One more Debate? - Clinton Continues to Ask
Hillary Clinton has called for a number of debates since the last held just before the Pennsylvania primary, in NC, IN, OR (two debates), MT, SD and now Puerto Rico. The Obama camp has remained, not surprisingly, largely silent about any more primary debates.
Obama spokespersons have signaled willingness to engage McCain in debates beyond the three scheduled by the CDC.
Hillary's latest call for a debate in Puerto Rico followed the challenger form: (1) the people deserve to hear (2) an actual invitation has been accepted, and (3) the move to pressure an opponent - a demand.
The difference in the PR edition is that there is no media buzz. The story of the "presumptive nominee" trumps debate speculation - rendering it mute, idol conjecture for an event that simply won't happen.
The moral of the story, debate-about-debates only has media legs when the race is real and news organizations need a fresh storyline.
Fox News reported Clinton's words yesterday:
Speaking outside a small restaurant in Penuelas, where a translator interpreted her every sentence for the crowd of 50 Puerto Ricans, Clinton said she'd accepted a debate in the island commonwealth, and hoped that Obama would do the same."The issues facing Puerto Rico are serious and deserve a serious debate," she said. "I was informed that Univision will sponsor a debate between Senator Obama and myself about the issues affecting Puerto Rico. I accept that invitation. Any time, anywhere."
ABC News blog's description itself diminishes the "demand."
She continued her plea in Penuelas, Puerto Rico, standing outside a restaurant while less than 100 people gathered on a dirt walkway.
