Hmmm: Hoffman ducks debate with Scozzafava and Owens
posted at 9:54 pm on October 28, 2009 by Allahpundit
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I suspect the stated reason and the real reason are two different things, but whichever it is, this is lame. The only good reason to duck a debate is if you’re so far ahead of your opponent that the risk of showing up and stumbling into a bad answer is greater than the expected gain from showing up and doing well. That’s not the case with Hoffman; while Scozzafava may have faded, there’s no question that he and the Democrat, Bill Owens, are neck and neck. (In fact, Rove thinks Owens is likely to win.) So what gives?
Douglas Hoffman, the Conservative Party candidate, was in Plattsburgh on Wednesday but didn’t attend the forum in E. Glenn Giltz Auditorium at Plattsburgh State.
Republican Dierdre “Dede” Scozzafava and Democrat William Owens both participated, before a crowd of about 400 people…
It was covered by about a dozen media outlets from local, regional and national operations…
Rob Ryan, Hoffman’s campaign spokesman, made comments to the Press-Republican about 30 minutes before the event that suggested North Country Public Radio’s involvement was the reason Hoffman did not attend.
“North Country Public Radio is the perfect venue to decide who is the most liberal candidate in the race,” Ryan said, adding that Hoffman would participate in a televised debate in Syracuse today.
Really? He was wary of taking questions from an adversarial outlet? That sounds like Obama’s argument against Fox News. Or … was he worried that he’d be asked more questions about local issues that he couldn’t answer, so he decided to minimize the risk by skipping tonight’s debate and focusing on tomorrow’s instead? I’d still vote for him over Scozzafava but I’m starting to see why party bosses might have felt uncomfortable nominating him instead of her.
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Must be a slow news day.
I do not care what Hoffman did or did not do regarding this debate. I just love him for sticking it to the GOP Establishment.
If Owens does win… so what. He has to come back and fight again and by then Hoffman should really be a threat. And if not Hoffman then it will be someone else to challenge Owens.
What is really at issue here is the approval of the RNC of Dede and the blathering I heard today from one Michael Steele on Hannity’s radio show. YUCK! One way or another the RINOS/Rockefeller Republicans have got to get the message that the Country Club Republicans need to go and Conservatives are going to kick their butts from one side of this county to another and that would include seeing to it so called Republicans like Dede lose their races.
So really this is not about Hoffman or what he does. It is about sending a message to the morons running the GOP. Hello Steele and Newt! Can you hear us yet? You will soon!
freeus on October 28, 2009 at 11:40 PM
I don’t see that what Hoffman did was a duck, If i remember correctly his campaign said late Monday that he would likely miss the Wed. debate but attend Thursday.
I think I read on RS McCain that Hoffman was begging Scuzzy for a debate 2 weeks ago and she refused.
But if he was ducking tonights debate then we will see it in his performance tomorrow night. Thats for sure.
Amadeus on October 28, 2009 at 11:42 PM
——————————————————————————–
Maybe he’s a brilliant listener. We don’t have many of those now. I too heard him on O’Reilly…but I was focused on WHAT he was saying. But it was probably just me ….. my hearing has radically changed over the last 10 months. We now have a monster for president, but he speaks like an angel and writes like Julius Caesar, and is deaf as a doorknob.
ziggyville on October 28, 2009 at 11:43 PM
A bit of a stereotype, no? I suppose all real conservatives only listen to country music and Hannity. NPR is jazz and classical music, too. And yeah, it’s liberal, but it’s pretty much the only place to get international news on radio.
YYZ on October 28, 2009 at 11:43 PM
When your main rival is choking, let her continue to open her mouth.
SouthernGent on October 28, 2009 at 11:44 PM
All of these people whining and carrying on are making it sound like debates…mean something. LOL! Seriously? And yet you wonder why we have no serious statesmen but rather used car salesmen in office. These comments are priceless.
Positions? Knowing private enterprise success and how he will vote on a majority of issues already? WHO CARES ABOUT THAT USELESS CRAP? What I want to know is: Can he piss on my head and convince me it’s raining? Now I’m voting for THAT!
SirGawain on October 28, 2009 at 11:53 PM
when your enemy is committing suicide………………….
Ampersand on October 29, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Only if someone slipped Kool-Aid in your Newcastle.
Hoffman will face an unbroken string of liberal-dominated news outlets, unless he is being interviewed on Fox. To skip one adversarial media outlet in favor of another one the same friggin’ day is hardly analogous to Obama boycotting the only media outlet in America that doesn’t worship him as a God.
Jaibones on October 29, 2009 at 12:08 AM
I listen to NPR a lot.
Usually while driving, and my steering wheel has the fingernail marks from the occasional bouts of WTF.
But a lot of it’s pretty good.
I guess it’s kinda like the BBC. I thank the British television-license-payer every time I watch TopGear.
