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Talk it Out

Republican candidates wary of CNN/YouTube debate, says Chris Hokanson

By: Chris Hokanson

Issue date: 7/31/07 Section: Opinion
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Media Credit: Chris Griffin
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By many accounts, July's CNN/YouTube Democratic debate, featuring most of the Democratic presidential hopefuls, was a success. Ratings of the debate show that it was the most watched debate by 18 to 34-year-olds since that data started to be compiled in 1992. With U.S. voter turnout dismally low, and the fact that the 18 to 34 age group contributes largely to that, you would think that all the candidates would jump at the chance to debate in such a populist style.

So why, then, have only Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) and Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas) agreed to the Republican YouTube debate?

It's not because of the stereotype that Republicans are the party of rich white men disconnected from the people they represent, for most, but not all, of the Democratic candidates fall into this category. McCain and Paul are not the only GOP candidates not afraid of technology. In fact, most of the candidates have embraced the concept of viral video and social networking. YouTube channels run by Rep. Tom Tancredo (R-Colorado) and Mit Romney are populated with videos from the campaigns and get thousands of visits each day.

But McCain and Paul are the only candidates signed on to debate with questions straight from the people because those two candidates have answers straight for the people.

While most of the Republicans in the field still strongly support the war in Iraq, polls show most Americans, especially those in the age group to which the YouTube debates are targeted, are fed up with the war and ready to bring the troops home. Paul has made it known that he has opposed the war since the very beginning (literally the beginning, because he was one of only a few Republicans that voted against the war when it began in 2003.) McCain strongly supports the war and has made his position known. Unlike the other candidates in support of the war, McCain doesn't tap dance around the issue.

Why would candidates like Romney and Rudy Giuliani, who waffle on just about every issue they've faced, want to answer direct video questions about Iraq, abortion, gay rights, education and global warming?
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Viewing Comments 1 - 10 of 13

Scott McDonnell

posted 7/31/07 @ 3:26 AM CST

Hold the dates on Sept. 17th as planned. This date was known by all candidates AT LEAST as far back as June 5th. It was announced at the end of the last CNN debates. (Continued…)

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granny miller

posted 7/31/07 @ 6:58 AM CST

I'm 54 years old & have been a member of the GOP my entire life.

I'd like to know what they are doing on September 17 that is so important that they can blow off American Voters?

Fund raising?
A lot of good that's going to do now that they have ticked off average people, shown their true colors and lost the good will of Americans. (Continued…)

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Jerry Clower

posted 7/31/07 @ 7:13 AM CST

Amen granny miller!
These guys have really shown their hand here. They know that every time they open their mouth is a potential liability. Giuliani & Romney have provided the fodder - they brought it on themselves. (Continued…)

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Darel99

posted 7/31/07 @ 7:20 AM CST

Hi,

As a member of the GOP I must say I'm very frustrated with both parties but not for the summary most would conclude. You see I'm rather outspoken to conclude that my party of limited gov and true freedom has been high jacked by the plague of the Neocon agenda. (Continued…)

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Flo

posted 7/31/07 @ 7:36 AM CST

Since George and Cheney have christened themselves King and Queen of these United State the rest of the royal republicans don't believe they need to answer to the American People anymore. (Continued…)

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JerzeyJennie

posted 7/31/07 @ 8:26 AM CST

This makes me sick. They were talking about changing the date to cater to the front runners??? Pardon my frankness, but SCREW THEM! They were too good and too scared for the youtube debate, then let them miss out on talking to the American people. (Continued…)

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gao xia en

posted 7/31/07 @ 9:21 AM CST

Hillary Clinton has bigger balls than Julie Annie and Willard (his real name) Romney. Once a chicken hawk, always a chicken. CLUCK! CLUCK! CLUCK!

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

Kurt from Georgia

posted 7/31/07 @ 9:29 AM CST

What an embarrasement for Republicans being dismissed so easily. The debate should air without those who can't stand up and fight unless the US military in front of them. (Continued…)

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Lincoln Turner

posted 7/31/07 @ 10:59 AM CST

Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul Ron Paul. It can happen, believe it, get involved, make it happen.

(1 reply)   Details   Reply to this comment

Bill O. Rights

posted 8/02/07 @ 7:09 AM CST

It is sad when our politicians are afraid to face the American people... or are they just afraid of Ron Paul.

Ron Paul is so dominant on YouTube that Giuliani and Romney are scared of the home court advantage Ron Paul would have. (Continued…)

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