Chichester Granted Exclusive Access To Thompson Debate Prep

Note: "To help prepare, Mr. Thompson, who has also been an actor, has enlisted the aid of Alfonse M. D’Amato, the former senator from New York, who has been playing the role of Mr. Giuliani. But whether these rehearsals will help is an open question." - New York Times, October 8, 2007

The full on-the-scene Chichester report of the debate preparation:

D'Amato: Rudy Giuliani is a back-stabbing, lying snake, who picked on my little brother Armand, and is a fuc-

Sen. Thompson: Al?

D'Amato: Yes, Fred?

Sen. Thompson: You're supposed to be playing Rudy.

D'Amato: Oh, right, right. Sorry, Fred.

Sen. Thompson: That's o.k.

D'Amato: As New York City Mayor and United States Attorney, I abused my power of office to unfairly attack, smear and besmirch the honorable and ethical former United States Senator Alfonse M. D'Amato. I'd like to take this opportunity to publicly apologize to Senator D'Amato and his family for the pain I've caused them.

Sen. Thompson: Al?

D'Amato: Yes, Fred?

Sen. Thompson: Are you sure Rudy is going to say that?

D'Amato: What the fuck, Fred. Of course I'm fuckin' sure.

Sen. Thompson: Ok, Al, let's continue.

D'Amato: New York City owes a tremendous debt of gratitude to a man I've always affectionately called "Senator Pothole" for his passion and success in bringing Federal aid to the city, Senator Al D'Amato.

Sen. Thompson: Al?

D'Amato: Yes, Fred?

Sen. Thompson: Are you sure Rudy is going to say that, as well?

D'Amato: Fred, don't turn into a Tennessee fuckin' putzhead of a redneck on me, ok?

Sen. Thompson: Proceed, Al.

D'Amato: In 1994, I supported and voted for former liberal Democrat, and scourge of the New York State Republican party Governor Mario Cuomo, and, to this day, it remains my proudest endorsement.

Sen. Thompson: Al?

D'Amato: Yes, Fred?

Sen. Thompson: You understand New York politics better than I ever will, and are you also sure he'll say that?

D'Amato: Fred, I was the driving force behind George Pataki beating Cuomo. Do you know who I am? I'm Al D'Amato! I made my bones when you were going out with cheerleaders, Fred!

Sen. Thompson: Al?

D'Amato: Yes, Fred?

Sen. Thompson: I've seen The Godfather films, as I am an accomplished actor and study the craft.

D'Amato: I'm your older Senator, Fred, and I was stepped over!

Sen. Thompson: That's the way Schumer wanted it.

D'Amato: It ain't the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I'm smart! Not like everybody says ... like dumb ... I'm smart and I want respect!

(This is where Pacino Chichester was escorted out of the room).