JEM on October 29, 2009 at 12:11 AM
Allah’s basically like Dede. He’s supposedly right-wing or something like that, but always attacks conservatives – consistently and repeatedly. Amazing how we never get such nuanced criticism of lefties from Slobberpundit.
Sixth Guard on October 29, 2009 at 12:18 AM
Am I the only one or does his pic on this post look for the before picture on a teeth whitening ad? Just sayin’
pleaseandthankyou on October 29, 2009 at 12:20 AM
Sounds like McCain.
beachgirlusa on October 29, 2009 at 12:36 AM
Maybe he is that far ahead.
alliebobbitt on October 29, 2009 at 12:40 AM
I have never seen a third party candidate who avoided a debate. This seems very unwise to me. He may still win, but he should not have passed this up.
chris999 on October 29, 2009 at 12:42 AM
The question is not about the debate he is not in but about the one he is in….no one will remember the first if he does OK in the second…and NPR is about as nonpartisan as MSNBC but with wine and quiche.
JIMV on October 29, 2009 at 12:57 AM
I don’t remember anyone saying they were Hoffman fans from day one. Party Bosses didn’t need to chose Hoffman. There were 7 other candidates beside him and Dede. All of whom were more conservative than Dede. They could have chosen one of them but they chose her instead. People have latched onto Hoffman because he is the only one who agreed to run on the Conservative line.
Rocks on October 29, 2009 at 1:02 AM
AP: how does that banana taste, you cretinous yob?
fronclynne on October 29, 2009 at 1:41 AM
Great. He’s an idiot.
WisCon on October 29, 2009 at 1:51 AM
About time somebody on the right played this game of ‘I will not appear on your network’ that the left has been playing for years.
This has all led up to Zero declaring his war on FOX News as the left has been allowed to get away with and the right never felt a need to back down to biased moderation.
Biased moderation does not help a candidate when the opponent is getting adoring softballs tossed their way all night long.
To just sit back and accept that sort of uneven playing field is defeatist and spineless. Good for Hoffman.
Allah once again proves himself a biased idiot by getting all bent out of shape over a conservative candidate dictating the terms of the debate instead of being handed those terms by the left.
Hoffman is dead even with momentum on his side. I sure wouldn’t be knuckling under to some debate request by a far left media outlet.
Mr Purple on October 29, 2009 at 2:23 AM
Do you bother to read before posting?
‘Kay.
notropis on October 29, 2009 at 2:27 AM
What I want to know is why is Allah, and others buying into the “he doesn’t live in the district” BS?
I mean seriously, trolls aside, most people here, even Allah have a minimal amount of intelligence. The guy lives, at the most, 10 miles outside the district. Hoffman owns businesses in the district.
You SERIOUSLY think he doesn’t know the issues?
I live 60 miles from Austin, Texas and trust me, Austin is a whole ‘nuther world from the rest of the state. And yet, I know what the big issues are down there.
The “he doesn’t know the issues because he doesn’t live there” argument is beyond stupid.
It sounds more like he realized he was walking into a serious trap, and just said no. Smart guy.
This is a two way race, DeDe is done-done. She’s already a known far left crazy, and has ALREADY approached the democrats about joining their team.
Do you see where I am going with this?
DeDe is going to lose, and lose big, anyway. What’s to stop her from making a deal with Owens WHOSE WIFE RUNS THE RADIO STATION, or whatever she does there, and those two ganging up on Hoffman for the benefit of Owens, who will in turn throw DeDe a bone?
That scenario makes a whole lot more sense than the idiotic “he doesn’t know the issues!”
gary4205 on October 29, 2009 at 2:51 AM
I’m guessing that Scuzzy and Owens “debating” would confuse those who watch. That is, they’ll be constantly wondering which one’s the Democrat.
Dr. ZhivBlago on October 29, 2009 at 3:42 AM
Don’t be an idiot Hoffman. Man up here and if you lack knowlefge on local issues, put that more than capable accountant brain of yours to work and start learning the needs of the people. It’s not hard really.
His campaign manager sounds like a real fool.
Daemonocracy on October 29, 2009 at 5:24 AM
You’ve got it all wrong, Allah. This is a brilliant stroke by Hoffman.
Last night, Scozzafava and Owens got to detail exactly how similar they are without a third cog diluting the obviousness of it in a public radio debate.
Tonight, Hoffman joins the fray on a TV debate and shows how he’s REALLY the candidate for NY-23.
I like you, AP, but you tend to go weak in the knees at the first hint of bad spin.
Red Cloud on October 29, 2009 at 5:28 AM
Maybe he was walking into a trap, but either way it looks bad. As for knowing the local issues, you really know what little projects Austin wants? Which schools need more funding, what bridges need to be built, the zoning laws, problems with the trash collectors unions, traffic in certain areas, lack of bike paths in another area, a stop sign here, a traffic light there?
