DebateScoop.org: Silence - Where has Candidates' Post-Debate Web Spin Gone?

Silence - Where has Candidates' Post-Debate Web Spin Gone?

By Allan Louden 01/22/2008 05:02:00 PM EST

Early in the primary debate process the candidates often followed up debates with spin on their web sites. Among the more interesting efforts was Dodd's "Talk Clock," which logged disparities in speaking time awarded "first" and "second-tier" candidates.

The most infamous was Clinton's "The Politics of Pile On" posted (and soon pulled) after the Drexel University debate, and the subsequent appearances from the debate on other candidate web pages and even a McCain TV spot. (Link to earlier blog with video)

It could just be that there is too much happening to merit attention, but even after the contentious, up-for-grabs, encounter in SC Jan 21, the candidate web page are essentially silent. Perhaps they did not want to repeat the additional controversy web-spin created after Philadelphia. Perhaps web spin is not an efficient way to influence media or public.

I have checked the web sites of the three principal participants looking for post debate spin. Here are the results.

Tags: spin, candidate web pages, democratic debate, Obama, Clinton, Edwards, Kucinich

Obama

Obama's site offers no video or comment on the debate (or any other that I can find). The style and content is more a grand vision, unencumbered by the trivial.

Clinton

Clinton site also does not offer video or comment on the debate. Video from past debates no longer remains on the site. Debates are mentioned on the front page with the lead item, "You could be Hillary's Guest at the next debate" linking to a fund raising page: contribute to the campaign and win the drawing for the Jan 31st debate. Her campaign, however, issued on her fact.hillaryhub page a memo detailing charges about Obama made in last nights debate.

Edwards

Edwards, often posts favorable video (debate clips and news stories) following debates. Today he features a clip from the SC Debate showing he is above the fray, entitled "What Matters" in which he scolds Obama and Clinton.

In Nevada Edwards also put up two clips from the debate. He also used "news" coverage to illustrate the debate winners, as with this clip from the Frank Luntz's questionable focus groups.