The Debate Season Begins
Aug 24th, 2010 by David Anderson
The first crunch time debate at the Hockessin Memorial Hall was a civil but enlightening affair. The federal candidates all gave statements. Congressman Castle gave a written statement which was read by one of his campaign aides. He was attending a Sussex County Eastern Republican Woman’s event instead. The idea that he couldn’t move a Republican party event to make room for two civic forums (the other one being the 9/12 Patriots the same night) received a great deal of groans from the audience. Christine O’Donnell said that the Congressman is just keeping true to his statement that he will not appear on stage with her. That assumption will be proven true or false with the Channel 6 ABC out of Philadelphia’s debate taping this week.
I was of course interested in the Congressional Debate. Unsurprisingly, I thought my guy won. What a shock, right? So I will not handicap it. I will just tell you what happened. I was intrigued with the fact that early on Ms. Rollins declared that there would be little difference between her and Urquhart and O’Donnell. In fact she tried to be more aggressive on immigration than they were by declaring she would give “everyone in America 90 days to get a tamper proof, biometric ID card”. O’Donnell took immediate issue with a national ID saying we need to enforce the laws. Urquhart said he didn’t want to live in nation where every time you went out for ice cream with your Hispanic friends you have to present your papers. He declared that we need to secure the borders and cut the money magnet. Besides enforcing existing employer sanctions and deporting criminals, he proposed making it harder for people who did not have legitimate standing to send funds overseas. He proposed a system similar to the regulation which requires you have some tax ID or legal immigration paperwork to transfer money out of the country. Cut the money and people will self deport.
She asked if it was any different than having to show your driver’s license now. He said a biometric card with all sorts of data and files is far more intrusive. Rollins defended the card as not intrusive and under state’s rights in spite of the fact she had just advocated a federal mandate.
On health care, Glen Urquhart, Christine O’Donnell, and Michele Rollins pledged to repeal Obama Care. When asked what changed her mind to not view repeal as waste of time, by Glen Urquhart, she responded that he must have missed the follow up. She then repeated a version of what she said then that in the first two years it would not be possible. They debated the value of framing the issue for the people with Urquhart and O’Donnell discussing the defund, repeal, and replace strategy.
An interesting aside was a question trying to get the candidates to compare the policies of the President to Hitler’s policies of National Socialism. None of them bit. It was interesting that the moderator tried to move Mr. Urquhart to that twice and did not do so with the other candidates.
Urquhart knocked the conclusion out of the park by comparing the road to serfdom his great grandfather faced with the possible serfdom of debt if we do not change our ways.
It was a good night for all especially the citizens who came out and listened. Let’s hope the candidates do more of these especially the televised one so the citizens can see it.
Here is an objective but less detailed take by the News Journals Beth Miller.
Obviously, Mouse Castle is afraid of O’Donnell. Why? Because she would force him to publicly defend his liberal voting record.
Sorry I missed it. Yes the Super RHINO is afraid of O’Donnell. What’s wrong Mike, she’s only 5’3″ and just a woman. Are you a scardy cat, or is it that she will destroy you on the issues.
David, I believe the News Journal could take a few lessons in journalistic techniques from you. Well written, informative and objective.
Rick, Jammies, Al, What could Castle gain by showing up? I swear you are a bunch of morons.
Why? Because she would force him to publicly defend his liberal voting record.
So the Sussex Republican women weren’t up to that task?
So the Sussex Republican women weren’t up to that task?
Of course not, they’re just women. Didn’t you read Windjammer’s comment?
Far be it for me to agree with Jason 330 on anything really. But he’s right. Castle has nothing to gain by appearing on a stage with O’Donnell except to be the target of a lot of name calling.
When you’re thirty points ahead, how foolish would it be to lift your opponent up to an equal stature?
By the way, this has to have been one of the worst publicized events I have ever seen. I found out about it after an Urquhart aide posted it on her Facebook wall well after it was over.
To some, Mouse Castle’s reluctance to debate O’Donnell is seen as a shrewd political move, and I suppose from a purely pragmatic perspective, it is. However, it also exemplifies cowardice; lobbed softballs are easy to hit- in hardball, you might get hurt.
Man up, Mike.
Well the primary is closing in quickly. The only problem I see is that only about 10% of registered voters go out an vote in the primary. So that being said, Go wake up your neighbors, friends and family and go vote on September 14th.
Pandora
It was not a slight on women, you can believe me on that one.
I was being sarcastic to Castle and actually paying O’Donnell a huge compliment.
Castle was attending the regular monthly meeting of the Eastern Sussex Republican Club. A little due diligence wouldn’t kill you.
Rollins would require “everyone in America 90 days to get a tamper proof, biometric ID card”???
Sounds expensive and complicated, if not bat-sh*t stupid.
Its very simple; enforce the existing laws, put more resources on the border, punish business owners who hire illegals etc. No need for some biometric (whatever that entails) ID card.
Nice summary David.
