Earth Times Gives McCain Debate Proposal Short Regard

GOP Presidential Nominee John McCain has proposed a series of ten townhall-style debates between himself and Barack Obama from now and August. According to the Earth Times, this is "widely seen as an effort to counter Democrat Obama's likely advantage in raising campaign funds."

The article goes on to note that Obama has countered with "an offer of two townhall meetings between now and November to go along with the three presidential debates traditionally held after the parties' nominating conventions in August and September." The reason for this counter proposal? The Earth Times doesn't say.

McCain offers more debates, but it's only a "gimmick" to counter better fund-raising; Obama offers far fewer debates because ... hmm.

In addition, the E.T. gives an outlet only to the Obama camp for a rationale, such that it is:

"Its disappointing that Senator McCain and his campaign decided to decline this proposal," said campaign manager David Plouffe. "Apparently they would rather contrive a political issue than foster a genuine discussion about the future of our country."

Apparently, to the E.T. and the Obama camp, more "genuine discussion" about the future of the country is just a "contrived political issue."

(h/t to NB reader "Joe3.")