Ron Paul, John McCain May be Only Republicans at YouTube Debate
Thus far, 2008 Presidential hopefuls Ron Paul and John McCain are the only two confirmed for the upcoming CNN/YouTube Debate in St. Petersburg, Florida September 17. Both Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani have announced they will not be attending.
Florida's Republican Governor Charlie Crist expressed disappointment. He called last Monday's CNN/YouTube exchange "the people's debate".
Rudolph Giuliani and Mitt Romney, both with dozens of videos on their YouTube channels, have not signed up. Neither have the rest of the Republican candidates, including Rep. Tom Tancredo (Colo.), whose "Tancredo Takes" on his YouTube channel draw hundreds of views. Sources familiar with the Guiliani campaign said he's unlikely to participate. Kevin Madden, Romney's spokesman, said the former Massachusetts governor has seven debate invitations covering a span of 11 days in September.
"We haven't committed to any of them yet," Madden said.
What will Americans ask the Republicans?
In an interview Wednesday with the Manchester (N.H.) Union Leader, Romney said he's not a fan of the CNN/YouTube format. Referring to the video of a snowman asking the Democratic candidates about global warming, Romney quipped, "I think the presidency ought to be held at a higher level than having to answer questions from a snowman."
Romney may not be a fan but American's - many of whom consider this their forum - could potentially consider this a slap in the face.
The Democratic debate, shown on CNN, featured questions winnowed from thousands submitted online. The result won praise from critics but some conservative pundits accused CNN of cherry-picking questions.
One Republican strategist fears the party may pay a price if everyone backs out.
"It's stuff like this that will set the GOP back an election cycle or more on the Internet," Patrick Ruffini wrote on his blog.
McCain, who has fallen to 4th place and was at 5 to 1 odds of becoming the next US President, could receive a tremendous boost for attending should most of his colleagues in the party drop out. (see political betting odds from Sportsbook.com here)
Paul enjoys a major YouTube following already. The nominal showing will ensure that Ron Paul receives more extensive exposure.
Ron Paul, John McCain May be Only Republicans at YouTube Debate