Perot Finds The Comeback Trail Going Cold

Ross Perot, the US presidential candidate of the new Reform party, is making nothing like the impact he did as an independent candidate four years ago.

The great question now is whether he even gets included in all the televised debates planned before the November 5 election. That decision, which rests in the hands of the non-partisan Commission on Presidential Debates, could have an impact on the outcome of the election itself. The absence of Perot would mean Bob Dole, the Republican candidate, would face less competition for the anti-incumbent vote, which explains why President Bill Clinton's campaign would not mind Mr Perot in front of the cameras.

 

It is likely that the Texas billionaire will be given a seat at the first debate, provisionally scheduled for St Louis, Missouri, on September 25. To deny him that after his 19 per cent catch of the popular vote in 1992 would not only provoke his outrage but might be considered a slight on his undeniable national reputation.

But if he does not then improve his polling ratings - now stuck in the 5-8 per cent range - the commission may make the case for barring him from the next two TV debates, scheduled for St Petersburg, Florida, on October 9 and San Diego, California, a week later. Perot appears to qualify under most of the criteria for inclusion. He is now receiving federal funds for his campaign (about