Obama wants five debates; McCain wants 13; we may get three
By Steve Benen Friday Jun 13, 2008 7:45pm
For the last 10 days or so, the McCain campaign has been pretty aggressive in pushing its desire to have a series of town-hall debates with Barack Obama, with neutral audiences asking questions. Obama has publicly expressed some interest in the idea, prompting McCain to announce he’d like to see a total of 10 events, in addition to the three debates organized by the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD).
The two campaigns actually began discussions on the subject this week, though it appears the talks have broken down without any agreement.
The talks between the McCain and Obama campaigns on debates appear to have broken down, with Obama’s campaign — evidently concluding that the format could favor McCain, or at least give McCain some oxygen — offering just one town hall and one extra debate in response to McCain’s suggestion of 10.
“We fear that our negotiations over joint town hall meetings are turning into a debate about process,” writes McCain campaign manager Rick Davis to Obama campaign manager David Plouffe. “That is exactly what we have always hoped to avoid, and why we proposed a town hall format that would render many of these process issues moot. As Senator Obama has said, he is prepared to meet ‘anywhere, anytime’ for a town hall.”
Plouffe responds that “it’s disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign decided to decline this proposal. Apparently they would rather contrive a political issue than foster a genuine discussion about the future of our country.”
When Plouffe referenced “this proposal,” he was talking about the Obama campaign’s suggestion that McCain and Obama meet for all of the CPD, plus another debate focused exclusively on foreign policy, plus a town-hall debate at a location to be determined.
The McCain campaign said this wasn’t good enough.
I’m actually a little surprised the McCain didn’t accept the Obama proposal. The notion that these two would meet 13 times (10 town-halls and three CPD debates) between now and November was never realistic, and the Obama campaign was offering to participate in more events than we’ve had in a presidential campaign in the modern era. If McCain is so anxious to get together, wouldn’t he prefer five to three?
Or maybe this wasn’t about actual debates at all, but rather, about McCain having something to whine about on the stump. It seems entirely likely, given the response today, that McCain wasn’t especially interested in 13 debates; he was interested in having Obama turn down his idea so he could complain about it.
For what it's worth, I’m actually glad the talks aren’t going anywhere. A lengthy series of debates undermines Obama’s financial advantage. A lot. Indeed, the whole thing is a double-edged sword — if Obama agrees to the lengthy series of debates, he gives up a key campaign edge; if Obama declines, McCain characterizes him as spineless.
The offer for five debates was pretty generous. Under the circumstances, I wouldn’t be surprised if the McCain campaign changes its mind and takes the offer — it’s unlikely to get a better one.
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Screw McCain.
Obama is in the driver's seat on this.
Obama will TELL McSame when, where, how many, what kind!
If McLame wants to come he is welcome. If he doesn't we will hold the debates without him.
I could get used to this "we're calling the shots now not the GOP" approach I'm beginning to see here and there.
McCane can go hole his McAthon McTown halls sponsored by Faux News without Obama and see where it gets him.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 6:
McCain-a-thon
I was so excited about being the only one posting I couldn't hold it together. lol
Isn't this the republican method always?
"I want 10 more debates"
"I'm willing to do 2"
"Then we'll do none"
"I want telecom immunity in the FISA bill"
"I don't, but I'll still pass the FISA bill"
"Then no FISA bill"
Pray tell, how many of these debates will have a third party candidate in these forums who can keep these sycophants of the large corporations honest? One suspects that one would have a better chance of hitting a Mega Millions or a Powerball jackpot than seeing a Ralph Nader or a Cynthia McKinney sharing the stage with Obama and McCain. So much for democracy being allowed to flourish in the land of the free. Apparently the thinking is of the television executives and the Democrats and the Republicans that Americans can choose whichever candidate they want as long as that candidate belongs to the two major parties. This is all rather reminiscent of Orwell's Animal Farm-two legs good, four legs bad.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 4:
I think Mclame would be a hell of a lot better if he didn't show up on any debate with Obama, I really believe Obama would wipe the floor with him.
