WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- The GOP version of the YouTube debate among Democratic presidential candidates could end up with U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, debating himself.
Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani claims a scheduling conflict will keep him from taking part, Time magazine reported. Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney has been making fun of the questions asked of Democratic candidates, submitted to CNN via YouTube, the online video site.
The planned debate is to be co-sponsored by CNN and the Republican Party of Florida.
U.S. Sen. John McCain has said he would be in the debate but now appears to be considering withdrawing, Time said. A possible candidate, former Sen. Fred Thompson, D-Tenn., may still be undeclared on the debate's scheduled airdate, Sept. 17.
The Democratic debate, shown on CNN, featured questions winnowed from thousands submitted online. The result won praise from critics but some conservative pundits accused CNN of cherry-picking questions.
One Republican strategist fears the party may pay a price if everyone backs out.
"It's stuff like this that will set the GOP back an election cycle or more on the Internet," Patrick Ruffini wrote on his blog.