Hell I barely know most of the local issues in my own town let alone the whole district. Hoffman is a fiscal conservative and concerned with the National Deficit. My guess is he doesn’t have a particular interest in these mundane issues because they usually boil down to “how much Federal pork can you get us!” but he should still show up and show he has a grasp of the local issues.
Daemonocracy on October 29, 2009 at 5:30 AM
How many times did Hoffman ask to debate the Scozz? And she turned down every offer.
Nuff said.
Everyone’s trying to pull Hoffman down since it looks like he may go over the goal line.
He calls the shots.
HondaV65 on October 29, 2009 at 6:24 AM
What passes for “debate” nowadays is completely debatable.
If the moderator seems too much like a sold out Wolfie Blitzer who can’t stop from winking at his beloved pudgy, pant-suited Leftist candidate it’s probably wise to avoid answering any questions extemporaneously when the moderator and Leftist have probably shared questions and recommended answers a few days before.
DeDe obviously needs the face time and free publicity. No need to give her the time if there are better things to do.
viking01 on October 29, 2009 at 6:28 AM
You and I must be viewing different blogs.
He’s a bit melancholic, and he’s not a huge fan of Beck or Palin, but it’s a big enough party…despite what some people will tell you.
Asher on October 29, 2009 at 7:19 AM
Uncomfortable enough to go for a raging liberal like Scozzafava? That just doesn’t add up.
highhopes on October 29, 2009 at 7:28 AM
The gent looks good considering he’s a 60 something Grandad.
Since Mr. Hoffman is an accountant, I’d wager that he knows to the penny and the pound, the real costs of “boiled” Federal, State & Local “pork” !
“Let’s Roll”
On Watch on October 29, 2009 at 7:35 AM
If oratory skill is a prerequsite, why the hell wasn’t William Jennings Bryan ever President?
Mr. Grump on October 29, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Heaven forbid Allah actually give someone the benefit of the doubt. After Scozz turned down numerous debates with Hoffman.
As far as why she was chosen, if Allah actually read other websites he would see how Scozz was chosen and how the NRCC completely screwed this up.
This selection was pure cronyism, with Tom Reynolds the same guy that nominated Tedisco in that famous disaster.
I mean the fact that in September Scozz was trailing in the polls to the democrat the whole time. They said they wanted someone who could self finance, when she cant. It seems she was chosen simply because they wanted a woman.
TendStl on October 29, 2009 at 8:37 AM
I would be concerned if it weren’t NPR and if he wasn’t participating in the debate the next night. Since he is participating tonight, I see no reason for him to deal with NPR, whose audience is 95% Obama supporters anyway. Looks like the right call to me.
james23 on October 29, 2009 at 8:54 AM
The fact that Palin, Fred! and Beck endorsed him probably didn’t help, either. All that cornpone and religiosity probably has you curled into a fetal position.
spmat on October 29, 2009 at 9:12 AM
Heres another note. Either Newt lied or he was mis-informed. Scozz was not elected in all 4 council meetings. Hoffman wasn’t either, but the Conservative party approached the ones that were elected but they turned them down and Hoffman took the chance.
Again, this is crap.
TendStl on October 29, 2009 at 9:13 AM
Hoffman’s duck of the debate is a stroke of genius, IMO.
Owens and Dede laid their cards out last night, and Hoffman can retort with confidence tonight. If he would have showed last night, he would have been hit from both candidates all night long.
BUT, he has raised the interest level in tonight’s gathering, while knowing what the others are pushing. It should be a clear victory for Hoffman if he is working hard right now to push the debate results from last night.
gonnjos on October 29, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Allahpundit, when you first mentioned this story I commented that it sounded like the Watertown paper was leaning toward endorsing Dede or Owens. Well…
http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20091029/OPINION01/310299964/-1/OPINION
Dede it is.
They want the pork to keep flowing to Ft. Drum, and Hoffman might slow down the gravy train.
Also, as others have noted, he is appearing at another debate in Syracuse. The voters will get to see him, and compare him to his opponents.
cs89 on October 29, 2009 at 9:32 AM
Yeah I guess no harm is done since he will be appearing today on TV for another debate. As long as he performs decent in that debate, this will all be a non-issue.
Daemonocracy on October 29, 2009 at 9:59 AM
What this country needs is a good dose of Thomistic Philosophy. One of the things it teaches is that to discern if something is good or not, you first have to figure out its goal and then measure it by that – the example my prof used was if you have a drop-dead gorgeous tennis player who can’t even get the ball over the net, you can’t call her a good tennis player just because you may like watching her – the goal of a tennis player is to win at tennis, not look pretty. For some odd reason, the country decided to start choosing our politicians based on how well then do on TV/radio or speak or campaign. Give me a congressman who speaks like a dolt but pushes sound legislation any day over someone who can pin you in a debate and speak like an angels but doesn’t have a clue what to do once in office (hmmm…sound like anyone we know?)