Grandpa just wants the free publicity. He doesn't have as much money as Obama. Screw grandpa. I'm just concerned that there'll be stolen election once again, you can figure out how, whether Diebold or false Iranian flag. We've been around the block a few times and you can tell fraud is in the air.
John McCain is a Liar
This is the lastest inconsistency that I have found out about John McCain. On a video that you can currently find on cnn.com “John McCain uncut” at time 2:40, John McCain denies that he ever said that he wanted to close Guantanamo. Yet in May John McCain said he would: http://www.postchronicle.com/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi?archive=11&num...
Erroll @ 9:
Well I think we could find a place for Bob Barr. If Grandpa doesn't like it he doesn't have to show up.
Brad @ 12:
Post a link to the CNN deal!!!
10, 13 debates? The GOP coot is definitely crazy.
If McCain want's 13 debates ( which may not be a good idea).
The final score will probably be:
McCain: 1
Obama :12
That result may even change opinions of people in the Red States.
NO. That will not happen.
McCain just wants to piggy-back on Obama's drawing power -- he thinks he can poach the crowd. Except for a few bitter [ yes, I wrote "bitter"] ex-Clinton supporters [most of them will come around] he has no chance. Obama doesn't need McCain to get 30, 40, 50K to come out and see him. McCain can barely fill a small conference room. and we've already seen how they stack the audience with their supporters when they promised to have an impartial crowd at their town hall on Faux News.
Let the McSame folks whine and whimper and go screw themselves.
Why the heck do you POSSIBLY need that many debates? We had about that many for Hilary and Obama and it was awful. The questions were awful.
Have one, neutral, huge-o-rific debate. One.
I'll see your two Lobbyist and raise you another Cold War.
McCane is ALL IN.
Freaking idiot wants to gamble with the big powers like the war hawk he is.
If the USA is foolish enough to elect him then they should prepare for not just four more years of bush type government, but one teetering constantly on the brink of Nuclear War.
I have been reading the right wing blogs and they are all saying that Obama is scared. Actually, the town hall meetings would give McSame an audience he did not have before. He can barely fill a room while Obama can fill a stadium. I must admit it would be nice not to have a format and let it be free form.
New Article from Al Jazeera English. Pretty good read, here's the first two paragraphs.
BB
I'm awfully glad Obama never fell for McCain's "Town Hall" nonsense.
First, it was obvious that McCain, unable to draw the same large crowds, was hoping to ride Obama's coat tails, appearing before huge crowds drawn to see/hear Obama, and make it appear like half were there to see him (McCain).
Second, despite what he says, when you are the one asking for Town Hall's, you're going to stack the audience with people that make you look good and your opponent bad.
Obama not falling for this gives me added respect for his intelligence.
brian @ 20:
Absolutely!
You gotta watch those McCain debates. In audience you might see Hannity dressed in drag and Rove with a wig and mustache.
Smart move by Obama.
The crazy old fuck is going to self implode anyways.
let's just keep the same format now where mcFlipFlop debates himself
BTW: Slightly off-topic, but the GOP just wrapped up its fund-raiser here in Houston. Huckabee and Romney were both there. (Ron Paul even held his own simultaneous event).
What really caught my ear was word on the evening local news that the GOP Convention ended with the declaration that "they were confident they had a strategy to win Texas in the Fall."
If the GOP is concerned about "winning Texas", they are in more serious trouble than most realize. Anyone want the video?
They should hold a Townhall in a Townhall big enough to hold all of Obama's fans, and a section where McSame can put his wax museum figures.
If you'd like to have a few moments of fun Check out the Colbert Greenscreen Challenge on YouTube.
Some very talented people have done some fantastic video work.
Did we not just read where McCain's campaign stacked the deck with 'invitees', who are absolute McCain supporters. Barack was wise to refuse to attest. However, this does not mean he will not be stopping attempts to the same. We must always keep in mind, Rove is the campaign's political, and marketing strategist. It seems to me that Barack will be walking into a trap. He does not need these town hall meetings, and the risk far outweighs the potential benefit. I think the recent shenanigans gives him all the excuse he needs to refuse. If McCain tries to use his refusal for political gain, Obama can go after him for the attempt to contaminate the process. There is after all, solid sources and evidence.
