Panel calls for true bipartisan government; Bloomberg says 'I am not a candidate'

NORMAN - A bipartisan panel today told presidential candidates to be more specific on their goals and encouraged the American people to demand more straight talk from contenders.

An overflow crowd of more than 1,000 attended the one-hour session on the University of Oklahoma campus put together by OU President David Boren and former U.S. Sen. Sam Nunn, D-Ga.

Meanwhile, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has been mentioned as a possible independent presidential candidate, said, "I am not a candidate."

Meeting at Boren's house for five to six hours Sunday and this morning, the 17 panelists urged presidential candidates to provide:

• Clear descriptions of how they would establish a government of national unity.
• Specific strategies for reducing polarization and reaching bipartisan consensus.
• Plans to go beyond tokenism to appoint a truly bipartisan Cabinet with critical posts held by the most qualified people available regardless of political affiliation.
• Proposals for bipartisan executive and legislative policy groups in critical areas such as national security.

"If we allow polarizing politics to continue, we will remain a nation divided," Nunn said.

Asked what the panel would do if presidential candidates remain elusive on explaining their strategies, Bloomberg said panelists "are optimistic" the candidates will listen.

Most candidates understand the American people want them "to face the big issues," he said.

"If we can be a little bit of a catalyst along those lines, then we've really accomplished something and you'll never know whether they changed because of us or just changed in spite of us," Bloomberg said.

About 20 anti-war protesters held up signs outside the Catlett Music Center to oppose U.S. military action in Iraq.

Among them were two Oklahoma fathers whose sons were killed in Iraq.

Warren Henthorn, of Choctaw, and John Scripsick, of Wayne each held a flag that read, "Lest they be forgotten. " The flag depicted a military helmet resting on top of a rifle placed in the ground, barrel down.

"Most people have kind of forgotten about the war," said Scripsick, whose son Bryan was killed in September.

Henthorn, who son Jeffrey was killed in 2005, said it appears there is no end in sight for the war.

Drivers honked their horns in support of the protesters, who were at Boyd and Elm.

Today's event — sandwiched between last week's Iowa caucuses and Tuesday night's New Hampshire primary — is intended to fuel discussion to challenge presidential candidates to focus on serious issues. Oklahoma holds its presidential primary Feb. 5.

The discussion could add to the strong message sent by Iowa voters last week. The two candidates who most talked about change and idealism — U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., and Republican contender Mike Huckabee, former governor of Arkansas — came out as victors.

Boren said earlier the session's intent is to also send a message to Democratic and Republican presidential candidates to talk about substantial issues or risk the possibility of an independent candidate entering the race.