Obama-Boehner Midterm Debates

[Andy823]

http://www.newsweek.com/2010/09/05/wanted-obama-boehner-midterm-debates.html

President Obama has any sense, he'll do more than go to Ohio on Wednesday and give a speech about the economy. His expected proposal--to make permanent the research and development tax credit for business--is overdue, expensive ($100 billion over ten years) and about as politically exciting as a vacation to Moldavia with your accountant.

As long as he's venturing onto would-be House Speaker John Boehner's turf, Obama might as well challenge him to debates this fall on the future of the country. Because they would be unprecedented, he could call them "Midterm Discussions" to ease people into the idea.

I had originally favored "Speaker Debates" between Boehner and Nancy Pelosi but this election is more accurately seen as a choice between Boehner and Obama. Or it could be Obama and Joe Biden versus Boehner and Mitch McConnell. The president should say something to the effect of, "It's on, guys."

For Democrats, the advantages are obvious: The debate would electrify (and possibly reshape) the political environment and allow the president a chance to do what he has done poorly so far, which is to frame the choice. To me, it's a simple one: Rebuild America (with public-private infrastructure projects to put the middle class back to work) versus more tax cuts for those making over $1 million. It would also give Obama a chance to make the cases for further tax cuts for all but the rich.

You can read more at the link, but myself, I think this is a great idea! This could be a turning point and show the public just what it is the republicans will do, or NOT do, if they regain control of one or both houses of congress.

[Catshrink]

1. Why would a sitting president debate anyone?

That elevates Boehner's status and lowers his.

:thumbsdown: on that one.

[frazzled]

2. What an insulting idea

Someone elected from a geographically restricted district in southwest Ohio, and then was voted by members of his own party to lead the small minority of Republicans in the House, should get to debate someone who won the votes of 53% of Americans across the nation and is the President of the United States? They're not even on the same planet.

So, um ... NO. Boehner has not earned the right to debate the President. Don't elevate him to that position.

[spanone]

3. were i Obama, i wouldn't recognize the existence of the boehner

[AndyA]

4. I have to agree with the others. Obama debating Boehner is not a good idea.

If anything, I think some sort of round table discussion with Reid, Pelosi, Boehner, McConnell, etc., would be a good idea. Let the Dems call the Republics on their bullshit. Let them point out that they were driving the car when they ran it off into the ditch in the fall of 2008.

Let them point out that the Republics failed to protect America on September 11th, by IGNORING WARNINGS THAT IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.

Let the Dems point out that Bush inherited a surplus, and quadrupled the deficit during his terms in office. Tell America that the tax cuts for the wealthy are the major reason for our deficit today. Ask the Republics to explain what happened to all those jobs the tax cuts were supposed to produce. Almost ten years later, WHERE ARE THEY?

Confront them. Bring charts, graphs, etc., have reports from the Congressional Budget Office to contradict any Repuke lies. Make it a prime time event.

That might open a few eyes.

But Obama and Boehner alone? No.