Obama Fears McCain
June 13th, 2008 at 01:59pm Mark Noonan
McCain wants ten town hall meeting with Obama, Obama wants one town hall meeting with McCain. Team McCain asks again:
Just to reiterate, we have proposed at least ten joint town hall meetings once a week until the week before the Democratic Convention begins. As we understand your counter-proposal, you have proposed only one town hall meeting before the Democratic Convention.
In keeping with our original proposal, we are planning a joint town hall meeting in Minnesota next Thursday evening (June 19, 2008). We will hold time on our schedule for joint town halls every Thursday night until the Democratic convention. I hope Senator Obama would reconsider his position and agree to join Senator McCain as early as next week.
We have also today accepted the invitation from Mrs. Ronald Reagan, Lynda Johnson Robb and Luci Baines Johnson to attend town hall meetings in July at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library. As Mrs. Johnson said, these town halls will truly be an opportunity to “deliberate the great issues of our time.” Their sponsorship certainly meets our standards for a positive and productive opportunity for voters to interact with the candidates. I hope you will agree.
However, at this moment, we fear that our negotiations over joint town hall meetings are turning into a debate about process. That is exactly what we have always hoped to avoid, and why we proposed a town hall format that would render many of these process issues moot. As Senator Obama has said, he is prepared to meet “anywhere, anytime” for a town hall.
We remain committed to this idea because joint town hall meetings offer the best format for presenting both candidates’ visions for our country’s future in a substantive way. We have a chance to change the way presidential elections are run and elevate the political dialogue. Americans deserve this kind of opportunity, and we hope that Senator Obama will join us at town hall meetings throughout the summer months.
Obama is master of the set-piece speech - but away from the tele-prompter, he stumbles badly. Meanwhile, watching McCain give a set speech can be an excruciating experience, but to hear him in a town hall setting is a grand and glorious thing. In practical terms, the best way to get a read on a candidate is in an informal, give and take session of questions and answers - anyone can craft a good speech, but the real person comes through during unscripted moments. Obama wants very much for the American people not to get to know the real Obama - he wants to be that shining star who is going to make everything all better; a fairy tale which will fall apart on close examination, and thus Obama is wary of meeting McCain in a town hall setting.
And we can see why - his “bitter” remarks and his fool statement about meeting with foreign tyrants without pre-conditions show the real Obama, and also show a man without a grasp of the basics; they show a man entirely captured by the kook left and without any knowledge of alternative points of view. Obama wants to stay away from venues where he can slip into more folly - and he certainly doesn’t want to look like a fool in the same venue where his opponent is looking like a champ.
What will come of this? Depends - as long as Obama feels that he’s going to win this in a walkover (and all indications so far are that Obama feels he’s already President-elect), he’ll try to stay away from McCain…maybe agree to one scripted town hall, and one or two highly formalised debates, but he won’t want to mix it up with McCain. If, however, it becomes clear that McCain is either close behind or even pulling ahead, then Obama will be forced to get down into the trenches, or just look like a coward.
Entry Filed under: Campaign 2008, Democrats, Republicans
30 Comments
1. Zach | June 13th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
This is a brillant move for the McCain campaign, although I question whether there should be 10 town-hall meetings, maybe half that number. 10 seems like a bit much to me, although on the other side of that arguement; it depends on how specific each candidate gets with the answers.
“In practical terms, the best way to get a read on a candidate is in an informal, give and take session of questions and answers - anyone can craft a good speech, but the real person comes through during unscripted moments.”
You know that this is gonna set up a ton of “Bush is Stupid” one-liners right? McCain has made some slip-ups as well…
Either way, I am looking forward to McCain vs. Obama in any real debate. America needs to see these two head-to-head on issues, and see the clear policy differences between the two.
2. Kurt | June 13th, 2008 at 2:34 pm
No way Chicken Barack wants to do 10 townhalls. Why would he want to get his butt kicked 10 times?
3. Mark Noonan | June 13th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
Zach,
One of the things which annoys me about our Presidential politics is the phony debates we have - why does a MSMer get to ask the question? Or some pre-screened audience member? Nope - a real debate is a debate where the candidates as each other quesitons…the town hall setting is the closest we’re going to get to that these days, and I think they should have 20, not 10. More the better, and let the man who can more consistently forge a clear vision be the man who is elected President, because the President’s prime job is not nuts and bolts, day to day stuff, but in setting the overall vision for the government, and then having the guts to see it through (this, though, we’ll know about neither man until they are in office - of course, it is clear that McCain is more likely to have this quality than Obama).
4. CanadianObserver | June 13th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
June 13th, 2008 at 01:59pm Mark Noonan
McCain wants ten town hall meeting with Obama, Obama wants one town hall meeting with McCain
——————————-
Mark
Obama is showing honest compassion toward his elders as he knows that after only one town hall meeting the poor old fellow will be done in.
