By DOUGLASS K. DANIEL, Associated Press Writer
Sat Aug 2, 5:41 PM ET
WASHINGTON - Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain's challenge for a series of joint appearances, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.
In May, when a McCain adviser proposed a series of pre-convention appearances at town hall meetings, Obama said, "I think that's a great idea." In summer stumping on the campaign trail, McCain has often noted that Obama had not followed through and joined him in any events.
Obama's reversal on town hall debates is part of a play-it-safe strategy he's adopted since claiming the nomination and grabbing a lead in national polls. Advisers to the Illinois senator, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss strategy, say Obama is reluctant to take chances or give McCain a high-profile stage now that Obama's the front-runner.
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Obama backs away from McCain's debate challenge
Discussion in 'Political Debate & Discussion' started by I Am Blessed 24, Aug 2, 2008.
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I think more is involved. Obama's mystique is disappearing. The ether has worn off, and Obama finds himself in a statistical dead heat with a man from a party that is floundering at best, when Obama should be up double digits. A couple of polls show Obama trailing, even if close to the margin of error. Unthinkable. So Obama now has to play some things a bit safer and realize he may have to run as a competitor instead of the Knight on the Stallion bit that carried him through the primary season. It may hurt him. His veep choice is going to be critical, as it will be for McCain.
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Rasmussen Reports Balance of Power Calculator (see methodology below) shows Barack Obama leading in states with 210 Electoral College votes while John McCain leads in states with 165 votes. When leaners are included, Obama leads 273-227. On Tuesday, July 22, Ohio shifted from "Leans Democratic" to "Toss-Up". -
Revmitchell Well-Known MemberSite Supporter
Obama is not the powerhouse the far left media ( ABC CBS,NBC MSNBC CNN ETC) is making him out to be -
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As will you if you have to call John McCain president. :)
I may have to respect the office of president, but I do NOT have to respect the man... -
If he is the one he has been waiting for...I would assume he should be up for any debate, particularly with a 70+ old man :)
His lack of experience, wisdom and knowledge of what it takes to be POTUS is bleeding through. I pray this country is not fleeced into thinkin he would have a clue as president. His political experience (or lack of) should be enough in not voting for him -
As any other politician, Obama plays to his strengths.
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...which doesn't include actual issues, unfortunately, just a bunch or cheerleading "rah, rah".
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It certainly doesn't include experience either...
My grandkids spend more time in preschool getting ready for Kindergarten than this man has spent getting ready to lead our nation! -
Does Obama just feel his position can only be harmed and not helped in a debate?
I'd think with his charisma he'd stomp McCain badly in a debate. Debates aren't, after all, about anything substantive, but about posturing and manipulating the emotions of the viewer. -
Yes, he feels like he can be harmed. He does not have enough experience to talk on most issues. McCain could ask some questions that Obama would have no clue how to answer.
Obama just talks about "change", but never explains what "change" he's talking about.
McCain talks facts. -
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Never happen...
He is doing too good deceiving the American people with his sugarcoated, feel good, Charisma....
Osteen should be his running mate...