Just wanted to pass along a link to the live debate going on now between Claire McCaskill and Todd Akin. So far, Claire is scoring serious points on education, energy and the role of the federal government. Link below.
Live Debate Stream
Akin was asked about voting to continue subsidies for wind power in Missouri, which provide thousands of jobs in the state. Akin: NO. It's like taking candy from a baby.
Question from the audience about stem cell research. Claire: supports. Akin: NO to embryonic research.
5:40 PM PT: Akin babbling about 'activist judges' when asked about the Supreme Court. Claim the Court 'acts like God'.
5:42 PM PT: Question about Medicare and Social Security. McCaskill points out that Akin considers Social Security unconstitutional.
5:45 PM PT: Akin says Medicare is 'forced' on people by the federal government. Seems to want seniors to negotiate their own prices. Voucher system.
5:48 PM PT: Question about Israel-Iran situation. Says we've 'apologized' to our enemies. Really is just spouting Romney talking points, not very coherently.
5:49 PM PT: McCaskill says that she's voted for sanctions for Iran while Akin has voted for aid to Iran. Says that Akin has voted against funds to Israel. Akin rebutting and can't remember the countries we've cut off from foreign aid - McCaskill had to tell him.
5:51 PM PT: Going to final remarks. McCaskill first. She's pointing out the differences between her and Akin. Bringing up equal pay for equal work - she supports, Akin opposes.
5:51 PM PT: Points out that the women in Akin's congressional office make 23% less than the men in his office. SCORE!
5:53 PM PT: She notes that Akin voted to raise his pay, later voted to cut VA funding. She brings up all of the times he's voted to raise his pay and votes against the school lunch program, cutting veteran's programs by billions. This is brutal. Very effective.
5:54 PM PT: Akin close. Tying McCaskill to the Obama administration, talks about all of the 'failed' programs she's supported.
5:54 PM PT: Now accusing McCaskill of being corrupt, enriching herself in office.
5:56 PM PT: Akin blaming Obamacare exclusively on McCaskill. Now talking about god, liberty, freedom etc.
5:56 PM PT: Debate over. Akin sounded like a total nut at the end.
6:00 PM PT: Final note: Akin played to his base, which isn't going to move the numbers for him. McCaskill took a much broader view, which should help her with the undecideds. She's already ahead so Akin did nothing to help himself with this performance.