Obama taps Sen. Kerry to play Romney in presidential debate rehearsals

The Obama campaign has named Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) to play Republican Mitt Romney during three mock presidential debate rehearsals later this year, campaign officials confirm to The Hill.

Kerry — the 2004 Democratic nominee — is well-versed on the former Massachusetts governor’s political career and rhetoric and can help provide insight during the fall debates. 

{mosads}Democrats and Republicans have long compared Kerry to Romney in terms of style and have drawn parallels to the senator’s own presidential campaign. 

On Monday, one former administration official called the move “absolutely brilliant.” 

“I don’t think there’s anyone better who could fill that role,” the former official told The Hill, following an initial report in The Washington Post. 

It is standard practice for presidential candidates to hold mock debates as they gear up for the big events before the public spotlight. 

Kerry — renowned for his “solid” debate skills, as the former administration official put it, has long been rumored to be tapped as Obama’s secretary of State, succeeding Hillary Clinton — if the president is reelected.