Obama is too afraid of Clinton to debate--he blew the issue questions

[Evergreen Emerald]

When he stands next to her and attempts to discuss the issues his inexperience and lack of knowledge shows.

I think the reason he has been so vocal about the debate questions is because he blew the only issue questions he had: social security and capital gains tax. He is diverting attention from the reality: he does not have the depth of knowledge to be President.

If he cannot handle a debate how can he handle the Presidency?

[NeedleCast]

1. Fail

[paulk]

4. are you also afraid to debate?

[NeedleCast]

18. Okay Then

21.

That's the number of debates that have already happened.

4.

That's the number of head to head debates between Hillary and Obama.

Between 21 debates and six months of endless campaigning if you STILL don't know where these two candidates stand on the issues it's your fault for not paying attention to the previous debates.

Campaigning, at the end of the day, is 75% strategy, 25% issues. It would be foolish for Obama to go through with more debates at this point because all it can do is hurt him. There have already been an unprecedented number of debates in this primary. Hillary is trailing by a large margin in the amount of money she has on hand (even if she did raise 10 million yesterday, which I think is highly suspect). She can't afford to spend with Obama in any of the remaining states. Agreeing to more debates just gives Hillary free air time. If I were his campaign manager I would tell him he'd be crazy to engage in any more debates. It has nothing to do with "fear" of debating Hillary after the past several debates have changed little in terms of national and state level polling. It has to do with playing a smart strategy, which Obama has done consistently and Hillary, who was leading in national polling by as much as 30% six months ago has basically run a tired, old-style campaign which has taken her from easy front-runner to distant 2nd with no hope of catching up without a huge super-delegate swing.

Where were the cries from camp Hillary for MORE DEBATES OMG!!! before Super-Tuesday? It wasn't until Hillary fell behind that frequent debates became something Camp Hillary was interested in.

Let me say that a few more times, because it's important.

It wasn't until Hillary fell behind that frequent debates became something Camp Hillary was interested in.
It wasn't until Hillary fell behind that frequent debates became something Camp Hillary was interested in.
It wasn't until Hillary fell behind that frequent debates became something Camp Hillary was interested in.

Show me one, JUST ONE, instance where, before Super-Tuesday, Hillary was interested in more debates. Just show me one. I'll wait.

[paulk]

60. so, Obama got his ass handed to him in the last debate

and his strategy now is to avoid situations that make him look bad?

wonder how well that strategy will serve him if he becomes President...

[Life Long Dem]

64. The ABC debate was an attack on Obama.

[paulk]

83. like that hasn't happened to Hillary?

that's the playing field and it's only going to get worse.

Obama gets a little heat from the press and puts his tail between his legs.

That sends a message, too.

[Life Long Dem]

85. Oh yeah, she had to go first answering a question one time. n/t

Worse? Were in the worse.

[BigDDem]

87. Waaaaa waaaaaaaa waaaaaaa

poor widdle Barry.

[SOS]

78. Clinton was afraid to debate Tasini in 2006

Guess she didn't want to talk about her Iraq war vote before the voters of NY.
Here's the release from local cable TV station NY1 about Clinton's refusal to discuss the issues in New York:

"NY1 has not disqualified Jonathan Tasini from any debate because there is no debate. Hillary Clinton will not agree to a debate with anyone so there is no debate to be held."

[paulk]

81. why debate with some Green Party dipshit

who has zero chance of winning the nomination? Hillary just beat Obama in one of the biggest, most important states in the country. Obama's on the defensive.

Tasani is apples and oranges and par for the course when it comes to "debating" for folks like you.

[SOS]

88. Tasini challenged her in the Democratic primary

As a NY voter, I would have liked a debate between my two Senate primary candidates, but Clinton refused.

[paulk]

94. I know it was a primary

Tasini was a former Green, though. That's why no one took him seriously.

[indimuse]

89. YOU FAIL!

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[guyanakoolaid]

2. Yeah, what a big scaredy-cat

Unfortunately as John Stewart pointed out, Obama has already countered with the "I'm rubber you're glue" strategy.

[yourguide]

3. HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight.

the first of 21 debates happened a year ago yesterday. I think we're quite done.

I think we all know why he's not going to debate, the same reason HRC refused to debate her dem opponent in NYs senate race...he's got it in the bag.

[Evergreen Emerald]

5. Wow. Your photoshopped picture shows that you have no credibility

He blew the debate and it cost him. Why else would he pull out of one he already committed to?

Do you guys agree with what he said about Capital gains?

[yourguide]

7. Sadly for you that photo is not photoshopped.

AP photo.

He blew no debate, he had a tough debate and was attacked over non-issues.

Again, then why wouldnt HRC debate her dem opponent in NY?

And he didnt commit to that debate, awesome idea - get your facts straight.

