Obama Avoids Getting A GOP Bitch-Slapping
Readers familiar with Josh's Republican Bitch-Slap Theory of electoral politics will recognize that Obama has thus far handled McCain's call for a suspension of the debate in precisely the right way.
McCain's real goal here was to be seen as the one setting the agenda and driving the action. His goal was to be seen ordering Obama to jump and getting him to, well, jump.
Obama didn't jump.
Had Obama agreed to a suspension of the debate, McCain would have achieved precisely what he wanted. He'd be perceived as the one who'd forced a suspension of campaign activity and brought everyone together in a show of temporary unity in response to the crisis.
Plus, by agreeing to the suspension, Obama would have legitimized a stunt so transparent that it's astonishing that McCain was able to deliver his statement on TV without dissolving into hysterical laughter.
But Obama didn't jump. And no jump=no bitch slap.
Late Update: A number of you rightly point out that part of what's key here is that Obama did some slapping of his own, by pointing out that we can do two things at once here.
Also: To be clear, I'm not arguing that McCain won't be able to somehow use Obama's refusal to suspend the debate in future attacks and ads or whatever. Of course he will. My point was that agreeing to McCain's bogus suspension call would have been the worst possible move.
Great. Except that it seems odd to cheer a negative: 'my candidate did NOT get bitch slapped. hooray.'
Maybe the multitasking comment was a kind of slap in return and we can cheer that?
September 24, 2008 5:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about "Obama Outmaneuvers .....? Avoids sounds a bit negative on Obama.
September 24, 2008 6:01 PM | Reply | Permalink
How about:
Obama Clings to Non-Bitch Status, At Least for Now
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
That is, of course, a dig at TPM headlines.
Barack is wailing the crap outta the old guy.
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Er, "waling."
September 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
Not to pile, but what the heck: whaling?
September 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Waling -- to raise marks on the skin as by whipping.
September 24, 2008 6:14 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oops. I stand corrected.
September 24, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sag Harbor
September 24, 2008 6:52 PM | Reply | Permalink
Heh.
I think Obama did a bit of slapping himself, what with that comment about "we can do more than one thing at a time"...
September 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, absolute top notch analysis. I could not agree more, and you absolutely nailed this. If Obama had acquiesced to this grandstanding bullshit, it would have turned the tables, from McCain looking a scared little weak child to Obama taking marching orders from a scared little weak child.
Obama played this just right.
September 24, 2008 6:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
A true analysis, but...
How many more microseconds until we hear from the pearl-clutchers at the McCain campaign (the people who gave you "deference" and "How DARE they!"), that Obama's failure to cave on cancelling the debate amounts to his "not putting our Country first"?
I mean, come on, kiddies, this one's a no-brainer. You just know this had to be one of those "damned if you do" moments in which Karl specializes.
September 24, 2008 8:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
People will see this for what it is, a gimmick.
September 24, 2008 9:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Of course.
Obama is not a fool.
In fact, the bitch slap is going to be redirected at McCain head when he has to crawl into the debate with his tail between his legs.
September 24, 2008 5:55 PM | Reply | Permalink
Well, if those who respond to the Caferty File are indication of the public sentiment, it is about 98% to 2% in favor of holding the debate, with most of those seeing this as a stunt by McCain because he's dropping the polls.
September 24, 2008 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
mcLame just upped the ratings for Friday night!
September 24, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
80% at MSNBC believe the debate should be held--about 70% "strongly agree" with this idea.
Hey, you can, too!
http://james-eng.newsvine.com/_question/2008/09/24/1906168-agree-or-disagree-fridays-presidential-debate-should-be-postponed-so-the-candidates-can-focus-on-the-economy-instead-of-campaigning
September 24, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sneaky! Now they've changed the poll to "it should be postponed." So be careful! Strongly disagree is way out ahead, however!
September 24, 2008 7:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
Josh's theroty is, of course, right on and thank God for once the Democrat didn't obediently fall in line for the bitch-slapping the Republicans wanted to hand him!