To me, Castle’s refusal to meet his opponent at a debate, one on one shows fear of his opponent and reaffirms his fear of O’Donnell’s ability to perform the job if she is elected. I don’t view this as being politically wise. He could use well rehearsed rhetoric to neatly sidestep his opponents questions on his voting record. The way he dances around the issues, he should be on “Dancing With The Stars.”
On this election, I’ve decided to stick to the issues and vote for somebody that will actually perform for the republic if she is elected. Christine O’Donnell!
Jason 330
I read some of you liberal comments on DL. Are you like Castle, merely masquerading as a republican.
Yes. I’m a deep cover double agent working for Glen Beck. that’s why I want Castle to beat O’Ddonnell so honest citizens (like you and me) will get so fed up we will tear down this Socialist “Republic” and replace it with the theocratic dictatorship that the evangelical founding fathers like Jefferson and Adams envisioned.
Jason 330
Sounds like you are so full of crap that your eyes have turned brown.
I notice in Ms. Miller’s piece Ms. Rollins describes herself as “pro-life.”
I was wondering if this statement, plus her re-thinking of her former comments concerning healthcare and immigration, doesn’t in fact erase distinctions between her and Mr. Urquhart? Are matters now reduced to mere hair splitting between personalities?
Maybe those more in the know than I can answer the questions.
I’m puzzled.
Nothing to “man up” over, Rick. It makes no sense for Castle to do for O’Donnell what she can’t do for herself. In fact its foolish. No amount of testosterone injected into the discussion will change a fundamentally simple political calculation.
When Castle judges O’Donnell as a threat to him, only then will he, and should he, debate her.
As long as O’Donnell is seen as a fringe candidate she will be treated as one. Why would Castle give her the legitimacy of debating her, campaigns are about winning. Not pleasing people who wouldn’t vote for you anyways.
“I will not handicap it. I will just tell you what happened.”
Gee Dave, your version of the debate doesn’t sound like a neutral recap to me, but a lot of spin for your guy. At least you’ve finally come clean and admitted you’re being paid by Urquhart.
Just the facts M’am. I attended the entire night and here is a recap.
Castle won by not showing up, simple as that.
Rollins looked a bit testy and her National ID was a loser. For what it is worth the states are working towards a nationally approved Drivers License of the same variety.
Urquhart did not take the bait thrown up there many times and while he might be as rich as Rolllins he seemed like a decent guy.
Slight advantage Urquhart.
The Flowers/Matlusky thing was a yawner. Matlusky seemed pleasant but not much on the stump. Flowers was a bit egotistical but he hammered Velda pretty good. Without an opponent it was hard to track who was talking to who as they were in different races. Flowers said he was an economist?
Still, Flowers was good and sharp on other issues.
County Council between Protack and Kilpatrick. Kilpatrick does not have a web site? Really? She did quote a lot of old civic ties but nothing on the future. Pleasant but clearly another place holder in the Tansey tradition as she mentioned she was a state employee right now. A double dipper?
Protack took the first response on every question and offered rebuttals, it seemed Kilpatrick did not want to say more than she had to on anything and stared at the microphone like it was a bomb. Protack gave a good opener and closer, Kilpatrick gave an old resume. Protack by a wide margin.
Sheriff race was ridiculous, should have been D versus R. Listening to 4 guys drone on was torture.
Navarro was the clear winner in poise and points. Neither R has any real law/legal experience and it showed.
Thanks
I don’t think any claim was made to be neutral.
Faye is right. This is just another make over. Her rhetoric just shows that she is losing and now is trying to get with the new in crowd. 3 positions on abortion in a week seems like a new state record.
When she said at the debate that there would be very little difference tonight between the three of them, she was telegraphing a make over to her supporters. Don’t worry, I just have to say these things.
Wasn’t Michelle quoted in the News Journal saying she was only against abortion in the 3rd trimester?
That’s her definition of Pro-Life?
Give me a break.
Anyone who thinks Protack is worthy of public office or the public trust doesn’t know the real Mike Protack.
Ahhh, I assume MP? has some facts? Lay them out for us while you look at kiddie porn. The truth is Protack walked all over Kilpatrick, she looked clueless. No website, are you serious? She read her opener, even the clueless Sheriff Republicans did better than her.
As for Public trust the guy was a military officer for a bunch of years, flies who know how many thousands of people all over the world and has a license to carry a gun in an airplane and a Commercial Pilot license.
And you MP? have what credentials? Don’t waste your time, you have none. Kilpatrick was recruited by that clown Tansey who got to office based on illegal campaign help from Freebery and Gordon. Plus Janet is married to the creepy Vince Lofink, former legislator crook and father of convicted crook, Anthony.
How about Mike Castle do something in the best interest for the voters of Delaware by showing up to debate any and all the US Senate candidates in this race? Never mind about how this works for him – that’s the root cause of the problems this country is experiencing. The level of arrogance and dismissive behavior is unacceptable.
Many seem to forget that Mr. Castle works for us and he owes everyone of us coherent answers for his votes and also demonstrate why he is the best candidate for the job. Why we should walk into the voting booth and cast our votes in his favor, if he won’t take the time to articulate his vision for America or engage his opponents to show he is the best candidate in the race.
