Romney/Giuliani say no to YouTube

GOP frontrunner Rudy Giuliani told Miami radio host Jim Defede Friday that he likely won't be coming to the CNN/YouTude presidential debate Sept. 17 in St. Petersburg. "I don’t think we can," the former New York mayor said in an interview that is scheduled to air Monday. "I think they would have to change the date. We have either five or six events that day. There was a little annoyance on the part of my campaign. (CNN and YouTube) just select a date and don’t think we have anything else to do." Hear Giuliani here.

Meanwhile, a group of GOP online strategists have started a online to save the debate. And Gov. Charlie Crist weighed in, saying he would personally ask the candidates to attend if need be. "I think the importance of Florida speaks for itself. We’re the fourth largest state ... We're the first megastate to have a primary. The importance that goes along with that is obvious."

UPDATE: Romney out, too. "Because of a travel schedule that will have us elsewhere in the country that day, our campaign had to decline the CNN/YouTube debate invitation,"  Romney Florida spokeswoman Kristy Campbell said. "We still have another six debate invitations during that 11-day time span in September that are under consideration – and it is an especially busy month as the end of the third quarter approaches."

Comments

And the importance of this debate is.........? Ah yes, the morons with no clue about what is going on, no comprehension of the issues and the probably no intention of voting will be more likely to watch because it features animation.

If this falls apart after all the hype the FL GOP has given it, it will be a big blow to Jim Greer.

[Susan S]

A liberal commenter had this to say about it:

"The GOP can't afford to let their wingnut base put questions on video because they would sound so out of the mainstream that they would all look like laughingstocks."

Sounds about right to me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pobVZF0Vx7c

If these Republican candidates fear the American public so badly, how in the world do you expect them to handle Al Qaeda?

oh yeah, with someone else's child.

3:34, A better question would be, "How can any President expect to be taken seriously dealing with Al Qaeda after debating cartoon character on YouTube?"

An even better question would be, if Democrat candidates were so afraid of participating in a debate moderated by the number one name in news, how can THEY expect to handle Al Qaeda?

[Eric]

Wow at the liberal remarks here. The stupidity of some people are just astounding.

[Dan]

I thought the debates on CNN/YouTube had some pretty interesting questions, even when they are off the wall... I like the format and I hope it happens, even if it's without Guiliani... He doesn't need my vote any way.

what are they so afraid of? typical of the republicans.

[Derek]

It doesn't matter the source of the questions... The questions whether asked by a person or a melting snowman, they're still real questions about real world issues. The presidential candidates can criticize all they want, but if they back out of this debate, I think it speaks volumes for their ability to actually take on real world issues. Don't they get that if they debate on live TV they're going to get more exposure then just showing up at some backyard BBQ trying to raise a buck?

[Ron]

The format for this debate was not only ridiculous, but you also have CNN selecting the questions. This pretty much gaurantees a liberal bias in the questions that are actually put forth to the candidates.

All Republicans, are cowards and chickenhawks

[Luke]

First, CNN is not smart enough to have a liberal bias. I don't believe there to be any bias in the media (except maybe FOX), just a healthy environment of stupidity and laziness. If the GOP had gone first I am certain many Dems would be backing out because God-forbid these candidates take on uncanned questions. I don't care if someone decides to hold up his assault rifle or dress like a snowman, they're still citizens, they still vote, and elected officials STILL have to listen to them.

So for the Republicans here, what question would you like to ask your candidates? My first would be why were you so reluctant to field questions from real people?

The claim that this somehow diminishes the presidency is laughable.

You know what would also diminish the presidency? 1) Electing someone is actually on YouTube dressed as a woman; 2) W's continued support of Alberto Gonzalez in light of the fact that he is completely incompetent and committed perjury.

Republicans don't care about that, but God forbid they take a question from a snowman.

Ooohh... The Republican candidates are so sophisticated.

[Ron]

My first question for Democrats, why are your candidates afraid to appear at a debate hosted by Fox News?

[gew]

because Ron they are NOT BIAS ON FOX. IT IS A REPUBLICAN NETWORK...

