McCain vs. Obama: Debate prep

Posted: Monday, September 22, 2008 9:28 AM by Domenico Montanaro

You gotta love the Washington Times lead about Obama's debate prep. Biased much? "Obama will hunker down nearly all week to prepare for the most crucial 90 minutes of his political life - the first presidential debate - and has chosen a famous Washington lawyer who defended the would-be assassin of President Reagan to play Sen. John McCain in preparations."

More: "Obama will hole up in Tampa, Fla., where veteran lawyer Greg Craig will play the role of Mr. McCain in practice sessions. Mr. Craig was a member of President Clinton's defense team during Senate impeachment proceedings after the president lied about his sexual affair with a White House intern."

McCain is sparring with Maryland Republican Michael Steele for his debate prep, the Wall Street Journal reports. (Is Steele known for his debating skills?) "Obama advisers, for example, are considering how to provoke Sen. McCain into anger or showing what they say is how out of touch, or old, he is. Advisers have told Sen. McCain to watch out when Sen. Obama uses the phrase, ‘As I've said before...’ One McCain adviser said it is used ‘when Obama actually changes his position, to pretend it's what he's always said.’”

More: "Preparing Sen. Obama is Ron Klain, who assisted Sen. John Kerry and Vice President Al Gore in the debates during their failed presidential bids. Mr. Klain was played by Kevin Spacey in the movie ‘Recount,’ about the 2000 Florida vote debacle.

”The McCain campaign has hired Brett O'Donnell, the debate coach who led Jerry Falwell's Liberty University to several national debate championships. He has critiqued all of Sen. McCain's debates, as well as those of Sen. Obama. His advice to Sen. McCain: stand up. Mr. O'Donnell told the campaign that Sen. McCain had his worst debates when he was seated. ‘Proximity can be a problem for McCain,’ one adviser said. ‘He'll take the bait and get sucked into fights.’”

Interestingly, Obama is doing his debate prep in a swing state (or according to our map, a lean McCain state). Obama is holing up in Florida.

The AP profiles Gwen Ifill and her preparation for the Biden-Palin VP debate. "The Oct. 2 showdown between Joe Biden and Sarah Palin will likely put Gwen Ifill before the biggest TV audience of her life. Given the extraordinary attention paid to the campaign and Palin's surprise selection as John McCain's running mate, it stands a strong chance of becoming the most-watched vice presidential debate ever. The standard was the 56.7 million viewers in 1984, when Geraldine Ferraro was the first woman ever selected for a major party ticket."

"Barack Obama and John McCain ended August with about an equal amount of money in the bank -- $95 million and $94 million, respectively. But McCain gets an additional $84 million this month because he agreed to accept public campaign financing and the spending limitations that go with it." (Check out the photo of the giant "lipstick" Sarah Palin's holding up.)

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Comments

OHHH THATS RICH.
MSNBC actually called someone else Biased.....
Now thats funny.
Ring Ring.....
Its the pot he said the kettle is in fact black.

Biased (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:36 AM)

Will Al Franken be writing for Obama? Al seems to have enough time to write for SNL, so maybe he can get a few one liners in for Obama against McCain?

This is what we'd have to look forward to if Obama and Frankan win. A daily comedy show from both Frankan and Obama.

Are You Kidding Me? (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:37 AM)

Considering how important the first debate is it is good that Obama is prepping hard for it. I look forward to Obama whipping the dense old man on Friday night regardless of topic.

After the Saturday Marriott bombing we can see that Obama was correct about not invading Iraq and maintaining focus on Afghanistan where we now have to surge up forces to stop the Taliban from gaining more ground. The Bush/McCain warplan has been a total failure at getting Osama bin Laden.

I don't trust Paulson and the incompetent Bush administration and this phony baloney $700 billion taxpayer bailout of Wall Street. I hope the Democrats make sure that it also helps people stay out of foreclosure and that the greedy fools on Wall Street get their pay packages slashed big time.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:37 AM)

I'm so excited for the first debate.

Honestly, I can't see the debates going well for McCain. Obama had a tough time of it during the primaries -- but McCain was worse. My guess is that they both have honed their debating skills, but that Obama will come out on top.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:38 AM)

Advisers have told Sen. McCain to watch out when Sen. Obama uses the phrase, ‘As I've said before...’ One McCain adviser said it is used ‘when Obama actually changes his position, to pretend it's what he's always said.’”
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Or maybe it's just a way of reminding an old man whose memory seems to be in question as of late.

