I agree with you on most points. Except for the last one.
perfect_rovian_storm wrote:
He’ll take heat for the day today until the debate TONIGHT in Syracuse that is legitimate, which he’s going to participate in.
Why should he do both?
Anyone who’s seen him on television knows that this is not likely to be his strongest point, however I did note when he was on Glenn Beck that his nervousness disappeared when it came time to attack the hell out of Scozzafava for being a liberal.
Ducking this debate was smart. There wasn’t any reason to do it in a hostile environment when there was a televised one the next day.
If he can’t stand a hostile environment, he shouldn’t be running.
Also, it would have been an opportunity to prepare for the televised debate tonight.
Also, last night’s debate was in the district he is running to represent, tonight’s is outside the district. And last night, there was a live audience, tonight is only TV cameras (at least that is what I remember reading).
I know debating isn’t his strong suit. But it is a requirement for the job of a candidate. And “ducking” debates never looks good, even if there seems to be justification for it.
I support Hoffman, and I hope he does well tonight. But he will take some heat over last night. Avoiding that debate was not the best choice.
| From the desk of cc2k: |
Candidates I support: Doug Hoffman for Congress, NY 23rd (PayPal), David Harmer for Congress, CA 10th (website for info). Please, spread the word about these important special elections on November 3, 209: New York’s 23rd congressional district and California’s 10th congressional district. |
I disagree. I don’t think anyone really cares where the debate is being filmed. That’s wonkish nonsense like him living 5 miles out of what’s currently the district.
Professional politicians often try to minimize or maximize the number of debates depending on their standing and many other factors in the race.
There was no reason not to duck the debate, because the ‘crowers’ really can’t crow about it beyond today, because he’s showing up at the televised debate.
After he shows up to the debate tonight, it does not hold any water to complain about yesterday’s debate.
If it is part of Hoffman’s strategy to minimize the amount of debate time, that was the debate to miss. There really is no downside, since the complaints about it really can’t be taken seriously after tonight’s debate.
So, all the complainers, whiners, and hand wringers can do their thing for the rest of the day, but tomorrow, it’s back to the race again.