[Catherina]

62. Not photoshopped at all. Guess the photographer and AP are dead to you now n/t

[Cali_Democrat]

86. That's not a photoshop

[Window]

29. That's a horrible picture of

:nuke:.

[yourguide]

37. yup, already got a love note about the size of the image

so I resized it...someone obviously complained...zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[bowens43]

6. More nonsense. The stock and trade of hillary supporters.

Obviously , your candidate isn't up to task. America has rejected her.

[Evergreen Emerald]

8. Why did he back out suddenly? And why has no one addressed the substantive issues

He blew it. And he is afraid to blow it again.

[yourguide]

11. LINK PLEASE?

He didnt "back out suddenly" knucklehead, he didnt accept the invitation. You suggesting he backed out would mean he actually accepted the invitation.

[rodeodance]

40. I think I will post a few bad pics of Obama to counter your pic of Hillary--

[Hugabear]

45. Please do - and meanwhile, keep avoiding the question

That is, if you can find bad pics of Obama! :rofl:

[yourguide]

46. I cant even read whomever you responded to...

they are on my ignore list...:rofl:

[Hugabear]

49. She said she might try and find a few bad pics of Obama

You know, to counter your pic of Hillary.

I can't bring myself to put them on ignore, they provide a constant source of amusement for me.

[yourguide]

51. OOOOOHHHHH!

Shaking in my boots! :rofl:

It's so funny, the hillbots can throw up the photo that looks like obama is looking down on Hil, and various other garbage. I throw up a negative photo of clinton and they go nuts.

Seriously, someone reported me on image size this morning...it's like really?

[rodeodance]

53. Pay attention!--the question was not directed at me.

[Hugabear]

55. Ah, but you got involved in the response. So now, I'll formally ask you the same question.

Please provide a link showing that Obama backed out of the debate.

[rodeodance]

57. you can't read either--i engaged with the pic --Not the question.

[Hugabear]

58. So what? Can you answer the question?

Or are you going to just duck off and reappear in another thread, accusing Obama of "backing out" of the debate?

[SeaLyons]

9. If he can't fight for himself, he sure as hell

can't/won't fight for us. If he's too cowardly to face off in a debate, and runs from questions, he is NOT ready to be President.

[Tesha]

21. It isn't always necessary to keep fighting a totally disarmed opponent

Black Knight: None shall pass.
Arthur: What?
Black Knight: None shall pass.
Arthur: I have no quarrel with you, good Sir Knight, but I must cross this bridge.
Black Knight: Then you shall die.
Arthur: I command you as King of the Britons to stand aside!
Black Knight: I move for no man.
Arthur: So be it!
Arthur cuts off the Black Knight's left arm.
Arthur: Now stand aside, worthy adversary.
Black Knight: 'Tis but a scratch.
Arthur: A scratch? Your arm's off!
Black Knight: No, it isn't.
Arthur: Well, what's that then?
Black Knight: I've had worse.
Arthur: You liar!
Black Knight: Come on you pansy!
Arthur cuts off the Black Knight's right arm.
Arthur: Victory is mine! We thank thee Lord, that in thy mercy...
Black Knight: Come on then.
Arthur: What?
Black Knight: Have at you!
Arthur: You are indeed brave, Sir Knight, but the fight is mine.
Black Knight: Oh, had enough, eh?
Arthur: Look, you stupid bastard, you've got no arms left.
Black Knight: Yes I have.
Arthur: Look!
Black Knight: Just a flesh wound.
Arthur: Look, stop that.
Black Knight: Chicken! Chicken!
Arthur: Look, I'll have your leg. Right!
Arthur cuts off the Black Knight's leg.
Black Knight: Right, I'll do you for that!
Arthur: You'll what?
Black Knight: Come 'ere!
Arthur: What are you going to do, bleed on me?
Black Knight: I'm invincible!
Arthur: You're a loony.
Black Knight: The Black Knight always triumphs! Have at you! Come on then.
Arthur cuts off the Black Knight's other leg.
Black Knight: All right; we'll call it a draw.
Arthur: Come, Patsy.
Black Knight: Oh, oh, I see, running away then. You yellow bastard! Come back here and take what's coming to you. I'll bite your legs off!

[guyanakoolaid]

26. You win the thread

[Tesha]

34. Thank you. (Blushes) (NT)

[guyanakoolaid]

36. And now, to keep with the spirit of GD-P...

I fart in your general direction

[LibGranny]

59. Obama is a gentleman and won't deal with HRC in the

same manner she deals with him. How he would get called on it if he responded to her B.S. like we'd like him to. She is what Randi Rhodes said!

[rodeodance]

84. Obama is a phony and as the primaries go on people are realizing that.

[BlueIdaho]

10. Pointless

This post won't change anything.

1. It won't make the Obama campaign change its mind about debates.

2. It won't change anyone's mind about their choice for the best candidate.

Why Bother?

