Saturday, August 02, 2008

Obama Backs off of Debates

Obama’s playing it safe.

Democratic candidate Barack Obama on Saturday backed away from rival John McCain’s challenge for a series of joint appearances, 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.

Obama’s reversal on town hall debates is part of a play-it-safe strategy he’s adopted since claiming the nomination and grabbing a lead in national polls. Advisers to the Illinois senator, speaking on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to discuss strategy, say Obama is reluctant to take chances or give McCain a high-profile stage now that Obama’s the front-runner.

This is typical campaign strategy.  The person who is leading doesn’t want to do debates because the risk is greater than the potential reward.  On the other hand, the underdog wants debates because the potential reward is greater than the risk. 

It is a bit dangerous for Obama, though, because his front-runner status is fading.  He’s still ahead, but it’s not an overwhelming lead.

I must admit that I’m looking forward to the debates.  McCain has been in the Senate for years, has run for president before, and has done more unscripted open forums than most people on the planet.  He knows how to think on his feet.  Obama has shown great weakness in unscripted forums.  He stammers, makes gaffes, and gets visibly upset when he is pushed off balance.  It should be fun to watch.

(1) Comments
Posted by Owen at 1818 hrs
Politics + Politics - General

  1. Umnnh….it might be more accurate to say that McCain makes LESS horrific errors, unscripted, than does Obama.

    But he makes them, regularly.

    Posted by dad29 on August 02, 2008 at 2055 hrs


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