Head of Debate Commission Says "No Debate" if McCain Does Not Attend - Video 9/26/08

Blogs for John McCain ^ | September 26, 2008 | brianinmo

[blogsforthompson.com]

Here is head of the Debate Commission, Frank Farenkophf, interviewed this morning by Newsweek at the Memphis Airport. He said:

1. There will be NO DEBATE tonight if John McCain does not attend due to the Rescue Plan Negotiations. The Debate Commission cannot hold a Debate/Town Hall Meeting with only Obama because that would constitute an "illegal campaign contribution" to the Obama Campaign. However, this would not keep Obama from holding some kind of event on his own - but it would not be a Debate Commission event.

2. He believes there must be a decision by around noon today to allow the Secret Service to do all they need to do to get ready for the event tonight. . . . . (see video at link)

[wideawake]

Reid is on CNBC right now saying that McCain's presence in DC is a distraction, that he "was supposed to stand up for something but he's only standing up for the cameras" that Reid appreciates the efforts of "serious Republicans" (implying McCain is not serious) etc.

Reid is using his press conference as an Obama commercial. I've never seen a majority leader cross the line like this, ever.

[mass55th]

LOL! So much for Bambi’s plans to hold a town hall meeting. Word is he’s already left for Mississippi. He could have stayed and worked on the economy crisis, but he high-tailed it out of town. He couldn’t get his ass out quick enough. Barry can’t hang around when there’s work to be done.

[CatOwner]

However, this would not keep Obama from holding some kind of event on his own - but it would not be a Debate Commission event.

Oh man, I sure hope Obama decides to have some of event tonight that is not directly related to the bailout issues. It would be like him to be that arrogant.

[steve-b]

The Debate Commission cannot hold a Debate/Town Hall Meeting with only Obama because that would constitute an "illegal campaign contribution" to the Obama Campaign.

That's just silly -- the offer was extended to both, and neither was forced to decline.

[Doug TX]

McCain needs to show up at the debate. Fly in—kick ass—fly out. Everyone understands the circumstances.

[going hot]

I've never seen a majority leader cross the line like this, ever.

Should'a seen George Mitchell during his tenure at majority leader. Ried is a piker comparatively.

[italianquaker]

Country first for Mccain even the liberal writers of the NY Daily News agree, poor odumbo with his me me me attitude

[InterceptPoint]

"However, this would not keep Obama from holding some kind of event on his own - but it would not be a Debate Commission event. "

All that matters here is whether CBS-Obmaa, NBC-Obama, ABC-Obama and CNN-Obama would actually cover an Obama only event. Gee, I have no idea what they would do.

[Maverick68]

More Psy-ops from McCain...heh heh heh...

[1Old Pro]

Was the media going to EVER ask this question about illegality and report it?

Sheesh, the all knowing media is just finally figuring this out? How lame, aren’t they supposed to ask these kind of questions or are they too busy attacking McCain/Palin?