[BeyondGeography]

12. Where's your flag pin, Mr. Friend of Terrorist Scary Black Preacher Defender guy?

Fuck the "debates."

[Evergreen Emerald]

15. Again...you are diverting attention from his very very sucky answers

when he did have substantive questions.


And, oh by the way, your double standard is showing as you all cheered Olberman when he asked stupid non-issue questions of Clinton.

[yourguide]

20. riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

You keep dreaming.

WHY WOULDNT CLINTON DEBATE HER DEM OPPONENT IN THE SENATE RACE????

[SOS]

71. She refused to debate Tasini

because she didn't want to give him free air time.
She did the exact same thing the OP accuses Obama of.

[BeyondGeography]

24. Hillary the Great Debater is a myth; He mopped the floor with her in Texas and Ohio

because those debates dealt mostly with the issues. The last debate was an anti-Obama smear-fest. Between that reality and out-of-cash Hillary's need for free media, he'd be out of his mind to go for a 23rd debate or however many it would be.

[Evergreen Emerald]

30. That is a matter of opinion. He has never won a debate.

Indeed when he does them, his inexperience shows. The media usually gives him a leg up and attacks Clinton. This time he was treated like a candidate rather than with kid-gloves. And his lack of knowledge of the issues came shinning through.

[yourguide]

38. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiight and in my opinion SHE'S never won one.

Her lack of the truth always came shining through...

[Evergreen Emerald]

43. that is funny. I guess when you have your head up Obama's ass

the world looks different.

[yourguide]

44. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...and when you have your head up

clinton's, you're so used to it that at some point you forget how full of s*** she is.

[yourguide]

22. You forgot HRC trying to link him with hamas in that debate

KKKlassy as always HRC.

[monmouth]

13. Silliest post I've read in a while...n/t

[RBInMaine]

14. SIN HIllFAN SPIN. YOU ARE FULL OF CRAP !!

[ProSense]

16. If Hillary can't manage a campaign and beat Obama how can she win?

She can't.

This is Obama's kitchen. If Hillary can't stand the heat, tough!

[blogslut]

17. Can you say "Nuclear Umbrella"?

Hillary Clinton can.

[TheCowsCameHome]

19. What debates? Flag pins and other STUPID topics?

I don't blame him.

None of the stuff being "debated" lately has anything to do what matters to the average working stiff trying to survive in the fucked-up Bush-created mess we're stuck in.

[RoadRage]

23. "Too Afraid"?? After 21 (or is it 22 now)? You're kidding right

What possible questions (aside from those about Flag Pins) could be asked in yet ANOTHER debate that hasn't already been hashed out 20 times? The answer is N O T H I N G!

But, Mrs. Clinton is flat broke.. if she even were able to raise the $10,000,000 in 24 hours, it's just to pay back what she's already blown through. And, because of that - she needs all of the free air time she can get - in debates, and then replays of the debates on the nightly newscasts.

Sorry, it's not Obama's Job to give Clinton free airtime to prop up her same message she's been preaching for 5 months now.

[Bensthename]

25. Why give Hillary a chance to play GOP politics some more?

All she did in the last debate was try to bring up controversial issues.. She did not earn a chance at another debate.

[Dawgs]

27. Why would he continue to debate a non-viable candidate?

This is race is over. It's time to move on.

[Kittycat]

28. She was too afraid to debate on the date he selected. He agreed to hers (PA).

She should have agreed to his. Too bad your candidate fucked it up.

[ElsewheresDaughter]

31. agreed

[BlooInBloo]

32. Another bwave wittle keyboard commando calling people cowards.

[Medusa]

33. Bullshit. Obviously you know dipshit about politics

the frontrunner doesn't need to debate. It's always the has-been runner up who wants the debate, particularly so since Hill is short on cash and needs the free publicity.

[kentuck]

35. She wants to debate in OR and NC ?

Isn't that the two states she is behind in the polls? That's politics.

[rodeodance]

41. see my post below. Obama was asked by INDY group to debate but he refused there also

[rodeodance]

39. Indy Star Editorial: It's time for serious debate ... Obama "disengages"

x-posted:


Forum Name General Discussion: Primaries
Topic subject Indy Star Editorial: It's time for serious debate ... Obama "disengages"
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x5663079#5663079
5663079, Indy Star Editorial: It's time for serious debate ... Obama "disengages"
Posted by Iceburg on Thu Apr-24-08 08:43 AM

...
As such, the candidates need to engage Indiana voters and one another in a forum that stretches beyond glossy TV commercials, showy campaign stops and rote speeches delivered in city after city.

In short, the candidates need to meet for a debate in Indiana in the next few days.

