Vilsack is chomping at the bit to debate Obama...

[snowbear]

http://www.suntimes.com/news/elections/253624,vilsack021207.article

Vilsack wants to debate Obama in Iowa

February 12, 2007
DES MOINES, Iowa -- Former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack challenged Illinois Sen. Barack Obama to a debate before union activists in Iowa later this month to talk about "central issues confronting America."

But Obama's not biting.

Vilsack is scheduled to participate in a Feb. 21 debate sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees in Carson City, Nev. Obama opted to skip that debate, saying he's committed to campaigning in Iowa that day.

In a letter, Vilsack said he was willing to fly out immediately after the Nevada debate to attend a similar forum in Iowa.

''As you know, AFSCME represents workers throughout Iowa and they would be willing to organize a forum for us in any town on Feb. 21,'' Vilsack said in a letter to Obama's campaign.

Tommy Vietor, an Obama spokesman, said the senator would not participate in a Feb. 21 debate with Vilsack or any of the other Democratic candidates.

''Sen. Obama looks forward to participating in a number of debates during this campaign, but first he wants to personally meet with and hear from as many Iowans as possible about how we can change our politics,'' Vietor said.

Obama has gotten heavy attention as he entered the contest for the Democratic presidential nomination, with more than 15,000 people showing up for his formal announcement in Springfield., Ill., on Saturday.

Vilsack left office last month and has struggled to get similar attention in his bid for the Democratic nomination.

AP

[IndianaGreen]

1. Vilsak's claim to fame was his anti-Dean/pro-DLC role in the 2004 caucus

He's had his 15-minutes of fame!

[incapsulated]

2. lol, I'm sure he does

It may be the only way for him to get attention to his campaign.

I've seen this before and it always makes the candidate look desperate.

[pa28]

4. Well, I guess we know who the frontrunner is now.

Usually this tactic shows up for a dying candidate looking for a game changer in the last days of an election season. Give yourself a chance Tom!

[MADem]

3. Ah, let me be totally shallow, now! What's in a name?

All this making fun of Obama's name, with the Hussein business and so forth...you know that Vilsack is RIPE for all sorts of teasing!

Vilsack shouldn't be calling the candidates out one by one--it's a cheesy tactic. He needs to get in the mix with everyone else and fight to be recognized and remembered.

[Hardrada]

5. I think, actually, it's champing at the bit

but I get the picture. Vilsack, our former guv, is entitled to his shot at this. And he does also want the troops out now and has thus recanted some wait and see attitude he had earlier on.

[youngdem]

6. I pronounce it VILE SACK...helps me remember

This guy's only claim to fame was attacking Dean and whoring it up for the DLC in 04. Nice job, asshat.

Now, his only chance is to try to bait a front runner into an ambush in his home state? Good luck with that. Hillary and Obama know that ignoring you is the surest way for you to go away, Vilesack.