So it looks like Kerry wants to duck a 1-on-1 debate with Edwards

[ShaneGR]

I watched Anderson Coopers 360 on CNN earlier and the Kerry rep clearly ducked the question of a 1-on-1 debate. Now I hear that another Kerry rep did the same thing on Hannity & Colmes (Didn't see it, never watch Fox). Would Kerry dare to duck a debate with Edwards?

Is he scared?

EDITWith all due respect to Kucinich supporters, I am simply calling for just one single debate 1-on-1 between Edwards and Kerry. We have fought hard, and we would like that one single debate. Of course, if there are any other debates I would be more than happy to have Kucinich with us talking about trade (I love his NAFTA stance). But I think we deserve our chance to take on the media creation that is Kerry.

[arewethereyet]

1. would you want to debate Edwards ?

the guy made millions getting his point across to regular people. Not a fair fight at all.

[ShaneGR]

3. My point exactly

And what does that say about Kerry's debating skills vs. Bush?

Riddle me that Kerry supporters.

Bring it on!

[spooky3]

8. I surely do enjoy fantasizing about Edwards

(ha, made ya look!)

debating *. I think Barbara Bush will probably have to write him a note saying he was sick that day and couldn't make it to the debate.

[PeaceProgProsp]

71. Debating Edwards in WI cost Kerry a 35 point lead.

Of course he wants to avoid another debate.

[mmonk]

2. yeah

no one else is running, right? Edwards getting desperate?

[KathCO]

4. perhaps not ducking but diplomacy

[papau]

11. Edwards also refused to demand 1 on 1 - no one wants to dis DK&Al

:-)

[liberalnurse]

5. Well, he sure dosen't look excited about the option.

Maybe Edwards should go on hardball and right-out call him to the line.

[ShaneGR]

10. Go Buckeyes!

Lets all give a big round of applause for:

O-H-I-O!

:yourock:

[rhino47]

33. GO BUCKS!!!!!!

[ShaneGR]

41. Buckeyes are going to be SO GOOD next year

We've got a QB with a cannon for an arm and 3 receivers who were all top-5 recruits in the nation. Did I mention the #1 defensive back in the country out of high-school with olympic speed (He actually has a chance of going to Athens!) Oh wait, #2 rated RB signed to OSU this year. And we returen 9 of 11 starters on defense.

[democracyindanger]

6. Not ducking, strategy.

Turning it into a 2 man race hurts Kerry's image as the front runner.

[arewethereyet]

13. I don't think that the "ignore him and he'll go away" thing is working

but it was worth a shot I guess

[democracyindanger]

29. Neither do I

But its in Kerry's interest to frame the race as "me and those other three guys" as long as possible.

[ShaneGR]

32. That framing is over, he has lost that point

Time to take us on, now. If he ducks, he loses. If he debates, he loses. And once again, what does that say about his chances vs. Bush?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

7. Not so fast John Edwards...

there are 2 other candidates campaigning yet.

[ShaneGR]

12. Ok, since you're a Kerry supporter

How about we have 1 debate with all 4, and another debate 1 on 1?

Scared?

[NewYorkerfromMass]

19. and Dean tried this on Kerry after NH

Kerry's just playing by the book- just like Edwards is- the book of winning.

[drfemoe]

54. You mean asking for a one on one debate?

after NH?
"and Dean tried this on Kerry after NH"

I've been trying to look this up and I can't find anything.
I'm writing a school paper, so I really need the reference too.
Thanks. I've been looking for this.

[NewYorkerfromMass]

60. Yes. On the Feb 1 MTP Dean said he wanted one

"...But Dean remained defiant, and boasted Sunday morning on NBC's Meet the Press that voters ultimately will respond to him because he speaks his mind. He also said he welcomed a one-on-one debate challenge, which Kerry issued on the the program a few weeks ago...."

http://www.usatoday.com/news/politicselections/nation/primariescaucus/2004-02-01-clark-edwards_x.htm

[arewethereyet]

16. well one and a half. Al hardly campaigns at all.

of course he's in debt so its understandable.

[Rooktoven]

62. $3000+ /night hotel expenses help incur debt ---nt

[Droopy]

9. I think a debate

should include all of the Dem candidates. If everybody drops out except for Kerry and Edwards, then we can have a debate between just the two of them.

[ShaneGR]

15. How about a compromise

We have 1 debate with all 4, and another debate 1-on-1 between Kerry and Edwards. If you are a Kucinich fan, that may be feasible.

[Droopy]

36. Sorry

I think they all should be in there. I know Kerry and Edwards are the front runners, but I think we need DK and AS in there too.

