Barack Obama could rue his no-debate decision

Might Barack Obama come to regret his decision to pass on a debate with Hillary Clinton prior to Tuesday's primaries in North Carolina and Indiana?

Yes, there have already been 21 such encounters. But we raise the question because, even as the tumult surrounding the Rev. Jeremiah Wright sucked up much of the campaign oxygen this week, a real, honest-to-goodness policy difference surfaced between the two Democratic presidential contenders (as we've noted before, there have been precious few such splits). And if expert opinion counts for anything, Obama could use a direct face-off with Clinton to make a powerful case against her call for a summer suspension of the federal gasoline tax.

Obama, when not consumed with putting as much space as possible between himself and Wright, has scoffed at the proposal -- also embraced by Republican John McCain -- as a gimmick that would save the average driver about half a tank of gas over the three-month period.

"This isn't an idea designed to get you through the summer, it's designed to get them through an election," Obama said in North Carolina earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the suggestion -- which hasn't a ghost of a chance of being enacted ...

... by Congress -- is getting roundly panned by virtually everyone taking a serious look at it.

Check out these editorials in the L.A. Times, the N.Y. Times and, for the view from the heartland, the Cincinnati Enquirer.

A front-page story in today's Washington Post cast a wide net and reported that "a growing chorus" viewed the gas-tax suspension plan as "ineffective and shortsighted."

The entire piece can be read here, but here are some comments that leapt out at us.

Said professor N. Gregory Mankiw of Harvard University: "What you learn in Economics 101 is that if producers can't produce much more, when you cut the tax on that good the tax is kept ... by the suppliers and is not passed on to consumers."

And Leonard Burman, a tax policy heavyweight at the Brookings Institution think tank, is withering in his critique of Clinton's additional push for a windfall-profits tax on oil companies to guard against them simply pocketing the relief provided by a gas-tax break. He termed the dual proposal "utterly incoherent," telling the Post it would only intensify supply problems by discouraging oil exploration.

Summed up Burman: "So a policy intended to lower prices, but which won't do that, will be offset with a policy that's likely to raise prices over the long term."

Sounds like a pretty effective sound-bite Obama could offer on a debate stage.

-- Don Frederick

Photo: AP

 

Comments

[Phil Douglas]

Especially as it appears Senator Clinton has been dissembling again -- about the closure of a factory in Indiana, jobs to China, and her husband's role in that. Seems she's been blaming President Bush for President Clinton's failing.

[Paula Ross]

Obama is on track. He's talking about his plan to
change the gas tax, not with a gimmic fix,but with
substantial change that includes the people of this
country to participate. Thank You Barack for showing
us what real change can do..Let's hope that Clinton
stops her pandering soon. The only way for this to
happen is when she is gone. And that will happen soon.

[old91A10]

Go Hillary! Three recent flips to you in my family -- final straws: Obama is afraid to debate. Dean won't shut up. Rezko doesn't wash.

With regard to Rezko, as with Wright, etc., I am surprised that Obama's duplicity passes with little remark. What's he up to, six or seven different versions? The Obamaniacs get whiplash with every turn in the tales -- at this time, they are exculpatory and he is accusatory -- they zigged while he zagged.

The fix for Obama continues. Pols and Media -- Dean, et al. Unctuous. Ugh! There rationale? Obama has nearly half the votes, while Clinton only has nearly half the votes. Huh?

Reality check on primary votes and delegates:
http://www.mydd.com/story/2008/4/23/102017/841

Keep your eye on the Electoral College.

[Joe]

Ridiculous! It's elitist to bring economics into this! Who the hell knows anything about all those crazy numbers?

We HAVE to go with the more likable candidate! Who cares if they're dumber? I mean, that's why we elected Bush, right?

Just think if we'd gone with Gore! We'd have a Nobel Prize winner instead. And who wants that kind of egghead representing their country, instead of a man like Bush?

[Whatever]

A full debate is hardly necessary to cover a single new policy difference. At best we'd get five minutes of "gas tax" time with the 35 minutes of "Reverend Wright" time.

[John B Sheffiield]

I very much doubt that anyone except Hillary has regrets about their being no further TV Debates before Tuesday's vote, it is quite clear we have had quite sufficient.

The Delegate lead is now down to 18 and in days it is clear that will be down to single digits. Today the thought and comments from Joe J Andrews in changing his Endorsement to Senator Barack Obama echoes the feelings of so many Democrats and Voters.

What is needed now is for such as John Edwards and Al Gore to come out and fully back Barack Obama before Tuesday, so the Party can come together and start to Unite again, It would be even better if Hillary R Clinton could put Her Party first before ambition and without any further delay also offer full unconditional support and backing to BARACK OBAMA as The Democratic nomination, then Hillary will be respected for her actions and we can prepare to defeat McCain and take back The White House in November

[BIG WIG]

That is not true, she has her people set up to sabotage him.

