Merkel, 63, told the Rheinische Post newspaper
about her desire in a questionnaire to be published on Saturday.
"I wish I could do that - hosting a talk show in addition to
serving as chancellor," the paper quoted her as saying.
Merkel, who always maintains a hectic schedule of speeches, has
kicked into overdrive in the run-up to Sept. 24 national
elections, often speaking at five or more campaign rallies a
day. She also regularly tapes a video webcast.
On Sunday, she is due to face off against her Social Democratic
challenger Martin Schulz, 61, the former president of the
European Parliament, in a live televised debate.
Merkel told the newspaper she did not have the time to review
videotapes of previous debates but would prepare herself by
reading various materials.
She said she hoped as many Germans as possible would watch the
debate.
Almost half the 61.5 million people eligible to vote are
expected to tune in to the debate, according to pollster Forsa.
Nearly two-thirds of Germans expect Merkel to win the contest
while 17 percent expected Schulz to fare better, another poll
showed.
(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Susan Fenton)
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