Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Lincoln one-ups Boozman on debates UPDATE
Posted by Gerard Matthews on Tue, Sep 14, 2010 at 10:13 AM
During Friday's Fox 16/Talk Business senate debate, Rep. John Boozman suggested a town hall-style debate in which he and Sen. Blanche Lincoln would take questions from the audience - no notes, just microphones - even though Boozman had declined no less than seven debate offers from the Lincoln campaign. Sen. Lincoln fumbled the response a bit, saying she was willing to do it, but they would have to set something up between the campaigns. This morning, Lincoln issued a press release, not only agreeing to a debate, but proposing the candidates sit down for four such occasions, one for each congressional district. Lincoln's campaign also reaches out to Independent candidate Trevor Drown and Green Party candidate John Gray.
"I'm delighted that Congressman Boozman has changed his mind and would like to hold an additional debate," Lincoln said in a press release. "In fact, I propose we schedule the town hall-style debates like he proposed in each congressional district so that as many Arkansas voters as possible have the opportunity to examine our records alongside one another. I look forward to the Congressman's reply."
We do too. Release on the jump.
AETN will feature the candidates Oct. 13 and the Green and independent candidates also will be included. Here's the full AETN debate schedule.
UPDATE: Boozman responds. Kind of. He says Lincoln "misconstrued" his invitation although she agreed to debates "like he proposed." He addresses Lincoln, "I’ve hosted over 40 open-forum events across the state of Arkansas since starting my campaign, and I look forward to you joining me for your first." Boozman's release is on the jump. So is this a yes or a no? I've asked the campaign for clarification. News reports this morning said Lincoln had "upped the ante" on Boozman's challenge. To stick with the poker lingo, it looks like she called his bluff.
UPDATE II: It looks like we're getting into a battle over semantics now. Patrick Creamer, with the Boozman campaign, says in response, "What the Congressman proposed was not a debate, rather that Senator Lincoln join him at a town hall and take questions from the people of Arkansas. If she commits and follows through with one, then we can see where it goes from there."
UPDATE III: Trevor Drown compliments Lincoln. Pops Boozman.
Lincoln On Boozman Debate Challenge:
"Why Stop at One?"
Lincoln proposes 4 additional debates, each congressional district covered
After declining at least seven invitations from non-partisan organizations to join Senator Blanche Lincoln in a candidate forum or debate, Congressman John Boozman used one of his questions during Friday's Talk Business/Fox 16 debate to challenge Senator Lincoln to an additional debate.
Today, Senator Lincoln welcomed the opportunity and said "why stop at one?"
"I'm delighted that Congressman Boozman has changed his mind and would like to hold an additional debate," Lincoln said. "In fact, I propose we schedule the town hall-style debates like he proposed in each congressional district so that as many Arkansas voters as possible have the opportunity to examine our records alongside one another. I look forward to the Congressman's reply."
Lincoln suggested that college campuses would be ideal locations for the candidate debate series and she welcomed the participation of Independent Trevor Drown and Green Party candidate John Gray.
Congressman Boozman has agreed to only two debates (Talk Business held September 10 and AETN's upcoming debate on October 13) but has declined the following debates/candidate forums, including three in his own congressional district. His campaign has given various and often conflicting excuses. Senator Lincoln has accepted all invitations listed below.
Arkansas Economic Developers Forum, Hot Springs, August 24
Boozman's excuse after initially accepting the invitation: We thought each candidate would speak separately.
University of Arkansas Student Government Association Debate
Boozman's excuse: We're only doing two debates.
Northwest Arkansas Emerging Leaders Candidate Debate hosted by the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Commerce
Boozman's excuse: Will only have one debate in each congressional district and already committed to do the University of Arkansas debate.
KFSM-Channel 5 and The City Wire Debate in Fort Smith
Boozman's excuse: Not sure he can make it.
El Dorado Forum sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the El Dorado News-Times and Noalmark Broadcasting
Boozman's excuse: Schedule is booked.
Pulaski County Bar Association candidate forum in Little Rock
Boozman's excuse: He'll be in D.C.