No debate. He debated already.

Start singing please fat lady- oh you don't know the song.

[Young Atheart]

"Clinton's additional push for a windfall-profits tax on oil companies to guard against them simply pocketing the relief provided by a gas-tax break"

How does hurting big oil, help the middle-class? Tax penalties OR relief on Big Oil should be aimed at alternative energy - that is what Obama's proposal does.

[drmats]

One again another true American showed the courage to stand up and raised his voice in this historic time. Thank you Joe Andrew, u are the real American once again, loudly says, we don't want to our future to in peril.
All this lobbyist, big corporate in Washington are use their money power, and media support to distract average people from the real issues we are facing
They want Obama to be out from race coz, they always want to their greedy interest to make money and power by imposing hard ships in 99.9% Americans here
look around the real facts , we are losing jobs every day, we borrowing Chinese money and spending for oil and war , our kids are dropping from school , majority Americans suffering without health care even people with insurance , how much money these drug companies are staling and this corporate medical lobbies
am a doctor , I can see a lot , lot people , with so much illness , not taking any medication or abusing with over the counter , non prescription meds , who is responsible for this , we suffering in the world’s richest , mighty nation and less than 1% populated politicians’ and lobbyist enjoying all the benefits in our country
They want Obama to be not president they want either Hillary or McCain to be next president, coz both are part of their stakes.
Both just faking the truth and facts, and just want to president and want more rich
How many people know how much their income , John maccians wife is has share in profits of Budweiser bear company , Clintons made 109 $ mill9ons last 6 yrs BY “ PREACIHING” around the world
These are the issues we have to open our eyes to see , how our future will be, if we are in dept, our kids don’t go school and college, our industries dying, paying millions for oil , other countries like India and china are growing in every field . Not a Psycho Jermaya right , or wearing a pin , is our issue,
I don’t say Obama is perfect, he never be, no one in our country too, but I strongly believe, lot of open heart people love our country , love our grandparents, parents and our kids , and uphold our values , will stood up and start this movement and says enough is enough , we need a leader ship once again , lead our country as the leader of the world to solve all our problems, and rest of the worlds survival.
Yesterday, how many watch Michele moor, talking in CNN, he is he is a true American, shows courage to talk loudly the truth . plz watch that interview if u have chance,
I pray every day plz God, keep him (OBAMA) safe and give courage to fight against all these distractions haunting him from all sides, I was Hillary supporter, coz I like Bills time, but now they are really revealed How ridiculous politicians they are to d the same old damage to our country
Did any media discussing my republican and maccain attacking Obama only , not Clinton, they want her to be the nominee , and not Obama, coz they know all people will rally behind him when he get nomination, so now they pending all their , ways to defeat him and look for an easy win against Hillary
Any way propagate the message of real fact among all fellow Americans not fall in this cheating taps , look around and see the real fact and vote , for Obama, Indiana and North Carolina we are looking forward to your courage to raise ur voice and end this drama and distraction and march forward to our bright future

[highwayscribery]

This is something rather hypothetical with a headline not very well matched to the content beneath it.

At my blog I lament the media's continued miserable performance in covering Obama.

http://highwayscribery.blogspot.com/2008_05_01_archive.html#2299009105841879584

[Obamabot]

To Hilleritas and McCainites, please let us rally around Barak now, no more hate. He must do that which every politician must do. But with our support, he will be elected President. Perhaps then a serious discussion on reparations for our past sins of slavery and Jim Crow laws can begin. Once America has paid for it past mistakes by voting for Obama, and the Reparations checks are sent out, then the healing and acceptance of the majority can be considered by the minority. This is the "Change we can believe in!" We paid the Japanese who were interred in concentration camps during WW2, $20,000 each, for 400 plus years of slavery and racism, much more will be required. And finally, Obama is smarter than clinton, so no more so called "debates" where "typical white people" ask bitter questions about guns and religion!

[jb bauer]

An article in today's Wall Street Journal reveals an important fact, namely, that not one of the people who have come out to recommend Obama came to his defense this week. What's with the big silence if they really support him??

[Steve]

Obamabot,

Reparations were paid directly to the Japanese people interned. No matter how wrong slavery and legal segregation were that is past; you are a direct victim. Of course, racial discrimination still exists but many blacks have risen above the current and past effects of racism. Healing begins within. Obama is an example of one who has risen above poverty and discrimination by his own tenacity. Those with excuses for their lot won't be satisfied by reparations; you'll always have excuses for your lack of advancement. Reparations will never happen, so get over it.

