The CPD Holds No Cards - Alternate Debates Likely
The Commission on Presidential Debates is in a world of hurt, the 24/7s and technology have bypassed them and it appears McCain and Obama also are interested in holding debates outside of the rigid CPD's fall foursome (or at least adding other forums). The Commission should be nervous, very nervous.
Candidates Apply Pressure:
Floating a trial balloon via McCain's lead media creator Mark McKinnon last week, the GOP presumptive suggested that he and Obama "agree to campaign together in some states, attending joint town hall meetings and debating each other without a moderator."
McKinnon rather directly suggested:
The town hall meeting is John's best format. He's a natural campaigner up close with the public. That would test Obama's claims that he wants a clean fight on the issues."
Yesterday, according to
Alaska Report, Barack Obama seems interested
it would be a "great idea" to hold joint town hall-style campaign events with John McCain. Obviously, we would have to think through the logistics on that, but ... if I have the opportunity to debate substantive issues before the voters with John McCain, that's something that I am going to welcome."
Below the fold: New Orleans Debate Looms Large
: CPD, New Orleans, alternative debates, McKinnon, YouTube
New Orleans Debate Looms Large
James Carville, quoted in The New York Observer said the
commission has run its course. . . It's an idea whose time has come and gone. I think Google and YouTube and other people are seeing a kind of vacuum, and they're moving into it. I can't imagine a presidential candidate not wanting to participate in this debate.
Of course Carville has his own credibility problems of late and as a Louisiana native even more at stake, yet his point is well taken. It is not just that technology has overtaken the Commission, even more important, the campaigns have reason to branch out.
An offer for the New Orleans is scheduled for September 18. The Taking Note blog reasons:
As a non-CPD debate, New Orleans and Louisiana are gambling on the persuasive power of a sympathetic online community and the presidential candidates' own interest in New Orleans's recovery to draw them to the forum.
By having an internet platform and reach, New Orleans doesn't need the backing of the CPD to be confident in drawing the attention of the candidates.
When contacted recently by The New York Observer, one TV news executive said that any network, including his own, would jump at the opportunity to co-host the New Orleans debate with Google and Co.
The Commission has signaled willingness for some flexibility with new technologies and formats, but their slow and limited response reveal the CPD basic problem, other venues have left them behind. Leadership and capacity have shifted elsewhere. Campaigns and Elections Politics reports the latest on the CPD front.
