Tuesday, February 05, 2008

More Primary Debates?

Over at Swampland, it seems the the Clinton camp has challenged the Obama camp to a series of debates (four in total- one in Ohio and one in Texas) and one may be on Fox. This strategy is an attempt to play on Clinton's strengths as she is better is smaller settings rather than speaking engagements while Obama has been better with speeches than debates, though both did very well in the last debate.

This suggests three consequences of Super Tuesday and beyond:
1) Nothing will be decided as tonight will be close.
2) Clinton is attempting to make up for fund-raising problems as a debate would be free advertising.
3) If this is not about fundraising, then Clinton is challenging from a point of weakness. Maybe the Clinton camp is covering all basis, however, typically you challenge an opponent to debate when you perceive that you are behind in the race.

The Obama camp has not accepted the offer. If he is behind after tonight, then he has every opportunity, especially since it would look bad if Clinton changes her mind. If he wins, he can state that the people "know their positions"and may only agree to one or two if any at all.

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