♠Bangkok-Bob♠ in Chiang Mai @ 29:
They'd have to have talent to make that pooper of a speech McCain gave even remotely interesting.
Stand by for the GOP shriek machine to break the irony meter over this.
We're going to hear a lot of people telling us that it's the voters who will suffer from Sen. Obama's unwillingness to provide Sen. McCain with free advertising.
These same people were against bush debating Sen. Kerry 4 short years ago.
Oh damn. The needle broke on the irony meter again. Anyone know where I can get a replacement?
I think this has less to do with who would do better in the Town Hall format and more to do with the fact that McCain is desperate to get free press.
Obama shouldn't give it to him.
This Clip of McCane is one of the best. They do a Morph job on him that is outstanding. 20 seconds long.
Barack Obama needs to get some spine and debate McCain on the issues.
This guy is confused and lost his bearings, what's the problem with debating him in a townhall? Unbelievable.
You hit the bull's eye, Steve, on the two main points. First, this whole circus is just a bait and switch. No matter what Obama agrees to, it won't be good enough for the McShrub camp.
Secondly, as time draws nigh and it becomes obvious McShrub can't fill a phone booth with his followers, he'll relent and miraculously change his mind. He's changed his mind on everything else; this will be no different. And when he does, you can bet his refusals to Obama's earlier offers will have been "taken out of context." As funny as it is predictable.
L.A. Confidential @ 5:
Oh hell yes. It's obvious that McCain's people think more town hall debates helps McCain, so why should Obama let them game the system to their advantage.
And for the love of God, who wants to listen to 13 debates? Mercy.
Tho' I suspect if instead of those "staged" dog and pony shows that McCain doing now, we had some real Dems in the audience, McCain might find he doesn't enjoy "Town Hall" meetings so much.
Whatever the number, don't let anybody from the MSM moderate it unless it is Bill Moyers or Keith Olbermann.
The aren't even debates. This is a horrible lesson four are kidz to be lerning.
They're going to think a debate is an unorganized load of non sequiturs strung together by a couple of people, one of them always being a mentally challenged person. Remember Gore/Bush, Kerry/Bush and Bentsen/Quayle? One smart guy, one mentally challenged guy.
If I were McMentallyChallenged, I'd run in the opposite direction of any forum requiring extemporaneous speaking labeled 'debate".
Paul @ 38:
The whole point of the townhall presentation is to keep the pinhead commentators out of centerstage....
Paul @ 38:
Indeed. Aren't there like professional debate moderators that could be hired? And no more "gotcha" questions, please. I want real questions about stuff that matters, like the economy and Iraq... and not gossip.
JRoyale @ 41:
Like .. "do you believe in evolution or creation"? That pissed me off so much hearing them throw some deranged delusional question into the mix. Might as well ask who your astrologer is or who reads your palms or if you have ever operated a Weegee-Board.
StirFry @ 24:
Not in the audience, in a "
Free Speech" No Free Spin Zone...It's funny how the Obamatons gloss over the fact that the only town hall Obama would agree to was to be on July 4th! Without a teleprompter Obama has nothing. And by the time Fitzgerald is done with him, all he'll have is an orange jumpsuit with a number on the back.
miss_kitty @ 39:
That was a point I was going to make but you beat me to it. I was on a debating team in high school and I have yet to see anything approaching a real debate for several election cycles.
No free pub, no free ride on coattails.
Get him OUT of his element and comfort zone,and stand him up to srutiny.. ALL kinds.In the glare of the lights of the American People.
Dnurse
I really wish Obama would do it. Honestly, the part I hate the most about presidential campaigns is the ridiculous nature of the few debates that don't actually allow for any debating. Maybe 10 is too many, but this argument that it might help McCain is a ridiculous reason to decline this. If Obama believes his ideas are the best ones, then he shouldn't be afraid to ridicule McCain for his idiocy. I'm all for frequent debates, as long as the candidates can talk to each other more freely than in the farces seen heretofore.
