In No ‘Great Rush’ to Debate Dukakis: Bush

Vice President George Bush said today he does not feel “under any great rush” to debate Democrat Michael S. Dukakis.

Talking to reporters at the Engineered Air Systems Inc. plant, which manufactures equipment for the U.S. military, in west suburban Olivette, Bush was asked if he is ready to debate his opponent in the presidential race.

“I just don’t feel under any great rush, frankly,” the Republican nominee said. “I don’t feel I have to meet somebody else’s agenda. I’ll meet them halfway, but I’m not about to be stampeded.

‘Totally Irrelevant’

“I say, ‘Please explain your views on defense.’ And they say, ‘How about the debates?’ Totally irrelevant,” Bush said.

Earlier, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force Two after his last public appearance Sunday in Texas, Bush said “sure” when asked if he looked forward to debating Dukakis. But he declined to say how many debates he wanted or on what topics, saying he had “confidence” that Bush campaign chairman James A. Baker III will work out the details.

Baker is scheduled to meet with Paul Brountas, Dukakis’ campaign chairman, in Washington on Tuesday to negotiate the dates, places, sponsors and topics of possible presidential debates.

Sept. 14 Debate Unlikely

Baker said last week that Bush likely will not be ready to debate before Sept. 20--essentially rejecting a Sept. 14 debate in Annapolis, Md., proposed by the national chairmen of the Democratic and Republican parties.

Bush also told reporters he was “encouraged” by recent public opinion polls--and new data by Republican pollster Robert Teeter--that show him leading Dukakis nationwide.

“The polls look good,” Bush said. “I can’t say I believe them because I’m the guy that when they looked bad said I don’t believe them.”