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A few hours after the end of tonight’s gubernatorial debate, just a few bloggers had opined on the spectacle.
Interstate4Jamming notes Crist’s discomfort, praises Chris Matthews and declares Davis the winner. Jim Davis’ own campaign blog proudly reports that USF political science professor Susan MacManus (author of our “Ask The Professor” blog) agrees.
Most in the blogosphere agree the debate was a hoot to watch. Smashed Frog attaches a bit of commentary to a longer post in which the writer opens up a can of whoop-frog on Crist and the insurance crisis. That’s some harsh blogging - er, flogging - er, frogging.
Others found the debate underwhelming. Alachuapolitix, from up yonder in Gainesville, is thinking what many Gainesville-ians are thinking: ”I wonder how Rod Smith would have done?”
Political Safari will check back in as more bloggers weigh in on the debate. Stay tuned - and don’t forget to catch Katherine Harris and Bill Nelson on WFLA this Wednesday at 8. Those two were an absolute snooze last time they debated, but maybe moderator Tim Russert can rouse them.
The political debate of the candidates for Florida Governor became mass chaos with the introduction of Mr. Linn who was rude, blustering incoherently, refusing to follow rules even though he was reprimanded several times. His arguments were illogical and poorly presented. Mr. Crist and Mr. Davis maintained their poise and decorum - they followed the rules of debate. Mr. Crist had greater clarity of thought and presented his case very well.
Addition of the third party candidate denied the voters the opportunity to hear points of view on many other subjects from the two major candidates. Instead we were subjected to the boorish behavior of a definitely less qualified candidate.
While last week’s debate was a snore, tonight’s was a catfight. Was it Chris Matthews? Yup, he made the difference. Matthews didn’t give these guys much of a chance to regurgitate talking points, although they tried valiantly to puke them all over the stage.
Charlie seemed anxious. Linn had the sound bite of the evening—referring to The Attorney General as an empty-suit. Perhaps Linn is reading this bog.
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Posted by Robert C. Pickering, Lakeland, FL on 10/31 at 07:51 PM
Linn’s participation and Matthews as moderator added a bit more excitment that we could have expected otherwise. Matthews should have avoided the national questions and concentrated on issues relating to Florida, but he was a better moderator than Ray Suarez last week. It was good he kept everyone from reverting to the usual talking points and pressed everyone occasionally to clarify or expand on their statements. Linn did what he wanted to do, get his name and face before the electorate. He spent so much time attacking Davis and Crist that he didn’t really have time to talk about his vision and what he would do. It was good to see Davis more aggresive this time; he obviously was better prepared.