Why the long lapse of time before there is a debate??

[kentuck]

It seems to me that this allows the Repub attack machine time to get their attacks organized more effectively? It also gives them time to tell more lies. We should have already had a debate by now, in my opinion.

Should we not be calling for debates? If McCain declines, he loses. Because he will look like he is afraid to debate Obama. If he accepts, he loses. Because Obama will kick his ass with facts and logic. This is wasted time for Democrats, in my opinion.

[MaineDem]

1. Because there are no actual nominees yet

Most people aren't paying attention yet.

After the conventions is when these things usually get active.

[AwakeAtLast]

2. I'm guessing they are gearing up for the convention

Then it will be debate-a-palooza after that. Plenty of time for McLame to make a McAss out of himself until then. :evilgrin:

[endarkenment]

3. Debates are after both conventions are finished.

Given that the debates are run by the corporate media and analyzed by the corporate media in order to let us know why their guy obviously won, it is fine with me if the phony debates never happen.

[Rowdyboy]

4. Not enough time....The next week Obama will be in Europe and the middle east...

Shortly after his return (late July-very early August) he'll make the vp announcement and do a brief regional tour with the new vice presidential nominee (I expect touring the west with Bill Richardson but its just a guess). August 8th the Olympics start and its over until the convention.

Don't see how (or why) summer debates are needed. Three in the fall when people are paying more attention should do nicely.

[grantcart]

5. Who would you have debate?

In the first place neither party actually has a nominee yet

Secondly we don't know how many parties will actually qualify.


Part of the reason that the DNC and Howard Dean didn't want the Primaries to go even earlier is to prevent this dead time from going on too long.

The campaigns don't decide the debates. That is decided by an independent commission. You can find details here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election_debates%2C_2008

[Median Democrat]

6. McCain Won't Budge From His All Townhall Format Stance

Obama last suggested a variety of formats, including a townhall as well as a Lincoln Douglas Debate. My guess is that we will get three presidential debates and 1 vp debate. 1 will be on domestic, 1 will be on foreign policy and 1 townhall will be a free for all.