McCain's campaign clamps tough restrictions on Palin-Biden debate

[DemoRabbit]

McCain's camp worries Palin may struggle without tight debate rules

Link: http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=7045e68a-6627-45cc-bad1-72a017869fc4

"It's the U.S. election debate that most interested observers have been eagerly waiting for - Democratic vice-presidential nominee Joe Biden against Republican VP choice Sarah Palin - but don't expect them to get into many verbal exchanges.

"According to a report in the New York Times Saturday, the campaign of Senator John McCain has fought for tight rules on how the VP debate will run, limiting the chances of anything other than short answers, and ensuring the debaters will not speak directly to one another for anything more than short periods.

"This in contrast to the Presidential debates, in which Senators Barack Obama and McCain will be allowed to address each other, argue, and present rebuttals for five minutes per question, after a two-minute answer period."

http://www.canada.com/vancouversun/news/story.html?id=7045e68a-6627-45cc-bad1-72a017869fc4|Entire Article>

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The New York Times Article Mentioned:

"At the insistence of the McCain campaign, the Oct. 2 debate between the Republican nominee for vice president, Gov. Sarah Palin, and her Democratic rival, Senator Joseph R. Biden Jr., will have shorter question-and-answer segments than those for the presidential nominees, the advisers said. There will also be much less opportunity for free-wheeling, direct exchanges between the running mates.

"McCain advisers said they had been concerned that a loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage and largely on the defensive."

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/21/us/politics/21debate.html?ref=us

[NYC Liberal]

1. They probably wanted Obama/Biden to insist on having a looser format

It would give them a reason to pull out of the debate -- which would be good for them. The debate will at best have no effect with Palin, at worst it'll be a disaster for them.

[lamp_shade]

2. That's been my thinking. With enough strong resistance from Biden, they'd

feel justified in calling the whole thing off. I'm glad Joe said "okay, whatever". No arguments, to fistfights, no blood drawn.

[radfringe]

3. loose format could leave Ms. Palin, a relatively inexperienced debater, at a disadvantage....

Translation: McCain campaign has set the bar soooo low, all she has to do is show up and not trip over the bar on the floor. She's unprepared and INEXPERIENCED, there's too little time for her to memorize talking points beyond a soundbite format

[DemoRabbit]

4. I happen to think it's flat-out inexcusable...

they expect her to be VP but she can't handle a debate??

[RxnMan1337]

9. I dont know how

everyone is not all over this gross incompetence on her part. WTF, when did we start catering to the short comings of a candidate. Biden should've told them to shove their debate format and then the campaign should've run ads pointing out that if she's not ready for a VP debate, she is DEFINITELY not ready for the VP seat.

[radfringe]

15. lol... NOT READY FOR PRIME TIME.... n/t

[DemoRabbit]

5. No no else found this important? Interesting?

[Hubert Flottz]

6. Republicans can't deal with the truth.

[ThomWV]

7. Democrats should demand the same rules for all 3 debates

[gratuitous]

8. So, what questions are in bounds? Favorite lipstick?

George Bush: Great President or the Greatest President Evah? Mr. Biden, you're looking apoplectic at the question, you have 10 seconds. Ms. Palin, same question for you right after a five minute commercial break for Ex-Lax.

[davsand]

10. Since when does any ONE campaign dictate this stuff?

They (the campaigns) agreed to the debate and what format it would be in. Beyond that I'd have to ask WHY are they allowed to have any further input on it?

If she (or most likely her handlers) pulls out and does not show for the debate, then I'd say that is a subject for discussion. If she shows up and has an "Admiral Stockdale moment", then that will also be a subject for discussion in this campaign.

I have become increasingly unhappy with the lack of substantive discussion in our Presidential elections in the last few years, and it appears this election is not changing that trend at all. Am I the ONLY person out there that feels like the debates I have with Republican friends are a whole lot more substantial and issue oriented than what the candidates are having?

Don't get me wrong--Obama is a very good man and I know from direct experience he is capable of discussion about issues. I just don't understand why it is in anyone's best interests to let the candidates slide on policy debates.

:shrug:



Laura

[Canuckistanian]

14. Right, the *sponsor* should be setting the ground rules

And if one campaign or the other disagrees, then they should risk public opinion by pulling out.

This MAY backfire on them, as Obama can benefit form a short format as well. He's getting much better at the "soundbite" game.

[Snotcicles]

11. Biden should make the demands public, and ask that the public set the ground rules. nt

[kskiska]

12. What happened to the pit bull who could run with the big boys?

Hillary debated. Geraldine Ferraro debated. What's so special about this candidate? If she's not up to it, maybe she shouldn't be running for a possible presidential position.

[ThomWV]

13. She can run with the big dogs, when, and only when, they're on a leash

[Unrepentant Fenian]

16. The pukes are scared! nt

[WritersBlock]

17. If she can't even handle a debate with Biden, what makes them think she's ready to face Putin? n/t