...
A debate planned for North Carolina, which also holds its primary on May 6, fell apart this week after the Obama campaign backed out. The senator's loss in Pennsylvania should prompt his advisers to reconsider whether this is the right time to disengage.

http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080424/OPINION08/804240320/1291/OPINION08

[rodeodance]

42. And off to the Greatest.

[tinrobot]

47. The last debate was full of non-issues, so what's the point?

n/t

[rox63]

48. After 21 debates, there's not much more to debate about

Obama has the nomination wrapped up. Why should there be any more debates between him and the runner-up?

[backscatter712]

50. Hillary lost her debating privileges.

Why should Obama agree to another ABC ambush they call a "debate"? Why would anyone in his right mind agree to that?

Besides, the strategy now is to starve Hillary's campaign of oxygen. Agreeing to a debate is just giving her free airtime. It's time for Obama to outspend the hell out of her, and make her pay for every second of airtime she gets now.

[yourguide]

52. As far as I'm concerned the moment she tried to link him

to Hamas at that debate she lost her debating privileges...that was garbage.

[rodeodance]

56. The civic groups in NC and IN disagree with your silly claim. they are

the ones who invited both candidates.


It is Obama who has refused.

Obama dissing the voters of In and nc. ummmm.. does NOT look good for him.

[rodeodance]

54. I wonder what the voters of IN and NC are thinking about Obama's refusal to

engage in a debate?

[hayu_lol]

66. There are a lot of important questions that Obama has so far managed to...

avoid. Even some fairly simple ones. He blows smoke and mirrors and his surrogates stand in their legions and cheer mightily.

Might be really good to see if Mr. Right can manage to take some controversial stands for a change--something else he avoids.

From Hillary, one gets full answers. From Obama one gets the obfuscation of 'hope' and 'change.' Smoke and mirrors on top of more smoke and mirrors. Will the REAL Obama stand up?

[Tesha]

75. Probably not what you wish they were thinking. (NT)

[Life Long Dem]

61. Why do you now talk about debating,

after ABC's debate? Because you know Hillary is desperate and MSM will be right there to hold her hand like ABC did.

[merh]

63. Nah, he is just not giving her free air time

LOL - why don't you hillary supporters spend more time raising money for her and less time posting her campaign "talking points" - that would be beneficial to her campaign and worthwhile, maybe her debts will get paid.

[Occam Bandage]

65. Issue questions? Like who loves the American flag pins more?

[krawhitham]

67. He agreed to have a debate on 4-20-08

She said NO

He said FINE no more debates then

[indimuse]

68. K&R

Obama is running from the chicken coming home to roost...wink..

[northzax]

69. why would he debate?

every time he does, he loses a bit more of his lead. without Edwards to attack Hillary, leaving him open to glorious speechifying, it's a losing proposition for him.

[amelia]

70. K&R

[jakefrep]

72. Who cares?

Judging from the utter lack of substance in the ABC "debate", there's nothing much left to debate. There have already been too many debates.

[smiley_glad_hands]

73. Blah Blah Blah. Why debate her when she can't win? lol eom

[mmonk]

74. Clinton was afraid to debate Obama in North Carolina

on the 19th. Two can play this stupid game.

[CBGLuthier]

76. You know, using the word "blew" might be a mistake for Clintonians

You know, as in Lewinski "blew" Clinton.

:-)

[Jersey Devil]

77. Sorry, no free air time for Hillary - let her pay for it

20 debates already and another is needed? Are you kidding?

[gal]

79. No more free air time for her!

He's handled plenty of debates just fine. It would be a mistake for him to do more debates. This campaign has already had to many, if people have not watched them by now they are not going to. He needs to spend his time and energy wrapping this up, not giving her free air time.

[demokatgurrl]

80. Do we really need another so-called "debate"?

I think not. We don't need more opportunities for the stupid talking heads to pontificate and try to show how fucking smart they are. It's all about them, not the candidates, so why bother? When there were enough candidates to make it interesting, the more interesting candidates were shut out.
they're just media events, not true debates.
Save us from more of that.

[TheCowsCameHome]

82. Wake me up when they actually talk about stuff that matters.

Iraq/Iran, the economy, loss of jobs, the housing market in the tank, foreclosures skyrocketing, gasoline/heating oil thru the roof, food prices spiraling out of control, you name it, and they focus on fucking Chinese-made flag pins.............

AAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[KoKo]

90. AT THIS POINT! Debates by Crooked MSM are beside the Point...I hope NEITHER ONE Participates AGAIN!

"Full Caps" are for emphasis.

[SeattleGirl]

91. He's been in debates with her TWENTY-ONE TIMES!

I don't see how that shows fear on his part.

I think she's looking for free publicity.

[cliffordu]

92. Yet more fuzzy logic from the clinton's cheerleaders

[Writer]

93. That's very true.

Casting aside the BS questions in the beginning, Obama did not do a good job on the issues questions that they raised.

In fact, I am now more nervous if he becomes our nominee after watching how he performed.