Fox news WASHINGTON — Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain’s challenge for a series of joint appearances before the political conventions, agreeing only to the standard three debates in the fall.
In May, when a McCain adviser proposed a series of pre-convention appearances at town hall meetings, Obama said, “I think that’s a great idea.” In summer stumping on the campaign trail, McCain has often noted that Obama had not followed through and joined him in any events.
On Saturday, in a letter to the Commission on Presidential Debates, Obama campaign manager David Plouffe said the short period between the last political convention and the first proposed debate made it likely that the commission-sponsored debates would be the only ones in the fall."
Obama is very good with scripted speeches to large audiences. But if you listen to him ask questions that he doesn't have the answer for in advance, you will see a lot of hemming and hawing. All his gaffes have occurred in that context, like when he said Iran is not a "serious" threat. This is why the foreign press complained that he gave them almost no access on his big trip.
On the other hand, McCain has spent the last year as the underdog in the primaries going from one town hall meeting to another, speaking to small groups and answering questions.
He is used to it. I am curious to see the debates and how the two handle 2 hours of spontaneous questions.
"Since the questions will be preconceived before the debates,won't the media slip them to Obama the day before,to give him time to prep?"
I know they favor Obama, but I am not that cynical. There will be some people asking questions on both sides (I hope), and he will still have to respond off the cuff to what McCain said, assuming they do it on a speak, rebut, surrebut format.
Unfortunately it looks like your attempt to purchase VIP membership has failed due to your card being declined. Good news is that we have several other payment options that you could try.
VIP MEMBER
, you are now a VIP member!
We thank you for your purchase!
VIP MEMBER
, Thank you for becoming VIP member!
Membership should be activated shortly. You'll receive notification!
