992 debates.
In one of his gritty images, he cackled: ``Now do you start to understand why they don't want this cur dog back in their debates again? Just two registered puppies, right?''
The commission, composed of Democrats and Republicans, is trying to condition the public ``like Pavlov's dogs'' to support the major parties and not independent candidates like himself, he said.
Many members of the Reform Party resent Perot's domination, but the prospect of the commission's gagging him will drive them to close ranks.
Even his detractors within the Reform Party know that its survival depends on Perot's debating with Dole and Clinton before 80 million viewers and rallying at least enough support in the election to qualify Reform candidates for federal funds four years hence.
On a second front, Perot is fighting the networks, which have balked at selling him air time for 30-minute infomercials.
``They don't want you to understand these problems in detail,'' Perot said. Of the commission's barring him, he said, ``They gave you a nice electric shock yesterday to get you really focused again.''
It's working precisely as a prod to open the door for Perot.
In 1992, he brought the issue of the deficit into play. In 1996, his presence would renew pressure on Dole to take it up again and force Clinton to face questions about his failed promise to purify fund-raising for campaigns.
Unleash that cur dog! ILLUSTRATION: Color AP photo
[Ross Perot...] by CNB