Obama to skip First Candidates Forum in AFSCME sponsored Nevada Debate!

[saracat]

http://phoenix.cox.net/cci/newsnational/national?_mode=view&_state=maximized&view=article&id=D8N5O3JG0&_action=validatearticle

I just don't understand this! It certainly isn't courting Labor. It seems odd.

By KATHLEEN HENNESSEY, Associated Press Writer

LAS VEGAS -- Sen. Barack Obama is skipping a forum for Democratic presidential candidates in Nevada this month _ his first opportunity share a platform with his rivals for the 2008 nomination.

Seven other announced or expected Democratic candidates, including front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton, have told organizers they will participate in the Feb. 21 forum in Carson City, Nev. It's the first such candidates forum of the 2008 presidential campaign.

Obama, who is scheduled to be in southern Nevada the same week, couldn't work the Nevada forum into his itinerary, campaign spokesman Dan Pfeiffer said.

Pfeiffer said Obama will campaign in the Las Vegas area on Feb. 18, but did not release details on the senator's schedule. Obama is scheduled to formally announce his candidacy Saturday in Springfield, Ill.

The Senate is not in session the week of the Carson City forum, which is sponsored by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees and the Nevada Democratic Party.

"We're disappointed that Sen. Obama chose not to attend the AFSCME forum, it will be a great opportunity for candidates to begin a dialogue with Nevada voters," said party spokeswoman Kirsten Searer.

[SteppingRazor]

1. Could be a smart move...

gives him a chance to see what everyone else says, then tailor his message accordingly. Could backfire, or not. And Obama's really the only one in the race who could pull it off, with the possible exception of Clinton — everyone else needs the face time.

[zulchzulu]

32. Very good point

The race is in its infancy. Obama's labor record is pristine and he can look at the dynamics of the candidates. Biden and Dodd will try to gang up on HRC and Edwards and Richardson will be the calm, cool, collected wise man. Let them wrestle this one out.

It will be fun to watch...

[rinsd]

2. Strange it appears Kucincih is skipping it as well (nt)

[saracat]

3. I don't find that as signifigant. I just am amazed that whatever the reason, particularly as he is

going to be in Nevada, that he would appear to disrespect Labor.It doesn't make sense to me.He might not need the "face time" but he does need the votes and this is about the Primary.

[zulchzulu]

34. January 19, 2008 - Nevada (caucus)

January 14, 2008 - Iowa (caucus)

One caucus after the other at the starting gate...

[LSparkle]

4. Sends a negative signal to labor, just when he should be

courting all voter groups. However, it's early and he can probably make up for it.

[flpoljunkie]

5. So, would you rather speak with Nevadans in Carson City or Las Vegas?

Case closed.

[saracat]

7. Case is NOT closed.This is an insult to Labor.

[flpoljunkie]

10. This event is also not a debate, but a forum. Also read AFSCME already in tank for Hillary.

Whether that is actually true, I have no clue.

[loyalsister]

38. Have you been to NV?

Carson City is a small town. The workers are in Vegas. If he wants time with real people who can't afford to shell out time and money for travel Vegas is the place to go.

[NV1962]

39. True, but

the Carson / Reno / Sparks area is the best and most efficient proxy for campaigning in the cow counties, around this state.

Vegas has quantitatively (for example) the biggest unionized labor base of course, but that is relative. The best "qualitative" platform to win over voters as "electable" is, at present, elsewhere in the state. Or, going out on a limb, I'd say that Vegas isn't "ripe" - yet. I don't see even half as much enthusiasm in the average Vegas Democrat to kick ass in 2008 as I see around here, already. So, the "electoral payoff" or the electoral bang for the buck in Vegas is lower, again: in relative terms.

The disappointing turnout of Democratic voters in Vegas in November 2004 is one example of reflexively overestimating the importance of Vegas (and therefore underestimating the necessity of "working" the Vegas voter base) caused by and based on sheer numbers. A trend that I also saw confirmed last November. With that, I'm not suggesting of course to ignore -- or less so "forget" about -- the all-important Vegas metro. What I'm saying instead is that the voter base itself needs some ass-whooping, before it pays off to set up high-profile events there. That's why, in other words, I'm not sure people in Vegas are "ready" yet.

All this seems counter-intuitive, as the Vegas metro is (correctly) regarded as a Democratic stronghold. The thing is, that if this state is to be turned blue, the Vegas Democrats need to seriously kick up the campaign fever and make sure there's a really huge surge in participation. "Up here" in the Northwest we do our best to make it an even and very competitive race, and make as many inroads as we can in the cow counties, but it's up to you guys in Vegas to put us over the top.

It's by all means necessary to cause a hike in political temperature in Vegas, that's what I'm saying - else, the relative indifference will play into the hands of the MSM and their anointed, preselected and bland candidates (that in turn are extremely vulnerable to scurrilous right-wing attacks).

