It doesn't matter if Obama smokes McCain in a debate...McCain/Fox will pick out any little thing they can to make it look like he didn't. Muddy up the discussion. One little sentence they can use to frame an entire full scale attack on Obama. They have been seriously deficient in "hey look over here" moments.
We have been here before...they want a "I was for it before I was against it" moment. Thats the ultimate goal. They want a "Dean scream" from Obama. Then its easy for them...Fox says, "Obama said (blahblah)" Even if it is picked out of context. Then the rest of the mainstream media follows up giving the frame "legs" by asking over and over "does Obama really feel (blahblah)?"
Then for a week all we talk about is that sentence which was taken out of context.
Now, sure Obama could go to every single media outlet across the country and say "I didn't mean that"....but he surely doesn't have time for that. The right doesn't mind that as well...any minute not talking about "issues" is good for them. So we end up with entire hour-long shows devoted to debating Obamas little soundbite and In the meanwhile McCain skates by a horrible debate performance. With nobody actually talking about the substance of the debate.
The playing field is not level, my friends.
Its a trap.
At least Obama is smart enough to know this. Big network debates are seen by millions...townhalls are not. Townhalls can be manipulated easier with setup questions and planted audience members. Plus, If all the average person sees about a townhall debate is the single sentence that Drudge runs with..."Obama says (whatever)"...then thats all they know.
Much harder to dispute a major network public spanking.
Whatever you feel about Obama, he is learning to play the game by the rules that are already in place.
He seems to have the ability to see the branches covering the large holes before he falls into them...well, most of them. There are way too many holes for him not to fall into 1 or 2 (like Rev.Wright)...but if he can keep climbing out with dignity and never ignore the incidents (like Kerry)....all will be well.
Oh, BTW...Let me give you a new "frame" for the future.....earpieces.
McCain cant talk any better than Bush. If the left hits on talking points about 'earpieces in the debates' and how McCain can't debate without them....they will find it difficult to get one on him....and McCain will flounder out there without a piece. Guaranteed.
I know its a little thing....but lots of little things turn into BIG things.
Oh ya....and the proper response when an interviewer says "Some people say..." is "Really? Who says that?"
Don't know why everyone lets the "some people" thing work.
Comments are closed on this story.