Obama Camp Expects McCain to Continue Attacks In Town Hall Debate
- ‹ previous
- 591 of 856
- next ›
The presidential campaign of Barack Obama engaged in a little bit of gamesmanship and expectation setting this morning ahead of tonight’s second presidential debate. Obama advisor said that they expect that McCain will launch his nastiest attacks yet, and lie about Obama’s record.
The memo discussed McCain’s desperation to change the subject away from the economy, “John McCain is running out of time for a game-changing event. In the latest sign of desperation, his campaign admitted just yesterday that if they “keep talking about the economic crisis, they’re going to lose.” It’s our view that the American people are already worried about losing – their homes, their jobs and their health care – and it’s up to the candidates at this debate to demonstrate who is best equipped to make sure that they can get ahead again.”
The Obama camp brought up McCain’s nasty attacks and the turn the page strategy, “In order to change the dynamics of this race, we anticipate that McCain will launch his nastiest attacks and continue to lie about Barack Obama’s record and his vision to fundamentally change our country. We don’t know if McCain will continue his refusal to even look at Obama on stage — like in their first debate — but we fully expect that his “turn the page” strategy to ignore the economy will be seen in full view for 90 minutes of character attacks against Barack Obama.”
They also played the expectations game stressing that Obama is the underdog, and that this is McCain’s favorite format, “When it comes to sheer format, we enter today’s debate the decided underdog. John McCain does extremely well in town hall settings. It’s been his favorite format throughout his career and we think that he will of course do very well.”
Here is what this memo is really saying, we hope that John McCain continues to attack us all night and ignore the issues, because this strategy makes him look like an angry old man who doesn’t want to talk about the economy. However, for those of you watching at home tonight, we want you to judge the candidates based on what they say about the economy. McCain is strong in this format, but so is Obama. Just in case though, we need to lower expectations in case our guy has an off night.
While this memo is fun to read, it is political spin. Personally, I don’t think McCain will bring much of the character attack strategy with him tonight. I suspect that his focus will be on using his biography to connect with the audience and he will stress leadership in a time of crisis. His campaign isn’t based on policy, so I doubt that there will be many specifics offered. In contrast, Obama only needs to keep doing what he has been working. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Technorati Tags: 2008 Election Barack Obama Debate Jason Easley John McCain news politics 2008 election town hall presidential debate expectations Nashville John McCain Barack Obama
IF Obama can
1. Keep his cool
(Obama is good at this anyway, but NO stammering or delay or lengthy answers if, or I should say WHEN, McCain hits Obama with tough or controversial subjects. If need be, ignore the comment(s) if it will require a lengthy explaination. As John Wayne once said, don't complain and don't explain).
2. Keep his answers, responses and comments crisp yet informative.
(Obama is a thoughful, measured man, but people have short attention spans. If Obama keeps that in mind and it will give him more time to dismantle McCain on the really damaging stuff and McCain will run out of ammo anyway, forget his spiel, etc, them Obama's got him.)
3. Keep damaging McCain with facts, delivered in a smooth, calculating manner, yet not devoid of emotion with matching, effective body language. (Hit him hard at least twice, even below the belt, if necessary, as people want to see if Obama's "got it". Show 'em that you can be a tough guy Obama! Maybe a comment about not even being able to "look me in the eye"? McCain could look Obama in the eye once maybe, but then he would MELT DOWN after trying to make his talking points while keeping eye contact).
4. Throw the FIRST good punch, if possible. (Again, don't be such a "nice guy." Besides, you KNOW McCain is going to come out swinging, and if possible, the LAST good punch as well).
5. Be ready to throw a strong counterpunch, though not necessarily immediately. (If McCain lands one, don't counter immediately unless the timing is absolutely right. Even then, some people might not "get it" and it may pay to be patient until Obama sees an opening and can go for a KO).
6. Call McCain on it when he doesn't answer the questions or answers badly (Obama may dance a little himself, but far less and with more panache' and educated/informed answers than McCain ever will, so this one should be a given for Obama).
7. Fight fire with fire. (Obama can throw accuasations and call McCain anti-american, pro-fascist, pro-big government, etc just as well as the ignorant remarks that McCain makes. Just keep it semi-factual and semi-traceable, Obama.)
8. If McCain starts losing his temper or gets unduly terse, Obama should call him on it in a very subtle manner and not smile, laugh, or make light of it. This will win Obama diplomatic and style points and will underscore McCain as the hotheaded steer. (Maverick? No, a Maverick hasn't been neutered).
Good Points
These are all good points, nikolai. I think that Obama does need to stick to the facts and answer questions, especially if McCain is not giving concrete answers. The thing that helped Obama most in the first debate was the contrast between him and McCain when it came to "straight talk." Obama talked about the economy, while McCain talked about taxes and earmarks. If this is McCain's approach tonight, he will lose.
Post new comment