What's to keep Edwards from challenging Kerry in a debate with all four candidates?

[KittyWampus]

14. Did Edwards Specifically Ask? Or Are Mediwhores Stirring Shit Up?

Why the hell should Kerry debate Edwards when there are 2 other candidates?

[ShaneGR]

18. Simple answer

The obvious, they're the only 2 candidates who have won a primary. No disrespect to DK or Sharpton, but it seems to me like the Kerry people are terrified of having to defend themselves in a debate. If this is so, what does it say about Kerry's chances in a debate vs. Bush?

[JI7]

44. but edwards hasn't made any proposals has he ?

this is just talk so far, without there really being any proposal from edwards for a debate with only kerry and excluding sharpton and kucinich. edwards should say he thinks kucinich and sharpton should be excluded from the next debate as the debate sponsers are considering doing.

[ShaneGR]

65. Quack Quack

Duck!

[MurikanDemocrat]

17. Front runner never lets the contenders redefine the terms

Kerry's contest is with Bush, and that's where his focus should stay.

[ShaneGR]

20. If he can't beat Edwards in a debate, he can't beat Bush

And this is about who can beat Bush in those debates, make him look silly.

Agreed?

[Old and In the Way]

34. No upside for Kerry to debate Edwards one-on-one.

Can only play to Edwards advantage. But Kerry is a skilled debater. His debates with Rep. Governor William Weld were classic events and probably provided him the edge to get re-elected.

That said, both Edwards and Kerry would make mincemeat of Dimson in a debate. Can you imagine trying to defend a record like he has? With the bonehead sayings, misdeeds, and lies that are on the record? I'll be recording those debates for posterity.

[MurikanDemocrat]

38. Don't agree

He doesn't need to practice with Edwards for a debate with Bush.

Kerry is a seasoned debater in his own right.

For the sake of argument, a not being able to top Edwards in a debate does not mean he couldn't top Bush in a debate. Edwards is a FAR better debater than Bush. Remember, Gore beat Bush in debates even though media spun it otherwise.

The front runner never accepts challenges from distant challengers for things like this. That's politics. Kerry didn't accept such challenges from Dean either.

Kerry's focus is on Bush, and it would be a poor decision on his part to change his focus to Edwards. (or any candidate - nothing personal)

The game is chess, not checkers.

[ShaneGR]

45. But that spin isn't going to work

Wisconsin was about expectations. It was also the only state on that night's coverage. Because Edwards was so close, he is no longer a "distant" competitor. We've called your bet, and reraised, are you going to call or fold?

Poker!

[MurikanDemocrat]

52. Spin??? Who is spinning here??

Kerry is 15 for 17
Edwards is 1 for 17

Kerry still WON last night. Edwards still came in SECOND last night.

That's not spin.

Compare the delegates so far.

Compare the poll numbers in the Super Tuesday states.

Edwards is STILL a distant competitor, no matter how YOU try to spin it.

This ain't poker, it's chess, and it's an easy move. Kerry won't accept the offer, nor should he. It's not his job to get sucked into silly games by the Edwards campaign. His focus should be on Bush.

Checkmate:D

[ShaneGR]

53. 1-on-1

Quit ducking!

:smoke:

We're not going anywhere.

[MurikanDemocrat]

55. Win some primaries, then we'll talk

[mountainvue]

51. Kerry's strong suit

is the one on one debate. No disrespect but I doubt he's scared. And yes, he'll fry Bush in a one on one debate.

[SangamonTaylor]

28. Front runners don't define the terms

CNN and the LATimes do.

If the sponsors say that it's Edwards and Kerry, then Kerry will have to decide whether to duck and run or go toe to toe.

One thing is for sure, it wouldn't hurt Kerry if he wins the nomination....we need to toughen up our candidates. However, it could prove to be a huge turning point in an election.

[Freddie Stubbs]

21. Perhaps he just wants some fairness for Kucinich and Sharpton

;)

[arewethereyet]

30. oh certainly that MUST be it

you're such a scamp !

[KittyWampus]

22. Edwards Likes To Pretend He's Doing Better Than He Actually Is

He imagined himself in a tie in OK.

Now he imagines himself in a 2 man race with Kerry.

Oh Wait! Edwards hasn't even said anything about a debate...

This is all bullshit feed by the Right Wing enabling Mediawhores and DU'ers are happy to help them!

:puke:

[ShaneGR]

35. You insult me

Calling me a right winger. So I puke back on you.

:puke:

[KittyWampus]

40. Where Did I Call You A Right Winger?

I didn't call you anything.