Associated Press debate in Little Rock
No Response from Boozman
BOOZMAN RESPONSE
Dear Senator Lincoln,
At our September 10th debate, I invited you to abandon the pre-screened questions, the structure, the filters, and the security of prepared taking points, and join me on stage for an extended town hall. I think you misconstrued my invitation to join me at an open, town hall meeting.
The stipulations were clear: two microphones, two chairs, and two candidates on a stage without notes answering unscreened questions from Arkansans at a pre-publicized, town hall forum.
No tickets, no reserved seats - it’s first come, first serve, and we stay until all questions are asked.
This is a job interview Senator Lincoln. The people of Arkansas are the boss, and they deserve to have their questions answered.
Voters have the right to ask unfiltered, unscreened questions and receive straightforward, honest answers from their elected officials. I understand this responsibility. Open town hall forums and meet-and-greets, not scripted podium pronouncements, have served as the principle format for my U.S. Senate campaign.
I’ve hosted over 40 open-forum events across the state of Arkansas since starting my campaign, and I look forward to you joining me for your first.
Sincerely,
John Boozman
TREVOR DROWN STATEMENT
We applaud the efforts of Senator Lincoln to include all candidates in the debate, no matter what her motivation is. The people of Arkansas deserve a chance to hear from each candidate. .All four of us have rightfully earned their spot to be a candidate and have their voice heard by the people of Arkansas. It is shame that Congressman Boozman is attempting to manipulate the traditional process of debate which we use in the country to air differences to his benefit. Furthermore, Congressman Boozman has no ground to stand on that he is a friend of the Veterans in this country, since he is refusing to engage in debate with the only Veteran in the US Senate race. His attempt to silence the process is typical of the leadership problems the Arkansas Republican Party continue to demonstrate.
Comments (24)
Showing 1-24 of 24
Will Blanche sharpen her attack and preparation this time? Or will she once again evince a triumph of unpreparedness and inept highlighting of Boozman's record with exposing more irrelevant and inconsequential examples of his voting record? . . .
Perhaps she and Boozman should both add John Gray to the debate and the DINO and the Republican can jointly have something to attack, since they are too similar to each other to have a real debate.
Regardless, of the outcome of the elections, if it is the 'Democrat' or the Republican, the people of Arkansas will have their worst Senatorial representation since Secession or Reconstruction.
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Let's hope that Blank is better prepared than Max's latest posts indicate for her previous appearance.
I'm trying real hard to form whole thoughts on this subject. Here we have a woman who is guilty of most of the things she accuses Boozman of doing and being. So that's one. Blanche knows that Mumbles Boozman is one of the few people who can say less in a sentence than she can.
Listening to Boozman is like catching the first words of a hermit forced out of his hole after 48 years of silent hiding. Of course listening to Blanche is like fingernails on a chalk board. Singy-songy, voice of a 1940s librarian. I'm so glad the late Rep. Barbara Jordan is dead and can't hear either of them.
But of course the important thing isn't their poor speaking abilities, it's their poor thinking abilities, their record of love of the rich and disdain of the middle class to poor. They simply don't give a damn about you and me and their voting records prove it. Blanche only hears you if you're a Fortune 500 company or a giant mega-farmer. Boozman is hard-wired to the rich, he votes without listening......he has his orders.
Whoever digests the information at hand and controls Boozman's voting hand doesn't like us either. Boozman's puppet master has voted to knock sick kids off the list of those who can see a doctor. Die kids, and make room for healthy ones who can pluck chickens and work at Wal-Mart. Boozman's hand master never votes to bring regulation to US industries, if you get your hands cut off.....good.....ya can't make Jesus weep while you masturbate any more. Now go quietly die somewhere.....we're working here!
Blanche scoring a hit on Boozman.......isn't that pitiful to even contemplate? It's like Jane Hathaway outsmarting Milburn Drysdale....thanks, but I saw enough of that in the 1960s, it's not remotely entertaining any more.
