Ole Miss is pissed and I don't blame them. It's hard to understand how much person-power goes into these major debates unless you've seen them up close. But trust me, it involves all kinds of people and skills, staff at every level, and everything from rewiring buildings to catering to relocating classes and university offices for two or more weeks. New stage sets are designed and custom built. Press and advance staffs set up shop in their temporary home. Secret Service also moves in, takes charge, and does their sweep, all while the institution is trying to go ahead with classes and normal campus life. It takes a village, that's for sure. And it ain't cheap.
The last debate here cost $6 million. Remember the trucked in air conditioning? UNH has learned the hard way that these things cost a lot of money, and now has the smarts to include in that contract that the full costs are paid by the media outlet host. (UNH 2007 was Fox; Ole Miss is ABC). Maybe that's why we only got one debate this last cycle!
Now Team Obama says they're still planning on showing up inMississippi, in their really fast planes, to speak directly to voters. If McCain doesn't show, they're willing to an impromptu town-hall meeting. So, while Mighty Mouse is flying around trying to save to economy in a single bound, Obama puts out more direct communication, talks to the press, and in general, acts presidential.
I say "on with the show" and see who blinks now!
