Thursday, April 17, 2008

Who's afraid to debate -- and why?

Who’s afraid to debate – and why?
Gov. Jim Hunt is the latest N.C. political figure to urge Sen. Barack Obama to debate Sen. Hillary Clinton before the May 6 primary. He joins Gov. Mike Easley and legislative leaders Speaker Joe Hackney and Senate President Pro Tem Marc Basnight in calling for the debate.
Hunt points out that while the presidential candidates have debated many previous times, the candidates have not discussed North Carolina issues.
Left unmentioned is a decision by Democratic Senate candidate Kay Hagan, running for the nomination to oppose incumbent Republican Sen. Elizabeth Dole, not to debate. She’s ignoring her opponents, including Jim Neal of Chapel Hill, who has not had the money to mount an advertising campaign that might help attract voters to his campaign. Hagan, of course, is following the traditional view that front-runners in a political race ought not give their challengers a platform.
The same thing is at work in Democratic governor candidate and Lt. Gov. Bev Perdue’s reluctance this spring to face State Treasurer Richard Moore. Perdue avoided debates for much of the campaign, though she recently called for a debate and has accepted WTVD’s proposal for an April 22 debate. Moore prefers an alternative debate format proposed by WRAL in Raleigh which would provide a more open debate process.
Those who are reluctant to debate before N.C. voters may have their own strategic reasons for doing so. After all, they’re trying to win an election. But in declining to debate, they rob the public of an opportunity to see how they perform under pressure and how they react to tougher questions than they’re likely to get in the usual candidate forums. Among many other factors, the public is entitled to measure the candidates’ reluctance to debate when they make choices about whom to support.

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh, debate, schmebate. Here is what you would likely hear: "Nay-ow, I'm f' Nawth C'n'lina" "nay-ow, I'm f' Nqawth C'n'lina more'n yew." (Being a native, I can ridicule our accents all I want.) Watching Hillary & Obama last night reminded me again about the essential vacuousness of these things. If the candidates really discussed policy, eyes would glaze over and channels would switch en masse.

That said, I'd love to hear them say what they would specifically do about 1)the defective nightmare known as DOT-"reform" isn't enough 2) tax reform again with specificity 3) funding UNCC 4) water management into the next 25-50 years

Thevail said...

I'd love a debate where only issues could be discussed. Last night's tabloid press was pretty stupid.

Anonymous said...

>> "The candidates have not discussed North Carolina issues."

They've debated health care, education, transportation and economy.

Which of these is not a "North Carolina issue?"

Which "North Carolina issue" is not an issue in any other state of the Union?

There are a few unresolved N.C. issues:
-- Boston butt or whole hog?
-- Brightleaf or burley?
-- I-40 or U.S. 421?

Other than that, I guess we're just Americans, trying to get along best we can, same as "Pennsylvania issues" or "Iowa issues," or, horrors, "South Carolina issues."

Anonymous said...

The Philadelphia debate could have been helped by the inclusion of more co-moderators from local media outlets, diffusing the innuendo laden attacks on Sen. Obama. As things stand now, it is not in his interest to expose himself unnecessarily in such a risky venue, but rather let the last primaries play themselves out like the final minutes of a basketball game.

Anonymous said...

The PA debate was definately a good one, we have heard the issues and as we know elections come down to character and social issues, it has since the beginning. obama couldn't handle it and he got thrashed. He should debate and stop hiding from it. and I would like to know why he lied so much in SC and what his motivations were, I have my ideas but would like to know from him.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YFwko58Nsfk

ConcernedCitizen731 said...

Barack Obama does not want to debate because he does not want to answer any difficult questions. The MSM has not vetted Obama. When a person does some research on Obama, he learns that Obama has more baggage than a cargo ship.

Obama knows the skeletons in his closet that have not been revealed by the MSM. Because the MSM would not vet their golden boy Obama, there are web sites that are exposing why Obama is unelectable.

Visit the web site that Obama does not want voters to read. Learn why Obama is unelectable at: http://www.AudacityofHypocrisy.com/

Voters should scrutinize the personal choices (e.g., choosing the Anti-White Ideology of Black Liberation Theology) of a candidate which can influence his perception of the world and events taking place in the world.

Obama does not want another debate. He does not want to answer any difficult questions.