Now, if Obama just turns the tables and bitch-slaps McCain as he so richly deserves, the election will begin to go Obama's way. If Obama finally realizes that the way to win the campaign is to keep McSame's back thusly against the wall then things will be looking pretty rosy come the day after the election in November.
September 24, 2008 5:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
ahhh but now the GOP will say Obama is more interested in winning the presidency than helping Americans. Not country first.
It's a load of crap, but they will do it. I bet the ad is already in production. Heck it was probably in production the moment McCain started making his statement.
September 24, 2008 5:58 PM | Reply | Permalink
But the GOP argument can be turned right back around on them. With 40 days to go till election it is important to hear the solutions Obama or McCain would bring to the White House to deal with this problem. If this was mid-July, it would work in the GOP's favor but its late in the game and a lot of people are worried and mad about what's going on and they want solutions now. This stacks couldn't be higher and there's no time to running and playing games for political points.
September 24, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama is always two or three steps ahead,
would not be surprised that they saw this coming,
-
will play very bad for McCain next week -
that and the new national inquirer article out today on Palin
September 24, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
Events were piling up. Anyone could see that mcSham was bound to "break" or have a "meltdown."
Only other thing that comes to my mind - is the guy having a stroke? Does he need to go to DC to a hospital?
September 24, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, he is busy meeting former Clinton backers.
Too, er, rich.
September 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Isn't that just freaking hilarious?
The former Clinton backer who said McCain would appeal to all those "rednecks"?
The de Rothschild who thinks Obama is "elite"?
He has time for that, but not for anything else?
Too funny.
September 24, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Some surrogate should use this bit of information tonight: McCain is so worried about the plight of ordinary Americans that he prioritized a meeting with a billionaire and bypassed a chance to speak to Obama and get down to some real work on the financial problem.
September 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
On 1st & 10 with 1:30 to go in the 4th quarter McCain throws an unexpected hail mary which is intercepted and returned for a touchdown by Obama.
September 24, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
What the hell is McCain's next move? How does he show up to the debates now without looking weak? And how can he not show up?
September 24, 2008 5:59 PM | Reply | Permalink
such is one's dilemma when one confronts a barackate master.
September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
Over and over he's gotten into jams and turned over a new leaf. But I don't think it's gonna work this time!
September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
A conundrum wrapped in a dilemma wrapped in a catch-22...
September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
i think you've got it.
September 24, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
What a day! What a roller coaster! Could you imagine this guy as president? We'd be reeling and lurching and .... Dear God, make it stop!!!
September 24, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
I try not to think about it, but I'd be looking for a doctor with a generous prescription pad.
September 24, 2008 6:17 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yep - in fact there's a little part of me that says Obama just bitch-slapped the GOP and McLame.
I know Harry Reid just did.
September 24, 2008 6:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know, move up the VP debate to this Friday so McCain and Obama can work on the "plan". . .Boy, I'd love to see the "deer in the headlights" look on Palin when they ask her questions she is unprepared to answer.
September 24, 2008 6:03 PM | Reply | Permalink
Josh on the front page says the deal is 98% complete.
September 24, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Especially if Congress is moving along just fine on the bailout package, as appears to be the case.
If the congressional Republicans try to block it now, they'll look they're playing politics with it to back up McCain.
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
David Letterman: ""What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!" "
I wonder if McCain anticipated the reaction of the late night comedians to this? Or did they assume that Obama would buckle in, and this would work?
If so, they have underestimated him in the same wayt that the Clinton campaign did.
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's totally out of touch!!!
September 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Letterman on McCain (from Drudge):
David Letterman tells audience that McCain called him today to tell him he had to rush back to DC to deal with the economy.
Then in the middle of the taping Dave got word that McCain was, in fact just down the street being interviewed by Katie Couric. Dave even cut over to the live video of the interview, and said, "Hey Senator, can I give you a ride home?"
