The Hotline is reporting that Senator John McCain, who will be in the Middle East, and Mayor Rudy Giuliani, who has an unspecified scheduling conflict, will not be participating in the CNN hosted and broadcast April 4, 2007 Republican presidential debate at Saint Anselm College?in Manchester, New?Hampshire. They are also reporting that both Senator McCain and Mayor Giuliani have agreed to participate in the Republican presidential debate at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, California hosted and broadcast by MSNBC on May 3, 2007. Other planned Republican presidential debates include May 15, 2007?(Columbia, South Carolina), hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party; September 6, 2007?(somewhere in New Hampshire), hosted by Fox News; September 27, 2007?(Baltimore, Maryland), hosted by PBS; October 14, 2007?(Manchester, New Hampshire), hosted by ABC; January 22, 2008?or earlier (somewhere in New Hampshire), hosted by Fox News; and February 1, 2008?(Columbia, South Carolina), hosted by the South Carolina Republican Party.
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:25 pm
These debates will be interesting for political insiders, but will not have that much influence on the overall race.
Unfortunately, not many undecided people take the time to watch.
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:44 pm
What’s with these guys, anyway? They’re begging out of all three days of CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) next week, despite it being only three miles from McCain’s office. And McCain’s aleady skipped out of two other big conservative conferences and summits this year alone.
Is shunning the conservative base a calculated move, or does it just come naturally to them?
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Keep in mind that diehards are the ones who tend to show up for the caucuses, conventions, and primaries from which the party nominees are chosen. And the diehards will be watching these debates. In addition, the mainstream media will be making headline news out of whatever happens at these debates. So I think they will have a lot more impact on the race than you TM is claiming.
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:50 pm
I think there could be a few reasons, in response to murphy’s question, for opting out of early public events – legitimate scheduling conflicts (especially with fundraising events, which are crucial prior to the March 31, 2007 filing deadline that will show who is really making financial headway), concerns over traps being set by unfriendly audiences, and a desire not to go head-to-head with other candidates and opposite wings of the party this early in the campaign.
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:53 pm
Could this be a chance to size up Romney’s debating points and style for weaknesses before they go against him? Or are they hoping that the littler guys beat Romney up for them so they don’t have to get their hands dirty? Scheduling conflicts my butt.
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:54 pm
Republius, didn’t see your #4 post…I’ll be quiet now…
February 23rd, 2007 at 5:58 pm
Giuliani Notes: GOP Debate Schedule Set…
Hotline: Giuliani Accepts First Debate
The Hotline hears that… ex-NYC mayor Rudy Giuliani has accepted his first debate invitation. Appropriately enough, it’s for the May 3 gathering at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
And the Mayor…
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:15 pm
FullosseousFlap’s Dental Blog,
Gotta like those Rudy photos on your blog.
I especially like the “I Love Rudy” signs. Could be a great campaign slogan/sign.
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:45 pm
Murphy, there certainly could be more pernicious and tactical reasons to avoid the April 4 debate. Mine is not a comprehensive list, but contains the most likely and above board reasons, I think. I don’t see Giuliani or McCain dodging anything at this juncture. And if you are trying to raise $100 million this year, I doubt your big money contributors would stand for you dodging anything. In addition, Giuliani and McCain are more likely to shake money out of the undecideds with strong performances in the early debates. So I maintain that neither candidate is ducking and both have legitimate scheduling conflicts.
February 23rd, 2007 at 6:48 pm
Thanks and check out the videos too…..
Neither McCain nor Rudy are ducking anything. There are plenty of debates scheduled.
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:03 pm
I think this is actually a good development. Without the two big guys sucking up attention, somebody else will get a chance to establish themselves as an alternative. Should be good for the race as a whole.
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Hey guys,
Rudy is on Hugh Hewitt AM1280 The Patriot. Hugh is definitely warming up to Rudy.
You can listen live on-line at:
http://www.am1280thepatriot.com/
February 23rd, 2007 at 7:05 pm
They are ducking out because they know they have the most to lose and nothing to gain. They have all the exposure they need and debates are potential for possible screw-ups.
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:43 pm
DUNCAN HUNTER INTERVIEW :
http://political-buzz.com/?page_id=65
February 23rd, 2007 at 8:44 pm
Regarding the May 3 debate, does anyone know if the event will be open to the public, or certain members of the public, and what one would need to do to attend?
February 24th, 2007 at 4:19 am
Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Senator John McCain Will Not Participate ……
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