In how many ABC-hosted townhall debates should Obama agree to participate?

The network of "Path to 9/11" and the Lapel Pin Debate has stepped up and graciously offered to be a host of the McCain-proposed series of ten townhall debates with Obama.

In how many of these debates hosted by ABC should Obama agree to participate?

Bloomberg and ABC envision a 90-minute, prime-time broadcast but said the date and other details, such as how much interaction the candidates would have with voters or a moderator, should be worked out by the campaigns.

"We look forward to beginning a conversation on how best to create an event that will honor our nation's founding spirit and respect the voters' desire to engage in a thoughtful discussion of the critical issues facing America and the world," Bloomberg and Westin wrote.

Bloomberg decided earlier in the year against mounting a third-party bid for the White House, but he vowed to stay engaged in the process and hinted that he might put his wealth and support behind a candidate.

The Democrat-turned-Republican-turned-independent has said he is not necessarily most likely to back the candidate who matches his policy positions, but the one who demonstrates the most genuine bipartisan credentials.

Bloomberg supporters also have pushed the idea that he could be a running mate for either McCain or Obama.

Aides to Bloomberg told The Associated Press he might like to have a role in the town hall, such as shaping questions or speaking with the candidates, but that those details would have to be worked out with the campaigns.

Bloomberg, for his part, always expressed disdain about the televised debates held during the primary season, claiming he never watched them because they didn't delve into important issues and gave candidates only short intervals to answer questions.

Bloomberg spokesman Jim Anderson said the mayor is making the offer because he is "excited about a campaign where voters interact directly with the candidates in a town hall format, and thinks New York City is the ideal setting for a first meeting."

ABC hosted several debates during the primary season, three in prime time. "Good Morning America" host Diane Sawyer would likely be the moderator for this town hall, an ABC News spokesman said.





http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h833gs2Y2UBRMtdzYvKFYFMvfndAD915TP2O0

Huh. ABC would be the last outlet I'd choose for that. Fox would be a better choice -- at least we'd know to expect and dismiss rightwing bullshit.

Corporate Masters? I'm willing to bet she would. However, she
is better than any of the alternatives that ABC has. I was intrigued
with Bloomberg wanting to help moderate or ask questions.

'cause every time the two are on the same stage, the enormous charismatic and intelligence differences will be highlighted for all of America to see.

Let it happen over and over again. McCain will come off looking weak and out of touch every single time.

Sid

are organized and held by the League of Women Voters, with the networks present to record the event, not run it.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=385&topic_id=144003&mesg_id=144003

It is not ABC news but the whole network.

Prior to the Lapel Pin Debate, I watched Stephanopoulos every week. I haven't watched a minute since.

so this would be his way of getting free publicity,Barack should ignore him in person, but keep pounding him in the media!

AND GO TO FUCKING HELL!

Good.

I think I like Bloomberg but I don't trust any of the networks.

Obama needs to do all in his power to have it not rotate to networks ~ we all should hear the same thing at the same time and no pundits afterwards.

Maybe they could take turns intervieing R/D/R/D ordinary people on the street.
I don't want to Morning Joes opinion ~ he has a job,Health benefits and his morgage is paid.

sites to host a few of these? The MSM has failed this country and continues to fail this country. They've had their chance and they filled it with garbage. Let a few reputable on-line sites or independent news services host the debates and town hall meetings.

Charlie Gibson and his hairy midget sidekick haven't apologized for the last "debate" have they?

Fuck the Mouse.

;)