Is that Rudy and Mitt's rationale? Dems don't appear on Fox, so we're not going to take questions from ordinary people on CNN. Not bad, but even the campaigns aren't making that argument. Rudy and Mitt cite scheduling.

Susan S

When you put "liberal commentator," you lost credibility.

Maybe Rudy didn't have a dress to wear.

Having a poorly dressed leader, now that diminishes the office.

[Ron]

So, Republican candidates go on debates moderated by former high level democratic staffers (Chris Matthews), but Democrats don't want to face questions from a respected, life-long journalist like Brit Hume? What a joke. The reality is the Democrat candidates only want to answer puff questions from their friends, not any serious questions that would make them actually have to take a position.

I can't imagine why ANT serious candidate for either party would participate in a circus that includes a question by a snowman.

Good for Rudy AND Mitt.

[Z]

Whatever questions might be asked of Republican candidates in a YouTube debate, and whatever the answers might be from the candidates, Susan S. would reflectively dismiss both the questions and answers as wingnut rhetoric or mendacity, because Susan is purely prejudiced, wears her ideological blinders as a fashion accessory, and has already decided the mainstream is whatever she and the other Kossacks believe. Of all the liberals I've known, I've found their capacity for self righteous justification is incredibly elastic.

[Susan S]

Brit Hume respected? Ha!

The Dems won't go on Fox because it's not a legitimate news organization. It's a propaganda arm of the Republican Party.

Hey Z - this means they don't want to hear your quetions either. They fear you and your real concerns.

Just wondering - what would you ask?

Ron - what would you ask? what would your topic be?

[Susan S]

Z,
Here are a few questions likely to come from the wingnuts of the GOP:

Since he's so good at torture, will you appoint Jack Bauer as head of the NSA if you're elected president?

Mitt Romney says he will double the size of Guantanamo, if you are elected, will you see his double and raise him a triple?

Rudy, Fred, John, did the gays cause the breakup of your multiple marriages?

Do you agree that Bill Clinton's behavior is the root of all evil in the world?

[GEW]

couldn't of said it better myself, Susan!
Brit Hume is so far right it's not funny!

3:38 - that "cartoon character" on YouTube's question was asked by a tax-paying, hard-working voting American citizen. Why do you fear an active, artistic American citizen with real concerns regarding the qualifications of Presidential candidates?

btw - would would you ask about? what concerns you and what direction do you wish for this country?

[Z]

Dear 5:11 - I don't have any YouTube questions. I regard it as a farce. Might as well have the candidates perform on American Idol and get trashed by Simon. Does that answer your question?

And there's Susan again at 5:08 spewing her predigested answer about Fox News.
Originality is not your strong suit, dear.

So Z - you are not qualified as a voting American citizen to ask a question of a Presidential candidate?

Gee, I thought you more of you - disagreed, but thought more of you.

No 5:17, Republicans firmly believe in the "strong father" in every aspect of their world. They don't question and they blindly follow - see the state of our nation and its debt, and its creditors for the past six years. Oh yeah, see also the care of our military personnel/veterans, the banking industry, the environment, don't forget the Dept of Justice (laughingstock) and the list goes on and on.

oh yeah, Republicans generally find the statement "I don't recall" a valid excuse - except from a cheating wife.

[Z]

Susan - very cute. Nice try but not that funny. You know, I'm sure personally you are an incredibly nice and sincere person. But I doubt you've ever actually listened to people you disagree with. You have a shitload of predigested responses in your head, and can't imagine any intelligent person would not hold the same ideas and feel the same feelings as you. Liberals, alas, remind me of the dead people in the movie Sixth Sense. They only see what they want to see.

[gew]

Ron, if you did your homework you might know that Chris Matthews voted for Bush in 2000!

[Z]

Dear 5:17. I am as qualified as any voting American citizen to ask a question of a Presidential candidate. I'd prefer not to participate in a media canine and equestrian extravaganza on YouTube. Thank you very much for your considerate opinion.

[gew]

it's funny Z,how you do not see what is really going on here in this country from what the Bush administration has done to us.
Why is it that all the Republcians I know live with their heads in the clouds and have NO CLUE what is really going on.
I saw a bumper sticker the other that I love it says " 1-20-2009 Bush's last day in Office." I am counting the days till that idiot is out of the Whitehouse.

