Strategy Wise...Why should Obama Debate Clinton?

[DearAbby]

He doesn't have to debate Clinton, If he were chicken, as some are trying to say...why did he bother to debate her the past 23 times? Strategic wise, another debate will be a waste of time.

[ecdab]

1. Front runners normally avoid debates late in the game - it's smart.

[anonymous171]

2. No. She's fucking desperate and would smear the shit out of him.

[frickaline]

76. I doubt this very much

"smearing" usually looks worse for the smearer than the smearee. If I know this, she knows this.

[NanceGreggs]

3. Exactly!

While another debate would serve Hill's purpose of the free air-time she desperately needs, it would be a total waste of Obama's time - he's got places to go, people to meet, a nomination to accept, and a presidency to prepare for.

[DearAbby]

There is absolutely no reason

for another debate between Obama and Clinton. Everything has been said. Its time to take it directly to the voters.

The next set of Debates should be between the two Official Nominees.

[silverlil]

9. Exactly

No more debates.

[backscatter712]

4. Why should he give her free air time?

His strategy should be to cut off the oxygen supply to her campaign. And that means making her pay to be on TV.

[Why Syzygy]

5. It's Clinton's best hope of exposure. For Obama, there is no advantage.

In fact, he would look rather foolish debating the clear loser. duh

HilLIARy looks as if she thinks everyone is that stupid. MSM will play her games, maybe. No one else is buying it.

[DearAbby]

7. For Obama it's a waste of time

Clinton can not overcome Obama's lead. There is no stratigic value. As the front runner, he doesn't have to accept. They have already had 23 other debates. Let her spend her own money for Airtime.

[silverlil]

14. I agree

Enough is enough. And tomorrow morning, I have to program my TV for this FOX event! FOX is not on my radar screen.
Oh dear! I hope it turns out alright. Every word out of his mouth will be used against him. I wish he had not agreed to this because the media is pushing Hillary to be our President. I have turned off my TV with the exeception of Keith O, Jon and Stev on our comedy channel.


What time does this 'event' come on? I would like a serious answer -California time.

[DearAbby]

17. I believe Obama can handle himself

I am not worried about the Fox Interview. If there was anything earth shattering we would have heard about it already. Since it has been pre-recorded. Obama is a smart man, can handle himself, even on Fox.

[Why Syzygy]

16. She thinks Obama and his supporters are FOOLS and can be played as such. same ol'

[IsItJustMe]

59. At this point, he does a hell of a lot better to just do what he has been doing. He is out there,

meeting people, campaigning, answering questions from the local media, and building friendships and connections that he will need come November. The rest is just show.

He needs to just keep on keeping on like he is doing. That is enough.

[Tellurian]

23. If he doesn't accept her challenge, he'll lose Indiana..

That is reason enough. He'll look soft and weak to Republicans as a possible Dem Nominee.

The Republicans will use it against himi n the General and he will become an embarrassment to Dem Voters.

[DearAbby]

28. I dont believe he will lose Indiana

if he refuses to debate Clinton again...nonsense. What could be the advantage for Obama to accept? 23 Debates isnt enough?

[Tellurian]

Believe it.. Obama has lost his Mojo..I think it's sitting in a church pew in Chicago.

The mask is off. The thrill is gone

[DearAbby]

34. Flail about like a child

wont change anything...Its a waste of Time for Obama to debate Clinton again and again and again...let her fork out the cash to pay for her own air time.

[Tellurian]

38. We'll see won't we.. According to Gallup, Obama is losing ground to Hillary daily.

Obama has lost his lead Nationally and will continue his downward spiral. Obama will lose Indiana to Hillary. He will never be the Dem Nominee!

http://weblogs.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/blog/2008/04/clinton_debate_obama_no_debate.html

[DearAbby]

45. I don't see this continuing spiril....Polls differ

Ignore her, and go directly to the people. Only respond when needed, otherwise ignore her. The math is on his side. She is fast becoming irrelevant

[Tellurian]

51. Yup, the answer to everything is "the meaningless math"

There is math in the popular vote.. How many more Primarys before Obama bows out?

[DearAbby]

54. Meaningless Math

:rofl:


The object of the Primaries is to win delegates...

[Tellurian]

79. Nope, wrong again.. Dean said today ,it's not the delegates

It's whoever is the most "electable". He's just turned your delegate premise on it's ear!

Read it and weep!

"Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean said superdelegates should make known their choices on the Democratic nominee for president by the end of June. Ultimately,(Dean)he said he believes their decisions will be based on who is more electable, rather than necessarily who has the most pledged delegates, because that is what party rules stipulate.

"This is essentially pretty close to a tie here," Dean said on NBC's "Meet the Press."

"What's going to happen in the last nine primaries is there's going to be some feeling at some point that one of these candidates is more likely to win than the other and that person will get the nomination. I can't tell you who that is, I have no idea who that is, but that's what's going to happen," Dean said."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080427/ap_on_el_pr/democrats

[MercutioATC]

73. "Mojo" again? One doesn't need mojo to win, they need numbers.

