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.")
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While Sen. McCain
June 16, 2008 - 11:01 ET by j. frank wilsonappears to be unable to make up his mind about almost every major issue facing America today, his disorganized political campaign has managed to make a proposal to Sen. Obama's campaign.
Commen sense tells us Sen. McCain's proposal is not designed to assist Sen. Obama.
As a reasonable person might expect, Sen. Obama's campaign has made a decision based on what they see as the right thing to do.
Both parties stand prepared to tell their respective sides of the story.
This is news?
Constrasting approaches to communicating their message
June 16, 2008 - 12:32 ET by krendler"
Both parties stand prepared to tell their respective sides of the story. "
Right. McCain gets his message out and communicates who he is by making speeches, discussing his extensive record, answering questions and interacting with the press corp on a daily basis.
Obama gets his message out by reading soaring speeches off a telemprompter in front of adoring throngs, issuing press releases and limiting access by reporters to a bare minimum.
@krendler:
June 16, 2008 - 13:12 ET by j. frank wilsonSounds more like President Bush than Sen. Obama to me...Except Sen. Obama doesn't use members of the US Military as stage props for his speeches.
Franky, President Bush
June 16, 2008 - 16:52 ET by Dan The Man 2Franky, President Bush had military supporters, many very many, something that Obama does not have. Supporters are not props as you say, but can you think of anything that is not a scam?
Nuke em til they glow then shoot em in the dark.
Earth Times - Carrying
June 16, 2008 - 11:20 ET by stratmanEarth Times - Carrying Obama's water one bucket at a time!
RRAM Tough!
And their 4 dozen
June 16, 2008 - 11:25 ET by Clear thinkerAnd their 4 dozen readers.
"Abstain from McCain"
it's the right thing to do
June 16, 2008 - 12:28 ET by DaieObama made the decision because it was the right thing to do? Well, you got that right. Since Obama couldn't win a debate with a 5 yr old of course he wants less debates.
If anyone doesn't like the news they read here or don't think it's newsworthy..then why keep reading the things on here??
I think Mr. "Hope and
June 16, 2008 - 12:27 ET by krendlerI think Mr. "Hope and Change" and his campaign realize that the less talking he does away from the teleprompter and the fewer questions he has to answer, the better. You also see this in the very limited access that is given to the press corp.
Obama is the biggest empty suit / phony ever.
All as the left and msm take pot shots at McCain for his age and awkwardness in front of a teleprompter...
Still smarting
June 16, 2008 - 19:28 ET by ReaverBarry O is still smarting from his last debate with Hillary. Expect any debate between him and McCain to be heavily formatted. Preferably with all questions screened in advance.
Reaver... "Preferably
June 16, 2008 - 19:35 ET by Clear thinkerReaver...
"Preferably with all questions screened in advance."
And the answers.
"Abstain from McCain"