Santorum hesitant on more primary debates (Rick "Courage" Santorum)

The Hill ^ | March 7, 2012 | Daniel Strauss

[red flanker]

Rick Santorum’s campaign said it’s not planning for any more GOP primary debates, while Newt Gingrich is calling for one to happen before next Tuesday’s contests.

Gingrich said on Monday he planned to attend an upcoming debate in Portland, Ore., hosted by PBS. He also said he wanted there to be more debates, possibly in Mississippi and Alabama, states with upcoming primaries in which the former House Speaker is hoping to do well.

Mitt Romney’s campaign wouldn’t say if the former Massachusetts governor will attend the Portland debate, and the Santorum campaign wouldn’t commit either.

[red flanker]

In the Arizona debate, Rick "Call Me Courage" Santorum whined about being double team by Ron Paul and Romney. He had a chance to display true political courage by agreeing to attend a scheduled debate in Georgia. Even if the debate was to be cancelled, Rick would have shown that he was willing to debate Newt one on one.

What Rick showed to the voters of Georgia and Ohio was that Rick the Rooster was really a political weakling and a chicken at heart. It would not be surprising if he lost Ohio and underperformed in Georgia because of his lack of courage and willingness to debate Newt one on one.

[rwilson99]

Dumb for Rick... he needs the free media.

[parksstp]

In other news, Newt Gingrich continued to dodge his 1994 Democratic Opponent, Brian Jones aka “Cooter” of Dukes of Hazzard Fame. Jones followed Gingrich to events in Connecticut, Wisconsin, and Alabama (with hunting dogs) trying to track down Newt to debate. Newt was so infuriated that he completely ignored Cooter for the rest of the campaign, and as a result, Cooter called Newt a “wuss”.

I wonder if Newt would debate Cooter now.

[Dave W]

Hysterical.

[red flanker]

In 1994, Newt helped engineer one of the greatest political wins in history for his party. We know ex-senator Fred Thompson who was elected that year gives Newt a lot of credit for his accomplishment. Even Rick "Courage" Santorum used the political tidal wave to his election in that year, but he mostly gives credit to himself...

[Kenny]

I think he’s smart. The people need to see more of a candidate than soundbites on a stage.

[Toespi]

Is Santorum and Romney going to dodge Obama debates? Don’t you all think this is something we should know now?

[trappedincanuckistan]

What informs more? Rehearsed stump speeches or debates where positions are fleshed out?

[parksstp]

yeah, Newt sure did, but that wasn’t the issue here, so don’t try to change it.

Your’re trying to call Santorum out as a coward who’s afraid to debate Newt and portray Newt as someone who’s willing to take on and debate anyone, when the historical record says otherwise.

As for 1994, I agree it wasn’t necessary for Newt to debate Cooter as his district was heavily safe and there was no gain he could make from it. I would argue in the same manner it is wise for Santorum not to debate anymore either for the same reason, because even if he does well, people like you won’t give him any credit anyway. So why bother?

[skeeter]

I hope you’re saving some of that sarcasm for the democrats

[parksstp]

Of course neither is. What a stupid question to ask.

There’s 3 agreed upon debates set by the Commission on Presidential Debates with the agreement of the campaigns and major parties. One is usually a podium, one is a table-sit down, and one is town-hall. It’s been this way since 1996.

[cripplecreek]

We know ex-senator Fred Thompson who was elected that year gives Newt a lot of credit for his accomplishment.

Fred Thompson to appear in Richmond on behalf of National Popular Vote initiative

[Toespi]

Don’t call me stupid jerk.

[Kenny]

Some of you Newtonians should ask yourselves why Newt can’t get decent numbers without debates. The general isn’t going to be about debates and I think Newt’s threat to follow Obama around rings hollow. First of the Secret Service won’t let him “just follow” Obama. Secondly, Obama crowds won’t stick around to hear Newt if he did get on.

Gotta get over this one-trick pony thing.

[trisham]

Had to go all the way back to 1994, did you?

Santorum's foibles go back all the way to..the 21st century.

[conservativejoy]

Why in Sam Hill would Newt Gingrich debate anyone named Cooter?! I imagine Newt would draw the line at matching wits with an unarmed person.

[trappedincanuckistan]

I asked you a specific question. What do you think informs more? Stump speeches or debates where candidates have to take positions on issues?

[parksstp]

As does Newt’s:

Supported TARP
Sat on a couch with Nancy Pelosi promoting the dangers of Global Warming that he still won’t call junk science
Supports Big Government Solutions to Healthcare
Supports Big Tent Republicanism (Scozzafava)
Calls Paul Ryan’s Plan “Right-Wing” Social Engineering
Said “The Era of Reagan is Over”

All of this is 21st Century.

[Right_in_Virginia]

Dumb for Rick... he needs the free media.

Not to mention the practice.

[rabidralph]

Brave Sir Robin