[ShaneGR]

47. "This is all bullshit fed by right-wingers"

Which is clearly bullshit because this was Kerry's reps own response on Aaron Brown tonight (not about right-wingers, about Edwards). I'm just about sickened by some people's ridiculous Right-wing smears of Edwards supporters. If you want to get dirty, how about I start talking about Clark's GOP connections? But I'm not going to, because I have CLASS.

[KittyWampus]

50. Here Is What I Actually Wrote.

This is all bullshit feed by:

the Right Wing enabling Mediawhores
DU'ers happy to help them


Edwards has not called for a debate. Therefore, any question about such a debate is coming from the Mediawhores who are trying to stir shit up.

Sort of like Drudge's Bimbo LIE.

And apparently, some DU'ers are happy to play along.

Don't think my assesments don't apply to you? Then why feel put out by my take on the situation.

[ShaneGR]

61. Once again, false

Edwards has called for a 1-on-1 debate. He did it on Fox last night, where he basically had Hannity feeding out of his hand.

[oasis]

23. Sharpton and Dennis have supporters who want to see them in every debate.

And so do I.

[NNN0LHI]

24. Do you have a link to the transcript of the exchange?

I will make up my own decision as to what was said after you supply one and I read it. I have not even heard of Edwards challenging Kerry to a one on one debate. Have you?

Don

[NNN0LHI]

42. <insert the sound of chirping crickets in this space> n/t

[ShaneGR]

49. I'll find one

Both shows were just on within the last few hours.

[WiseMen]

25. What is there to Debate? Only big differences are artifacts for Campaign

NAFTA -- All evidence is that prior to campaign Edwards to right of Kerry

"Poor Childhood" -- significant dif between Edwards and Kerry mainly
fiction (both tended towards middle class, Kerry's dad struggled
financially though his wife family was elite)

[drfemoe]

58. Exactly.

They could even invite *B* for a three-way.

Blank check to take out Saddam:
"Terrorist"
"Yes."
"I can do it better."

NCLB:
"Weaken/Strengthen Public Education"
"Yes."
"I can do it better."

Patriot Act:
"For us or against us. And we'll find out."
"Yes."
"I can do it better."

Tax cuts for upper classes:
"It'll stimulated jobs."
"Yes."
"I can do it better."

Environmental Issues:
"Clean Skies, shmean skies. Who's gonna stop me."
Absent
"It's on the table."

*B* could finally prove what a "uniter" he really is.

My DK friends tell me they are writing letters to cnn because cnn is the one excluding DK and Al from the debates. They sounded pretty upset. I wish them well with their efforts in demanding fairness from the media. There was some question about the DNC's role in making the rules. Not sure what they found out about that one.

[ShaneGR]

26. I take one thing from this thread, we've got Kerry on the run

And since it's obvious he's ducking/scared/tired.... what does that say about his chances vs. Bush?

Seriously, we need a candidate who can stand up to pressure and take on all comers. What happened to Bring it On?

[oasis]

37. That's Kerry, just another scared decorated war hero.

:shrug:

[ShaneGR]

43. I respect Senator Kerry's war-record

But it's not going to do him a bit of good if he doesn't have the stamina. Nothing personal.

[JI7]

39. did Edwards propose a one on one debate ?

did Edwards propose a debate with only Kerry and excluding sharpton and kucinich ? so far it just seems there is talk, but there doesn't seem to be any real offer to debate which excludes sharpton and kucinich. i personally think Kerry should debate edwards alone and i say this as a kerry supporter who thinks edwards would most likely do better. i think most would say the same thing. but how about edwards making the proposal first ?

[jean]

27. I wouldn't want to see Edwards debate either bush or cheney - he is too

polite, asking for permission to answer or speak, as I've seen him do in the dem debates.

[in_cog_ni_to]

31. Why would Edwards want to avoid

the other 2 candidates in the race? Did Kucinich and Sharpton drop out and no one told me?

[ShaneGR]

46. So do you think Kerry can't hold up to Edwards 1-on-1?

Sounds like it. We have had 4,000,000 debates.

[Dookus]

48. there's a very obvious reason why he would want to do that....

to appear as the only real competitor to Kerry. And I don't fault him for wanting that.

Why should he want to be seen as one of three challengers instead of the only real challenger?

[seaglass]

56. So what's the verdict, did Edwards challenge Kerry to

a 1 on 1 debate or is someone just trying to stir shit up?

[ShaneGR]

57. He has

Last night he was on Fox and they asked him about it, he said he welecomed it.

http://www.foxnews.com/hannityandcolmes/index.html\

Scroll down to right, watch video.

And before you start screaming about Fox, I know. But we need candidates who will go on those shows and hold their own.