[Angie]

Really, as long as McCain is there - all is well in my opinion.

[Z]

Gew

(1) I'm not a Republican. I'm registered Independent.

(2) Trying holding your breath. It will make 1-20-2009 come faster.

I don't care what format the debate takes because I have heard some pretty stupid questions from media pundits at more traditional debates as well. My sense is, if you can't be bothered to come to FL, debate on national television, and share your responses to questions with the voting public - then I have no need to bother myself with your campaigns any further.

You just lost my vote.

[Z]

And 5:20 regales us with his wisdom: "oh yeah, Republicans generally find the statement "I don't recall" a valid excuse"

Of course. Just as a certain Democrat found the statement "it depends on what your definition of is is" as being an appropriate response.

4:00 - you see a difference between your "all republicans are cowards" and "all blacks are smelly" or "all jews are cheap and have big noses"...

I didn't think so bigot.

[john]

Since the Democrats declined the debate offered by Fox, I find no problem with Republicans declining to participate in a debate on CNN.

I didn't like the YouTube format anyway. CNN got "owned" on a couple questions that they aired, that were actually from non-legitimate sources (one question was from a couple of known comedians.)

Well, at least RPOF staffers can get back to work on more important things, like the First Lady's (Mrs. Greer's) fashion show extravaganza

There is already a Republican debate set up in October just three weeks after the CNN debate. Doesn't Greer, and the Governor have anything else to do besides promote and try to get more media time for themselves. Hey Greer we have a party to continue to grow and strengthen. Put your ego away and do something for our Party. Unless you think the Republican Party is now the "people's party"!

[roy]

"scheduling conflicts"...What are they thinking. The youtube debates will be seen by tens of millions of people. What could be on their schedule that is so important that they will miss these debates.
I think they are fearful of the questions and how they'll look when asked a tough question that they don't have a canned answer for.

[George]

Giuliani does not have a chance anyway...who cares.

Yes Roy, what could possibly be more important than sitting around being grilled by cartoon characters?

When has CNN ever had "tens of millions" of viewers? Try 3 million....on a good night!

Well... it is sad that we have to candy coat a debate with snowmen and comedy. Just like we have to spoon feed history of Pearl Harbor with Ben Affleck and Josh Hartnett. Most people care more about voting for American Idol than who will be running our country. Instead of being mad at CNN we should be upset with the apathy that has invaded our country. The presentation may be unconventional but the questions are legit. I think skipping the Iowa straw poll, picking and choosing debates, waiting to officially enter the race are sly moves to avoid facing reality and avoiding the scrutiny that should come before the keys to the country are handed over.

In my opinion- let Guliani and Romney wimp out. More time for a guy who can answer all the tough questions... Ron Paul. If the GOP doesn't realize his strength and start supporting him well... the Republicans don't stand a snowball (or snowman's) chance in hell.

[terminator]

It figures Charlie and Greer would support such a preposterous arrangement (especially to be held in that major media market St. Petersburg)!
Good for Rudy G and Mitt. I would be ashamed to support any so-called Presidential candidate who would participate in the "you tube" debate.
Is there no end to the dumbing down of America?
Why don't we just have a debate moderated by Harry Potter, Lindsey Lohan or Brittany Spears?
It would be hard to keep a straight face and field questions from a snowman or some moron "holding his baby" (assualt rifle).
If this is what it takes to gain the support of the 20-30 something crowd then god help us.
Maybe all the candidates should get the obligatory tatoo as well. How bout a pierced ear or nose?
America has become a country of lemmings. Follow the supposed "cutting edge" media. I'd rather be Dick Nixon in the 60 debate and maintain some degree of dignity.
Amazing looking at the list of major bundlers in Florida. Mitt must have had 29 of 30 of the top R's in his camp.
Gotta be something to that.
Kudos to the R candidates for refusing to pander to the NALEO and LaRaza crowd.
Rudy and Mitt seem to be taking the high road.
Is there no end to the stupidity some people will stoop to in order to get elected?