DANFORTH PLAYED LEAD ROLE IN DEBATE

ST. LOUIS - Missouri Sen. John Danforth was the lead player in bringing the first presidential debate and the eyes of the nation to St. Louis Sunday night.

Frank Fahrenkopf, former Republican National Chairman and vice chairman of the Commission on Presidential Debates, contacted the senator less than two weeks ago and told him a site was needed for the first debate. He asked Danforth whether he could work details out for St. Louis.

Danforth went to work, and as Fahrenkopf said Sunday night prior to the debate, "thanks to him we're here."

Danforth said Sunday that when he was asked only nine days before whether St. Louis would host the debate, "the only catch was we needed half a million dollars."

The senator said he contacted a "generous St. Louisan," August A. Busch, who agreed to front the money. Busch was recognized Sunday as the debate's sponsor.

In looking for a site, Danforth called his brother, Washington University Chancellor William Danforth, and made arrangements to use the campus.

Danforth joked that his role really was limited and amounted to little more than a couple phone calls.

"It was so easy, we're now prepared to do all the debates," he quipped.

Paul Kirk, former Democratic National Chairman and co-chairman of the commission, praised St. Louis officials for their efforts to host the event. "We congratulate you St. Louis for your interest and support in this important process," Kirk said.

Chancellor Danforth addressed the debate audience and media by declaring: "Welcome to what once was the Washington University athletic complex. It has been transformed into a media center."

In recognition of the opportunity to focus national attention on the campus, Washington University officials distributed a media kit that emphasized the tradition and resources of the school.

The school also printed T-shirts and buttons that proclaimed the date of the institution's first presidential debate.

As the debate ended Sunday, President Bush, Gov. Bill Clinton, and Ross Perot all joined supporters at nearby rallies.

But top aides and leading members of Congress were everywhere for the media to insure there was a correct spin on the debate's impact.

Some dignitaries wandered between portable TV studios, while others stopped to talk with any media members that wanted a comment.

Although there were a few distinguishing moments, most agreed the debate was largely uneventful. Both Bush and Clinton were cautious more concerned with not making a mistake than delivering a "knockout punch." Almost all analysts agreed after the debate that Perot seemed to be helped the most by his showing.

Perot's remarks clearly drew more reaction from the crowd than those of the other candidates.

But Clinton and Bush supporters contended that few voters were taking Perot seriously. Clinton supporters attempted to paint Bush as a desperate president who has failed to provide the kind of leadership and change the nation needs to meet the challenges of a changing world.

But Bush supporters chided Clinton as calling for more taxes and spending. They also tried to hammer him on the character issue for not being straightforward in explaining his draft status and activist role against the Vietnam War.

Missouri Gov. John Ashcroft contended that character will be the ultimate issue for the American people when they decide who they'll vote for next month.

Ashcroft said Clinton stressed he wants change during the debate, but noted, "he defines change as more taxes and spending. That's not the kind of change I'm looking for."

The governor said he had been told that Clinton was a good debater, but added that he thought Bush had the better overall performance.

"I was looking for the polish and shine of the Oxford debater, but it just wasn't there," Ashcroft said.

Delaware Sen. Joe Biden ranked Clinton the debate winner, followed by Perot and Bush. The Democrat said Bush's remark that he would use James Baker to oversee domestic affairs in a second term is not going to turn the tide on Bush.

"The Baker security blanket is not enough," said Biden, who suggested that Bush has no idea where the country is heading. "He doesn't know what's going on."

House Speaker Tom Foley said that everything out of Perot's mouth only further illustrates the need to elect Clinton president.

"The Perot supporters will have to decide whether to give emotional support or vote for someone who could be president," Foley said.

Housing Secretary Jack Kemp, who ran for president in 1988 and is expected to try again in 1996, said Perot's populist appeal drew attention.

"Perot was a surprise," Kemp said. "Perot did well, (and) Perot doing well tonight helps Bush, and that hurts Clinton."

Kemp stopped short, though, of claiming Perot won the debate.

He said Bush looked "presidential," showed good judgment, and effectively defined his goals as president. In contrast to Clinton, Kemp said Bush "made it clear we are overtaxed, not undertaxed."

The Republican added that the president made a smart move by announcing that he would use Baker in a second term as his domestic policy czar. Kemp said that would increase Bush's chances for re-election.