Schwarzenegger Campaign Desperately Seeks To Change The Subject Away From Governor Schwarzenegger's Offensive Comments

SACRAMENTO, CA - On a day when the Schwarzenegger campaign is desperately trying to change the subject away from the Governor's deeply offensive and embarrassing statements, they have released a statement regarding debates.

Cathy Calfo, campaign manager for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Angelides, said today the Angelides campaign has accepted a total of 10 debates, including an offer for an October 7 debate from the California Broadcasting Association, subject to a generally accepted debate format that allows for an open and spontaneous exchange between the candidates and questioners.

"We look forward to the first of what we hope to be a series of full and open debates between now and Election Day.  Californians have an important choice to make November 7, and they deserve the opportunity to see the two candidates for Governor debate the issues more than once," Calfo said.  "Unfortunately, the Schwarzenegger campaign has agreed to only one debate and is insisting through the Broadcasters Association that the candidates be seated behind a table, a format that is not an actual debate but would end up being nothing more than a talk show."

"Gubernatorial debates, like presidential debates, involve the candidates standing at podiums.  Frankly, Governor Schwarzenegger's refusal to stand next to his opponent to debate the issues is a bit bizarre.  I guess the next thing he will demand in addition to a ‘sitting' debate is having the questions in advance just like he did during the recall campaign debate," said Calfo.