Janis (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:38 AM)

Even with a speaker in Republican McCain will lost.
There are more tales from the Republican McCain crypt. With the Republican McCain, THE SOUP LINE WILL NOT BE SEGMENTED!!! Wake up Catholics, independents, and, older voters.
McCain jumped before the cameras making a dumb, hot- headed, statement wanting to fire the head of the SEC (SECURITIES EXCHANGE COMMISSION), Chris Cox. The next day he said he would fire Chris Cox, head of (FEC (FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION). That Chris Cox is the same person, McCain erratically spoke again. Please don’t say he misspoke. There have been too many happening lately… like FEC, Spain, Iran/Pakistan border, Czechoslovakia, Putin being President of Germany; including this ludicrous criticism of Obama’s fundraising email for his campaign and lying political ad attacks. What comes back around goes around. McCain is dispassionate and detached from reality.

Enough glossing over!
No way!
No how!
No McCain/Palin!
Nobody but Obama/Biden

The Soup Line Will Not Be Segmented!!!

Beverly in Chicago (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:39 AM)

One thing about McCain and Palin, they don't roam to far from the script even if it doesn't make sense. Like debating a robot or a spell check that gives the ok to a meaningless word as long as its spelled right. Obama and Biden should have an easy time in the debates.

Elmer, Seattle (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:41 AM)

Is it because Michael Steele is black that would qualify him for debate prep with McCain?

I'm just asking.

Tanner OKC Oklahoma (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:42 AM)

So you're suggesting that the Washington Post is actually anti-Obama because of how much it's playing up the poor character of the person he's prepping with? That's kind of surprising.

Doug, Kansas City, MO (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:43 AM)

http://twocanpete.blogspot.com/
Couldn't McCain just have gotten one of the nursing home workers to fill the part?

twocanpete (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:44 AM)

If the Wash Times is so biased (as it ALWAYS is), then WHY on earth did you feel the need to repeat it?

rita s (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:45 AM)

He doesn't need to blow up, just be yourself John and the debate goes to Obama.
BOMB BOMB BOMB your debate.

John Alexander, Edinboro,PA (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:48 AM)

Advice to Senator Obama:
Smile...if you can't smile, make sure your face shows
CONFIDENCE. Body language is important ----stand up straight.

Have a good answer prepared about the Surge. And tie the ECONOMY into Iraq.....let the voters know we are WASTING billions of dollars on Iraq when we need it here! Drive that point home. THE REPUBLICANS HAVE BANKRUPT THIS COUNTRY !!!!

Use some humor.....you are very good at that. McCain will be sarcastic and you must counteract him.

REMEMBER, YOU ARE FIGHTING FOR US WHO BELIEVE IN YOU. THERE ARE MILLIONS AND MILLIONS OF US OUT THERE...

We'll be watching......Good luck and God speed.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Obama Is Best For America (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:50 AM)

Prepping Obama with the same failed Kerry team is a recipe for disaster! Obama can speak well with a teleprompter, but put this guy on stage without prepared speeches, and he stumbles and stutters his way through 15 word answers...exactly the type of performance that will kill him!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:53 AM)

Obama could go on an all-night bender the night before the debates and still wipe the floor with a well-prepared McCain.

This is going to be as bad as Tyson-Spinks. Maybe worse.

Tom, Edison, NJ (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:56 AM)

Msnbc accusing any other media outlet of bias is too funny for words.

How about this: Joe Biden says 'lay off my baretta". Does he not remember that it was HIS PARTY that made it, and all semi-automatic weapons, illegal?

I could always imagine drug lords wailing in their mansions: they made Uzis illegal! Whatever shall we do?

Here's another one to ponder: Obama's 'plan' for dealing with the Wall Street mess. It seems that many of the posters here 'know' what it is, despite Obama's never having formulated one, but First Read says nothing about Obama's, well, nothing. He has zip, zilch, nada, but, according to you, He is right on top of things.

Where is the First Read article on McCain's legislation that would have addressed the Fannie/Freddie debacle THREE YEARS AGO? You know, the legislation that was killed by Chris Dodd, who got even more money from them than Obama?

Address your own bias before you start criticizing others.

no joe, no bo, nj (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 9:58 AM)

Who did the Obama people get to play the part of the "teleprompter"? Oh yeah, there won't be one. I guess he better hunker down and get someone to help his with his "word whiskers" you know the ums and little stutters he has become famous for.