JRoyale @ 41:
some how incorporate youtube into the format for rebuttal like they in meet the press you said this before and it's put up on the screen now what....when the evidence is right there mccain really struggles
POdVet @ 44:
Are you kidding. McShrub can't even read a teleprompter. Since you're allegedly a veteran, you might want to go to this link: http://www.vvof.org/mccain_hides.htm
If you're Po'd now, read this link and see what really motivates your candidate and "war hero".
karl @ 48:
Honestly, I don't recall McCain really ever getting anything but softball questions. I suspect once he gets into a real debate with someone that will call him on this bullshit and flip flopping, he'll wish he was all alone in front of a lime green screen with a teleprompter.
You should send your candidates up here to debate. We're world renown for our Peacekeeping skills. The CBC could host them. We'd keep everyone civil, and bring in Tim Horton's donuts and coffee for everyone! Then we'd watch hockey somewhere.
Chris Gamble @ 35:
thiers no beer allowed inside and yah caint smoke , good enough reasons ?
JRoyale @ 50:
i say the only way to call him on it and reveal to people who deny he said it is with a youtube format......i'm personally tired of the story changing,or i don't recall,i did't say that,you misunderstood me and don't forget you misinterpreted my comments...i want that meet the press style..otherwise it will mean next to nothing
POdVet @ 44:
i take it you havent been watching your man in these townhall events
i especially like the one where he bangs his chest for putting down a 14 year old girl
and fitz aint going after obama...you are delusional
Mauro @ 47:
mccain needs multiple debates because he doesnt have the money to put on a national campaign
and while i would usually agree that the more debates the better...i get a certain tingle thinking of the repugs being broke
Peter G @ 45:
i dont recall ever seeing a real debate persay
these are press conferences
and they hit their nader this campaign season
i wish they would agree to one thing
no debates hosted by a specific network...all debates put on one feed and can be shown everywhere
the idea of the corporate media hosting these events chills me
i could see "mccain winning the debate(s)" why do i think that he will be victorious... he has been on both sides of every issue
Canuknotusa @ 51:
i watch your news online
i like your anchors better and your indepth stuff is killer
The first mistake is to let the Republicans have the upper hand in setting the election agenda. That would only communicate that the Democratic party refuses to change. So, good on Obama for not capitulating. He should put his foot down about this business and nip it in the bud.
And, it would be better if a third party decided the debate system so such contests would be fair. If the ball ends up in the Republicans court and they get to decide the debate system, then we'll know that the election has the potential to be stolen or fixed by these criminals beyond Diebold (and other assorted shenanigans).
And if I were a part of Obama's campaign, I'd take arranging such debates out of the hands of the MSM (especially FOX, MSNBC, CNN, Bloomberg, or any other news organization). We all know how the MSM is weighted.
So, it's about time to announce to McCain that he has no right to demand anything of anybody. Secondly, someone has to tell the man that although we know that his family once owned slaves, slavery is over. The Civil War is over as well. ;)
The only worthy debates have been conducted by the public via mediums like the blogosphere. The stage-managed events called debates are nothing of the kind.
Three to five debates between Obama and McCain will be more than enough (given what they'll probably be like).
However, I don't see any problem with McCain holding another dozen or so with himself. There are certainly enough things about which the two McCains he disagree. Personally, I would expect presidential candidate McCain to win since he cares even less about the truth than the old "straight talker" did. That gives him a real advantage.
P.S. When I visited Toronto, I got to go to a Tim Horton's. I loved it because the people were so laid back and great there. It shocked my family and me when folks left their lunch on the table and no body touched their plates (try that in any big American city and your lunch is gone. ;) ). Now that's trust.
So, yes indeed, maybe Tim Horton's might be the place to have a debate between Obama and McCain.
The best thing Obama can do is the exact opposite of what McSame wants. Almost the opposite of anything that the GOP wants is the position that a sane rational person would take. McSame more like Rove wants 13 debates ok how about zero. McSame is a puppet and a debate is pointless anyways, we have heard the gop parrot saying the same crap for 7 years already. 13 debates of McSame will probably push many over the edge.
I am sure Rove's idea is that Obama will get exposed for being a newbie given 13 debates to have the newest gop puppet make reiterate the party line. They want him to screw up and give him lots of chances to. McSame is now McFlopper amazing what 7 years has done to McSame.
call him on his bull shit..he is using the NEOCON playbook lie at all cost
http://bravenewfilms.org/blog/39179-mccain-s-youtube-problem-just-became...
