Poblano weighs in on the Debate question that McCain sprung today.
The conventional wisdom is that when a candidate asks for more debates, said candidate is probably behind.
McCain is going to have to induce some new gaffes from Obama. The more times that Obama speaks to a national audience, the more opportunity there is for him to do so. But this is not a strategy a candidate takes when his fundamentals look good.
I just had lunch with an Independent leaning Eastern Republican who applauds the idea and thinks it's wonderful. I stand by Obama as the Nominee and believe he can definitely weather this challenge. Below, I'll explain 5 great reasons for taking on all these debates.
I strongly support the debates for the following reasons:
- Unedited Free Media Face time with the Public: The more unedited free media face time that Obama receives, the less paid media he'll need to spend defining himself to the American People and the less opportunity for 527 groups to attempt to define him as well. The effect is blunted when a strong issues oriented campaign defines the election.
- Obama wins on the issues. Period. All of these 'debates' amount to a chance for Obama to highlight issues that are winners with the American People. It'll help to bring Hillary Clinton voters back into the fold of Unity, on the basis of Issues, and provide for opportunity to make very clear distinctions on the Issues. Democratic Issues always poll strongly; Bread and Butter Hearth issues win for us... but the GOP Thrives on Paid Attack Wedges. This negates that potential.
- Obama and McCain on the same stage is a winner. When Obama stands next to McCain, McCain's age and energy level really show clearly to the American People. Obama is also relatively unknown and this would be a tremendous opportunity for the average voter to finally tune in and get to know the Nominee we all strongly support.
- McCain is much more prone to a gaffe. Don't forget that Obama managed to debate the best debater of the election, Hillary Clinton, many times more than McCain did one on one debates. Obama is now familiar with his entire set of issues and message. McCain is still grasping for the telepromptor and having odd giggling spurts laughing at his own perceived humor... it's all pretty strange, he's a strange man, and being on stage 10 times in 3 months will reveal this much more so than if he's allowed to be only shown through the media's favorable window.
- The Media Can't Fluff McCain's performances. It crashes through the favorable media spotlight and presents and unfluffed John McCain, a candidate who supports issues that most people haven't seen. The media can't Fluff up McCain if he's laid bare on stage next to our nominee.
What do you think?