Laura, Boston

Laura, Boston (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:02 AM)

Although I have made my mind up and voting for Obama, I know many undecided voters (Dems, Republicans, Independents, and Moderates) who are waiting to see each candidate's performance in the upcoming debate. Many of these same individuals have told me that Obama must do well in all of these debates in order for them to be swayed toward him. I think this is the case for all undecided Americans. Obama must perform well.

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:03 AM)

Obama could go on an all-night bender the night before the debates and still wipe the floor with a well-prepared McCain.

This is going to be as bad as Tyson-Spinks. Maybe worse.

Tom, Edison, NJ (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:04 AM)

Pat...

I wouldn't be so numb about Obama's ability to debate... he took care of Clinton during the debates when he had to...

just the facts (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:08 AM)

Will they be allowing breaks for Obama to go and check with his advisors before he answers? Having to think up something on his mine just might be above his pay grade.

mccain palin 08 (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:15 AM)

I don't think either candidate is particularly good at debate. McCain gives himself WAY too much credit for his "Town Hall Meetings". You know, the ones where you have to have a ticket and be approved before you attend.

I think it will be interesting to see if McCain shows his dislike for Obama. He does do that, remember Romney? If he shows the snarky side of his personality, he looses.

Palin should be humilated by all the controls that their campaign insisted on before she would deign to get onstage with Biden. Why does that not bother her supporters? If you are going to play on the Nat'l stage, you should not require special treatment.

That makes you and McCain sexist.

sotiredofignorance (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:15 AM)

I had always heard McCain had a temper but I was shocked to see it on display when he bit into poor little Mika on Morning Joe the other day. Yikes! Talk about using a cannon to kill a mouse. If the American voter (especially women voters, trust me) saw that nasty side of McCain they would vote for Obama or stay home on election day.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:19 AM)

Obama is too damn thoughtful, I agree, Pat. He needs to speak faster and more forcefully. Give clipped, direct answers, don't spilt hairs, and yes, emphasize the trillions of dollars we are spending in Iraq while their government builds up a surplus. Obama has improved with every debate, why? Because he is smart, he takes criticism well, and he works hard. Unlike McCain, signs he will be a great President.

Amy B Portland, ME (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:24 AM)

Finally, the vultures are coming home to roost in the McCain Camp of Lies.

McCain has been in Congress for 26+ years. He is currently heads the Finance Committee, as it's chairman. He has been in this position for many years. The McCain campaign further refuses to rule out appointing Phil Graham as Treasury Secretary.

"My Friends", these two people are responsible for this mess, resulting in this "fake, skewed bailout" the Bush Admin. is now pushing "very hard" for.

By all means, "let's get this 'thing' done by the end of the week so that no one has the time to really figure out what we are doing". It is just like everything else republicans propose; whatever it is will benefit big corporations, but do little or nothing for the American people. The republican push to get this legislation completed, and the dangerous lack of oversight in distributing the funds funds, offers the perfect opportunity for new levels of republican corruption. The sad truth is that a majority of Americans no longer trust republicans with our money and our future. Republicans have no credibility anymore.

George W. Bush/John McCain/Phil Graham and the like, will turn this country from a debtor nation, to a nation of homeless, street people. If Palin/McCain are elected, many more will be out of their homes, and with no new jobs in sight, the prospects for so many look bleak.

Love it that Obama is in a dead heat with McCain in FL.

Go-Obama/Biden 08/12

Joe, MN (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:25 AM)

McBlinky's prep will be two viagras and someone gluing his eyelids up.

subgruvet, ok (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:30 AM)

Does Obama already have the debate questions? You can count on it.

marc m (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:31 AM)

Obama we will be there for you, now go out and retire McCain. This country needs to move on, we need a leader that thinks about us the average American. McCain only cares about winning the election at any cost, you can see this with all the lie's he has been saying. Palin is just another lier and wants to cover up trooper investigation just like any old politician.She offers no experience in Foreign affairs, the campaign can't keep covering up for her.OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT 08

Mark (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:34 AM)

Why should McCain have to prepare? He knows everything there is to know about national security ... well, except for the difference between Shiia and Sunni and the name of the Spanish prime minister, maybe.

It should be a piece of cake. After all, Obama knows nothing ... well, except for a withdrawal according to timetable for iraq, and maybe what to do about Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Other than that, McCain can cruise. He was a POW, you know. What more does he need to know?

Obama/Biden 08

Anna Molly (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:36 AM)

I'm a republican who's not going to sink to insulting Obama simply because I support McCain. Looking forward to the debates, both will have their strong points - Obama is a great orator with outstanding charisma, and McCain has years of experience to draw on.

