The Candidates
Featured Archives
As someone who was pleasantly surprised by the fresh and realistic nature of the YouTube/CNN Democratic debate earlier this week, I am very disappointed that Rudy Guiliani has officially declined to participate and Romney won’t commit either way yet. This is a huge mistake. In the words of Patrick Ruffini, Rudy’s former e-campaign adviser:
Given the huge earned media hit the Democrats got this week, the fact that even the highly partisan questioners acquitted themselves better than Chris Matthews did in the first debate, and the sponsorship of the powerful Republican Party of Florida, I didn’t think the GOP candidates would make the political mistake of passing up it up.
I was apparently wrong.
…
I would now expect numerous candidates to bail, just like they did at Ames, citing the lack of a frontrunner.
This is a big mistake. The Democrats are afraid to answer questions from Big Bad Fox News Anchors, and the Republicans are afraid to answer questions from regular people. Which is worse?
It’s stuff like this that will set the GOP back an election cycle or more on the Internet. No matter the snazzy Web features and YouTube videos they may put up, if they’re fundamentally uncomfortable with the idea of interacting with real people online, what’s the point?
Having spent the better part of a decade working at the intersection of politics and the Web, I can’t help but feel of a deep, deep sense of dismay that we’re missing something so basic. This is EXACTLY why I am afraid that we will be outraised by $100 million or more in 2008.
Yes, some of the questions on Monday were trivial. Yes, they were partisan. (I expect many of the 9/17 questioners to be partisan Republicans.) Yes, they were messy. But so is democracy. And the fact that some place so much faith in the broken mainstream media over a benign format like this one says a lot about the difficult straits the Republicans are in right now.
Perhaps the rest of the field will prove me wrong.
I really don’t understand the logic here. At worst, it ends up as mediocre as the other debates were. Romney would gain more media exposure. But by opting out, it just makes it way too easy to be painted by the Democrats and the media as dodging the everyday person and avoiding unscripted questions. On the other hand, given that the informal format is what he excels at most, I’d be very surprised if John McCain didn’t show up to the debate.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:00 am
Bad bad move.
Rudy seems uninterested in appearing in any setting that might not be full of thronging and cheering adulating fans. He seems uninterested in fronting up to any state that doesn’t suit his credentials.
I hope Romney goes to the debate. It would be consistent with his Ames stance.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:03 am
What is he thinking..!?
Perhaps he’ll change his mind if McCain, Romney and Thompson all commit.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:14 am
First of all, from an article I read, it had more to do with the specific date than anything else.
9/17 is near the end of Q3 and apparently Rudy has a very important fundraiser already scheduled and people committed to attend.
He’s not ducking anything. He’s been at every GOP debate thus far. This one is in FL where he leads and where he has no incentive to do anything rash.
Romney actually mentioned skipping it before Rudy although perhaps Rudy’s stance is more concrete.
I expect that CNN will reschedule the debate and everyone will show up.
Although, we all know how biased the questions will be. Instead of the love fest the dems received, Rudy will probably get questions about the IAFF, Donna and Judy, some guy in a dress, and the like.
I actually think it could be a positive to stand up to the liberal media and go after them. The GOP loves fighters and if Rudy uses this to go after the media, and then go on O’Reilly for the full hour that night, he’ll get way more viewers, and better questions.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:31 am
I hope this is a ploy by the Republicans to get CNN to commit to making the debate more serious.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:31 am
Jim (#3) said “He’s not ducking anything. He’s been at every GOP debate thus far. This one is in FL where he leads and where he has no incentive to do anything rash.”
I laughed and laughed and laughed. Do you realise thats a complete contradiction?
1) he’s not ducking
2) he has no incentive to do anything rash.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:33 am
I don’t understand why candidates are so desparate to avoid the hard questions. The Dems abandoned the tough questions they would get on Fox, now the Repubs are ducking the chance to talk to voters.
