by Paul West
Fred Thompson: Will he or won’t he? Wait! This isn’t an outdated posting. Please read on.
Having upstaged the Republican debate in New Hampshire by announcing on Jay Leno’s show, Thompson is now facing a new question: Exactly when will he agree to debate his rivals?
The next opportunity comes three weeks from tonight, but it’s increasingly unclear whether Thompson—or any of the leading contenders--will show up.
The debate, co-hosted by PBS and talk-show personality Tavis Smiley, is the second in a series of forums designed to address the concerns of minority voters. The first, back in June, drew all of the Democratic candidates to the campus of Howard University.
But the top Republican contenders have been reluctant to commit to the Republican edition, scheduled for Morgan State University in Baltimore on Sept. 27.
Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney have yet to say they’ll come. John McCain has said he’ll be there only if they are.
Thompson apparently agreed last month to do the debate, contingent on his formal entry into the race. Eager to win what has turned into a game of chicken with the candidates, the debate sponsors had planned to issue a press release last night trumpeting Thompson’s participation.
But Thompson’s campaign said late yesterday that he had not agreed to any debates, and the release from the debate sponsors never went out.
A campaign source said that Thompson’s "current plan" is still to be at the debate--but that whether he will be there was subject to "events."
Swirling around the Sept. 27 debate are a host of questions. Among them: whether the candidates want to give up a day near the end of the fund-raising quarter for a forum that is directed at a group of voters who won’t be taking part in the Republican primaries and will potentially feature a hostile audience and tough questions about issues such as immigration, Katrina and their party’s pathetic standing with black and Hispanic voters.
The debate sponsors had said they would announce last month exactly which candidates had agreed to take part, but that announcement never came. Now they say the show will go on, even if the leading Republican candidates take a pass. Stay tuned.
Paul West is Washington bureau chief for the Baltimore Sun, a Tribune Co. newspaper.
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Comments
Reach out to your adversaries because after all your friends are already with you.
Which is why, in retrospect I think Democrats should debate on Fox News. it's a sign of strength not weakness.
Posted by: Doug Zook | September 6, 2007 11:52 AM
PBS is a liberal Democrat broadcasting system funded by all American taxpayers at the $400 million a year rate.
Mark Shields and Gwen Ifill wouldn't be kind to the GOP candidates and they use political correctness to stifle honest debate using words like diversity and multi-cultural instead of Americans made up of a melting pot but, in the end all Americans.
I hope the next GOP President tells this bunch of liberals find you own $400 million and slice their appropriation. Jerry White, Springfield, IL
Posted by: Jerry White | September 6, 2007 1:08 PM
Oh boy, Doug, I agree again with you. Can you handle that?
Regardless of what PBS is and that Tavis Smiley and Gwen Ifill are shills for the DNC, the Republicans should debate at Morgan State University. The GOP has more to offer minorities than the Demoncrats ever have or ever will. Getting that message out is critical. At the very least, perhaps a few minds will be opened.
Posted by: John D | September 6, 2007 2:09 PM
Umm Jerry?? Didn't you post on the blog about Ron Paul and Mike Huckabee that "Republicans debate anywhere?" And now you say Republicans should not debate here.
So which is it?? Please get your ideas straight before your next post here.
Posted by: BobinATL | September 6, 2007 2:34 PM
Freddie is engaging in some damned dumb politics.
Not that anybody cares what this Democrat says - but here goes anyway -making a point of poking and de facto dissing your opponents is not smart politics.
Posted by: Doug Zook | September 6, 2007 3:10 PM
"OH BEAT ME OH BEAT ME OH BEAT ME OBIE KANOBI ONE GOP"
THE REPUBLICANS ARE COMING, THE REPUBLICANS ARE COMING AND FOR YOU MINORITIES WE HAVE NOTHING. YES THATS RIGHT NOTHING. HOW DO YOU LIKE THEM APPLES.
AND WE CUT OFF PBS TOO. HAHA NO MORE MS. PIGGY FOR YOU.
THAT'S ALL THE REPUBLICANS CAN OFFER TO AMERICA IS A PAMPLET ON HOW TO DISTRACT THE DEMOCRAT. HOW TO ARREST THEM FOR DEMONSTRATING PEACEFULLY, HOW TO EAVESDROP ON AMERICANS WITHOUT A WARRANT OR ACTIONABLE INTELLIGENCE OF ANY SORT.
THE REPUBLICANS WILL EXTEND TO MINORITIES ALL CHILDREN LEFT BEHIND. AS THEY COULD CARE LESS ABOUT HEALTHCARE, COLLEGE TUITION, ENERGY, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES. DEFINITELY NOT THAT, GOD FORBID THEY HAVE TO RECOGNIZE THE CONSTITUTION.
THE REPUBLICANS ARE GOING TO BRING US LEADERS WHO NEVER SERVED, WHO NEVER WILL SERVE, AND WHO NEVER HAVE AN INTENTION IN SERVING THEIR COUNTRY.
