UNC-TV Debate: story and final notes
Click here for the print version of my debate story.
Audio of Republicans here and Democrats here.
The fun and games for the Democrats didn't stop when the debate was over. Perdue and Moore kept right on swinging, rhetorically speaking, although they did shake hands.
- * Perdue was asked after the debate whether she thought her jab about the Parton theater was fair. "Yeah, I think it's fair. We're in a race for whose going to lead this state next time, and the people of NC want to know the facts about what's going on and what decisions are being made."
- * Richard Moore took issue with Public Policy Polling's latest survey that showed Perdue opening up a double-digit lead in the primary.
"That polling outfit, I really don't think you guys should even be carrying it. A good poll does not use a computer," Moore said. He also noted that PPP's former chief pollster now works for the Perdue campaign.
- * "I just think it's very unfortunate that the Lt. Gov. doesn't want to debate me on the largest tv station in North Carolina...I'm a little frustrated she doesn't want to participate in the Democratic process," Moore said.
Perdue was asked about this.
"I am debating myself to death right now ... I'm tickled to death to do this one," Perdue said. She noted there were other forums, including two more by WUNC and one with the NAACP coming up.
Of note on the Republican side:
- * The GOP candidates stuck mainly to policy and to the questions they were asked. I don't know if this is some sort of commitment to civility play or whether they hadn't figured out how to go on the attack with only 90 seconds per question.
- * Sen. Fred Smith's hair was not so much the preternatural shade of black that we scruffy media types had grown accustom to. This is completely superficial, but the more natural grey-brown he sported Thursday night suited him.
- * All three GOP candidates said taxes were too high, roads were too congested and water was too scarce. And all said they would lower taxes and pave more roads. None of the three was so clear on what to do about the water thing, except that growth needs to be controlled.
Finally, the next UNC-TV debate is on Feb. 7 and will focus on health care. If you might want to watch with larger group and give your thoughts afterward, drop me a line at mark.binker@news-record.com.