McCain/Palin '08

Adrienne, St. Louis, MO (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:38 AM)

I hope Obama beat the pants off McCain and send him packing all the way back to Arizona in his wheelchair where he belongs. GO OBAMA/BIDEN!!!

Kecia Mayes Bedford, Ohio (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:39 AM)

When you know that no one reads your paper, you can say pretty much whatever you want.

John B., Washington DC (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:41 AM)

Hell yeah! "Obama is best for America"

here is another of those millions that is right behind you.

When they said it could not be done... YES WE CAN
When they say we cannot heal this planet and create American jobs to free us from oil & the middle east... YES WE CAN

The Sax from Pittsburgh (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:49 AM)

Why would we REWARD complete Republican failure ?

We wont.

PulSamsara (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:51 AM)

Obama may not be able to handle it. He will be out of his comfort zone. He can't vote PRESENT, he will actually have to give a clear opinion. Did anyone see his last debate with Hillary on ABC, he failed miserably. I see McCain winning this debate on his strong message and fortitude!

Former Hillary Supporter, St. Louis (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:55 AM)

Re: (Are You Kidding Me?) "This is what we'd have to look forward to if Obama and Frankan win. A daily comedy show from both Frankan and Obama."

Not true, but if it was it would be MUCH better than the daily DISASTER show from Bush, McCain & Palin.

converted liberal (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:55 AM)

Maybe Ms Same will come up with more "quick fix" pickit out of your but answers, he has been campaigning against for years, but now sound politically correct.

Phil Grants pass Or (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 10:59 AM)

Obama camp are lowing expectations for their guy for the first debate. No surprise there.

Tina Marie (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:03 AM)

Obama's oratorical skills with or w/o a teleprompter is far superior to anything McSame ever says. He hurts my brain we he talks with his monotone and starting every sentence off with "my friends".

Doc Will, Atlanta GA (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:07 AM)

I think they are preparing McCain so that he wont' use the N word.

Shame on Stelle. He is an "uncle Tom" to agree to this. He's being used as a "token"..he should know better and have some pride.

judy dallas tx (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:08 AM)

Wow, the Olbermann, Chucky T, MSNBC crew concerned about bias? Now I have seen everything.

CTHQ2, Cincinnati, OH (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:10 AM)

This is too funny! Michael Steele and the G O P should be ashamed of themselves! Let's just substitute one Black guy for another one so MCBush can get comfortable with looking at a BLACK face since we only have 0 in our party! We don't want MCBush to get scared on stage! They would have been better off getting Jesse Lee Peterson to prep him for the debate but he would've just agreed with everything that MCBush said so that would not have worked either!

JJ North Carolina (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:11 AM)

John McCain was not my first choice either, but I'll take the worst day of Government under a free market society over the best day of a Socialist/Marxist type of Government, that Obama is proposing.

Anybody that wants that kind of Government can move to a Socialist country and leave me to be free from Government control of my life. The only thing I want from Government is what it was set up for under the Constitution, defending this country from foriegn attack and enforcing the Bill of Rights.

Dale, Saegertown, PA (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:14 AM)

if they ask mccain and palin to elaborate on any questions they are TOAST.

happy, boston, ma (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:15 AM)

McCain cannot really talk about issues except his pow time and his wonderful running mate Sarah who according to him is well qualified to lead America if necessary. Who is he kidding something mentality wrong here with John McCain.

Joe, Hickory, Pa (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:17 AM)

Just so you know -- the Washington Times is owned by Rev. Moon and the Unification Church -- no need to point out bias if everyone knows what's behind the publication.

formerly of NY (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:17 AM)

Advice to Senetor Obama,
Remind people that you were against Iraq war at the begining and favored dipolomacy with Iran and N.Korea, that is what Ms Rice and Bush administrations is doing now. Wake up people...

Wally, Minneapolis, MN (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:21 AM)

Obama will follow through with this country & his family values will be his first role as a leader

t.will,newnan georgia (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:32 AM)

Hi Obaama Is Best For America, you hit it right on the nose. GOOD SOUND ADVICE.

SIBY (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:35 AM)

Why is it that it is so important to some Americans that the candidate be a "regular person, like me"? I DONT want a regular person in that position, I want an EXCEPTIONAL person in that position. People went for a regular person and we got Bush. How did that work out? If you need brain surgery, to you want a "regular person" to perform the surgery? No, you want the best, most educated, exceptional person available. Why would we want any less for our President or VP?

Jim Fuhse, Manasquan, NJ (Sent Monday, September 22, 2008 11:45 AM)

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