And in the Role of Mitt Romney . . . John Kerry As he approaches his three critical face-offs with Mitt Romney this fall, President Obama needed to find the perfect person to stand in as his Republican rival during mock debates. He has found one. Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts will pose as Mitt Romney, campaign officials said, bringing a wealth of knowledge about Mr. Romney's record and his reputation as a skilled debater who knows the pressure of the presidential spotlight. The choice was first reported by The Washington Post. Mr. Kerry also brings a personal background that should provide him with insights into Mr. Romney that others lack. Superwealthy? Owns multiple homes? Often labeled by his political adversaries as out of touch, aloof and a flip-flopper? Check, check and check. He even has really good hair and, as a bonus, is from Massachusetts. All of which could make it easier for him to provide Mr. Obama with an authentic experience of what it will be like to debate Mr. Romney. Debate coaches say that preparing a sitting president for presidential debates is often a chore. Presidents often find it difficult to sit through the hours of preparation that aides request, in part because of the demands of the office and in part because they view the preparation as unnecessary. Using Mr. Kerry as the stand-in for Mr. Romney could help persuade the president to participate fully. As the Democratic presidential nominee in 2004, Mr. Kerry rattled George W. Bush during the presidential debates. Many credited the debates for helping Mr. Kerry make up ground against Mr. Bush that year. For Mr. Obama, the three debates in October may be his last and best opportunity to make the case for a second term at a time when most of the voting public is likely to be tuned in to the campaign. Mr. Romney's campaign has not said whom it will be using as a stand-in for Mr. Obama during its debate preparations. Mr. Romney's performances during the primary campaign were credited for helping him defeat his many Republican rivals. Campaign aides stressed at the time that Mr. Romney's preparations were, for the most part, more informal.