So, at the last minute I got a ticket to watch the
Senior Senator debate
the Opponent! I've never attended a live debate before, so I decided I had to accept.
For you Seattle Kossacks, the debate was at KING 5, and it was in the old "Almost Live" studio - they haven't removed the AL logos, the bleachers are the same, I even remembered the chairs. I guess they just left the room as is and use it for shows like this.
The rally outside was excellent - the Opponent's people showed up in force, to make up for their lame showing in Spokane, but our supporters still outnumbered them. Where I stood, folks were friendly and getting along, but I understand there was some jostling at the entry to the parking garage.
sigh
From the opening moments, it was a route. The Opponent was evasive, and hit on his RNC-provided talking points, with no independent thought at all. When he did stray off his talking points, he got...well, odd. The same old saws came up time and again: She voted against [insert enormous amount here] in defense spending (not true), she voted against tax "relief" [insert big number here] times, I don't question her patriotism, just her judgement, "it was the wrong vote" (use four times).
The Senator stuck to her guns, and didn't take the bait. She hit on the themes of our campaign: irresponsible tax cuts which favor the wealthy don't grow the economy, they only grow the deficit, and prevent us from taking care of our priorities: education, affordable health care, and ensuring the troops have what they need. They talked about the prescription drug "benefit" - the Senator voted against the bill that passed because it was a handout to insurance and pharma. She wants to get this bill fixed by allowing importation of Canadian prescription drugs, among other things.
Odd Opponent moment: The moderator from KREM TV in Spokane (I forgot his name, sorry) asked him, if drugs are safe for consumption in Canada, and aren't harming Canadians, why would they be unsafe here? Opponent's answer: We don't want the Canadian style health care system here, because it's expensive and inefficient, and leads to higher taxes. And it's unsafe.
I wish I was kidding.
Anyway, I was really happy to see the Senator work in person - she was strong, quick on her feet, and right on the issues. Personal happy moment: In my role in the campaign, I don't have many reasons to meet the Senator - just not many opportunities. But after the debate, she remembered me! I've only chatted with her a couple times, so it meant a lot that she remembered who I was.
Tonight, I am proud to say that I work for my Senator. I'm really glad that I got to attend the debate. Thanks for listening, my Kossack friends! If you want to see the debate, check C-SPAN 2; it should be archived.