[NNN0LHI]

59. This don't sound like much of a challange to me

Don

http://www.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0402/18/acd.00.html

<snip>COOPER: Who decides, then? You're free to decide. John Kerry could decide and John Edwards could decide. Hell, I'll invite you two right here to debate if you want.

ELMENDORF: Well, the sponsors of these debates have to decide who they're going invite and we'll look at every invitation and see what we'll do. John Edwards has lost 16 out of 18 contests. He lost several to Dennis Kucinich and Al Sharpton in the vote. I don't know who decides who gets to participate.

COOPER: Ed, how badly does John Edwards want a 2 man debate?

ED TURLINGTON, GENERAL CHAIRMAN EDWARDS FOR PRESIDENT: Anderson, we have always had the goal here to get to the finals of this election. And we are now there after the Wisconsin primary. As you know, we are about a quarter of the way into the process with five months to the convention. And as Senator Edwards said last night, he welcomes this debate with Senator Kerry over the next few weeks. It is my understanding at least one debate is scheduled. We'd welcome as many of those one on one discussions as we can have.

[John_H]

63. And if the situation were reversed

Edwards would be avoiding Kerry, a Kerry supporter would post a thread with the title, "So it looks like Kerry wants to duck a 1-on-1 debate with Edwards,"sgr2 would be defending Edwards desire to have everybody debate, and I would be calling Edwards a chicken.

Ah......politics.

[ShaneGR]

64. Kerry.... politics as usual?

Do you really think Edwards would shy a way from a debate with anyone? He is the premier debater.

[John_H]

67. Of course. He's no fool. Frontrunners can only lose debates.

even if they're god's gift to debaters.

[ShaneGR]

70. So in other words, he wouldn't debate Bush?

Becuase he's scared, because he's currently ahead?

Sorry, that's weak. Really weak. Weak enough to get us beat in November.

[genius]

66. Kerry just became my second favorite. It shows he's HONORABLE.

Excluding Kucinich and Sharpton would be dishonorable and undemocratic. Hitler would definitely approve on excluding good candidates, like Kucinich and Sharpton, from the debate. But honorable candidates worthy of votes would never participate in such a debate.

[ShaneGR]

68. It shows he's scared

And if you think he gives a crap about DK or Sharpton you need to pay more attention. He wants a 4 man debate because he's scared of Edwards, Period.

[genius]

72. I will not support any candidate low enough to exclude two candidates

I hope it is just some of Edwards supporters who are going off the deep end and not Edwards himself who is proposing this attack on democracy.

[KathCO]

69. enough already

I am officially ignoring any threads suggesting DK be excluded from any event or drop out.

[AnnitaR]

73. Edwards shouldn't get to define the terms of the debate!

He has won ONE primary. The state he was born in. He finished behind Kerry (and Clark out in the SW) in all of the other contests.

If he'd won Wisconsin I'd say let him have at it. He didn't win. Kerry beat him yet again. Kerry has wins, Edwards doesn't. He should not let Edwards push him around. Edwards did better than expected in Wisconsin I'll admit, but that doesn't mean that he's a force Kerry must reckon with. He starts winning some of these things then he can throw his weight around.

[ShaneGR]

74. Quack Quack

Duck

[robbedvoter]

75. Damn, Safire's scenario became your platform, huh?

http://www.nytimes.com/2004/02/18/opinion/18SAFI.html?hp
If Edwards is smart (and a trial lawyer who got $25 million for himself out of the medical profession must have an agile mind) he will carry an empty chair around New York, Ohio, Georgia and California, demanding that Kerry debate him one on one about Nafta, where he is a genuine Smoot-Hawley protectionist and Kerry merely a primary-conversion protectionist.

Kerry would probably refuse to debate unless Dean was included, to steal the debate spotlight like Ross Perot. But if Dean wanted to get even, the embittered Vermonter would accept and then back out at the last minute to let the two frontrunners have at it. Oh, boy."
Uh, why would Nixon's speechwriter want a debate ?

he explains it in the end:

There's a consummation devoutly to be wished. It would mean the weekly Kerry victory parade would be over and the media pendulum could swing again — and that the pressure would be on Edwards to cut the class warfare lest he expose the deep economic split in the Democratic Party. 

[Mairead]

76. "we deserve our chance to take on the media creation that is Kerry."

Who's 'we'? It obviously doesn't include me, so who does it include, and what makes you so important?

[SinkingInTheRain]

77. Kerry has been anointed so he does not need to debate anyone

The DNC has decided for us what is best. It makes me sick.

[ShaneGR]

78. Kick

Kick