Kerry says he’s ready for debates with Bush

ANOKA, Minn. – John Kerry says he is ready to debate the president right now – and again every week until Election Day.

On Thursday, he challenged George W. Bush to talk about “issues facing Americans,” saying that voters are seeking substantive dialogue.

“America deserves a serious discussion about its future,” the Democratic presidential candidate said during an appearance in this Minneapolis suburb. “It does not deserve a campaign of smear and fear.”

The campaigns have agreed to three presidential debates and one between Vice President Dick Cheney and Democrat John Edwards.

Steve Schmidt, a spokesman for the Bush campaign, said there would be time for debates after the Republican National Convention, which opens Monday in New York.

“During the next few weeks, John Kerry should take the time to finish the debates with himself,” Schmidt said. “This election presents a clear choice to the American people between a president who is moving America forward and a senator who has taken every side of almost every issue.”

Kerry stopped in Minnesota to meet with undecided voters – a gesture he said the president is unwilling to make. The Massachusetts senator repeatedly has suggested this week that Bush is campaigning in a bubble, insulating himself from criticism.

“Nobody here had to sign a loyalty oath to get in,” Kerry said.

The crowd proved friendly, though, repeatedly standing and applauding.

Voters’ questions ranged from admiring – “could you sign my ticket, please?” – to skeptical – “do you waffle on issues?”

To the latter, Kerry said charges that he is a flip-flopper are unfounded and part of the “standard Republican playbook.”