Nation: Two for the Show

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Reagan was triply delighted by the league's decision: it took the spotlight off his recent series of gaffes, it put Carter in a bind, and it gave a boost to Anderson. Like Carter's, Reagan's aides are convinced Anderson hurts the President more than their man. When New York State's Liberal Party last week endorsed Anderson and thus put him on the ballot where he could coax more votes from Carter, one Reagan aide was so pleased that he sent Anderson Strategist David Garth a bottle of champagne to celebrate.

Both Anderson and Reagan accused the President of avoiding the debate for selfish motives. Robert Strauss, Carter's veteran campaign manager, who was more nervous than the other aides about the decision to decline, admitted that self-interest was the main concern. Said he: "We have our selfish reasons. Reagan has his selfish interests. We all have our selfish interests. Let's don't kid ourselves."

With the cards thus laid on the table, representatives of the three sides met with the league later in the week to try again to reach a compromise. All the formulas failed. After more than two hours, Hinerfeld came out to announce that no agreement had been reached; Carter would probably be represented in Baltimore by an empty chair. Joked White House Press Secretary Jody Powell: "It'd be the only non-Republican item on the stage." Upon reflection, however, the President's men were upset by the prospect of the symbol of Carter's absence helplessly drawing the fire of the two challengers. "I can't believe they'd really do it," said one nervously.

To prepare for Sunday's debate in Baltimore, both Reagan and Anderson plan to take off the last three days of the week. Reagan's strategy is to go easy on Anderson (after all, he may be more friend than foe at the polls), to flog Carter's record and to seek to project an image of confidence and common sense. Adviser James Baker, who prepped Gerald Ford for the debates with Carter in 1976, is leading a team that is compiling 50 short papers on issues, which Reagan will study this weekend at his temporary Virginia home. Says one adviser: "A debate of this kind is based on style and a few facts. We know Reagan has the right style. He'll be prepared on the facts too."

Anderson is cutting this week's West Coast trip short to study briefing books containing his own programs, his past statements on issues, and his opponents' positions. Said he: "I see the debate as an opportunity not so much to talk about Carter's record or Reagan's, but to tell the public what I have to offer."

Anderson may also view tapes of three Republican primary forums to see what worked for him and what did not: he had been cool and persuasive in Iowa, contentious and unconvincing in Illinois. Anderson is now well aware that his style, developed in the House, may be too "hot," in McLuhanesque terms, for television. Says he: "There is a certain gladiatorial aspect to such an affair, but I shall not come clanking onto the stage in armor that evening. I would hope that I could come equipped with a certain amount of discretion, humor, wisdom, and avoid what some people say is a tendency on my part to preach and sermonize."