Oh it's fun picking on these 2 people we should have never heard of. But what isn't fun is thinking that one of these 2 corporately owned lapdogs will have control over the next 6 years of our life. Gun shot or stabbed, cancer or heart attack, losing your oldest child or your youngest? I vote D, none of the above. Any way you turn them, Johnny Blanche is the same. We're so screwed....and there's no debate about that. Vote NEITHER this November.
Remember that Boozman's request also included that Blank jettison her notebook.
Will she be able to function without her flash cards?
I bet old Plantation Blanche is banking on Boozman to turn this down. No way either of them will allow all candidates on the ballot to participate in a true debate.
As for the media.. how about demanding a true debate format... you know, the kind which would pass a high school definition of a debate? Why are campaigns allowed to set so much of the stage? How about some real questions and at least two pointed followups determined to get a response to questions when they refuse to do so?
Congressman Boozman gets checkmated on this one. He loses big time. I cannot believe they are that afraid of what he will not bring to this. He wants "honest answers from their elected officials" in this forum. This is the problem, a sense of entitlement because he is elected and a party hack. Where is his honesty by not joining Senator Lincoln and calling for all candidates. Get that Green Beret Trevor Drown and Green Party John Gray in there. Really mix it up. No he is afraid of pretty much everything but his own shadow. I have no love for Senator Lincoln, but she made this move and bumps her up a notch.
Then there is this little gem, "The people of Arkansas are the boss" Get all the candidates up there. This is a "job interview" and your qualifications are lacking.
Oh I can just see the kind of nutty bullshit questions being asked at a townhall.
"Sen. Lincoln, how can i be sure that you are also not a mooslim socialist?"
"Sen. Lincoln have you seen where the 666 mark of the beast is on ObamaOsama?"
"Sen. Lincoln do you or do you not support death panels and re-education camps for us real American tea party grannies?"
"Sen. Lincoln have you actually seen that mooslim in the White Houses birth certificate?"
"Sen. Lincoln why have you and the sekrit mooslim in the white house taken my country from me and Sen. Booozeman will you help us get it back?"
"Sen. Lincoln just what are your thoughts on fluoridation?"
LinCON is so screwed this November that she needs to go guerilla on Boozy. If he participates in so many town hall forums then she needs to show up at each and every one of them too. Gray should tag along also to ensure he gets his time. I think the only way that LinCON can pull this out of the bag at this time is to actually show the people that Boozy doesn't have a single thought in his head except protecting the rich.
Now don't get me wrong, LinCON is a lap dog for the rich too. I'm just espousing my own thoughts on running a campaign that is going down the toilet faster and faster every day. Does she really think that the two of them arguing over what a "debate" is will help her? That the people of Arkansas give a damn at all? If so, well, that is sad. People don't care about y'all talking about debates...people may care about what is said during a debate.
Her only chance at this point is to think outside the box and do things that will truly draw attention to her and how Boozy really is.
But that won't happen, and I know it. Maybe I'm crazy to even think it in the first place. But from what I see, the TEA Party isn't winning because they are playing fair. They are going for the jugular of their Republican brothers. The least LinCON can do is go for the jugular of the opposition. This is suppose to be politics! Quit acting like its 3rd grade: (child's voice) "Teacher, Johnny won't debate me like he said he would!!!!"
That said, I'm sure all those "smart" people running her campaign will write a very impressive resume.
". . . Her only chance at this point is to think outside the box . . ."
The operative word here is the verb . . . "think" . . . and IMO (from past experience) that is an endeavor and practice that Senator Blanche Lincoln is totally unaccustomed to performing.
>>Will she be able to function without her flash cards?<<
Will Boo!Man be able to deny all he has done without flash cards?
YOUBETCHA! Since few know his record and that's the way they want it.
This is not a conventional year, and yet some things will behave conventionally. The trick if you're a pundit or candidate is figuring out which ones.
*Conventionally* the front runner or incumbent doesn't challenge to a debate. In this case, the incumbent isn't the front runner. So conventionally Boozman shouldn't challenge Lincoln. But this is not a year when you want to *be* the front runner, so Boozman needs to look like a challenger, even though he's in front. But Boozman is not a particularly scintillating speaker, so what to do? Figure out that Blanche is even weaker off-script and put the challenge where she is weakest. Then use the fact that there are only five weeks 'til Election Day to justify scheduling only one event (since, *as the front-runner* he really *doesn't* want to debate!)