I’m sure that Republicans will submit some partisan questions, just like the Dems did. After all, the Dems don’t have a monopoly on the internet do they?
July 27th, 2007 at 1:36 am
The best thing I’ve ever seen on CNN is when that guy, who is me, said that Hott 4 Hill was “Disturbing!â€
http://youtube.com/watch?v=21HjTSdpYq4
July 27th, 2007 at 1:38 am
Hopefully the negative reaction will convince Romney that he needs to participate. The potential to get caught up like Edwards did is pretty minimal if Romney prepares himself. Romney can capitalize on being willing to take all questions from all audiences and Rudy will look like he is afraid of that audience and/or format.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:39 am
JayPe, I agree that they should do the debate, even if the questions are heavily biased. To be fair to the Republicans though, at least they talk about liberal issues, even if it is to just disagree with them. I’d like to see the Democrats talk about family values or Islamic Terrorists.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:40 am
Also, Romney is so far the best at using new media (with possible exception of Ron Paul’s supporters). His website is excellent, his profiles on the social networking websites are good, he’s getting good donations from the net, etc.
To put that at risk by staying away from this debate would be foolish.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:40 am
It has nothing to do with the questions, it’s with who picks them.
CNN will pick all anti-Iraq, anti-War, anti-Bush, pro-global warming, pro-universal healthcare, anti-Cheney, anti-GOP question out there and then just say “well, that’s what we got”.
This will be right in September when Iraq will be at it’s height in Congress and CNN will attempt to sandbag the GOP on it. Why walk into an ambush?
Barely any conservative watch CNN and Rudy or Mitt can get more points by taking them on than showing up.
There were no questions that were negative towards any of the dem candidates with the possible exception of the one to Edwards about gay marriage but even that was relatively soft.
Answering you tube videos in 1 minute soundbites is a waste of time. If I’m the GOP, I’d set up 2 hours where the candidates can go after one another and engage in real debate.
Google the Reagan/RFK debate on Vietnam for an example of a substantive debate. Not the sideshow the MSM puts out.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:41 am
Giuliani and Romney are spineless.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:43 am
Jim (#17), I’m sure you’ve noticed that Independents & even some Republicans are anti-Iraq, anti-Bush, pro-global warming, anti-GOP.
No candidate can hope to win in November ‘08 without knowing how to answer those difficult questions.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:43 am
It does seem to be the worst format ever; I hope they can negotiate some dramatic changes.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:48 am
The only point of this is to give the media new “macaca” like clips to bash the GOP with. They shouldn’t be having any of it.
If I was them, I’d strike a deal that CNN airs the debate, but the FL GOP sponsoring it picks the questions and CNN has no role other than running the cameras and introducing the videos.
Remember Arnett and Tailwind? Eason Jordan talking about how CNN covered up for Saddam?
That said, FL is a key state, and it’s a bad move for him to snub them like that. I expect him to show up after some posturing.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:51 am
The only point is to get new macacas?
Jim, can we just agree on one point. The only way for a candidate to avoid a macaca moment is for them to not say macaca or some other offensive thing. If Guiliani slurs someone on the streets of New Hampshire it will get as much publicity (eventually) as if he’d been in a debate. The forum is irrelevent, a candidate shouldn’t stuff up anywhere, anytime.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:51 am
[...] America’s Mayor has already wimped out. Smooth move, Rudy. Could John McCain be next? Watch the RINOs run! Watch those chicken [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 1:52 am
B4B – McCain has already confirmed attendence…
July 27th, 2007 at 1:53 am
So Rudy and Romney are too scared to take questions from actual Americans and not the scripted drivel they’re used to from the MSM. Why am I not surprised?
What a couple of wimps.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:54 am
I owe John McCain an immediate apology. Thank you JayPe.
July 27th, 2007 at 1:55 am
np
July 27th, 2007 at 2:03 am
It is a problem, albeit a small editorial one (mine, oops). At B4B we strive to bring objective truthful reporting to our readers. And we always correct any mistakes as soon as humanly possible.