Earlier in the show, Dave kept saying, "You don't suspend your campaign. This doesn't smell right. This isn't the way a tested hero behaves." And he joked: "I think someone's putting something in his metamucil."
"He can't run the campaign because the economy is cratering? Fine, put in your second string quarterback, Sara Palin. Where is she?"
"What are you going to do if you're elected and things get tough? Suspend being president? We've got a guy like that now!"
Awesome. Tune in tonight!
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Sweet. Thanks for the heads up.
September 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yes. Awesome! The comedy just writes itself!
September 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
I can't wait for the top ten reasons McCain have to keep the campaign suspended.
September 24, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
Greg, I object to your sexist lingo. The preferred nomenclature is "He-bitch Man-slap".
September 24, 2008 6:04 PM | Reply | Permalink
Drudge's quotes from Letterman are worth quoting in their entirety:
September 24, 2008 6:05 PM | Reply | Permalink
Looks like we are all jumping between here and Sullivan (or Drudge).
McCain is literally becoming a national joke.
September 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
This will reach more undecideds than anything happening on cable news.
September 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I really think this is devastating.
And it will reinforce, for those who heard it, Obama saying "Hey, you've got to be able to do more than one thing at a time as president"...
These aren't going to get the attention probably of the media, but I think they're devastating for McCain, because they reinforce all the concern about his age, his forgetting stuff, or confusing stuff, and so on.
Just devastating.
September 24, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
What will be even more devastating is when, in the next day or two, McCain has to crawl back with his tail between his legs and reactivate his campaign.
"Okay, ummm, false alarm. I'm back."
September 24, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hee hee hee!
McLame just keeps pointing that canon at his own tootsies and firing it.
LMAO!
I know Reid isn't popular, but I love it that he told McLame to stay out of DC. Where's McLame's excuse for cancelling now?
September 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think he just fired at both kneecaps!
September 24, 2008 6:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm thinking of the scene in Liar Liar when John Carey's beats himself up in the bathroom.
September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Fight Club.
September 24, 2008 6:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
What's probably going on inside McCain's inner circle: "No! It was your idea!" "Screw you, it was your idea."
September 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's Jim Carrey
September 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ok. I don't want to give Ed Norton to McLame.
September 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain's gambitism to Ride Into Town and Whip Congress Into Shape is one time where I bet he wishes he hadn't earned that bipartisan reputation for being a self-centered jerk. Cause one would expect some good anonymous jibes from "a Republican Senate colleague" to come out of this.
September 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
This is what epic fail looks like in real-time.
September 24, 2008 6:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
"Obviously a major malfunction."
September 24, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
Today we saw the ultimate rope-a-dope. He dodged that slap and then, he slapped back swiftly and rightfully at the same time.
Barackarate indeed!
September 24, 2008 6:07 PM | Reply | Permalink
The more the Dems in Congress proclaim this the shameless stunt that it is, the less Obama has to say it. And that furthers Obama's aim: to stay on the high road while everyone else points out the shit.
And I'm REALLY glad the presidential debates commission members, or whoever the heck they are, are refusing to cancel Friday's affair. Those folks see what everyone else sees....
September 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Simmer. Simmer. Simmer... BOIL!
September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
How right you've been. I can't wait to spike the stew with some of my wine for a delightful moose bourguignon.
September 24, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I join you in another toast!
September 24, 2008 7:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barney Frank is out on the news shows calling this what it is: a political stunt.
September 24, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
Barney is a good surrogate to have out there. But they should get Indiana's Barney Smith from the last day of the convention to get out there: Barney Smith before Smith Barney.
September 24, 2008 6:15 PM | Reply | Permalink
He'd be better if I could understand anything he was saying ;)
September 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
It's been a 9/11 kind of day, but on the upside for us - downside for the repubs.
September 24, 2008 6:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
Best. Presidential. Election. Ever.
September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
This election is, by quoting Wu-Tang Clan:
"Shacklin' the masses with drastic rap tactics".