I’m not pro-O’Donnell and/or pro-Coons, but I would like to attend a debate event that provides me the information to make an informed choice as to who should be our next US Senator. Don’t we deserve this from our candidates? I’d like to think that we deserve that level of respect. It’s time that our elected officials understand that they work for us and they need to meet our expectations, not their own!
Debates are an opportunity for candidates to get their message out to the voters. Castle’s message is out, O’Donnell has practically never been heard of and is trailing massively in the polls. I agree Castle should debate Coons after he wins the primary, but debating O’Donnell does nothing but open him up to a series of immature insults and lunatic rants.
“Nothing to “man up” over, Rick…[n]o amount of testosterone injected into the discussion will change a fundamentally simple political calculation.”
‘Simple political calculation,’ or simple political cowardice?
I’ll go with the latter; it’s ‘simple political calculations’ that have given us a 13-trillion-dollar deficit.
No, that comes from secular socialists who gave us Social Security and Medicare, costing us $1.3 trillion this year alone. It comes from the same cabal who increased domestic spending nearly 20% in the budget, plus bombed us with a trillion dollar orgy of pork barrel spending called a “stimulus. Take away one, or the other and you can balance our budget.
Castle had nothing to do with any of that. Calling Castle a coward is only an attempt to inject some testosterone into the air hoping to goad at his male pride. He’s too smart for that, so maybe the O’Donnell folks might want to discuss issues for a change and raise their poll ratings a bit so that Castle might actually notice you.
O’Donnell does nothing but open him up to a series of immature insults and lunatic rants.
If so would that not help Castle?
I agree with Smart Girl, she is smart on this one.
“I’m not pro-O’Donnell and/or pro-Coons, but I would like to attend a debate event that provides me the information to make an informed choice as to who should be our next US Senator. Don’t we deserve this from our candidates? I’d like to think that we deserve that level of respect. http://smartgirlpolitics.ning.com/Donnell“.
Smart Girl isn’t so smart when she professes not to be pro O’Donnell. Show us some respect and don’t lie to us.
The debate request from Smart Girl is appropriate. Amazing how shrill and nasty the BLOGS are.
Perhaps the lean to O’Donnell is based on Castle’s total disregard for GOP voters.
Why would a closet radical obama leaning aisle changer over-spender Mike Castle decline a sophisticated forum with the darling Ms. O’Donnell, a political talking head in the media world who is a seasoned debater on serious issues?
He can snub Ms. O’Donnell all he wants, but the fear of God better be on him. You never know what card is next from the O’Donnell camp.
I mean strategically speaking Ms. O’Donnell has the upper-hand here if Castle declines the ABC debate, and I’m just speculating here of course…But I’m certain O’Donnell is well prepared to get into the issues if Castle so dares to debate her.
Ahhhh yes, the aisle changer lies. Keep it coming. We never know what card is next? Yes we do, more lies, immature attacks and outright stupidity. This race was over before it began.
Ahhhh yes, the aisle changer lies. Keep it coming. We never know what card is next? Yes we do, more lies, immature attacks and outright stupidity. This race was over before it began.
“Calling Castle a coward is only an attempt to inject some testosterone into the air hoping to goad at his male pride.”
What ‘male pride?’ He’s obviously afraid of O’Donnell.
Democrat Girl,
Go back to NY 23 where you lost the race working for Hoffman. Thanks for putting a Dumbocrat in office.
I’m not from NY and I didn’t work on that campaign. AND I can’t wait for 9-14 because she IS GOING TO KICK ASS!!!!
I am an independent blogger as stated on my site.
In the case of dede the commie lib, I would rather have the Democrat for a year than be stuck with a Republican who is worse for many years. Remember Hoffman was winning except for her going all in to back the Democrat. It seems you are criticizing the wrong people cookie.
I would rather have the Democrat for a year than be stuck with a Republican who is worse for many years.
David wants Coons as our Senator from Delaware????
“What ‘male pride?’ He’s obviously afraid of O’Donnell.”
If that was true, he’d debate her. He doesn’t think she is a threat, and as such is not going to legitimize her by debating her.
Cookie – FYI – I’m not lying about being Pro-O’Donnell or Pro-Coons and your accusation is completely false about who I’m supporting. I happen to be undecided at this time about who I will be voting for on Sept 14th.
Just because Smart Girl Politics has O’Donnell supporters, doesn’t mean I happen to be one!
Then I have to say it again that you are not a smart girl to be a part of Smart Girl Politics who endorses Christine O’Donnell and allies themselves with Founders Values who support O’Donnell. Better take off those rose colored glasses and read your own website.
Cookie,
Smart Girl can weigh the candidates and make up her OWN mind just like any rational voter. She can belong to an association group that she chooses. Unlike you, she is OPEN to the plus side of Christine rather closing her ears by allowing them to be muffled by all the naysayers in these forums who make a lot of false accusations and assumptions (such as what you are doing do SG right now). Point taken.
What’s the difference between Coons and Castle? They’re both Democrats. Oh, one has an ‘R’ next to his name.
Never…I’d rather have an honest ‘D.’