Barack Obama - 20 Years of an Anti-White Ideology - Why?

Why did Barack Obama Choose a spiritual adviser/mentor who taught the Anti-White Ideology of Black Liberation Theology?

Why did Barack Obama listen to the Anti-White Ideology of Black Liberation Theology for 20 years and give significant amounts of money to support the preaching of the Anti-White Ideology?

Why did Barack Obama expose his daughters to the Anti-White Ideology of Black Liberation Theology?

Why didn't Barack Obama denounce Rev. Jeremiah Wright's authorization of the publication of the 'Hamas Terror Manifesto' in the 7/22/2007 Bulletin of the Trinity United Church of Christ?

Why didn't Barack Obama denounce Jeremiah Wright's gift of a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' to the Anti-White, Anti-Catholic, and Anti-Semitic Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan?

Why didn't Barack Obama choose a spiritual adviser/mentor who agrees with the teaching of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.? Rev. King warned against "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred."

Jewish voters and other voters want answers to those questions. Voters deserve to have those specific questions answered.

Linda Chavez wrote "Afrocentrism Is the Problem" in the 3/19/2008 edition of 'National Review Online.' Check the archives at:
http://www.nationalreview.com/archives/?q=MjAwODAzMTc

Excerpts from that article include:

"...Afrocentrism is no more a reflection of authentic African culture than white supremacy is of American culture. Nor is Afrocentrism merely about black pride - though Afrocentric "scholars" do frequently claim that Moses, Jesus, Cicero, Cleopatra, and a host of other luminaries were black."

"At its heart, Afrocentrism is based on a profoundly anti-white and paranoid ideology. First, it asserts that the entire foundation of Western Civilization was stolen by the Greeks from Egypt, which, Afrocentrics claim, was ruled by ancient blacks. Second, it claims that whites are deeply inferior..."

Jeff Jacoby wrote "Should people of faith empathize with Obama?" in the 3/20/2008 edition of 'Jewish World Review.'
http://www.jewishworldreview.com/jeff/jacoby032008.php3?printer_...
An excerpt from his article follows:

"The problem for Obama is that Wright, the spiritual leader he has so long embraced, is a devotee not of King - who in that same speech warned against "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred" - but of the poisonous hatemonger Louis Farrakhan, whom the church's magazine honored with a lifetime achievement award. The problem for Obama, who campaigns on a message of racial reconciliation, is that the "mentor" whose church he joined and has generously supported with tens of thousands of dollars in donations is a disciple not of King but of James Cone, the expounder of a "black liberation" theology that teaches its adherents to "accept only the love of G-d which participates in the destruction of the white enemy."

"Above all, the problem for Obama is that for two decades his spiritual home has been a church in which the minister damns America to the enthusiastic approval of the congregation, and not until it threatened to scuttle his political ambitions did Obama finally find the mettle to condemn the minister's odium."

Barack Obama repeatedly says that Rev.Wright's lifetime of ministry has been impugned by his detractors. Let's give credit where credit is due. Rev. Wright was instrumental in establishing numerous ministries for people with a variety of needs. Rev. Wright and his congregation should be commended for those ministries.

However, nearly all churches have ministries that help people with a variety of needs. The fact that Rev. Wright has helped people does not excuse his indoctrination of the Anti-White Ideology of Black Liberation Theology to his congregation. Some people refer to Black Liberation Theology as a type of 'Victimization' Theology. How does it affect a person who has listened to it for 20 years? How does it affect children?

How many times can a person hear about the 'White Oppressors' before he begins believing that, as Rev.Wright describes America, the "US of KKK-A" owes him - big time?

Barack Obama deos not want to have any more debates. He does not want to answer any difficult questions. Voters have a right to have Obama answer all the questions we have asked.

Shouldn't Barack Obama work to change the Anti-White preaching in his own church before he has the audacity to hope for anyone's vote?

Barack Obama - 20 Years of an Anti-White Ideology - Why?

Learn why Barack Obama is unelectable at: http://www.AudacityofHypocrisy.com/

Jim and Sandy Boyd
Phoenix, AZ

Anonymous said...

Some thoughts on Obama for folks in North Carolina. : http://acropolisreview.com/2008/04/top-reasons-to-give-barack-obama-your.html

Share the summary with undecided friends in North Carolina and Indiana.

