Posted on 09/25/2008 1:53:05 PM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
It looks like Obama has firmly declared he will be at the debate, while McCain has allowed a little wiggle room by "requesting" the debate be postponed -- and "challenging" Obama to agree.
Regardless, this "staring contest" over whether or not to debate tomorrow night, could have real political ramifications. McCain's opening salvo was shrewd and bold, but Obama's comeback was good, too ("Part of the president's job is to deal with more than one thing at once.")
Following are some thoughts on how McCain might respond to Obama's insistence on continuing with the debate:
1. McCain could still show up. If the compromise deal gets worked out in time, McCain could show up at the debate a victor, having slayed the economic dragon, and having gained the moral high ground, as well. ... Even if the deal isn't signed, McCain could still show up -- and ask to focus on the economy (though the debate is supposed to be about foreign policy).
2. McCain could skip it. McCain says he won't debate unless there is a deal. Pictures of McCain doing real work on the economy at 9 PM on a Friday night (I don't know, he and Lindsay Graham sitting around a boardroom table with a calculator??) juxtaposed with pictures of Obama at a debate might make McCain look serious (and, conversely, make Obama look political). Of course, absent those images, this could also backfire.
Don't discount the fact that skipping the debate opens McCain up to criticism that he cost Ole Miss money and prestige. But more importantly, skipping the debate might give Obama a large forum all to himself (granted, few real Americans watch debates on Friday nights -- but this would allow pundits to speculate for days that McCain blew it by not showing up ...)
3. McCain could make a last-minute arrival. Showing up just as the debate begins -- if it comes on the heels of a major bi-partisan compromise or breakthrough -- would be a dramatic entrance, indeed. This could work well, or it also might also be perceived as being too cute by half...
4. McCain could send Palin. (I mentioned this last night). Obama would be in a "no-win" situation, in my view. If he refused to debate her, that would be patronizing. But if he did debate her, he would essentially be conceding that they are at the same level. McCain could then argue that in the real world, a vice president steps in to handle political things when a leader is working on real policy ...
What are your predictions???
Kookinitch said that!!! wwoohhoooo
Oh yeah, I really want to hear from the academic elites.
They would like nothing better than to see the USA in free fall.
He’ll show up....and wipe the floor with Obama.
Now fat gayboy Franks is saying that McCain and the Repubs are undermining the Paulson plan....lolololololol.....this is great.
Shelby is not putting up with BS.
:And what two things is Obambi juggling?”
Welp, that just about nails it.
And such a great tagline, too.
Okay, with both those things weighed, you get my vote for post of the day.
McCain is trying to protect taxpayers, Sen Burr is on and says that they pretty much are adding input, but sounded like McCain is adding stuff that matters.
How about McCain just shows up at the debate, doesn't play games, and wins on the ISSUES? How about some real leadership on the issues? That's what this country needs! Not more games!
Send in Sarah ... all Barry’s careful prep goes out the window. He will be so freaked out that he won’t be able to speak coherently.
I disagree that Sarah is a flop. That is not true. But, she should not be debating Obama, even though we’d love it-—it has to be McCain, HE is the Pres. candidate. Sarah energized the party and I think can be very valuable as VP down the road, I would never say she is a flop. But she is a great conservative and the ticket needed that. She will still bring votes that McCain may not have gotten so she is no way a flop.
Damned good question. "Well, I'm uh prepping uh for the uh debate and uh I'm waiting, uh waiting for Harry to call me on the uh phone" is probably the answer.
Can I vote for the Palin scenario as well?
It would be a gutsy move and prefect proof that She has what it takes to be VP...
''Well, gee, I know Senator Obama prefers teleprompters, but I didn't really think he was scared of a girl.''
Answer: His nuts.
How about McCain shows up, but the theme of the debate gets shifted to the Economy and the bailout package. Bye bye Barry’s careful preparation...he’d have to think on his feet ...> trainwreck...
1. Keep everyone (mostly Obama) in suspense
2. Hammer out a Republican deal, make announcement tomorrow that the deal details will be announced at the debate.
3. Attend debate
4. Announce all the details, basically free market conservative gems that socialists will hate but independents and conservative voters will love.
Objectively speaking, its probably not a good idea to skip the debate outright. Independents need to hear more from McCain so he can close the deal.
Look, if Obama wants to talk while everyone else is in D.C. I say let him do it. I don’t think that image is going to go over too well with Americans.
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