Mitt Romney leaves NBC Florida Republican debate uncertain

[highplainsdem]

http://www.politico.com/blogs/media/2012/01/romney-leaves-florida-nbc-debate-uncertain-111667.html

NBC is denying reports that it plans to cancel this Monday's GOP debate in Tampa Bay, Florida, because Mitt Romney has not yet committed to participating.

"Preparations for the NBC News, National Journal, Tampa Bay Times debate continue," NBC spokesperson Erika Masonhall told me. "We fully intend to proceed with this long-planned event and we hope and expect all the qualifying candidates will participate."

But as of this afternoon, NBC has left the standard Monday program listings in place -- "Fear Factor" at 9 p.m. and "Rock Center" at 10 p.m. -- a decision the network attributs to an abundance of caution. The network says those listings will be updated with more timely information as it becomes known.

-snip-

"There are too many of these," Romney campaign strategist Stuart Stevens told Byron York in the CNN debate spin room last night. "We have to bring some order to it. We haven't accepted Florida…It's kind of like a cruise that's gone on too long."

[WI_DEM]

1. If Mittens loses South Carolina they will cancel the debate...

because he won't participate? that is stupid! He should be embarrassed that he is afraid to participate in more debates. Newt would have a big opening in Florida if Mittens decides he can't take the pressure of being asked about taxes and bain any longer.

[FSogol]

2. Translation: "Since they can't ask Newt about all the women, they'll have to ask me about

the taxes I'm avoiding. I can't allow that."

[Renew Deal]

3. The voters of Florida deserve to see the candidates

Whoever shows up should debate. I don't care if it's Gingrich and Paul. Let them at it.

[Renew Deal]

4. "It's kind of like a cruise that's gone on too long."

Then drop out.

[Eid Ma Clack Shaw]

5. Can you imagine Bombney vs Obama?

After the first debate went badly, he'd probably buy some kind of national emergency so that he could scurry back to DC ala McCain...despite having no reason to be there.

[Lawlbringer]

6. haha but what?

Mitt's not in office.

The best he could muster would be diarrhea or something.

[Eid Ma Clack Shaw]

8. That was the point of the joke!

He's the man who thinks he can have anything, hence the metaphorical purchase of a national emergency, followed by a trip to DC despite having no cause to be there due to his lack of office.

[Lawlbringer]

9. haha

Just showing up in DC.

"I'm here, guys."

Everyone else:

"...."

Thank you, I sometimes miss the subtleties of written humor =oP

[bullwinkle428]

7. The thin-skinned jagoff is still pouting over getting booed last night!