Candy Crowley, Tim Kaine, George Allen
U.S. Senate Debate at The Homestead - July 21, 2012
U.S. Senate Debate at The Homestead - July 21, 2012
George Allen came out a winner at Saturday's U.S. Senate debate at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Virginia, hosted by the Virginia Bar Association. The event showed an interesting -- and surprising -- contrast between former Republican Governor Allen and former Democratic Governor Tim Kaine.
Tim Kaine resorted to consistent name calling and badgering of George Allen during the 75-minute exchange while saying he could be the one to work across the aisle. I guess he meant as long as it was not George Allen across the aisle ... serious lack of statesmanship on Kaine's behalf.
George Allen was the only one to find common ground with Kaine and even highlighted times when he joined with Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator John Kerry on legislation. Kaine's response? He dug up fifteen-year-old quotes from Allen who had criticized Clinton and Kerry. All that proved was that George Allen could still work with Democrats on issues they agreed on even if he did not agree with them on other issues. And Kaine thinks this is a bad thing?
I took particular exception to Kaine's accusations that Allen "voted for two wars" without any concern about how to pay for them. That was a smug and condescending charge. After 9/11 when this country suffered the worst terrorism attacks in its history, Congress and President George W. Bush acted as quickly as possible to protect the American people and our homeland. To bring that non-partisan issue of national security into a debate is an eye-opening look into Kaine's leadership -- or lack of -- if this country ever faces another disaster.
In the end, Kaine was interested in name-calling while George Allen showed he was the only candidate in this race serious about listening to hard-working Virginians who feel that their voices are not being heard in D.C.
Pre-debate huddle with moderator Candy Crowley of CNN.
Journalists and bloggers pre-debate.
More than two dozen reporters and photographers as well as TV cameras recorded this moment in Virginia political history.
More than two dozen reporters and photographers as well as TV cameras recorded this moment in Virginia political history.
Dozens of reporters, photographers, and videographers were on hand.
George Allen said wanted to be the deciding vote in the Senate to repeal ObamaCare.
Kaine practically flipped out when Allen pointed out that he had been hand-picked by Obama to be chair of Democratic National Committee, and that he would be Obama's Senator, not Virginia's, because of his close ties to the President. Kaine shot back that he was offended by such a remark and his body language showed his aggitation as he rocked back on his heels. George Allen, who had stopped talking when interrupted by Kaine, went on to make his next point.
I think Allen struck a nerve. Kaine reacted in a negative way and not as a leader.
Perhaps a nerve was struck because Tim Kaine sided with President Obama over the people of Virginia on the $800 billion stimulus that Kaine said was to "jump-start the economy" but that has only left us deeper in debt and without jobs that were promised. Kaine called ObamaCare "one of the great achievements of this president," saying it would "control costs and lower costs for middle class families who are struggling."
Perhaps a nerve was struck because, as Governor, Kaine proposed nearly $4 billion in new tax increases including raising taxes on Virginians earning as little as $17,000 a year. Over 100,000 jobs were lost during Kaine's ter as Governor, and he made significant cuts in higher education that increased tuition at Virginia colleges up 30 percent. As Obama's hand-picked DNC chairman, he spent his last year as Governor traveling the country promoting Obama's policies.
Reporter Bob Stuart of the Waynesboro News Virginian noted, "The usually amiable Kaine also went for the jugular in character attacks on Allen, describing the former senator and governor as a partisan politician and practitioner of 'smash-mouth politics.' ”
Interesting that the very thing Kaine was accusing Allen of was what he himself was actually doing during the debate.
Governor Allen made notes as Kaine responded to a question.
Governor Kaine
Congressman Robert Hurt (R-5th CD) and Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas.
After the debate, Congressman Robert Hurt said, "George Allen has demonstrated he is the only candidate in this race listening to the voices of hard-working Virginians hurting under Washington's failed policies. George Allen understands that leadership is about setting priorities and bringing people together to accomplish those goals. His proven record of standing up for Virginia sets him apart from Tim Kaine's record of tabling tough decisions.
"As our military is facing $500 billion in cuts and Virginia could lose 200,000 good-paying jobs, we need a partner in the U.S. Senate who will be a leader in stopping these devastating cuts. George Allen will be Virginians' voice in Washington with the leadership and proven record we need to turn around our economy."
George Allen (left) surrounded by press post-debate.
Bob Stuart at the News-Virginian also wrote:
“Republicans trust people and free enterprise,’’ said Allen, who said he cut Virginia taxes while governor, helped abolished parole and reformed welfare.The choice in November is between two men who disagree on how far government's hand should be in the pockets of citizens. Tim Kaine's combativeness is not the tone that is needed, and his alignment with Barack Obama shows that he will support and continue the failed policies of this President.
He said Kaine attempted to raise taxes by $4 billion while governor, increased college tuition costs and lost 100,000 jobs.Allen also said Kaine closed VDOT rest stops when there was $1 billion left in an account at the state agency.
Thank you to the Virginia Bar Association for once again opening the venue to the press and bloggers.
Sighted at the debate: Congressman Robert Hurt, Allen campaign manager Mike Thomas, Allen political director Richard Crouse, former Allen administration Secretary of State Betsy Beamer, Mrs Susan Allen with daughter Brooke, reporter David Sherfinski from the Washington Times (formerly of the Washington Examiner), former Governor Doug Wilder, State Senator Creigh Deeds, Congressman Bobby Scott, fellow Bearing Drift colleague Jason Kenney, Bob Brown who is a photographer with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.
Noticeably absent: Jeff Schapiro from the Richmond Times-Dispatch. And I still miss seeing Tyler Whitley, formerly of the RTD, at these events. He was a walking encyclopedia of Virginia politics.
Other coverage of Saturday's debate:
- Bob Stuart with the Waynesboro News-Virginian: Kaine, Allen go on the attack at Homestead debate
- David Sherfinski with the Washington Times: Sharp exchanges punctuate first Allen-Kaine debate in Va.
- Wesley Hester with the Richmond Times-Dispatch:Allen, Kaine trade blows on host of issues at debate
- From Virginia Business: Video of the debate
- See also Photos: Homestead U.S. Senate debate with George Allen & Tim Kaine
2 comments:
In 1982 George Allen became my Representative in the Virginia House of Delegates, serving there until he went on to the U.S. Congress in 1991. His district was redistricted away a few years later. Of course, most people are more familiar with his time as Governor and then Senator.
I'm glad you mention the Listening Tours and other highlights of Senator Allen's way of working. In a headlong attempt to create their own George Allen narrative, his foes are all too prone to ignore his actual record.
THYME Magazine is endorsing George Allen, basing this endorsement on a thirty year record.
You have direct knowledge of George Allen's years of leadership, Bob. While Democrats would like to ignore his positive record, those who have been there remember his listening tours and the respect Virginians feel for this man.
At Saturday's debate, George Allen came across as a statesman while Tim Kaine came across as combative. I was surprised to see Kaine's form of "debating" -- didn't expect someone of his caliber to stoop to such tactics. The politics of personal destruction have rubbed off on him during his years in contact with the Obama administration.
More Virginians need to be reminded of Allen's leadership and his record of success, and we as conservative bloggers can help get that word out there.
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