July 27th, 2007 at 2:26 am
As Hugh Hewitt says, it demeans the presidency to be seen responding to the questions of average people.
I gotta give you Republicans some begrudging credit here. There seems to be vast swathes of the American public whose votes you really dont seem to want, and damn it, y’all are not afraid of making that clear!
July 27th, 2007 at 6:47 am
[...] Air Don Surber Race 4 2008 Bookmark to: Sphere: Related Content Posted by: Brian in: Politics, Republicans, 2008 Elections [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 6:53 am
It’s very simple guys. Giuliani bailing out because of same reason why You Tube wants to be
a part of the presidential campaign. Many TV viewers may find out for the first time in their life
what You Tube is. It may be strange for you guys, but I started going to you tube just 3 months ago.
I know there are millions of people who never heard of utube.
What will happen, if people will start going there more often, specially those hard core TV viewers?
They will find the truth about issues, not sound bites. It is very dengearous for Giuliani
since he is simply opportunistic lier.
Voters may found out that he was presented, by RON Paul, with reading list?
Hard core conservative may found out that Giuliani likes to dress as a woman and got no problem
to be kissed by Trump. Tv never shows that.
And after all Republicans may found out who is most popular candidate on the internet and what his
issues are.
And more.
This is very dangerous to Rudy McRomneyson’s.
July 27th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Guys – question for you on Matalin. I had always had the impression that she really
wasn’t good for the party and good at winning – but was more of an establishment person
who’s well connected inside the beltway, but not so much outside the beltway. (lol – I live
inside the beltway. Can I still be an outsider?) Anyhow- i’m not sure where I got these
impressions. Does anyone agree/disagree?
July 27th, 2007 at 8:04 am
[...] Hot Air Don Surber Race 4 2008 [...]
July 27th, 2007 at 8:45 am
Any word yet if Romney will participate? I think that the debate, the questions, and the network that hosts it are all pretty stupid. That said, I think the GOP look scared if they duck it because of some of the gotcha questions.
Mitt has “ask Mitt anything” visits several times a week and he gets all the stupid questions about his faith, beliefs, Iraq, etc. He has heard almost all of them and still is open to talking with others. I hope this will remain the same and he will participate.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Romney would be missing out on a huge opportunity by not attending a debate when Rudy is not there. Next to Romney, Rudy has done the best in the debates. I can understand the logic of not attending the debates, but Romney needs the national exposure.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:20 am
That was absolutely the stupidest “format” I have ever seen…it was a joke…and played to the lowest common denominator
July 27th, 2007 at 9:26 am
There are getting to be too many debates anyway. Probably won’t hurt too bad to skip one or two. Especially since the stage will be crowded with about a dozen others.
I don’t take issue with the format or being asked questions from average everyday Americans. As noted, Mitt has as “ask Mitt anything” questions at every campaign stop so insinuations otherwise are flat out lies.
I do have a problem with the screening of some of the questions. A talking snowman? C’mon, I think Romney does have a point in that some respect ought to be rendered toward the office to which they are all seeking. The screeners should keep that in mind
I would not count Romney out of this. I think may still participate.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:42 am
I may be a minority but I actually liked the debate. It’s a big mistake if the GOP doesn’t attend. Liberal’s not only excused the backing out of the Fox debate, but actually applauded the decision because of the long history that channel has of being totally partisan and playing stupid games (when a Republican does something wrong they put up that they are Democrat and cry oops). On the other hand staying away from the YouTube debate tells people that the GOP doesn’t care about the “average” person, that they are either afraid of the questions or contemptuous of the questioners, the average person.
I’ll add another question that was asked that was good, when someone asked just what they expected to happen if they pulled out and how did they expect to pull out. It showcased Obama’s inexperience in a big way.