Another example of Christian charity brought to you by Barack Obama, the next U.S. President and leader of the free world.
5. majoriot | June 13th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
As long as it was arranged by an independent/non-partisan group (is there such a thing) I would hope to see afew.
Otherwise, it is perceived as a set up. Is McCains group controlling the audience?
We’ve seen what a Bush town hall was like.
Seems to me that McCain’s last town hall was staged in a similar fashion.
6. neocon | June 13th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
“Another example of Christian charity brought to you by Barack Obama, the next U.S. President and leader of the free world.” - CO
And CO’s dream. Isn’t he dreamy CO?
Don’t you have something “running down your leg” when you think of Barry?
7. neocon | June 13th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
The running down the leg reference is courtesy of Chris “Hardhead” Matthews.
The sticky page reference is mine. Thanks.
I find it amusing how enamored you all are with a political candidate. It actually borders on the unhealthy. Idol worship like none other.
8. LagrangeCalvert | June 13th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
ahhh, Ok. LOL…good stuff.
9. Casper | June 13th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
So why should Obama who has the lead and the momentum do anything McCain asks?
That said, it’s still pretty early. Neither person is their parties official candidate yet. There will be plenty of time after the conventions for town halls or debates. Obama did a townhall meeting here in Wyoming and did a great job. He might be better at it than you think.
10. CanadianObserver | June 13th, 2008 at 4:20 pm
I find it amusing how enamored you all are with a political candidate. It actually borders on the unhealthy. Idol worship like none other.
9. neocon | June 13th, 2008 at 3:57 pm
——————————
Hmmm… Does the name George W. Bush ring a bell, neocon? Talk about having an unhealthy dose of idol worship.
After what y’all had to endure these past 8 years there are some of you who still insist he is second only to the Almighty Himself.
11. neocon | June 13th, 2008 at 4:27 pm
CO,
When have you EVER heard me speak that fondly of Bush? I do support most of his policies and have thought of him as an honest man who has given his best, and has wanted the best for all.
But I have also excoriated him over some issues; ie;, Meyers, SS, Katrina etc.
I think you’re confusing our support and defense of Bush with idol worship. Try and be just a bit more objective.
12. Mark Noonan | June 13th, 2008 at 4:30 pm
Casper,
Because his lead is, at best, barely outside the margin of error in the polls…and for a Democrat, that is a signal for ultimate defeat.
13. Tractatus | June 13th, 2008 at 5:12 pm
Well, comment #4 pretty much shuts down this whole rant.
So, Noonan, are you going to retract? Correct? Or are you a coward.
You’ll be a coward. I’d put money on it.
14. Karl Rove | June 13th, 2008 at 5:38 pm
Mark, please don’t remove this post or the Code Pink post. Just because they have been shown to be lies should not stop you from acting like they are the truth. Good work pawn. Trust me, if you keep sacrificing yourself like this, the money will come soon enough. You have my word, what more do you need.
15. Jack | June 13th, 2008 at 5:45 pm
Very interesting. I live in Marin County and I see so many, would be successful people, with Obama ’08 bumper stickers. It is unbelievable.
I think everyone here needs an O-Bummer ’08 bumper sticker.
Check out: http://www.GodDamnAmerica.net
16. 42 | June 13th, 2008 at 7:08 pm
Mark Noonan | June 13th, 2008 at 2:54 pm
“One of the things which annoys me about our Presidential politics is the phony debates we have”
yet you’re ok with a phony town hall meeting loaded with McCain supporters.
It’s a shame that your visceral hatred for Obama has gotten to be so great that your site has been reduced to such obvious lies such as this thread and the Code Pink flop
17. David B. Schmidt | June 13th, 2008 at 7:18 pm
Town hall would be on July 4th? So no one can see Sen. Obama stammer, hem & haw? Even though there were no “ringers” in the audience–it was way too softball. One Lincoln-Douglass style with no questions?
What the people deserve is a combination of the two–a couple Lincoln-Douglass style with them asking each other questions and a 5 or 10 minute response time and half of that in counter.
A couple of true townhalls with tickets distributed equally between Repubs, Dems & Independents. No ringers or be called on it hard–real people ~ real questions.
That being said — I fear Sen. Obama fears being away from his teleprompter and has proven he cannot handle himself on his own two feet. Hillary is waiting in the wings. Implosion ahead.
18. Casper | June 13th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
David B. Schmidt,
I agree with you on the format. I expect that there will be some town hall meetings between Obama and McCain. However, I don’t think he will be in a hurry, and why should he? He’s doing pretty well right now the way it is. Also, as long as he’s giving speeches, so is McCain, and frankly, he is much better at it. Why should he play by McCain’s rules when he is doing pretty well now?