...and there's six weeks ahead.
September 24, 2008 6:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
This quote from Rep. Barney Frank is priceless:
"It's the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of either football or Marys."
September 24, 2008 6:10 PM | Reply | Permalink
Who is Barney calling a Mary?
September 24, 2008 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
God, I hope that somewhat effeminatizing comment from Barney doesn't get under McCain's skin while he's puzzling so hard over the national balance sheet.
September 24, 2008 6:22 PM | Reply | Permalink
IMO, Barney Frank is the wittiest person in Congress. God I love that guy - he's so smart he's scary and he has a very high grade sense of humor.
September 24, 2008 6:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good poker player versus compulsive craps player.
And the game is more like poker. Some luck, some skill, and high premium on demeanor.
Not pretty.
September 24, 2008 6:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
But oh so beautiful in its own not-so-pretty way.
September 24, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Precisely. Obama called his bluff.
September 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama re-raised
September 24, 2008 6:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hee peeps! Here's what I think we should do:
Let's start a big ass call for McLame to concede the election since he wants to suspend the campaign.
September 24, 2008 6:12 PM | Reply | Permalink
Breaking:
This just in: Senator McCain calls on Senator Obama to...
http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/2008/09/this-just-in-john-mccain-calls.php
September 24, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Palin/McCain '08 - Women and Children First
September 24, 2008 6:16 PM | Reply | Permalink
Titanic Failure!
September 24, 2008 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
What will be even more devastating is when, in the next day or two, McCain has to crawl back with his tail between his legs and reactivate his campaign.
"Okay, ummm, false alarm. I'm back."
September 24, 2008 6:18 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain's stunt today sounds a lot like this little jewel from Jon Stewart years ago:
"...what's it called when a hell-hole hits a cataclysm? A, uh... catastrofuck."
September 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
No, this is the beauty of McCain's duplicity: he says he'll return to the debates only if an impasse is broken on the congressional support for the bailout plan. And, of course, everyone is reporting today that support for a revised bailout plan is pretty much in place and that the administration has caved on all the main issues raised by the Dems. So McCain will return to the debates and will proclaim he can do so because the impasse was resolved!!
Doe he not see that we're on to his shit??? He really thinks the press will not notice?? He's SUCH a phoney!!
September 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I just read on the Politico that he's shortening his naps, too.
September 24, 2008 6:19 PM | Reply | Permalink
Truly, I envision mcShame and the Dame hiding out in a monastery... clinging to the altar, begging for sanctuary.
September 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
I'm afraid Greg is engaged in extremely shallow thinking on this one folks. Sort of the enemy of my enemy is my friend type of thinking. If McCain wants to do X, then Obama should want to do not X, so as not to be seen as the mere tool of McCain.
But think about it. Who has more to gain and who more to lose from holding or postponing debates at this stage?
Typically, it's the trailing candidate who wants debates, debates, and more debates. Indeed, remember how Hilllary tried and failed to make an issue out of Obama's refusal to debate during the Wisconsin primary?
By standard logic, since McCain is tanking in the polls, it should be him that is itching to debate -- as trailing candidates usually are. Indeed, for McCain, the debates would seem to be his only remaining game-changer -- especially since this crisis almost guarantees that the election is likely to be all about the economy - McCain's weak suit. Indeed, on the economy McCain is butt naked -- doesn't even own a suit.
So why exactly is McCain calling for the first debate to be postponed. Some really silly and shallow thinking people are saying that he FEARS a debate. Some, like Greg apparently, think he's try SHIFT THE SPOTLIGHT away from his sagging polls and Obama's mini-surge. But how on earth would that benefit him. After the president's very dire speech tonight (I'm betting) the talk will be all about this Crisis and the possible implosion of the American economy anyway. So the chatter about the polls, etc, will no longer be above the fold in any case.
Some say he's trying to lay a trap of some unspecified sort for Obama. But what's the trap? This makes no sense except if you're thinking in a really juvenile "McCain wants it to happen so we should not want it to happen" sort of way.