[KingofNewOrleans]

6. It's not the first "official" forum/debate

The first official debate is in South Carolina in April.

[Bullet1987]

8. I'm sure there's a good reason...

...And Kucinich also won't be there.

[flpoljunkie]

11. Actually CNN is hosting a debate in NH on April 5th for the Dem candidates.

[carpe diem]

9. i'm still sick of all the debates they had in the ...

2004 dem primaries...there were way too many and became very redundant...they could do with half as many this time...imho

[TheDonkey]

14. Kerry missed a few debates in the primaries too

I know one in Pittsburgh he missed where everyone else showed up to. Didn't seem to hurt his chances getting the nom.

[madfloridian]

12. Those who miss union debates....will they miss the big media debates?

I will be watching, because it bothers me. CNN, and I believe ABC already have forums set up, don't have the dates, that will get big media coverage.

I think if he is in NV around that time he should make an effort to get there. Clark backed out of the SEIU session, not sure if it was a debate or interview.

Now Obama. Does anyone have the dates on the media forums?

I know the candidates are in negotiation with the DNC to try to get them to limit the forums....but I truly don't see how the DNC can say to the media to not have a debate.

I would think courting unions would be wise.

I wish there were not so mnay senators running for president.

[Radical Activist]

13. Its not a debate at all.

The candidates won't be on the stage together. More inaccurate crap from the media.

[zulchzulu]

24. Bingo!

A forum is not a debate...

[NV1962]

25. The OP didn't read the article well, should have used "forum"

But Obama's absent either way, while other big hitters (including Hillary and Edwards) are there.

[zulchzulu]

28. Barack "Voted 100% on AFSCME interests" Obama will not be at AFSCME forum

Senator Clinton supported the interests of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees 88 percent in 2005.
http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=WNY99268

Let's see...um... 100-88= 12%

[NV1962]

29. Pity Obama won't be there to point it out himself, eh. (n/t)

[saracat]

40. Sorry.I meant forum. Still wrong of OBAMA to skip it I think!

[NV1962]

15. Shameful. Here's the article:

http://news.rgj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070209/NEWS10/702090434/1002

"It was a difficult decision," <Senator Obama's campaign spokesman Dan> Pfeiffer said. "He very much wants to spend time getting to know the people of Nevada, talking about how we move the country forward, but there are only so many days in the calendar. He has a vigorous Senate schedule, it makes it very difficult to do all things he wants to do."

Candidates who have confirmed for the event include U.S. Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York, Joseph Biden of Delaware and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut; former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, former Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack, retired general Wesley Clark and former U.S. Sens. Mike Gravel of Alaska and John Edwards of North Carolina.

(My bold in there.) So, he either doesn't apparently know exactly what to say that's "locally" relevant here in this early primary state, or he doesn't care enough and prefers instead to do the usual and traditional stumping circus in the East. "But" he'll appear in Vegas - somewhere between the showgirls, and the indifferent onlookers distracted by the slotmachines...

Shameful. And frankly, disappointing.

(Edited to add link and quote + comment)

[zulchzulu]

16. It's still mighty early in the campaign

Being that the Nevada caucus is 340+ days away...

[NV1962]

17. All the more reason to attend

With this unusually early campaign season, there's a unique opportunity to put issues and plans on the agenda, and not the vague, MSM peddled horsesh*t like "morals", "values" and "appearance" that dictated the 2004 campaign.

Just take a look at the attendees who can and will make it to that forum...

Obama's dropped the ball here.

[zulchzulu]

18. Is this the only event Nevadans are going to have?

If it is, that's a real damn shame.

C'mon. The Nevada caucus is 340+ days away. Obama will be there on the 18th. I don't have his schedule on my person, so I'm not sure what's going on to not have him there.

But please, if you want to make it a BIG issue and have a pity party for Nevadans, have at it...

[NV1962]

19. Silly excuses.

You're inverting the argument here: precisely because it's a long campaign it's imperative to be present where the action is, and not give preference to the usual Eastern circus.

If you're a national candidate for the highest office of the country, you walk the walk.

The others could make it; so can he. He chooses not to; a decision that's noted.

[zulchzulu]

20. Okie dokey...how about his record on labor issues...

Obviously, with his voting record on labor issues, you can see why he doesn't want to show up...
:sarcasm:

2006 Senator Obama supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 94 percent in 2006.

2005-2006 Senator Obama supported the interests of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 100 percent in 2005-2006.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers 100 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the Service Employees International Union 92 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the United Auto Workers 93 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the AFL-CIO 92 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the United Electrical Radio and Machine Workers 100 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Worker 100 percent in 2005.

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees 100 percent in 2005.

(Note: I think they are sponsoring the forum, no? Last I checked, 100% is...um...pretty good...yeah?)

