Avoiding debates? Obama says he's focused on announcing run

[rawstory]

Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) has a response to a Politico.com story published Tuesday which says he's avoiding a debate with Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY): I'm focused on announcing my run for president.

Politico's Roger Simon reported that Sens. Clinton and Obama were loath to engage in "early" campaign debates -- though neither has officially announced their run for the presidency, only their exploratory committees. The 2008 presidential election is twenty one months away.

A spokesman for Sen. Obama said the campaign was focused on Obama's official presidential announcement Saturday.

"With the announcement around the corner here, we’re pretty focused on that," Obama spokesman Bill Burton said in an email to RAW STORY. "Don’t have a lot of schedule details on anything besides that for now. Will let you know when I know about debates."

http://www.rawstory.com/news/2007/Clinton_Obama_mum_on_claim_avoiding_0206.html

[theaudacity]

1. A debate is the last thing we need at this time

We don't need on-the record quotes from the frontrunners that Republicans can throw around for the next 2 years.

[sandnsea]

2. Uh, there's a war to stop

Are any of these early candidates focused on that?

If they're all going to just play political maneuvering and not use the primary to draw attention to important legislation, then this is going to be the biggest nothing victory in history.

[thoughtcrime1984]

3. I don't see much upside to Dems ripping at each other just yet

There is much time before voters hit the primaries. The candidates should make all their stances on issues crystal clear, but we don't need attacks and infighting any sooner than necessary.

[depakid]

4. How about focusing on your duties as a Senator

and showing some leadership?

Maybe using your influence and working harder to get some positive initiatives through?

[rodeodance]

5. Bingo. what a nieve response from him.

[Nedsdag]

6. nieve? n/t

[depakid]

7. To be fair, it was a spokeperson, but still

it envinces a lack of experience and good judgment in his camp.

There's a lot of work to be done in this country- and there are DINO's in the Senate (not to mention Republicans) who are thwarting. As a would be statesman, one would think that Obama's needed there at the moment.

What better way to draw a contrast and define yourself, while furthering the public good?

[rebel with a cause]

12. He is doing that,

just no coverage because the media is more interested in getting a dog/cat fight started between him and Hilary.

[brentspeak]

8. Focus more on your rookie Senate term, Obama

Your recent call to outlaw robo-calling is the kind of thing I'd like to see you continue doing. Finish your first Senate term, first.

Hilary - you should focus on just getting back to being a senator. Forget your doomed presidential aspirations.

[rebel with a cause]

13. From an Act for Change email I received today

"We're pleased to report that this morning, Senator Obama and Representatives Thompson and Murphy introduced the Iraq War De-Escalation Act of 2007. This binding legislation stops President Bush's escalation by capping the number of troops at January 10, 2007 levels; puts forward specific benchmarks for success in Iraq, and establishes a timeline to redeploy our troops beginning no later than May 1, 2007."

Gee, I wonder if this is focused enough for everyone, and maybe they will stop listening to the mass media attacking a candidate that haas not yet officially announced his candidacy. In fact, everyone should be asking the media "Why in the world would these two candidates be debating in the beginning of 2007 when the real debates of all the candidates will not begin until a year from now?"

[aaronbees]

14. Thanks for posting that...

What a complete nonstory this is. Welcome to Campaign Psyops 101 from the media!

[rebel with a cause]

15. You're welcome.

Sometimes I just have to say something.

[never cry wolf]

16. Zactly, isn't that like the 80th bill he has sponsored?

Obama has been quite active in his two plus years so far.

[KamaAina]

9. Wouldn't debates include all Dem candidates?

You'd never know it from the MSM, but there are other Dem candidates besides Hillary and Obama. Some of them, in fact, have actually announced. :eyes:

[IndianaGreen]

11. Clark hasn't announce yet, and neither have others

It is way too early for debates, and the public ain't ready for them.

[youngdem]

10. It is WAAAAAAAAAAAAAY too early for debates

We don't need some key candidate fucking up two years out and sinking their battleship.

This is a fake issue, to anyone who is aware of the normal timelines.

Debates are pushed on Dems by the media to fuck us up and divide us.

Wait. There will be plenty of time.