Here's a hypothetical. Suppose that there is a debate on Friday. And suppose that there is no agreement by Monday on a bail-out package.
How much do you think what was said in the debate or not said in the debate will matter?
If there is no package by Monday, Wall Street is likely to seriously tank. The credit markets will collapse. And the presidency of the US over the next four years will be about as worthless as, oh I don't know, the American dollar may be on its way to becoming.
What points will Obama have scored for insisting that there be a debate? What points have McCain lost for insisting that the debate be postponed?
September 24, 2008 6:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't underestimate your adversary, but don't attribute extraordinary powers to him either -- esp when he's got a long record of rashness. Look at the Palin choice. Huge decision, made on spur of moment with minimal information.
I think the takeaway from this is going to be another round of McCain temperament stories.
September 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
He probably saw Biden's speech today and realized that he was on the wrong side of the issues.
September 24, 2008 6:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
What points?
He looks ready to lead. McLame is in full retreat.
that much is crystal clear.
September 24, 2008 6:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
I think you make excellent points, but I also think you're giving the McCain campaign more credit than it merits. I think the Palin decision, and this decision were made on the fly, in a fit of gut-driven decision making.
Much like the Steve Schmidt meltdown over the press on Monday. Lots of emotion at work here.
September 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain should be blamed for inciting panic.
September 24, 2008 6:35 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that line!
September 24, 2008 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
So, in other words, "Bail us out, or we shoot this economy"?
Okay. Fine. Shoot. Let the potatoes burn, baby, burn. Tank the economy. Do it.
Because after the folks who are in trouble are faced with the angry bear, nothing can conceivably stop Congress from bailing them out... solely. Not the financial institutions. The people, as individuals.
See, there's the essential difference between the Depression fixes, the S&L fixes, etc... those "bailouts" targeted the CITIZENS, devastated by a failed economic system.
This "bailout", regardless of any "concessions" (a.k.a. "bones thrown to the masses to make them think the ruling class gives a fuck"), targets the FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS. They are the ones who are being "bailed out", NOT the American people.
First time in history Wall Street's been the priority, during an American crisis.
And make no mistake: that elaborate "bailout package", complete with its handy-dandy "700 billion" number and the target destinations for all of those dollars, was all ready to go, and hit Congress seconds after this "sudden disaster" hit the nation.
Much like the Patriot Act.
September 24, 2008 8:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama's Bitchslap on the Grey Lady:
Obama Rejects McCain’s Call to Delay Their First Debate
By ELISABETH BUMILLER and MICHAEL COOPER 5 minutes ago
Barack Obama said that Friday’s debate should go ahead after John McCain issued a call to delay the event to deal with the financial bailout package
September 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
What a bone head move. When you hear one of the newsheads say "McCain is suspending his campaign," it sounds like he's dropping out. We should all flood the McCain website with emails begging him not to concede. "I just heard on the news you were suspending your campaign and giving up! Don't do it, Senator!" Then we should send emails congratulating him on dropping out and elevating Palin to nominee status.
September 24, 2008 6:24 PM | Reply | Permalink
I know - isn't it loverly?
*happy sigh*
September 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
Don't do it!! Denver! Denver! Denver! WE LUV U MCCAIN!!
September 24, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
Just think: It was only this morning that Biden said: "John McCain is divorced from reality."
September 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain camp wants to move the debate to the VP debate and delay the VP debate. Suprise Surprise Suprise.
September 24, 2008 6:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
From CNN Situation Room. Also McCain claiming he will not show up on Friday, period. It's a showdown!
September 24, 2008 6:28 PM | Reply | Permalink
He just doesn't know when to stop digging, does he?
He's going to be in China soon - he's dug one hell of a deep hole for himself.
September 24, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Has anyone in big media pointed out that this all comes from the candidate only recently on a high horse about how Obama would not condescend to meet him in a million town halls? Does he want to debate or doesn't he?
