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???
Palin would be a killer idea. Bill Clinton just said that McCain did the right thing.
Sorry Obama....
Interesting....
susie
Send Sarah!
Though seemingly a masterstroke, Obama could then in turn, at the last moment, insert Biden into his place to make the first debate a complete VP-candidate one. Obama would then fall back and suggest they use the original VP debate date for a rescheduled presidential debate.
I think Governor Palin needs more practice just because of the subject matter. It would be cruel to send her in unprepared.
Mac should breeze in at the last minute and kick his skinny behind. “I didn’t need any prep.”
I’m with you. When I heard this news yesterday my first thought was that he should just send Governer Palin to debate him.
Funny, Kooky Kusinich was just on Cavuto a few minutes ago and he stuck up for McCain and said they both should be there working this out and did not fault McCain at all and even used McCain’s line, it should be “all hands on deck” and that the debate could be postponed, it is no big deal. Sounds like another who doesn’t like Obambi.
He could video conference in. That would probably be best. Sort of a “I will debate you, but I will also do my duty as a public servant.” Since Obama isn’t doing that as well, it would make him look bad.
“I think Governor Palin needs more practice just because of the subject matter. It would be cruel to send her in unprepared.”
Oh, c’mon. It’s Bambi. She could field dress that mouse in thirty seconds.
Obama won’t be prepared to tackle Sarah Barracuda - I’d send her in a heartbeat, but McCain will show up. He’s the honorable guy, remember?
Sen Shelby (AL-R) is on Fox now saying that the plan of Paulson pretty much sucks and brought up the petition of the economists that say it is a bad plan. No agreement yet.
Having Sarah pinch-hit would be a big mistake. It would make McCain look like he’s afraid to debate Obama, or maybe even be seen as a sign of disrespect.
If I were McCain, I would show up, do the debate, and put Sarah in the audience, front row center. This would distract The Obama so much he wouldn’t be able to get anything out except “um, uh... uh, breathlizer... uh... um.....”
And what two things is Obambi juggling?
I agree. Besides, it just isn’t done, this is a Presidential debate, the people want the two PRESIDENTIAL candidates debating. Sending Sarah is not an option in a Presidential debate.
Great minds.....I wish. Didn’t see Rove, but I thinnk it could be a real “I won’t hold his youth against him” moment.
Obama has a great way to deal with issues.
Vote PRESENT and walk away. Some new type of multi tasking I suppose.
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