THE REPUBLICANS WILL CONTINUE TO SHOW AMERICANS WHY THEY NEED TOUGHER LAWS AGAINST MEN WHO COMMIT CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN.
THATS ALL FOLKS!
Posted by: Roger Morris | September 6, 2007 3:25 PM
OK Johnny D - I'll bite.
What is it that the Republicans have to offer the African-American community that the Democrats??
Posted by: BobinATL | September 6, 2007 3:45 PM
Jerry White "Mark Shields and Gwen Ifill wouldn't be kind to the GOP candidates and they use political correctness to stifle honest debate using words like diversity and multi-cultural instead of Americans made up of a melting pot but, in the end all Americans.
I hope the next GOP President tells this bunch of liberals find you own $400 million and slice their appropriation."
Lecture that its a melting pot, then drop "this bunch of liberals" into the next sentence. As a uniter, you're quite the divider.
Posted by: kb | September 6, 2007 4:09 PM
Fred shouldn't debate in a hostile environment...only pre approved questions just like George W. Bush!
Discuss Fred Thompson at the best Fred Thompson forum on the net!
Fred Thompson Forum
Posted by: Fred Thompson Fan | September 6, 2007 5:15 PM
I think anyone who announces running for president on Jay Leno of all shows (do people really watch him anymore?)does not respect the Office of the President and therefore does not deserve to be president. And yes I mean that of anyone of any flavor.
Posted by: lochnessmonster | September 6, 2007 5:17 PM
Lower the expectations, baby.
Thompson's no dummy.
Posted by: Bud McFarlin | September 6, 2007 5:55 PM
PBS is a liberal Democrat broadcasting system ...
which broadcasts classical symphonies, opera, classic drama, british mystery, etc. All falling very much under the banner of "family entertainment". You'd think the family values crowd would approve. But no, they prefer Fox, with Simpsons, Family Guy, reality shows with women in skimpy bikinis, anything with flesh, skin, sex, violence, crude language and behavior. I just love it when the republicrites expose their soft white underbelly, and their complete lack of any critical independent thinking or rational analysis.
Posted by: snitramc | September 6, 2007 6:51 PM
As a recent GOP convert (my credentials? militarily classified 4F -eyesight) , I relished the way Candidate Thompson took measures into his own hands, like a 21st Century cowboy, and dealt with the other GOP contenders his OWN way! Why debate with them on their terms? Wow, he certainly slapped the system around like he owned it! His acting skills apparent, this would-be heir to the Bushonian Throne stole the show like Marilyn did at JFK's birthday party. And in such a plain, folksy yet no-nonsense way... the same folksy tone America needs, like a certain Governor from the lil ole State of Texas who has guided this country like it wuz a Hellcat missile straight into an empty concrete bunker.
BOO RAH!
THAT is the kind of leadership this country needs to "stay the course" of our beloved President Bush.
Posted by: Smirky McFlightsuit | September 6, 2007 8:17 PM
Left of Center: 10
Crazy D: -5
snitramc: 5
Posted by: Anonymous | September 6, 2007 11:22 PM
I would be disappointed if Ron Paul does not show... but my gut tells me based on his abilities he will debate anyone... the reason why... he has ONE format... solid... constitution... which makes no damn difference if it is liberal or conservative... I challenge anyone to debate him.. and dont pull your "crazy" card...just debate the facts... he will win. That is not opinion, it is FACT.
Posted by: Mr. America | September 7, 2007 6:33 PM
As a black conservative republican, I don't blame any GOP candidate for not showing up at the upcoming debate for the following reasons
1. Maryland isn't an important primary state to begin with unlike South Carolina, New Hampshire and Iowa.
2. Holding a GOP debate in a city that is 98% democrat accomplishes no purpose
4. Since most blacks have been taught to believe that Republicans are "racists", what is the purpose of having a republican debate in a black university in a city that is 65% black were the students more then likely believe the stereotype to begin with. It will be just like when Erlich and Steele attended the Morgan debate four years ago. Also, the students can't vote in the republican primaries, because they aren't registered republicans.
5. Last, the GOP just had a debate already in September, so having two debates in one month is basically overkill.
Bottom line, there is nothing for the candidates to gain by attending.
Posted by: Tyrone | September 8, 2007 8:44 AM
I am disappointed to hear that the so-called front runners in the GOP have chosen not to participate in the event at Morgan State nor in the event sponsored by Univision. I have to wonder the motivation - political savvy or disregard for a growing number of Americans who are looking for a leader with vision. Don't be fooled by the notion that all persons of color are de facto Democrats. There are many who are open to the promise of centrist leadership that balances fiscal responsibilities with personal liberties - regardless of party. Without group exposure to the GOP candidates, who will provide those voters with the exposure needed to understand their relative positions?
Posted by: kbh | September 19, 2007 7:38 AM