September 24, 2008 6:34 PM | Reply | Permalink
Nora:
Carry this thinking just a little bit further. Of course he wants debates. He's trailing. Trailing candidates ALWAYS want debates and more debates. Nothing remaining in the standard campaign schedule has the potential to be a game changer like a heavily watched debate.
So, ASSUME that he wants a debate, and ask yourself why would he postpone something he so obviously and desperately WANTS?
But when you start thinking that through, don't also assume, like so many do, that McCain is a fool, irrational, acting out of impulse, etc. Because that makes it much, much too easy for you.
September 24, 2008 6:39 PM | Reply | Permalink
He's shown nothing to dispel the notion that he's irrational and acting on impulse so far. Forgive me if I don't extend him the benefit of the doubt at this point.
Besides - your assumption that he's not a fool, irrational or acting out of impulse is just as big an assumption at this point.
Show me where the McCain campaign has shown an aptitude for anything besides shotting itself in the foot to this point. I'll wait.
September 24, 2008 6:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hmm.
Let's see in a country where 80% of the electorate thinks we're headed in the wrong direction (and that was before the recent Crisis that threatens an economic collapse) with an outgoing republican President whose approval ratings are in the teens, I think, and may even go lower, that John McCain is in this race at all is a testament to something either about the man or the campaign that he has run or something. Surely, he's not coming across to everyone as an utter, irrational, old fool, who constantly shoots himself in the foot.
Maybe you're missing something? Maybe you're underestimating the opponent?
September 24, 2008 6:57 PM | Reply | Permalink
Yeah, this tantrum thing pretty much neutralizes what had been his upper hand on debate-willingness.
So what do you do if one candidate refuses to debate (somehow I don't think they's send McCain's No. 2)?
It's a forfeit, and Obama should get the full 90 minutes.
September 24, 2008 6:41 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought that's what was going on. they're using this as a dodge to keep Palin away from being humiliated on national TV. They were banking on the debate commission and Obama playing along. So much for that...
What started as a boneheaded move is going to grow into a full-fledged fire in the hold of the SS Straight Talk.
Now. What stupid move will they try in order to negate this stupid move?
September 24, 2008 6:36 PM | Reply | Permalink
Oh, damn... we couldn't fit the VP debate back into the schedule after moving it. Maybe if... no, that won't work. There is no way to have a VP debate. Wow do we feel bad.
September 24, 2008 6:33 PM | Reply | Permalink
I thought that she would hold her own in the debates and the media would praise her endlessly, but apparently McCain doesn't agree with me
September 24, 2008 6:38 PM | Reply | Permalink
The media is no longer in their back pocket and she is loose cannon. They are afraid, very afraid of her being out there without a script.
September 24, 2008 6:45 PM | Reply | Permalink
Such a great line!
September 24, 2008 6:37 PM | Reply | Permalink
I guess this is a troll-free subject, huh?
Sort of like how there's no mosquitos when it snows?
September 24, 2008 6:56 PM | Reply | Permalink
Good point. In the absence of real trolls, I'll try...
Obama and his kool-aid drinkers better be scared. McCain is going to get credit for saving the economy and reinforce his bipartisan credentials. Obama will be off making fun of how McCain can't use a computer while McCain is seen actually doing something about it. McCain has Obama right where he wants him. This was a perfect storm for him.
September 24, 2008 7:29 PM | Reply | Permalink
Obama's next statement should be: The American people have a right to answers about my economic and foreign policy positions. I'll be there in Oxford, Mississippi at the appointed hour on Friday evening to debate my opponent. And if he chooses not to be there, then I'll be happy to take your questions.
September 24, 2008 7:21 PM | Reply | Permalink
In an earlier post I said I was worried about how this would play out.
I shouldn't have been. McCain could have played this better, but the rocket exploded on the launchpad. The debate debate is an unmitigated disaster for him.
September 24, 2008 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Me too.
