I Think Mrs. Obama should offer to debate Mrs. Edwards and Mr. Clinton

[Tulkas]

A spouse's debate is unprecedented, but they hold Vice Presidential debates, and in this contest the spouses are as high profile as V.P. Nominees. It could be as short as a one hour block. Twenty minutes of debate, a commercial break. Another 20 minute block of debate and then just commercials and pundits to finish out the hour.


I believe that both Mrs. Obama and Mrs. Edwards are intelligent, accomplished and well spoken individuals. They each have plenty to contribute to the discussion if given the proper forum. Mrs. Edwards would be given a chance to lay to rest any concerns about her medical conditions being a burden to her husband. Mrs. Ohama could ask Mr. Clinton about his recent statements concerning her husband. (even if Mrs. Edwards declined a 1 on 1 would work even better)

Bill, on the other hand, would be placed into a Lose - Lose situation.

If he declines the debate he can easily be painted as "afraid" to face direct questions about his statements concerning Sen. Obama.

If he accepts he demotes himself from Former President to Future First Gentleman Hopeful. He would also need to define how he sees his role in his wife's administration.

If he did agree he would need to conduct himself perfectly or the media would be all over him. President Clinton's Final Debate would be a great story. Every error would be scrutinized for days.

If he actually lost it and started wagging his finger in the face of one of the ladies that picture would be in every newspaper around the world.


Sen. Obama needs to peel off some of Sen. Clinton's women supporters. I am just exploring one possible way of doing that.

[JI7]

1. no debate, but i think getting Michelle to respond to some of the attacks

from Bill and others might be a good idea. she has a way of speaking where she doesn't take it personally or get defensive and is just about telling it how it is. she comes off as more credible and truthful than Bill.

[rox63]

2. I think someone needs to put Bill Clinton in his place

He acts like he's the one running for President here. Someone should remind him that he's "just the spouse" of the candidate. Being an ex-president, he has significant stature in the party. But he's really damaging that stature (and the party) by his recent behavior and comments.

[Tulkas]

3. Jesse Jackson Supports My Idea !!!! (kinda, sorta, but close enough for me)

This made my day:


Tonight on MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews", at roughly 5:05pm est. Rev. Jackson said "I would wish that he would get a surrogate to confront her surrogate". (Referring to Sen. Obama and Sen. Clinton.)


If you replace "surrogate" with "spouse", and "confront" with "debate". (and drop that first "would" that he stumbled over) then he and I are of a mind on this issue. I am so glad I posted this when I did. I beat his statement by a good 12 hours.



I would say that "great minds think alike" but clearly that does not apply in this case. It would be more appropriate to point out that when a great mind like Rev. Jackson's and a feeble one such as my own think alike then we must have both stated a simple truth.

Anyways, I like the idea of a formal challenge to the "surrogate" because I don't think he would ever accept. That makes him look small and cowardly and opens the door for stronger comments.


Thank you for reading my insane little post and for sharing this strange coincidence with me.



P.S Hardball replays at 7:00pm est and 3:00am est on MSNBC, if you don't believe me or would just like to see it for yourself record the first 10 minutes of it and watch it tomorrow.