This is a chance for Romney and McCain to shine if Rudy doesn’t show up and I think they would be foolish to pass it up.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:43 am
I complained at length just after the other debates over the formant. There were too many participants which devalued the over all debate. I grew tired quickly with the 30-second canned responses each candidate was forced into as a result. I wanted to hear them all speak but felt that they were never given adequate time to even address the question. At times, the question consumed as much time as their answer did!
At least Gilmore is out. One down & about 5 more to go, then the debates will not have this problem.
But seriously, if the screeners want to make a freak show of this, maybe it would be OK to sit this one out. If they can make some assurances to uphold some respect & dignity, then I think Romney will attend.
July 27th, 2007 at 9:54 am
Well, I disagree that there are too many debates – I don’t think there have been enough. There should be at least one per month – at a minimum.
As for Romney’s “ask Mitt anything” sessions, they do work, but Romney (or any candidate) has the time or resources to hold those events in every state. The debates provide the best opportunity for broad exposure. Romney needs to raise his national numbers, and debates are a great way to do that.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:04 am
Ummmm… maybe it’s just me, but why should anyone take a debate seriously where a question about global warming is asked by a snowman?
Or the “assault weapons guy” caricature when bringing up gun control?
As Romney has pointed out: ““I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman.â€
Amen to that.
July 27th, 2007 at 10:21 am
Ask Mitt Anything may be fine but it doesn’t reach that many people. Televised debates can reach more and different people. You have to pretty much already be interested in a candidate to attend an event. Most people wo n’t this early in the game. They would rather sit at home and have the instant comparison offered by debates.
And for every snowman there was a father who had lost his son or a woman without insurance and fighting cancer.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:05 am
Appears that Rudy is following Gingrich’s advice? The UTube debate has poor ratings and is left-wing! Gingrich has properly been declaring that the Republicans need to stand up and not stand there in a non-debate setting and take the hit of liberal comments! If Romney chooses not to join in the Utube debate then he is only doing the same.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:09 am
Yes, but in case you haven’t noticed, Rudy is considered the frontrunner, and does not need more exposure than he already has. Romney on the other hand, needs all the media exposure he can get.
July 27th, 2007 at 11:13 am
This YouTube Debacle was not a debate. There were a high percentage of one candidate answers to questions. CNN object seemed to be to show as many YouTube questions as possible. Rudy (plus Mitt and Fred) would be better off staging their own YouTube debate, maybe invite Ron Paul so they have someone to really square off against.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:05 pm
OKcougar: there is an idea. Paul would be a waste of time.
July 27th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
Tom in #40: I agree Paul is wasting his time and money. He stands no chance, but the most colorful moments of the earlier debates involved the other candidates teeing off on him. I say if he’s willing to take the punches…
But, you are right, letting him would confer legitimacy he does not deserve and hasn’t earned. Let’s see how long it takes for RP’s supporters to start flaming this page…
July 27th, 2007 at 2:12 pm
Okcougar: u think Paul is a human punching bag?
July 27th, 2007 at 5:04 pm
If I were a serious candidate I would only participate in serious debates, at the national level anyways. I didn’t like the You Tube CNN debate for the democrats. I think it would be just as frivolous for the Republicans, if not moreso. Maybe let the 2nd tier candidates get some publicity at that one, but the three or four front runners should only do professionally orchestrated debates where they are given a substantial amount of time to respond to real, not insignificant issues like CNN typically pushes…such as, my dog has diabetes. Why don’t you do something to cure that? Duh.
July 27th, 2007 at 5:18 pm
My two cents – as the new media publisher who “finds much to admire about Senator McCain’s candidacy”-
McCain and his perspective on YouTube
Per his attendance – McCain accepted the invitation as soon as it was issued. It can be said that he’s not really in a position to turn down any free media at this point, but I think that he probably would have accepted it even if his campaign had plenty of money. He’s very well suited to this format – it plays to his strengths.