Anonymous said...

Say what you want about McCrory, but the guy is never afraid to debate his competitors.

Anonymous said...

There has been over 20 presidential debates already! Maybe they're just getting tired. After the PA debacle, I know I am!

Anonymous said...

"McCrory isn't afraid to debate his competitors"?? May want to check your facts on that one. He missed the first debate after his late entry into the gubernatorial race, the NAACP debate, and other significant debates and forums. The questions during the Mecklenburg County debate sounded like they came from a McCrory playbook--there wasn't even one question on education, clearly a key statewide issue.

My impression of McCrory is that he selects those debates where he won't be challenged beyond his sound bite rhetoric to provide substance. His remarks sound more like my holiday wish list (you know, asking Santa for the hot convertible, never mind that there isn't a budget to support it).

Anonymous said...

Need for New Debate Format

Unless all candidates are asked the same number of questions in the same category, I think the Debate loses its merits.

From an analysis of the PA debate, the moderator devoted 1/3 of the debate to tabloid issues:

CNN: 31 Policy Questions; 3 Non Policy Questions; 1 Tabloid
Question

NBC: 23 Policy Questions 17 Non Policy Question; 5 Tabloid Queston

ABC: 32 Policy Questions; 14 Non Policy Question; 13 Tabloid Questions

Of the ABC's 13 tabloid Questions, 12 were directed to Senator Obama

With a looming war, rising cost of health care, rising gas prices, failing schools, the American public deserves better.

Until there is some way to assure that the Debate's format is structured so that it is fair and addresses more issues that affect the lives of the America public, I would not agree to another debate.

Anonymous said...

The Beauty of the Christain Faith is that Jesus did not turn his back on man for any of his wrongful deeds.

Thankfully man, as imperfect as we are, has been a chance to perefect our lives.

Anonymous said...

vigiuConcerned Citizen: I am very sorry that you are displeased with Senator Obama. He really tries to do the right thing and he has tried to run a clean campaign even when he is trailing in the polls.

I realize that most of this is politics. I also understand if you are not supporting Senator Obama--I respect your decision; however, it is not necessary to destroy this man or any of the candidates.

Therefore, if you truly want our country to move forward, please help us move beyond these divisive polarizing tactis that have kept our country divided for centuries.

The World is Changing. America must forward.

Peace in North Carolina and Across America

Anonymous said...

Another opportunity for foolishness. NOT!!!
This is Why Obama remained at Trinity UCC, under the pastorate of Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright.

-Over $300,000 in educational scholarships awarded.
-Over 8,000 students sent to colleges, universities, seminaries.
-Two Senior Living facilities
-Hospice Care
-HIV and Aids support
-Substance Abuse support
This is just a small, small portion of the things that Trinity UCC has done.

If you have never attended Trinity UCC and/or have not personally met Rev. Dr. Jeremiah A. Wright, then you have no idea what you are talking about. Trinity UCC is a part of a denomination that is 99% white. It's funny that on any given Sunday, weekly, there are rows of White vistors. Don't believe me, go to Streaminfaith.com on Sunday at 7:30 AM or 11:00 AM and checkout the service. In addition, there are White members of Trinity UCC. Moreover, Rev. Wright has been defended and lauded by ministers of all different colors, faith traditions, and backgrounds. However, you will not see any of this on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News or other media outlets. The respect and admiration that other clergy, professionals, and everyday folk have for this man will not be reported. While I am not a member of Trinity UCC, I am a member of the UCC church and I have first hand knowledge that Rev. Wright does not preach hate, particularly hatred of a specific race of people. But, he does preach hatred of racism, oppression of any kind, and imperialism. He's not anti-American; he is a decorated US Marine and Naval Officer. He was enrolled at Virginia Union University and did what Bush, Clinton and Cheney did not do; he postponed his education and volunteered for active duty. He speaks 5 languages and holds 4 degrees. He was sent two letters of commendation from President L.B Johnson, for the assistance he rendered during Johnson's surgery. I think, he has earned the right to criticize the failings of America; he’s walked the walk…

It's interesting to me that people have been quoting the Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. "I Have a Dream" speech and are saying Rev. Wright should preach love like Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. What would Rev. Dr. MLK Jr. say or do? However, few people recite or recant Rev. Dr. MLK Jr.’s sermon at Riverside Church, in New York--the year before his death--where he said America is one of the greatest purveyors of violence. He also said that God's wrath would be upon America for her sins. But today, now that he's dead, we all love Dr. MLK and fail to remember why he was murdered. He was murdered because he spoke-out against the Vietnam War, poverty, America’s imperialism. So, don’t get this thing twisted. The fact is that anyone who speaks out against America is under attack. It was true back in the day and it remains true today. Being American is not synonymous with being white or black, and it is not synonymous with the American flag. We all have a right to love and criticize our country.

