European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 1, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Cover Story a president Bush Ross Perot and gov. Bill Clinton go Stool to Stool in Richmond  whether to support Bush Clinton or Perot by Mark Kinkade Stalf writer three debates three opportunities to make an impression. Three chances to win the undecided voters for tuesdays presiden Tal election. George Bush Bill Clinton and Ross Perot took their Campaign Road show to the stage three times to Sway voters like Kathrin Acosta into their Camps. But if Acosta is any indication they failed. A i think Bill Clinton a saying anything he can to get himself elected a Acosta an air Force family member at Rhein main a Germany said. A Bush is stumbling Over himself saying a in a sorry in a sorry and Perot Well he sounds like a businessman who wants to run another  if Bush Clinton or Perot were looking for a knockout punch during the debates they failed to swing some military people Anrhein main. Like Acosta people who were asked said the debates Only reinforced opinions they had of the candidates. In a series of Short interviews at the Rhein main base Exchange people complained that the debates failed to focus on important issues and spent too much time dealing with intangibles like a a character and a leadership Quot the first debate was marked by personal attacks and questions of character. In the second debate an audience member echoed what Many voters were saying a quit fighting and Start discussing the issues. Acosta and others agreed with the comment. A it makes me uncomfortable when they argue a Acosta said. A i done to care who slept with who or what someone did when they were in College. I want to know what they Are going to do about our  a the debates weren to what i expected a said Kris Macaulay. Macauley whose husband is assigned to Geilenkirche Germany viewed the debates As a Novelty. As a Canadian citizen Macauley Hasni to been exposed to presidential debates before. A i thought there would be More discussion of an Issue a she said. A you know More a my plan is this continued on Page 7a three for All with debatable excitement by Howard Rosenberg los Angeles times the third presidential debate two weeks ago went very Well while Moderator Jim Lehrer of pcs was quizzing and asking follow up questions of president Bush Bill Clinton and Ross Perot. But i dozed off when the format changed Halfway through the televised 90 minutes and the candidates were interrogated by three other journalists Helen Thomas of up Gene Gibbons of Reuters and Susan Rook of can. Fortunately someone faxed me a transcript of what went on. Thomas ill begin by asking gov. Clinton about his draft record. Clinton that i will pretend to calmly answer while panicking inside and wishing you were Larry King. Bush which gives me a Chance to i relevantly add that if i make a mistake i admit it. Perot which i will interrupt to remind everyone that in a just a cur dog who was put on the ballot by the people whose will is that i appear on television and end my sentences with question Marks Gibbons As i reflect thoughtfully before asking president Bush a question. Bush that i will Dodge by answering a question that you did no task. Clinton while i Hope the camera is catching my thoughtful gaze. Perot As i Grin and wiggle my ears Lehrer while in a awakened by my own snoring. Rook which reminds me to ask or. Perot if he can Lead the nation while forever seeking consensus. Perot which i will promptly hit out of the Park by mentioning that i live five blocks from Arkansas while hoping for an Opportunity to sell America my new line of watches that i have pinned to the inside my jacket Bush while i give the camera my most sincere expression w Hile delivering another sneak attack on Clinton a pattern of dishonesty which is now Boring even me. Clinton which i counter with a withering array of spontaneous statistics and catch phrases that i rehearsed All weekend. Perot which i interrupt to Tell to c nation a a in a doing this because i love you a Clinton an aside from my Good Friend Ross that i warmly smile at and genuinely enjoy while praying that the ceiling will fall on his head. Thomas which gives me a Chance to jump in and ask president Bush what he can do to win the election in the next two weeks. Bush which i respond to with a cock of my head and affectionate Grin while mentally strangling Helen and giving her an answer that my dog Millie  believe. Clinton As i turn toward Bush and pretend in a not worrying that his stronger performance tonight could Cost me votes. Gibbons while i ask gov. Clinton about the important aspects of leadership. Clinton and i thank and applaud you for asking that question that i will now skilfully evade. Bush while i warn or. And mrs. America to hold onto their wallets while trying to suppress a Yawn. Perot while i smile at the panel of journalists who i think Are repulsive slugs Lehrer As in a awakened when my head hits my desk. Rook which reminds me to question president Bush about the Lack of Blacks and females in his inner Circle. Bush which i respond to with a Friendly Grin while confirming that James Baker is a Man and praying that Susan will be attacked and devoured by a giant lobster. Perot which gives me a Chance to obey the Peoples will by advertising my political commercials repeating a string of old jokes that no one laughs at and saying again that in be stayed the course while adding that what we need is people to Stop talking and Start doing Clinton an Opportunity i seize by thrusting out my jaw and sanctimonious by mentioning change for the 63rd time. Perot which i will counter by blowing kisses to my wife and family Clinton and i respond to by announcing the endorsement of my economic plan by Mother Teresa. Lehrer while i wonder Why i am prone on the floor with my eyes closed. Slow tjancin6 Page 6 a sunday november 1. 1992