19. phnx | June 13th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
The made for TV debates of the US are bogus. They focus on style not substance and soundbites rather than policy detail.
I am also skeptical about the usefulness of town meetings which are stacked with partisan plants on both sides.
The debate between Sarkozy and Royal was a REAL debate. The two candidates were sitting face to face about 4 ft apart from one another with a moderator in between. The moderator would pose a question and each candidate actually had to debate point counter point with each other. They didn’t address the moderator and there was no speech making. It was all out war. Sarkozy made Royal loose it on TV when she couldn’t defend her liberal positions. Sarkosy made her look foolish. It was no doubt the deciding factor which got him elected.
20. jayhay | June 14th, 2008 at 12:41 am
The only way McCain could get as many eyeballs on him as Obama gets every day is to be in the same room with him. It’s an obvious question why Obama would want to give him the publicity.
But clearly some face to face time is an important part of the process, and it will happen. But it won’t be a Fox News exclusive, I’ll tell you that much. McCain keeps playing these games, “Come with me to Iraq! Come to my ‘townhall’ meeting!” As if any serious presidential candidate would follow along like some lap dog.
Obama has the upper hand, and he ain’t gonna jump just because McCain wants to see what a full house looks like.
21. jayhay | June 14th, 2008 at 12:46 am
Oh yeah, and I forgot to guffaw about your headline. And there’s this info: “Sixty-three percent of Democrats questioned say they are either extremely or very enthusiastic about voting this year. Only 37 percent of Republicans feel the same way, and 36 percent of Republicans say they are not enthusiastic about voting.”
See you in November!
22. jayhay | June 14th, 2008 at 12:55 am
And P.S., if the six of you are still around, “The Obama campaign offered to do one joint town hall with McCain on the economy and four other debates, including one on foreign policy, the campaign said in a statement. The statement from Obama’s campaign manager said the McCain campaign declined the proposal.”
23. Mark Noonan | June 14th, 2008 at 3:18 am
Jack,
Not really unbelievable - Marin went 73/25 for Kerry in 2004…
24. Mark Noonan | June 14th, 2008 at 3:20 am
jayhay,
If Obama is riding as high as you think, then there’d be no problem with agreeing to McCain’s perfectly reasonable proposal….but, he’s afriad, ’cause he knows that he’s an empty suit in waaay over his head. You do, too; but the hatred surging within you prevents you from admitting this.
25. Mark Noonan | June 14th, 2008 at 3:21 am
42,
McCain doesn’t screen people at his town halls - and that is another thing which scares the daylights out of Obama…the prospect of having to answer real questions and only a random chance of getting a softball from the audience.
26. Pain | June 14th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Noonan you failed to finish the statemen in your title, “Obama fears McCain presidency will lead to the untilely demise of the United States of America.”
27. FmrMarine | June 14th, 2008 at 11:34 am
co = frog
this is what real Christian-Americans think of hussein
Ken Blackwell is a reputable person. We have heard a lot of this in the news media, so we know Ken is right on.
This black journalist seems to see things most people are missing.
This is pretty powerful food for thought.
Subject: A Black Columnist on Obama
Ken Blackwell - Columnist for the New York Sun
It’s an amazing time to be alive in America … We’re in a year of firsts in this presidential election: the first viable woman candidate; the first viable African-American candidate; and, a candidate who is the first front-running freedom fighter over 70. The next president of America will be a first.
We won’t truly be in an election of firsts, however, until we judge every candidate by where they stand. We won’t arrive where we should be until we no longer talk about skin color or gender. Now that Barack Obama steps to the front of the Democratic field, we need to stop talking about his race, and start talking about his policies and his politics.
The reality is this: Though the Democrats will not have a nominee until August, unless Hillary Clinton drops out, Mr. Obama is now the frontrunner, and its time America takes a closer and deeper look at him. Some pundits are calling him the next John F. Kennedy. He’s not. He’s the next George McGovern. And it’s time people learned the facts.
Because the truth is that Mr. Obama is the single most liberal senator in the entire U.S. Senate. He is more liberal than Ted Kennedy, Bernie Sanders, or Mrs. Clinton. Never in my life have I seen a presidential frontrunner whose rhetoric is so far removed from his record. Walter Mondale promised to raise our taxes, and he lost. George McGovern promised military weakness, and he lost. Michael Dukakis promised a liberal domestic agenda, and he lost.
Yet Mr. Obama is promising all those things, and he’s not behind in the polls. Why? Because the press has dealt with him as if he were in a beauty pageant.. Mr. Obama talks about getting past party, getting past red and blue, to lead the United States of America . But let’s look at the more defined strokes of who he is underneath this superficial “beauty.”
