Kerry, Bush puppets debate up a storm in N.Y.

NEW YORK -- The felt flew during a rain-drenched Times Square debate between President Bush and Democratic contender John Kerry -- in puppet form -- on the afternoon before the real deal in Florida.

Thanks to "Avenue Q" producers and cast members, the puppet citizens of the Tony-winning Broadway musical launched edgy questions about such edgy issues as unemployment, gay marriage and military service during Thursday's "Avenue Q & A."

It was a one-time-only comedic event that warned: "Any similarity between puppets and actual presidential candidates is purely coincidental."

The Bush and Kerry puppets stood with their human handlers behind official-looking podiums and addressed an assembly of soaked tourists and soggy musical theater lovers.

Red, white and blue balloon bunches continually conked debategoers in the head amid the wet and windy deluge. But the weather didn't seem to dampen anyone's spirit. Visitors laughed and cheered during three musical numbers -- one quasi-original and two songs from the saucy musical that were rewritten with political lyrics especially for the event.

"Tear It Up and Throw It Away," a jury-summons-shredding anthem in the musical, became a tale about Bush (performed by Rick Lyon, who also designed the puppets) slashing his draft card. "If You Were Gay" was the same-sex marriage retort by Kerry (played by the deep-toned Jennifer Barnhart).

The entire company ended a cappella with "Vote Your Heart," which was the production's Tony campaign slogan earlier this year.

The face-off was moderated by closeted Republican puppet Rod, an actual character from "Avenue Q," played by John Tartaglia.

"It kind of refreshed me," the blue-skinned Rod told The Associated Press about the downpour. "When I would get frustrated with an answer, it would just pour over me. It was like a sign to just relax."

While Rod went umbrellaless, both Bush and Kerry had human Secret Service agents -- complete with shades and earpieces -- shielding them from the elements. But nothing could protect the nominees from punchy partisan jabs.

"Military service in Vietnam was every young man's civic duty!" exclaimed Kerry.

"Who gives a doody?" replied Bush.

Like the weather, the reasons for an "Avenue Q" puppet debate -- other than pure publicity stunt -- were cloudy.

"I wanted to hear the truth," said Rod. "I thought we as the people and puppets of America needed that."

"Avenue Q" human producer Kevin McCollum agreed. "We thought 'Avenue Q' was a great cross-section of America and would be a great place to have a debate," he said.

McCollum also thought the rain was apropos.

"I think we've had a country where we've had a reigning king for a long time," he said, post-rally. "The rain is great because we're all survivors on 'Avenue Q,' and we're all trying to make a difference. It's good that nature still works."

On the Net: www.avenueq.com/

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