Debates - Challenger's Advantage, Incumbent's Nightmare

Bolling and Wagner's scheduled debate last week in Manassas was called off after both camps allegedly could not agree on the rules of the debate and use of footage. The Wagner campaign claimed it was because of an 11th hour "no-use" request in which the Bolling campaign wanted to prevent either camp from using clipse in ads. Wagner's campaign also claimed that it offered a fair use policy where no comments could be taken out of context. Bolling advisers struck back claiming the reason for the drop-out was the release of a negative press release by the opposition claiming he wanted to change the rules late in the game.

Regardless of who is at fault, it is interesting that a debate was scheduled at all. Generally speaking, incumbents with high approval ratings and support avoid debating the opposition, so as not to draw attention to the other candidate or provide them with a chance to shine in the spotlight and make the incumbent look foolish. Debates are most popular in executive races and in open seat races with no incumbent. It is not clear as to whether the canceled debate will reflect poorly on Wagner or Bolling, however it may be in Bolling's best interest to avoid them altogether...history certainly seems to suggest so.