[Eric]

Are these the same economists that aren't really sure if we're in a recession yet? The same economists that did not predict the subprime debacle? Yeah, their advice is great. I was taught not to disagree with an idea unless you had a better. I don't see anyone else offering short term fixes for the rising gas prices. Anyone?

[JOE BENTO]

NO RUE in not dealing with her for the 22nd time. she is a good debater OK we will give her that but sh is a liar and the consumate pandering politician. the gas tax break is the latest salvo from her bend the truth team/ The American electorate is not sheep and prefers truth and real answers to our problems. Barack Obama will provide leadership and integrity at a time when it is sorely needed. She does not get to set the agenda now or anytime in the future. She believes herself to be entitled and is surprised that her campaign team dropped the ball. the underdog from nowhere ha the most votes, the most delegates, won the most contests and is bringing over the educated super delegates by the day. Game Set Match. NO RUE in any of this except maybe in the Clinton camp where they wished he had blundered. Talk up your girl if yoy ike Hillariyites but it is our candidate Barak Obama who will take the Democratic party banner to victory in November.

[Tom J]

Obamabot, I hope Rush Limbaugh is paying you well for selling out!

For actual voters, make a list of actual economists each of the presidential candidates has on his/her team. That should clarify why Clinton and McCain agree on this ridiculous 'scheme', and Obama does not.

Vote for the responsible adult. That would be Obama.

[Steve]

You mention that the windfall profits tax is "Clinton's additional push," but how could you fail to mention that such a tax has also being pushed by Obama in his current campaign?

[loc loc]

OBAMA for President. Indiana and NorthCarolina. Don`t let us down. We have a chance come may 6, to make history. VOTE for Obama , HE IS THE BEST THING THAT CAN HAPPEN TO THE U.S NOW !!!

[democritus]

I regret so much that Obama has turned down what occured to me as a magical opportunity for him to right all the wrongs done to him in the last debate. Divine grace comes not more than this; but Obama has turned it down. Mrs Clinton voluntarily gave him the rope to hang her but he declined. I am so full of regret.

[thinkresults]

Total disconnect on the Headline v. the Content. It shows the forces of status quo are making their last stand this week to twist any advantage into a disadvantage.

The reality is that the daily meeting with the people of both states, ads, articles, editorials, talk shows pointing out the horrific pandering and vauous policies of McClinton are much more effective in getting this message out than what has passed for debates lately.

[gerald clough]

they will be called back wages with interest payable from 1600 onward, not reparations....

[TEACHER]

WHY SHOULD HE GIVE IN TO HER "BULLYING" TACTICS ONCE AGAIN? THE TIME SHOULD BE SPENT WITH THE
VOTERS WHO ARE VOTING IN THE PRIMARIES IN THEIR OWN STATES.

I DREAD IF SHE GETS THE NOMINATION AS THE NASTINESS FROM HER WILL BECOME UNBEARABLE!

I THINK HE SHOWS WISDOM AND TRUST IN THE VOTERS BY NOT GIVING IN TO HER "BULLYING". I HOPE HE STANDS HIS GROUND. NOT CAVING TO UNDUE PRESSURE IS A GOOD PRESIDENTIAL QUALITY. OUR COUNTRY NEEDS LESS BULLYING AND MORE CIVILITY.

[RosaCA]

Hey, take a look. The last " debate" was a total waster of time. Flag pins and the like OMG

[Toby]

No Obama made the Wright choice (sorry but get use to it, he should have denounced him BEFORE the campaign even started).

Obama is a terrible debater. Where with Hillary, it's one of her strong suits.

Now Obama could in theory right a few wrong ships with a debate this weekend...but he just doesn't have the strength (read: experience) in debating yet to be able to actually do it.

Maybe in 4 years...but not today.

[Elizabeth Gilmore]

I watched Mrs. Clinton pander to Bill O'Reilly on Fox last night and was simply appalled at her hubris. She certainly sounded like a Republican when she said,

" Rich people- God bless us..." I thought she was "the girl from Scranton." When in Rome do as the romans, I guess.

I lost all respect for her when during the last debate, totally out of context, she slipped in the words, " Farrakhan." and " Hamas," as if she was determined to use the tactics of "the vast right wing conspiracy" that dogged Bill during his philandering years in the White House. Say anything, do anything to destroy your opponent, and be the last one standing. But at what cost to the Democratic Party? I don't think the Clintons care.

I respect Senator Obama for not agreeing to mud wrestle Mrs. Clinton in another made for TV spectacle.

He, indeed, needs to get out among regular people where he does very well, and avoid the gotcha gimmicks of the "kitchen sink" strategy. It's time for the Democratic Party to come together and face the challenge of Bush 3. Anything else will just be divisive and destructive to the national party.