I'm done worrying about this campaign. Never again. Hold me to it.
September 24, 2008 7:42 PM | Reply | Permalink
That would make him look juvenile, not presidential, in my opinion. It would look sort of school-yard and petulant.
September 24, 2008 7:25 PM | Reply | Permalink
Like taking his toys and going home.
September 24, 2008 7:27 PM | Reply | Permalink
McCain's gambit won't work for a simple reason:
America *cares* about the election, and they care about it more than they care about whether Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) has a chance to hang around the Banking Committee for a few days. We are *all* wrapped up in the election, TPM readers and low-info voters alike, and as a whole we follow it more avidly than the evolutions of the Paulson plan.
For this reason, I think most people will see this as a shallow attempt to delay debate in the truly important question the nation faces, the election.
September 24, 2008 7:30 PM | Reply | Permalink
I agree. Americans are paying attention and they aren't in the mood for political stunts. Somebody ought to start accusing these creeps of inciting or at least exacerabating a financial crisis for political gain. Would there even be a crisis of this magnitude if they weren't all running around like the little red hen screaming the sky is falling?
September 24, 2008 7:47 PM | Reply | Permalink
Maybe, just maybe, fingers and toes crossed, this is the death of cynicism in American politics. My friends from other countries don't appreciate the insidious nature of this poison. It is an evil intrusion on democracy, which is why Barack Obama appealed to me four years ago and why I rejected the politics of negativity--including that of the Clintons.
September 24, 2008 8:13 PM | Reply | Permalink
I love that the 'debate is on'. So either McCain shows up for his debate or he gives Obama a free hour of prime time television for america to ask questions and get to know him. I hope they do the same thing with the VP debate.
McCain must be afraid to that they are going to go down with these debates.
Hiding behind a financial crisis... and then trying to politicize and score points by 'grandstanding'... this is just too rich!!
I think he wants a time out because his battle with the press is getting to him. He's doing his best to use the press to his advantage but I am sure his temper is boiling...
September 24, 2008 8:23 PM | Reply | Permalink
ibrilliante, because you have so expertly nailed the trap that a smart Obama campaign could put McCain into, I will reprint something I wrote earlier:
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In 1964, Bobby Kennedy ran for Senator from New York. His opponent was longtime Republican incumbent, Kenneth Keating, an old, entrenched white brahmin. He made no bones of the fact that he considered Kennedy a carpetbagger (although raised in Bronxville), and that debating such a whippersnapper upstart (although he served as Attorney General of the United States) was beneath him (political times were such that incumbents could blow off challengers, and get away with it).
The Kennedy camp wanted that debate, because it was obvious the old fart would be outclassed in every way, not to mention a likely casualty of the Kennedy mystique. Keating wouldn't discuss it.
So Kennedy secured an NBC studio at 30 Rock, and said he would be showing up for a debate, no matter what. The people in a democracy deserved no less than to hear their candidates offer their solutions to government, and Senator Keating would be welcome to show up. And if he didn't, Kennedy would simply talk directly about his candidacy to the people of New York for an hour (or half hour, I forget exactly).
To drive home the point of Keating's arrogance, Kennedy had the security people bolt the studio door wide open, and had a camera trained on it for the duration of the program!
Now, Bobby knew damned well that Keating wasn't showing up; Keating flat-out said so. But what he did there was to TAKE A PICTURE OF KEATING'S ARROGANCE, and 2 minutes never clicked by without a badly-lit shot of nervous people standing around an empty doorway to the halls of the RCA Building.
Kennedy, of course, uprooted the old bastard in the November election.
I'm just saying.
September 24, 2008 8:54 PM | Reply | Permalink
Hey, couldn't they rig up a live feed of McCain in Washington for the debate? TV folks do live remotes all the time.
"Joining us now live from Ground Zero of the big bailout huddle in Washington is Senator John McCain."
Sounds like the kind of setup the McCain bunch would love.
September 24, 2008 8:56 PM | Reply | Permalink