Don't give an inch to the neocon Repugs , Obama has em by the walnuts , don't play into their hand , given an opening those Nazis will pull anything and everything .I agree with # 61 " oh really" , Mcsame should hold debates with himself on national television . Good one !
oh really @ 61:
However, I don't see any problem with McCain holding another dozen or so with himself. There are certainly enough things about which the two McCains he disagree. Personally, I would expect presidential candidate McCain to win since he cares even less about the truth than the old "straight talker" did. That gives him a real advantage.
Hilarious.
Serious question to the crowd. Can anyone come up with a single significant issue that McCain hasn't flipped flopped on at least once?
I'm drawing a blank.
Crazy Johnnie seems to be in such a hurry for what surely will be an embarrassing, total ass whipping. McDumb's theory may be of a loser who wants to play as many games as possible thinking his chances of winning, are increased the more he plays.
Hey John, you're debating about how many debates you're gonna get. You realize this counts towards your 5, right?
mcinsane isn't going to accept a single town-hall thingie that he can't control the admission to. bet on it.
I bet that Barr gets more votes then mccan't? I'll bet a buck at ten to one odds. I'll lessen the odds as Barr rises in the polls. Hell by election time they'll be about even if mccan't keeps opening his mouth.
mcAsshole was just found to stack his audiences. what need should Obama have to debate him in any venue 'agreeable' to mcstain
this does appear that mcStain wants the opportunity to have his media minions pounce on every Obama syllable.
Terrible @ 70:
honestly i would like to see that happen.. personally i would like barr to expose the extreme right NEOCON philosophy they are not republicans...that's what paul was trying to point out and they didn't like that one bit....reagan and goldwater are turning over in their graves like rotisserie chickens
But I sure would love to go to one of McCain's town hall meetings. I have some questions I'd like answered:
1) Senator, do you call many women c*nts, or just your wife?
2) Senator, how many times have you paid prostitutes for sex?
3) Senator, do you believe that your serial adultery in your first marriage dovetails with your claim of Family Values?
4) Senator, are any of your children from the wife you left campaigning for you? Why not?
5) Senator, why did you fight so hard to permanently seal all files of POW debriefings? Is there something in there that you don't want made public?
6) Senator, is it true that you committed treason and violated the military Code of Conduct by denouncing America while a POW? Are the transcripts of your radio addresses accurate? If not, which parts?
7) Senator, why did it take so long to release your medical records, and why was it done on the Friday afternoon before Memorial Day? Why were the pre-selected reporters only allowed 3 hours to review the 1,500+ pages from just the last few years? Why all the secrecy?
8) Senator, are you aware of something called youtube? Do you realize that your constant contraditions of statements made within a span of a few days, or even hours, are well documented and widely circulating on the internet?
9) Senator, how many prescription drugs are you currently taking? For what medical conditions?
10) Senator, can you tell us what your first 100 days in office would look like? What are your top 10 priorities?
11) Senator, why do you look like a deer in the headlights?
And that would be a good start. But I wouldn't waste my time going, and certainly wouldn't be allowed in the "town hall".
PEACE
miss_kitty @ 39:
for real!
This didn't work for Hillary who demanded debates, why would it work for McCain? They're trying to piggyback on Obama's popularity instead of trying to create their own.
Obama needs to spend all of the time he possibly can meeting as many voters face-to-face in the swing states as possible during the summer. The debates in the Fall will stand on their own.
he has committed to both sides of every issue so he has plenty of preparation for the debates......i would like to see barack get clever and get mcBlame commit to a large audience he will call off the dawgs on barack's wife michelle...maybe parlay it into let's stick to the issues let's get off the meaningless rev.wright b.s. in front of america....really put mccain on the spot
The Very Bitter and Exotic Ceci Hussein @ 59:
So, it’s about time to announce to McCain that he has no right to demand anything of anybody.
I absolutely agree with that. Obama has to show the strength in this arena and set the rules for engagement. When Obama does that, McCain will be playing defense.