And why should we all have our time wasted by Trevor Drown and whomever is the fourth candidate? So they can get from two points up to three?
"And why should we all have our time wasted by Trevor Drown and whomever is the fourth candidate? So they can get from two points up to three?"
Well Theo, A whole bunch of us are sick and tired of our choices being limited to DINO and DUMBO. We'd like to hear some fresh ideas and honest answers for a change. If you don't already know the D & R talking points by heart, you probably won't remember after hearing them again anyway - so you'll be wasting your time.
Keeping Greens and Independents out of the debates - after they have jumped through all the hoops put in place by the D's & R's - is just wrong.
LinCo, I think they are updating. Today was the final day to submit information for the candidates. So maybe the system is down. @eBiggs, thanks, I feel the same way. get some fresh ideas in there, maybe it will grease the machine and it will turn.
The only reason Boozman doesn't want Drown in these townhall debates is he knows Drown will blow him out of the water. @Theo...Sounds like you're just a wee bit scared Drown or Gray might just gain some traction from these events. I'm tired of all the sheeple from both sides thinking a person has to have an R or D behind there name. Don't you think both have screwed this country up enough?
The only reason Boozman doesn't want Drown in these townhall debates is he knows Drown will blow him out of the water. @Theo...Sounds like you're just a wee bit scared Drown or Gray might just gain some traction from these events. I'm tired of all the sheeple from both sides thinking a person has to have an R or D behind there name. Don't you think both have screwed this country up enough?
hey theo! if you had a clue on how the poles worked you would not be so quick to judge... I for one am tired of the same ole politicions!! you let boozman have blanche's seat or you can give his seat to her doesent matter! they ARE the reason you country is in the mess it is in. no matter which you look at they both have spent us down the river and both need a first class ticket the hell out of washington!! I have heard them all speak!! I will suport Trevor drown! He did not point his finget at the others he just came up with a plan to take this country back in the right direction!! Trevor has fought for this country, his frieds have died beside him in combat!! he swore at the age of 17 to defend the constitution! all booz and blch have done is destroy it!
In this whole election cycle, what I find quite disconcerting is the fact the Independent Candidate and Green Party are being 'blackballed' by Main Stream Media..
Anyone who has been diligent in researching both mainstream candidates should have found what I have,.. neither one has very little difference to the other.. both have voted FOR the same legislation which all of the general population of not only Arkansas but the nation finds repugnant, invasive on a personal basis, and dramatically increases the debt level of every American citizen. Also from personal experience, neither Lincoln nor Boozman really cares beyond the sound bite or publicity they gain concerning empathy for the high percentage of active duty, reserves, veterans and their families. They have paid lip service to those who are and have defended our value systems and democratic republican way of life...''
every informed voter needs to strongly question why these two are being tolerated to continue representing the very strong conservative values of our State. Even the 'liberals' in this State are conservative in nature compared to elsewhere. If you have not checked on What Trevor Drown is about,.. maybe you should.. Independent IS NOT a third party!!
Can't wait for debates with Trevor Drown in the mix. I have had the opportunity to hear him speak on a few occasions. He is a true patriot, a Christian, and will represent the people of Arkansas, not the big, out of state donors. He got on the ballot by hundreds of volunteers gathering some 14,000 signatures and had spent less than $7,000 to reach that point. It was reported that the other candidates competing for this seat spent in excess of $20,000,000 combined, just in the primaries. Who do you think will best represent you?
I have had the pleasure of meeting Trevor as well, several times.
He by far has the BEST plan ever heard of to bring it back home for WE THE PEOPLE to rule, you know, REGNUT POPLUS!! Our state mottof for those of you that do not know!
I pray that Trevor keeps gaining as much ground as I have seen this week in my little corner of the state...if he keeps up this momentum, he WILL be our next U.S. Senator! GO TREVOR! I do believe he will keep it up, for doors of unheard of opportunity have been opening one after another and at the PERFECT, DIVINE time!
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