Schwarzenegger-Angelides Debate Primer

Phil Angelides said today he's not worried about Saturday's debate with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He only wants to show people "my heart."

But nervous Democrats have a truckload of advice for him — including making sure, for example, that photographers have a clear shot of him "towering over" Schwarzenegger when they shake hands. (I'm not so sure it's much of a difference.)

Longtime Democratic consultant Chris Lehane has some ideas if Angelides wants to "go for broke."

"Could Angelides unveil a letter from Congresswoman (and Speaker to be) Pelosi vowing to pass legislation to bring back the National Guard? Will Angelides bring up a tape recorder and play key excerpts from the tape inadvertently made public by Arnold's office that reveals Arnold's deepest thoughts?"

Steve Maviglio has a scorecard: "Score 10 points for Angelides if he defies conventional wisdom that he won't be able to hold his own on the stage with Schwarzenegger.... Score 5 points for Angelides if he attacks Schwarzenegger's anti-choice position on Prop. 85, 180 degree flip-flops on immigration, and lack of minority appointments.... Score 2 points for Angelides when he talks about his family, his immigrant success story, or lands a punch with an unexpected witty comment. Deduct one point if he says, 'When I was at Harvard....'"

Republicans aren't worried too much. In his wry fashion, former Schwarzenegger communications director Rob Stutzman has a simple list for his ex-boss:

• Show up.


• Smile.


• Let Phil talk a lot.

(Photos: Rich Pedroncelli / AP)