Mark Udall Wouldn't Join Online Debate Because of Me: The Rest of the Story

If you are one of the handful of people who have been following developments on this blog for months, you may remember that at one point we were working with liberal blogger David Thielen to co-sponsor an online debate between Mark Udall and Bob Schaffer.

In mid-February, David took the lead in sending out invitations to both camps, with my name attached to show that it was a bipartisan effort. On March 18, Bob Schaffer agreed to participate (see also here). Meanwhile, I was told that for weeks the Mark Udall team had dragged its feet and essentially said, "Maybe."

On several occasions I put up posts essentially asking "why in the world is Udall refusing to join a bipartisan online debate?" Well, at long last, here's the answer.

Two weeks after Bob Schaffer's acceptance - on April Fool's Day, in fact - David informed me of the Mark Udall team's official response. Out of deference to David's wishes, I didn't mention the email or divulge its contents publicly - that is, until this weekend when David gave me the green light to explain why Udall refused to join the debate those many weeks ago: The Boulder Democrat didn't want yours truly as the moderator. The alleged reason? The use of the tag "Udall as a Liar" on this blog.

I was quite flattered by the singular reputation I seemed to have acquired from the Mark Udall campaign, but deferentially refused to make public hay out of the matter. Behind-the-scenes negotiations were still under way. The Mark Udall team refused to back down. David mentioned the possibility of a certain anonymous conservative blogger stepping up to fill my place, but that wasn't acceptable. Both sides held firm, and the online debate never materialized.

The Mark Udall camp apparently remains alone in its opinion. As David wrote to me in an email: "I do think you are a reasonable choice and I don't think you are any more partisian than I am - that's why I asked you to do this." I likewise respect David as someone with whom I frequently disagree, but someone who is essentially fair and honest. Unlike Mark Udall surrogates who repeat lies online that this blog is anything but the independent and amateur (though admittedly biased) venture that it is.

David comes from a liberal point of view and often takes strongly critical stances against Bob Schaffer. This blog comes from a conservative point of view and often takes strongly critical stances against Mark Udall. Bob Schaffer isn't afraid of David Thielen. So why is Mark Udall afraid of me? (In all honesty, I hesitate to take this as the high compliment it would seem to be. I'm not sure of any reputable local conservative blogger whom Udall would accept as a debate co-moderator.)

The only question remaining is, Why did David give the go-ahead to disclose all of this now? (These are my best guesses.) First of all, as originally planned, the debate likely would have taken place by now, but no longer seems to be a possibility. Second, it may have something to do with David's newfound low regard for his candidate, whom he now refers to as "Milquetoast Mark."

As for my handful of readers, now you know the rest of the story.

Asking Again: Will Mark Udall Join The Debate?

The clock continues ticking for the Mark Udall campaign. It's been more than 3 weeks since the Bob Schaffer campaign agreed to participate in an online debate jointly sponsored and moderated by liberal blogger David Thielen and Schaffer v Udall here on the right. And it's been more than 8 weeks since the request first went out to both sides.

Mark Udall's team is still not sure what to do. Is it because they realize how much we know about Udall's record on the issues? Or maybe they just lack confidence in their candidate's ability to go toe-to-toe on important issues that Coloradans want to know about?

We hope not, and continue to await a favorable response to this bipartisan proposal. We want to give Mark Udall plenty of opportunity.

Will Mark Udall Join The Debate?

It's been 16 days since the Bob Schaffer campaign agreed to participate in a debate co-sponsored by David Thielen on the Left and us here at Schaffer v Udall on the Right. It's been more than 7 weeks since the request went out.

We sincerely hope that Mark Udall will join Bob Schaffer in accepting this bipartisan-sponsored request. It should be of great benefit to Colorado voters.

Schaffer First to Agree to Online Debate

Good news today. A representative from the Bob Schaffer for Senate campaign has expressed the candidate's agreement in principle to an online debate versus Mark Udall, a debate co-sponsored by David Thielen on the Left and by us here at Schaffer v Udall on the Right.

Here's the word from Vicki Blanton in the Schaffer camp:

I wanted to let you know that Congressman Schaffer would be interested in participating in an online debate with Congressman Udall. As we move closer to June and July, please let me know the potential dates of the debate. We’re very flexible and willing to work with you to find a date and time that works for all involved parties.

I'm personally honored and grateful that Bob Schaffer has agreed to the debate.

As of right now, the Udall campaign has said maybe. With this race in a statistical dead heat in the early going, each candidate has about the same to gain - or to lose - from such a contest, as low-profile as it figures to be.

In his announcement at Colorado Pols, David expresses a bit of surprise. But anyone familiar with Schaffer and his career will recognize he is up to this kind of a challenge. Let's hope Udall follows suit soon.

We'll keep you posted here on the scheduling of the summertime debate, as well as other details. Though the candidates' schedules ultimately will determine when it happens, any input you have regarding the timing of the debate is appreciated.