It's always the one who is behind who calls for debates and then when refused, accuses the other of being scared. This is just one indicator of how desperate the Repugs are. They are not stupid. They know they are fucked.
that almost goes without saying the talking heads are saying they will have to be dirty.....their going to throw shit and see who it sticks to
spencers mom @ 74:
Senator McCain has authorized me to answer your questions on his behalf:
1. If depends on if I'm using the c-word as a verb or as a noun.
2. Including tonight? Well, my friend, I have lost count.....
3. A man is only as faithful as his opportunities! If you lack opportunities, then don't HATE the playa, HATE the game!
4. No, because they're a bunch of c***ts!
5. Well the original files are on a floppy disk from the 80s, the ORIGINAL floppy disk that was large and floppy. My secretary installed CD-Rom and Zip drives in all of the computers so I couldn't open the files to the public if I wanted too. And how do you unzip the zip drive so I can use it?
6. Have you been reading HuffPo again???
7. Some of my medical records from my youth were written on papyrus, which was the paper on choice back then when I was a young lad. It's too sensitive to be viewed in well lit areas by a bunch of reporters whose greasy fingers can easily damage it. Are a bunch of reporters allowed to view King Tut's medical records from his doctors? DON'T THINK SO!!!
8. I am very aware of the Internets! Along with YouTube and the nickel picture show every Friday night at the drive-in!
9. Look, like Elvis said, I got SCRIPT! As long as I got SCRIPT, then it doesn't matter how many I take because my drugs are LEGAL, unlike Rush's and the hippie media!
10. Well I can tell you that my #1 priority when I enter office is to have a living funeral! I would hate to leave the world without seeing my battle buddies from the Revolutionary War one more time.
11. What do you have against deers?
Thank you My Friends!
Mister Anderson @ 81:
#3........funny
This appears to be a lost cause, but I really think a debate on science policy would be important. The http://www.sciencedebate2008.com/www/index.php site reflects a serious, non-partisan effort to get the candidates to talk about science policy. I can only assume Obama and McCain are afraid it would be boring, or that they'd be asked to explain string theory. But this country (and the world) is going to need to pay far more attention to some issues of science and engineering than we have in the last few years.
And by the way, do either of the two candidates have significant science advisers right now?
McCain is trying to be Jack Palance in Shane. He's more like Curly in City Slickers except McChangeMe can't do one armed push-ups.
NEVER trust a republican.
could it be maverick's fixin' to get himself back the eye o' the tigger?
13 debates? a baker's dozen, eh? are we sure it's cleared w/ his medical team?
Why not schedule the two additional forums with the three that are the Presidential Debates already mapped out and then, if they want to do more, arrange those. If McCain is so anxious to meet one on one, he should say OK to the two additional ones and work on getting more, no just say "no" to everything out of hand.
McCain just wants Obama's crowds, since he can't get anyone to attend his.
Over at the Huff there was a blog post by someone who attended. I'm having trouble finding it, but the organizers were pulling people off the streets to attend and STILL couldn't get it to capacity so the staff had to sit in the seats and faux-cheer.
we need a debate WITH NO AUDIENCE!
I hate the Audience with their cheers and boos like if it was a rasslin' match.
Screw town halls. Have two podiums with mics and cameras and that's it and let them go at it.
Did I mention thatI hate the Audience? I have little faith in the common peasent with their rasslin' signs... go Giants!!!! go Patriots!!!! go Giants!!! go Patriots!! blah
I think it's odd that people think McCrap would have an advantage, i think Obama would tear him apart in any debate format. Obama needs to do as many debates as he can though, to put to rest the accusations that he "cant speak without a teleprompter" bullshit being lobbed all over by the wingnuts.
Personally I see the whole thing as stupid. The republick and Dem primary debates were pretty worthless I can just imagine the type of questions they'll ask during the already scheduled debates:
Mr. Hussein Osama: why do you hate our country
John McCain American hero: how long would you say you would be willing to butt hump st. ronnie's corpse and in doing so, would you consider yourself the most st. ronniesque candidate?