Start with national security, since the president’s most important duties are as commander-in-chief. Over the summer, Mr. Obama talked about invading Pakistan, a nation armed with nuclear weapons; meeting without preconditions with Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who vows to destroy Israel and create another Holocaust; and Kim Jong II, who is murdering and starving his people, but emphasized that the nuclear option was off the table against terrorists - something no president has ever taken off the table since we created nuclear weapons in the 1940s. Even Democrats who have worked in national security condemned all of those remarks. Mr. Obama is a foreign-policy novice who would put our national security at risk.
Next, consider economic policy. For all its faults, our health care system is the strongest in the world. And free trade agreements, created by Bill Clinton as well as President Bush, have made more goods more affordable so that even people of modest means can live a life that no one imagined a generation ago. Yet Mr. Obama promises to raise taxes on “the rich.” How to fix Social Security? Raise taxes. How to fix Medicare? Raise taxes. Prescription drugs? Raise taxes. Free college? Raise taxes. Socialize medicine? Raise taxes. His solution to everything is to have government take it over. Big Brother on steroids, funded by your paycheck
Finally, look at the social issues. Mr. Obama had the audacity to open a stadium rally by saying, “All praise and glory to God!” but says that Christian leaders speaking for life and marriage have “hijacked” - hijacked - Christianity. He is pro-partial birth abortion, and promises to appoint Supreme Court justices who will rule any restriction on it unconstitutional. He espouses the abortion views of Margaret Sanger, one of the early advocates of racial cleansing. His spiritual leaders endorse homosexual marriage, and he is moving in that direction. In Illinois , he refused to vote against a statewide ban - ban - on all handguns in the state. These are radical left, Hollywood , and San Francis co values, not Middle America values.
The real Mr. Obama is an easy target for the general election. Mrs. Clinton is a far tougher opponent. But Mr. Obama could win if people don’t start looking behind his veneer and flowery speeches. His vision of “bringing America together” means saying that those who disagree with his agenda for America are hijackers or warmongers. Uniting the country means adopting his liberal agenda and abandoning any conflicting beliefs.
But right now everyone is talking about how eloquent of a speaker he is and - yes - they’re talking about his race. Those should never be the factors on which we base our choice for president. Mr. Obama’s radical agenda sets him far outside the American mainstream, to the left of Mrs. Clinton.
It’s time to talk about the real Barack Obama. In an election of firsts, let’s first make sure we elect the person who is qualified to be our president in a nuclear age during a global civilizational war.
Subject: Kind of scary, wouldn’t you think Remember–”God is good, and is in time, on time,every time.”
According to The Book of Revelations the anti-christ is:
The anti-christ will be a man, in his 40s, of MUSLIM descent, who will deceive the nations with persuasive language, and have a MASSIVE Christ-like appeal….the prophecy says that people will flock to him and he will promise false hope and world peace, and when he is in power, will destroy verything. Is this anti-Christ Obama?
I strongly urge each one of you to repost with this email as many times as you can. Each opportunity that you have to send it to a friend or media outlet…do it! If you think I am crazy,. I’m sorry but I refuse to take a chance on the “unknown” candidate.
.
28. Tractatus | June 14th, 2008 at 3:00 pm
McCain doesn’t screen people at his town halls
Wrong again–and about the same exact thing. Again, from post #4, this time with emphasis to help you:
as Fox News reported, McCain’s campaign misled the public about the nature of the event. The forum was “billed by the McCain campaign as a town hall with independent and Democratic voters,” but Fox News noted at the end that the audience was actually “made up of invited guests and supporters,”
I knew you’d be a coward and avoid the facts, Noonan. That’s one of the easiest predictions there is to make. So, are you finally going to correct yourself, or are you going to keep on being a coward?
You’ll keep on being a coward. Guaranteed.
Why do you hate the truth so much?
29. Tractatus | June 14th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
Hahaha, FmrMarine gets his news and opinions from chain emails! Somehow, that’s not at all surprising.
You pretend to be a good Christian, right FmrMarine? So, could a Bible-loving person such as yourself explain how the Bible says the anti-Christ will be Muslim when the Bible predates Islam by several hundred years? Got a chapter and verse handy?
30. Robin Naismith Green | June 14th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
29. FmrMarine | June 14th, 2008 at 11:34 am
You are officially a crazy person and I stand in awe of just how raccoon with rabies, Slim Pickens riding the nuclear bomb to the ground, Great Depression tent preacher insane you actually are.
Okay if Obama could be some Biblical destroyer from well Hell [how am I writing this like I'm dealing with a rational person??] then how is it Space Madness! that McCain couldn’t be a Manchurian Candidate after all that torture in Vietnam. There’s no chance they couldn’t have “indoctrinated” him in all that time?
Okay I have a reputation to up hold I just wrote that so we could all enjoy the uncomfortable little laugh at just how nuts all of that is. Fmr Marine you might have time to call the local Walgreens and get an emergency refill on those meds dude.