I am playing catch up and have just finished watching the Coons-O’Donnell debate. Good Lord, this was a long debate. Basically this was a three on one debate, Chris Coon, Wolf Blitzer and Nancy Karibjanian vs. Christine O’Donnell. I am hard pressed to think of a more lopsidedly moderated debate. Again Blitzer and Karibjanian should take note of how Mitch Fox moderated the Reid-Angle debate. Mitch Fox was only in the tank for the people of Nevada and not for any candidate.
The moderators seem to constantly nudge Coons to go after O’Donnell’s statements. They repeatedly reminded him that this was the “discussion portion” and he could discuss (i.e. attack) what O’Donnell just said.
Chris Coons could not have been more condescending and dismissive of O’Donnell if he tried. Just look at the 52 minute mark to see what I am talking about. Ouch, how rude!
What I thought was funny was that Coons, Blitzer and Karibjanian treated O’Donnell like she was some crazy space alien, even when she continually turned in a sane and thoughtful performance. If they were banking on everyone thinking she is nothing more than a rightwing wacko, they will be mistaken, because O’Donnell was nothing but credible and sane.
Despite, O’Donnell being able to hold her own and come off as a credible candidate, I think what was needed here was for to eviscerate Coons with a killer sound bite or set him back with a series of awkward moments. That did not happen, so it will be interesting to see how if O’Donnell improves her numbers between now and November 2.
I do have to ask, who picked those God awful student questions? Those student questions were so far behind the times it was ridiculous. Are we to believe that college students who are just about to enter the job market are more concerned about stem cell research than the economy? Puleeeeeze!
I think O’Donnell’s best moment came when she answered the education question (see the 36:30 mark). O’Donnell gave a well delivered jab at Coons and a clear explanation of what is wrong with the system.
Second best O’Donnell moment was this:
“I would argue there are more people who support my Catholic faith than his Marxist belief.”
So very feisty!
I also think O’Donnell did a better job than Sharron Angle at delivering charges against her opponent. Clearly, O’Donnell was not afraid to go at Chris Coons.
Video h/t: Breitbart TV