Mr. Hussein Osama: do you ever mix your colored knickers with your whites and do you think they should mix?
John McCain American hero: how much do you think your tax cuts for the uber wealthy will help the economy, a lot or best economy evah?
Yeah, I think I'll be skipping those too. Meh.
Anybody who believes McCain's ridiculous notion that his townhall events would be made up of "neutral audiences asking questions" just doesn't know their Republicans. The audience would be packed with Bill O'Reilly types screaming fair and balanced questions to Obama like, "Have you stopped beating your wife," while tossing masrhmallows to McCain heavy on his "heroic" military record.
If the polls indicate an increasing edge for Obama, you can bet McCain's insistence of holding such dog-and-pony shows will get even more shrill as election day approaches.
That and the patent BS that he's a war hero and maverick, both laughable lies, is about all they have to run on.
ONLY NEED ONE MEETING..... after the election they should meet long enough for McCain "THE BUSH REPUBLICAN" to drool and leave
Ron Argentati @ 92:
100% correct.
McBush probably already has the venomous Coulter clones programmed with questions for Barack HUSSEIN Obama and the demure gingham clad housewives begging the fighter pilot/hero to protect their families.
I'd be willing to bet one of the venues McBush proposes would be NAS Pensacola with Scarborough moderating.
I think the author was write in that Senator McCain just looking for something to complain about given the number of video attacks showing his inconsistencies over the last two weeks. I think they should have debates but Town Hall Meetings give Senator McCain too much of a chance to screw with the process and stuff a potential Town Hall with his supporters.
Senator McOldtimer said: Can't win, won't play.
Ten?
One is given reason to wonder what can not be covered within bounds of what passes for 'debate via television' in America in this epoch in 3-5 engagements.
Judging thus far the size and energy of the big Obama political rally events McCain is not in same class. That sorry episode he was at center of on night when Obama won the primary being Exhibit #One.
It is very likely the GOPers and McCainites are more interested in high number of 'debate events' to give 'Johnny Bomb'em' inexpensive face time and to create most openings for 'gotcha' GOPer trawling of what Obama says,does not say or the GOPers just say he said or did not.
Then we all end up back on the Rev.Wright merry-go-round. Do we really need or want to go there?
Not me.
I suspect most Americans who think 'Johnny Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran' is the guy who should follow 'George the Derelict of Duty and Honesty' into WH in Jan O9 are already firmly persuaded by John McCain.
No number of debates or not any at all will change such minds.
Just like around 28% of Americans still think The Decider is just a swell Prez. Sheesh.
So Obama may as well draw hard lines now and let the GOPers and McCainites wail and gnash teeth all they want about/over what Obama does or does not regarding Ten Town Halls idea.
GOPers will anyway.
It is very difficult to see how McCain can win in November short of some nefarious assists from Bush/Cheney WH regarding Iraq/Iran.
Given Bush/Cheney WH standards (lack of standards?) that is the big unknown here in mid June 2008. 'George The Warmonger' sending strong signals he will "so som'thun" to Iran before he is evicted from WH in Jan 2009. Crazy as that surely is/will be.
Otherwise McCain is in most ways all GOPer retread and worn out,hollow GOPer 'can't do' in high repeat mode.
Is McCain fresh? No.
Does McCain offer new thinking or policy alternatives from where Bush/Cheney is? No.
Is McCain The Maverick sell valid? No.
Obama should give them less then they want over the Town Halls and if they whine and stomp feet over his doing so then give them less still.
What do you think the GOPers would do with the tables turned?
Exactly the point.
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 2:
Captain Obama’s Bitter Half Husein Kangaroo @ 3:
Barack Obama Facts:
If you have five dollars and Barack Obama has five dollars, Barack Obama has more money than you.
There is no 'ctrl' button on Barack Obama's computer. Barack Obama is always in control.
Apple pays Barack Obama 99 cents every time he listens to a song.
Barack Obama can sneeze with his eyes open.
Barack Obama can eat just one Lay's potato chip.
Barack Obama is suing Myspace for taking the name of what he calls everything around you.
Barack Obama destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.
Barack Obama can kill two stones with one bird.
Barack Obama can get votes in states that haven't even been admitted to the Union yet.