Obama has the numbers.

Clinton doesn't.

[IsItJustMe]

60. Can you say BULLSHIT?

[Why Syzygy]

70. You're wrong.

[my3boyz]

6. He should not debate her. Hillary shot herself in the

foot when she had her buddy George S. slant the debate towards her. He probably even gave her the questions prior to the debate. He was in her pocket. Then she took absolute glee in seeing them attack Obama and took every opportunity to twist the knife a little more. Well, now you won't get your free advertising Hilly. You can confront him as much as you want about the debates. Better yet....put some more commercials out like you did before Wisconsin. That worked like a charm, didn't it?!?!

[Forkboy]

8. Hillary supporters are desperate, and have been reduced to grade school taunts of chicken and wimp.

She needs it desperately, and they know it, and not getting their way has led to them acting like little babies, stomping their feet and calling him names. Which is great to watch. :D

The truly funny things are that Hillary was too "chicken" to debate in '06, and that if Hillary were in the lead this time they'd be praising her for not debating whoever was trailing her. They're consistent hypocrites, if nothing else.

[DearAbby]

10. I had noticed that

Too funny!

[BlueIdaho]

11. Nothing new here...

The candidate that's behind and out of money demands - with much righteous indignation and piety - debates for the good of the democracy and the benefit of the people.

The front runner, hold all the cards, declines knowing that if the roles were reversed the other candidate would do exactly the same.

This is very old politics.

[kwenu]

12. He shouldn't. He should treat her as if she is irrelevant because she is. Focus on McCain.

[bigbrother05]

13. You quit using those big words like Strategy and Clinton

in the same sentence

[DearAbby]

15. Snarf

:spray::rofl:

[graycem]

18. He shouldn't...

this is just another typical taunt. They always do this, call someone a chicken, scared, etc. The best thing I think he can do, largely is just ignore her, and take the heat to McCain. I've read a few articles that claim the Clinton's are in their element when they're fighting, which encourages them. He should only answer specific attacks and let the rest go. The silent treatment is awesome when someone is trying to bring you down to their level.

[DearAbby]

19. I believe that is a good strategy

just ignore her, answer what attacks that could be damaging, but let her campaign dry up and blow away.

[graycem]

66. hehe.. yeah it's the

whole principle of... "never argue with an idiot, they'll only drag you down to their level and beat you with experience."

[Hamlette]

20. He should tell her he's spending his time getting ready for his debates with McCain and can't be

bothered with her distractions anymore.

[DearAbby]

21. Wonder why no Clinton Supporters are answering this

question? Maybe I am on ignore...::tears welling up in my eyes:::sniff sniffle sniff:::

[leftofcool]

22. No, he should continue to be a chickenshit

[DearAbby]

24. Your Candidate is losing...

that is why she is calling for this debate...why should Obama bother? What advantage is in it for him?

[Tribetime]

25. I knew the last debate was a mistake with Stepanopoulis

and their questions killed any other chances for future debates.

[Skip Intro]

40. Hillary is offering a debate WITHOUT moderators. Obama is running scared.

[Skip Intro]

26. He looks like a coward if he doesn't?

[anonymous171]

27. Maybe he just doesn't think flag pins are that important.

[Skip Intro]

31. What is his reason to run and hide from another debate with Hillary?

Do the Lincoln/Douglas type debate. I want to see it.

Obama could mop up.

Declining hints of fear, not hope.

[DearAbby]

36. strategy wise...it's a waste of time.....nt

[Skip Intro]

37. because.....?

[DearAbby]

47. It gives her dying campaign credibility

The math isn't there...Clinton will not be able to overtake his lead. Concentrate on McCain, all future debates should be between them.

If the tables were turned, you know damned well Clinton would do the same thing. It is a smart move. You, yourself would be making this argument. Admit it.

[americanstranger]

72. Note to Clinton supporters regarding debates:

Frontrunners call the shots. not also-rans.

that is all.

- as

[DearAbby]

30. Nawh,

If he were a coward, he wouldn't have bothered with the past 23 debates. Bullshit response

[Skip Intro]

33. You're saying 23 debates, but there have only been 4 one on one debates.

I think we could stand another.

He looks like a coward in refusing.

[Skip Intro]

29. There have only been four one on one debates.

[DearAbby]

32. More debates than we get for the GE

normally...there is no advantage for Obama to debate Clinton for the "5th" time. Strategy wise. Take his message directly to the voters. Debate McCain
Hillary is a has-been

[Skip Intro]

35. WHY??? Is there "no advantage" for Obama in debating Clinton again, strategy wise?

Is she that good?

Sounds like he's afraid of her.

[DearAbby]

42. Nope irrelevant...she is the losing candidate

If she wishes to continue...do it on her own dime.

[Skip Intro]

48. The next debate will be the highest rated debate ever. Obama is scared to debate Hillary.

If he wished to spread his message far and wide, he has a perfect opportunity.