Anonymous said...

OBAMA can't debate without his speechwriters and teleprompter. Did you see Philly? The next day he gives two speeches in NC, where he invokes the Rapper, Jay-Z, and gives the finger. 2 locations on the same words. Note. different people in the background.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoOFp-RDpvM


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zhkq11UExcw

Anonymous said...

from the Missionaries. It’s pretty scary…..

From a friend whose husband is a retired Army Colonel. They have lived all over the world….from Germany to Korea.

I’m sending this from a friend who received it directly from the Missionaries. It’s pretty scary…..
Here is a note concerning Obama from missionaries in Kenya.
===========================================
Thanks for sending out an alert about Obama. We are living and working in Kenya for almost twelve years now and know his family (tribe) well. They are the ones who were behind the recent Presidential election chaos here. Thousands of people have been displaced by election violence (over 350,000) and I don’t know the last count of the dead. Obama under ‘friends of Obama’ gave almost a million dollars to the opposition campaign who just happened to be his cousin, Raila Odinga, who is a socialist trained in east Germany. He has been trying to bring Kenya down for years and the last president threw him in prison for trying to subvert this country! December 27th elections brought cries from ODM (Odinga Camp) of rigged election. Obama and Raila speak daily. As we watch Obama rise in the US we are sure that whatever happens, he will use the same tactic, crying rigged election if he doesn’t win and possibly cause! A race war in America.

What we would like you to know is what the American press has been keeping a dirty little secret. Obama IS a Muslim and he IS a racist and this is a fulfillment of the 911 threat that was just the beginning. Jihad is the only true Muslim way. We have been working with them for 20 years this July. He is not an American as we know it. Please encourage your friends and associates not to be taken in by those that are promoting him. It is world wide jihad. All our friends in Europe are very disturbed by the Muslim infiltration into their countries. By the way. His true name is Barak ******* Muhammed Obama. Won’t that sound sweet to our enemies as they swear him in on the Koran!
God Bless you.

Pray for us here in Kenya. We are still fighting for our nation to withstand the same kind of assault that every nation, including America, is fighting. Takeover from the outside to fit the new world order. As believers, this means we will be the first targets. Here in Kenya, not one mosque was burned down, but hundreds of churches were burned down, some with people in them, burned alive.

Jesus Christ is our peace but the new world order of Globalism has infiltrated the church and confused believers into thinking that they can compromise and survive. It won’t be so. I will send you a newsletter we sent out in February documenting in a more cohesive manner what I’ve tried to say in a few paragraphs.
Love, Celeste

Celeste and Loren Davis

About our Father’s business!
Luke 2:49b

Anonymous said...

Obama said that they have had over 20 debates so far and he needs to reach as many voters as possible now so he does not have time for a debate and the American people do not want another debate. Problem with these excuse:.

He has been face-to-face and gone toe-to-toe with Hillary only 3-4 times, not over 20..

Millions of people have tuned in to watch the debates between just Hillary and Obama. Over 10 million tuned in to the last debate. (His his judgement so poor that he can not discern that millions of American people are in fact still very interested in debates?) Why would Obama rather reach thousands of people when given the chance to reach millions in a debate?.

Is he afraid he might slip and say something politically incorrect in a forum that leaves no room to later claim that his words were taken out of context?.

Obama has proven he is the candidate that will spin anything and avoid anything to win. He is a deceptive pansy with racist friends and America can not afford to have him as president now..

He needs to go back to the Senate and prove with actions that he can in fact be a uniter of all (not just blacks). Words do matter, but actions speak louder than words and his actions when it comes to selecting a church prove that he prefers being part of a separatist group than a united group.

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