These have been Barack Obama facts.
♠Bangkok-Bob♠ in Chiang Mai @ 21:
"Rime Of The Ancient Mariner" Starring John McCrazy as the lonny old salt and George W Bush as that pesky Albatross!
Obama will show the world what an 'empty suit" he really is.
Maybe McCain will be able to explain the items that the Clinton supporters don't like about Obama
Maybe McCain will be able to question those items.
The reason Clinton supporters will not vote for Obama is because they are embarrassed of him, his life, his unfair tactics and his beliefs. And they still don't know all about him.
They don't want a candidate that has been in a twenty year relationship with Reverend Wright and the Trinity United Church of Christ.
They don’t’ want a candidate that has a twenty year relationship with Father Pflaeger as his compass in life
They don’t want a candidate that went to a church that supports Louis Farrakhan, an anti Semitic racist.
They don't want to defend Black Liberation theology.
They don’t want a candidate that lies about his relationship with Tony Rezko, the Syrian Criminal that sold his property to Obama and supported his campaign.
They don't want a candidate that could work with a domestic terrorist, William Ayers.
They don’t' want a candidate that didn't stand up for the voters of Michigan and Florida.
They don’t want a candidate that Hamas supports.
They don’t want a candidate that Farrakhan and the Nation of Islam support
They don’t want a candidate that has a wife that has just now realized she was proud of our country.
They don’t want a candidate that denies Florida and Michigan their voices
They don’t want a candidate that mentions 57 states in his speeches. 50 states in the USA and 57 states in the Nation of Islam (IOC website)
They don’t want a candidate that fights unfair and steals Michigan delegate votes from his opponent.
They don’t want a candidate that feels sorry to leave a church that is anti American and that preaches hatred and racial views that are cruel and nasty.
They don't want a candidate that is inexperienced.
They don’t want a candidate that considers it a loss to not to be able to attend his anti American, racist Church.
They don’t want a candidate that has a Muslim father.
They don’t’ want a candidate that can’t win a debate
They don’t’ want a candidate that misleads the youth with an ‘Obama girl and her behind in their face”
They don’t want a candidate that says he’s an African American and missed the MLK Remembrance Day and the Louisiana Black Caucus meeting
They don’t want a candidate that has done nothing for humanity except talk about it.
They don’t' want a candidate named; Barack Hussein Obama
He scares them to death.
He is embarrassing.
He is unelectable.
Al from NJ @ 101:
Thanks for the talking points. Circular file is over by the exit.
with neutral audiences asking questions
Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight. We've already seen what McCain's idea of a "neutral audience" is.
The debates are all staged and orchestrated down to the smallest detail. Doesn't matter if they hold zero debates or a hundred. It's all absolutely meaningless. What have the Democrats have done stop the war, stop Big Oil, stop the torture, stop the spying? It's a staged fight, folks.
Vote for a third-party. Write in your grandmother. Just don't cater to this charade any longer.
It is a good thing that Obama realized what McSame was trying to do. Ten or 13 debates are just to many! Three would be enough -- it is very annoying watching McSame talk about things in riddles.
It is also nice to see so many people are up to date on the news and know what the real deal is -- the economy for one.
The levels of attack McCain's team & followers use are horrible and below the level of a presidental elect.
Why not focus on the real issues -- and that would not require so many debates, which might help McSame since he has a tendency to forget and mix up the facts.
You Obama supporters are awfully sure of your candidate? Kind of reminds me of Laker fans who were sure they would win the championship.
I think you severely underestimate McCain and the Republican Party. Certainly, all indicators point to an Obama victory in November, but I do not think it will be the cakewalk many of you think it will be.
I think it is wise to be both cautious, and respectful in the meantime.
“neutral audiences asking questions” - There ain't no such thing if repugs are allowed to run the how.
107 bill doh Says: “neutral audiences asking questions” - There ain’t no such thing if repugs are allowed to run the how.
show - not how.
First: Debate after they are both nominated, not before.
Second: Why should Obama agree to more than two debates? McCain is BROKE! No. Money. Why give him anything that gets him in front of voters for free?
Just me.
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