Ozero won on fluff and image and the ONLY thing they hammer on Palin is image and fluff. Too bad it is the exception to the rule for someone to choose who to vote for based on their governing record rather than their qualifications to be the coach of the debate club.
miConsevative on October 29, 2009 at 10:00 AM
Maybe he’s trying to make Owens look desperate coming out to debate a non-candidate.
joe_doufu on October 29, 2009 at 10:19 AM
Hoffman should go to the debate. Keep bringing up areas where his opponents agree and set himself apart from them.
jpmn on October 29, 2009 at 10:32 AM
This thread is old and no one is probably going to read this, BUT I had to comment on this posting. Allah drives me nuts posting some of the Al Jazera polls from CNN, CBS and The New York Times. You know, the ones which only polled 20% Republicans and Lord knows how many Conservatives. I thought I was going to go crazy during the election last year. However, AP has never claimed to be a “right-wing” to my knowledge, and he at least presents info here for us to chew on. I do not always agree with him, but he does at least have a brain and does ponder what some at HotAir have to say. In other words, he is not an robot just spewing forth programmed sound bites from any party.
When Allah goes in the general direction of the Left, I just chalk that up to his youth. I figure in about another twenty years or so he might just see things a bit differently. You know once he gets a wife and some kids. LOL!
If you are going to call someone names, at least back them up with facts dude! “Slobberpundit”? Seriously!
freeus on October 29, 2009 at 10:37 AM
You’re an idiot. Great.
WisCon on October 29, 2009 at 11:18 AM
LOL @ Slobberpundit
alliebobbitt on October 29, 2009 at 11:24 AM
This was a heads up decision. Rubio did the same thing in Fl. Both of the debates, Fl. and NY. were being held in very liberal districts and even though one could say that any attention is good attention, the atmosphere would be one of very hostile questions with no moderate voices present. His only direction from the debate would be down. Have any of you ever heard liberals out do each other on “Feel Good” lines? The poor children, the poor teachers union, the poor illegal immigrant, the poor trial lawyers and the list is endless. The problem becomes one of “When did you stop beating your wife?”, and Hoffman would have no where to go. It’s better to be thought a fool than to be proven to be one.
inspectorudy on October 29, 2009 at 11:56 AM
Turns out Owen’s WIFE is the owner or part owner of the radio station that held this debate!
WTF
Stephanie on October 29, 2009 at 12:06 PM
Mr. Grump on October 29, 2009 at 8:07 AM
Because Darrow eviscerated him publicly exposing his inane belief in a fairy tale, make-believe religion that appealed to only the indigent and the very ignorant.
That and the fact that fatso’s heart couldn’t take the stress or running anything besides his pie-hole.
Good4Onan on October 29, 2009 at 12:46 PM
He’ll still win. I think he is getting some very very sharp advice from some real Conservatives. Its about time. The elite’s among the Republicans are gonna hate this next election cycle. Common sense is coming out swinging.
Be a labelled a “good politician” from now on; I dare you.
OSUBuciz1 on October 29, 2009 at 2:07 PM
Idiotic report.
IT WAS NOT A DEBATE ON ISSUES. SCUZZY AND OWENS HAVE NOTHING TO ARGUE ON. What else can they discuss? Who will support Obama’s policies more? Gosh … that’s the lamest debate, if ever.
So, IT’S A GOOD THING FOR HOFFMAN TO SKIP THAT EVENT AND TO GO INSTEAD TO HIS SOON-TO-BE CONSTITUENTS AND HEAR THEIR SIDES AND WISHES FOR THE NEX NY23 CONGRESSMAN.
TheAlamos on October 29, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Allahpundit is always biased against Hardworking Conservatives.
TheAlamos on October 29, 2009 at 2:49 PM
I suspect that Allah either hates conservatives, or is a provacateur, simply trying to drive traffic.
Bruce NV on October 29, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Allah is a ‘conservative’ like Shep Smith or Scozzafava.
Notice how he spins both stories to make the poor fake ‘Republican/Conservative’ the sympathetic figure and the true conservative is demonized.
MM needs to fire his biased ass.
Instead of giving Palin the credit she deserves for Hoffman’s sudden rush of support from the GOP he digs for some biased CNN poll to smear her with.
Allah is a pathetic propagandist who draws his name from a pedophile who encourages terrorism.
Mr Purple on October 29, 2009 at 3:22 PM
Exactly. Where was he two weeks ago? Where is he now? He didn’t debate his way to the top, so why fix what ain’t broke? When he wins I expect a post about how all his supporters undermine democracy by rewarding a lack of “civility”.
Chris_Balsz on October 29, 2009 at 3:37 PM
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