He's not worried about spreading his message. He's worried about looking bad next to Hillary.

Call it for what it is.

[DearAbby]

53. he has a perfect opportunity for what?

What advantage can there be giving Clinton's campaign credibility? Its not like she can overtake his lead. There is no reason for Obama to bother, it is not strategically sound.

If Clinton wants TV Air time...let her fork over the money. Do it on her dime.

[Skip Intro]

56. I would think his woundrous message would captivate those watching

rendering whatever Hillary has to say broken and over.

If he had such a message.

He is afraid to debate Hillary again, in any format. She ripped him a new one in the last debate, and he's had enough.

Got nothing to do with democracy.

[DearAbby]

58. He can pay to captivate an audience

just like she can. Debates aren't the only venue to get messages to the public....:rofl:

[CatsDogsBabies]

78. Obama is not afraid of HRC

Her desperation makes her look weak and highlights the fact that she is losing this contest. Perhaps it is time for people to understand this.

[DearAbby]

39. There isnt any reason to hold debate no: 5

It's a waste of time, and giving her free air time...strategy wise, not a good idea. Let her campaign dry up and blow away.

[Skip Intro]

50. Wow, you hate HIllary more than you value democracy, eh?

That Kool Aid can do that to ya.

[DearAbby]

57. I hate democracy?

:rofl:

Just because it is a waste of time to debate Clinton yet again? Jesus, how many debates do you want? If Clinton was ahead at this point, you could be sure her advisors would be telling her the same thing.

[Skip Intro]

61. No more debates, and don't count those votes, and end the race NOW

sorry, was democracy in there some where?

[DearAbby]

62. lol Skip....Oh the drama!

:rofl:

[FlyingSquirrel]

41. If the tables were turned, she would refuse a debate...

And calling a woman "chicken" just doesn't have the same effect.

[DearAbby]

43. If she were winning....you damned right she would

it's good strategy.

[DearAbby]

67. Call her Miss Priss Of Foghorn Leghorn Fame?

or is that being sexist?

A He would be a Chicken/Rooster
A she would be a Hen

[depakid]

44. At the very least, to set the format under his terms, while he has the strong hand

and set up a rational alternative to the inane corporate media fiascos that have become the status quo this years.

That would be the smart move- the chess move that would put pressure on the McCain camp to follow suit an issues based debates in the fall (with responsible moderators that don't take their marching orders from CEO's and attempt to frame the language and questions to suit their masters.

Not to do so wouldn't be "chicken," but it would be wasting a golden opportunity to improve his chances of winning in November.

[DearAbby]

46. There is no need, it's a waste of time

it just gives her campaign credibility...and if the tables were turned you know she would do the exact same thing..and it would be you making this argument...be truthful

[depakid]

52. You're thinking checkers

and what she would do is irrelevant, though under the circumstances, she too would be making a mistake failing to set the table for rational and objective debates in the fall.

As explained here: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=5657731

[DearAbby]

55. Clinton, being the one this far behind

at this stage of the game...to debate her again, would be a waste of time. Obama should be preparing himself for future debates against McCain.

[QC]

49. He shouldn't, because he's terrible at debates.

He cannot possibly gain anything from debating her.

[sakura]

63. Because debating Clinton would give her floundering campaign...

...the legitimacy it is so sorely lacking. If he deigns to debate her, many viewers will conclude it is because she has a chance of winning the primary. But since there is less than a snowball's chance of that happening, why should he lend her campaign credibility?

[DearAbby]

64. Ding ding ding ^^^^^WINNER

[sakura]

65. But I've never won anything!

Can I get one of those stuffed animals on the top shelf?

[DearAbby]

68. lol!

Middle Shelf...Top shelf stuff is just for show :::whispers:::

[sakura]

69. I'm never coming to this arcade again!

[Secret_Society]

71. if the media picks up on it...

which it already has (particularly some local stories) it might be perceived as disrespect toward these states. Why Pennsylvania for 21 and not Indiana for 22?

[4themind]

74. It's a possibility

and those in North Carolina may have similar qualms (or heck maybe those in guam). With a little more than a week to go (vs. several more in PA, and in combination with his other arguments), they may also just see it as increased time for them to see the candidate in purpose perhaps. We'll find out.

[frickaline]

75. I'd like to see a debate without moderators so it might have real content

but I'm very sure that stopping campaigning to debate is not in Obama's best interest.

[mmonk]

77. Any political strategist out there would advise him to

no more debates. In fact, most wouldn't have advised giving in to the last one.

[Ronnie]

80. Either way, he loses.

If he refuses... Well, they're already laughing about it. Somebody on CNN just said he sounded like a Dr. Seuss book: "I will not debate her with a moderator. I will not debate her without a moderator." Or something like that. I heard it from a distance and through a doorway.
If he accepts, she will probably out tough him and will be perceived as the winner. And she'll get more contributions.

[JoFerret]

81. He needs the intellectual work-out

That's why. He should be paying her for the education.