2005 Senator Obama supported the interests of the American Federation of Government Employees 100 percent in 2005.

2003 Senator Obama supported the interests of the Illinois AFL-CIO 89 percent in 2003.

2001 On the votes that the Illinois AFL-CIO considered to be the most important in 2001, Senator Obama voted their preferred position 89 percent of the time.

1999 On the votes that the Illinois AFL-CIO considered to be the most important in 1999, Senator Obama voted their preferred position 92 percent of the time.

http://www.vote-smart.org/issue_rating_category.php?can_id=BS030017

:eyes: Yeah, that Obama...no friend to labor...huh.... he should cower in fear for his unworthy A+ record on labor issues...no mention of that in the hit piece article... gee, I wonder (cough...Richardson...cough...cough) why?

[NV1962]

21. I'm sure he's good on the war in Iraq too...

But that has just as little to do with his decision to skirt an early opportunity to show he's a national candidate, together with the others, doesn't it?

Thanks for your efforts to present that elaborate dodge, though: an impressive list of important but sadly irrelevant facts here.

[zulchzulu]

22. Indeed. Thanks for ignoring Obama's A+ record on labor issues...

100% voting record with AFSCME apparently is not good enough for you. Enjoy the other candidates...

On the war, maybe you didn't know he was against it from the start...no?

[NV1962]

23. I hope you're not serious

Don't get me wrong about the Senator: I believe that Obama is a good guy - I have him among my little group of credible and decent candidates.

But your implicit suggestion here is that he can run a campaign by e-mailing his PowerPoint presentation.

It doesn't work that way, honest. Don't know about the East, but here in the West sure as hell it doesn't.

[zulchzulu]

26. Yeah, that's what I meant... yeesh....

Perhaps he has another engagement that conflicts with the event. Apparently his A+ record on labor issues is now religated to being an "emailed Powerpoint presentation".

Will the folks at the forum trash Obama even though he has supported their interests 100% of the time....with friends like that....

[NV1962]

27. Huh? You think "managing his calendar" and "running a national campaign" are IRRELEVANT?

Sorry, but a good guy a good candidate not makes.

He made a poor tactical choice. Period.

Awesome to see how his ginger decision to skip that opportunity to show up in the West hits a raw nerve when its inconvenience is pointed out, though...

(Hehe - I had to correct my misspelled "runing" before you'd read it as "ruining" and came in crying foul)

[zulchzulu]

30. Obviously, all roads lead to some early primary season forum in Carson City, Nevada

If ANY candidate dare not be at that event (approximately 340 days away from the caucus), they are doomed to ever-living Hell!

Even if they have a 100% voting record with the union that's having the forum...

Doomed! Doomed! (insert very loud echo effect here) DOOOOOOOMED!!!!!!

:puke:

[NV1962]

31. He's a grown-up guy.

He made his decision to run early.

He also chose to protest (together with Mrs. Clinton and Mr. Edwards, BTW - let's not single Obama out) to protest the burdensome work of campaigning that comes with a long campaign.

And he apparently prefers to stump in the East, given the same choice as the others.

His choices.

[zulchzulu]

33. Exsqueeze me, but he will be in Nevada on the 18th...that's in the West, no?

I've lived on both the East and West coasts and don't have that regionalist crap to deal with.

As for Obama's schedule, I have no idea where he's going to be. But you can bet he'll be in Nevada enough times. 5 electoral votes? Compared to Cali's 55?

It'll be interesting watching Biden put on a pitbull routine...

[NV1962]

35. Maybe NV should erect a monument now?

Maybe you're not that much impressed with the odd few electoral votes that come from this risible yokel state, but just so you know: we're situated not too far from California, to save you the time looking for a map. And as you know, your mention of California's 55 EVs and my affection for our neighbors notwithstanding, the California Republic is actually not in the vicinity of the Eastern stumping grounds Senator Obama instead preferred to visit, either.

I'm sorry that you're so upset with the existence of this miserable state and its miserable resident electorate that have the unmitigated gall to like to see the candidates they're supposed to vote for, but I can at least take comfort in your obvious dislike for the rediculous (if the Veep can write that, so can I) amount of campaign theaters set up in yokel territories in the East, like New Hampshire with all of its four (!) electoral votes.

[zulchzulu]

36. What's in your...

I lived in Cali...have driven through and been to NV many times...I've even been to Carson City!!! OK, I drove by Carson City..maybe got some gas...

Cool it with the regionalism...gazzoinks....

[NV1962]

37. ...wallet?

Greenbacks. I am told that it's legal tender in any place within the US.

Unlike our odd interest in seeing candidates, apparently.

That dangerous perversion of the national order is now called "regionalism".

Color me ripe for a re-education camp in the far and frosty Eastern provinces.

[saracat]

41. Actually the record makes it worse that he doesn't show!