Redstate

By Brad Smith Comments (1) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Ken Blackwell and Ted Strickland are having the first of four scheduled debates as we speak. These debates are crucial to Blackwell's ability to turn this race around - burdened by the inept, scandal plagued administration of Ohio Governor Bob Taft, Blackwell trails by double digits in most polls.

Ken Blackwell is a an excellent speaker, an extremely smart man, and a very shrewd politician. Here in Ohio's capital, the CW is that Blackwell should mop the floor with Strickland, who is considered something of a policy lightweight. But Strickland, a former minister, has a pleasant, congenial style, and Blackwell needs to avoid coming across as overbearing.

In what follows, some of the quotes may not be precise - I am transcribing by ear and short term memory - but they capture as close as I was able the comments made:

Watching the debate live on the Ohio News Network (sort of a state based CNN), my early impression is that Blackwell is doing well. Strickland went on in one answer at some length about how every big city mayor in Columbus supported him. "Why?" he asked himself rhetorically. "Because they know I have a plan." Blackwell slaughtered this - "They support him because their Democrats. And that's why our city's are failing." Blackwell has struck a tone of moderation and gentility (no Al Gore sighs, etc.) while showing himself clearly more on top of facts and issues.

Strickland has made several odd comments, including the claim that "I have left a light footprint in my time in Washington." Rather odd to brag about being considered a lightweight.

Asked about the depressed Mahoning Valley (northeast Ohio, including Youngstown, where the debate is being held):

Strickland: "My opponent is unwilling to invest anything in this [Mahoning] valley, other than things that may benefit the private sector." Well, can't have private sector activity in the Valley! That was virtually a laugh line.

Strickland is now defending his record in Washington in wake of a question that noted he has been rated as "ineffective." Strickland is saying, "My views are not extreme." As we all know, this is not the kind of statement you want to be making, particularly in a race where the press has been portraying Blackwell as an "extemist" and Strickland as a "moderate."

Midway through the debate, Strickland shows unexpected vigor, raising his voice in comments that don't seem to call for it.
Strickland argues, "I have never said tax increases are necessary. I have said we need to make investments in our state and live within our means." Blackwell responds, "But he never says how he'll pay for those investments."

Blackwell: "I am a pro-life candidate."

Dumb question of the debate: "Do you favor a timetable for withdrawing our troops from Iraq?" An important issue for a governor! Still a good question for Strickland, given dissatisfaction with Iraq. But Blackwell handles it very well, drawing on his experience in the U.N.

Back to the abortion issue for the debate's last question, Blackwell makes a very strong pro-life statement - warming to the pro-life heart but perhaps not the best issue on which to leave the debate.

Overall, Blackwell has done a very good job. Moderate, informed, cool, sharp. Whether it's enough, I don't know. Strickland is a nice guy, and in his bumbling way is certainly sincere - in this year, in Ohio, that may be enough. Strickland says virtually nothing of substance, but that too, may be enough. Freed from having to think on his feet in response to questions, Strickland's prepared closing statement - given after Blackwell's - is very good, and will leave a strong final impression. Obviously, most people won't see the debate, and much will depend on press coverage. Next debate is September 20 in Columbus.

For those in Ohio, this debate will be re-aired on ONN at 11:00 p.m. tonight.