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How Norm Coleman Lost Tonight's Debate (A Blogger's Perspective)
WCCO-TV (CBS Affiliate in Minneapolis/St Paul) ^ | 10/11/08 | Esme Murphy - Journalist

Posted on 10/13/2008 7:33:11 PM PDT by MplsSteve

Anyone who has been involved in a school yard fight knows the old rule, 2 against 1 will win every time. At tonight's debate Norm Coleman sat literally in the middle of Independent candidate Dean Barkley and Democrat Al Franken. He was eviscerated by both men.

The most devastating moment came when one of the moderators asked, "What do you think is the greatest threat to our country"? The moderator went on to say it could be any threat, not just of the military kind. Al Franken went first and said the biggest threat was Al Qaeda, and that the Bush administration had squandered the past eight years pursuing the war in Iraq, instead of pursuing Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. At the end of his comments Franken ripped into Coleman for his support of President Bush's policy in Iraq.

Then came Dean Barkley. He said the greatest threat was the skyrocketing national debt. He lashed into Coleman saying "this happened on your watch". Barkley's comments echoed a recurring theme by Franken tonight, that President Bush had inherited the largest surplus in US history and was leaving office with the largest deficit.

Then it was Norm Coleman's turn. Coleman said the biggest threat to our country was the "partisan divide" in Washington. Huh? Yes it is a terrible problem, but Coleman kept repeating this line over and over again throughout the evening. Is that really the single greatest threat facing our country?

(Excerpt) Read more at cbslocalblogs.prospero.com ...


TOPICS: Local News; Miscellaneous; Politics
KEYWORDS: 2008; coleman; debate; debates; electioncongress; electionussenate; franken; minnesota
Folks, normally resist the urge to post anything written by the staff of WDFL...I mean WCCO TV. Their leftwards bias is very distinct.

But if any of you saw te debate, Coleman did not look good. Of course, any debate that features two challengers against the incumbent will not favor the incumbent - especially if the incumbent is Norm Coleman.

But Coleman did look tired and distracted and several things he said were odd to say the least. His "partisan divide" comment is one of them.

I shudder to think of the words "Senator Al Franken" being said out loud come January. But Coleman has run such a namby-pamby race that I see Franken having a chance here. I hope I'm wrong. I wanna be wrong!

Comments or opinions - anyone?

1 posted on 10/13/2008 7:33:12 PM PDT by MplsSteve
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To: MplsSteve

There seems to be no good news out there. If Al Franken becomes Senator, than we definitely are going the way of the Roman Empire.


2 posted on 10/13/2008 7:36:18 PM PDT by Clintonfatigued (If Islam conquers the world, the Earth will be at peace because the human race will be killed off.)
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To: MplsSteve

On Mark Levin’s show earlier this evening, he said that Norm Coleman was in trouble. Seems like he’s right.


3 posted on 10/13/2008 7:37:01 PM PDT by itsinthebag (E)
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To: MplsSteve

4 posted on 10/13/2008 7:37:59 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of the Masses Could be Farts)
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To: MplsSteve

I agree that Senator Al Franken is a scary thing to say.

And I’ve been confused with Norm Coleman’s campaigns way back to the advertisement where he took out the garbage when his wife asks him.


5 posted on 10/13/2008 7:38:29 PM PDT by GOPPachyderm
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To: itsinthebag

With answers like the namby panby crap above he deserves to be in trouble.


6 posted on 10/13/2008 7:39:01 PM PDT by jwalsh07 (MSM Lied, Journalism Died. RIP 2008)
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To: MplsSteve

7 posted on 10/13/2008 7:39:23 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of the Masses Could be Farts)
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To: Clintonfatigued
If Al Franken becomes Senator, than we definitely are going the way of the Roman Empire.

LOL. Caligula's horse indeed.

8 posted on 10/13/2008 7:40:00 PM PDT by cmj328
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To: Clintonfatigued
Even Bill O’Reilly has called Al Fraken a “smearmonger.” Good God, has the majority of Americans lost every bit of common sense? I would be totally embarassed to vote for this person.
9 posted on 10/13/2008 7:40:56 PM PDT by GOP_Lady
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To: mylife

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

Why did you do that to us?


10 posted on 10/13/2008 7:41:31 PM PDT by GOP_Lady
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To: MplsSteve

First Jesse Ventura, now Al Franken?

Are Minnesotans aware of how how stupid they seem?


11 posted on 10/13/2008 7:41:57 PM PDT by HelloooClareece ("We make war that we may live in peace". Aristotle)
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To: MplsSteve
Coleman said the biggest threat to our country was the "partisan divide" in Washington

Omigod. This has nothing to do with "2 against 1" and everything to do with a fat complacent stupid incumbent with beltway fever who obviously doesn't care if he loses, literally, to a clown act.

This is the sh*t that 2006 was made of.

12 posted on 10/13/2008 7:42:13 PM PDT by hinckley buzzard
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To: GOP_Lady

Looks like Norm Colman is doing it to us.


13 posted on 10/13/2008 7:42:44 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of the Masses Could be Farts)
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To: MplsSteve

Coleman really is stupid! when he cant even take on the Village Idiot and demented Pervert! That answer was so Pathetic, Coleman should sign himself into a Mental Institution.


14 posted on 10/13/2008 7:43:28 PM PDT by NOBAMA in 08 ( OBIE HUSSEIN is a Pathetic Puppet of Bill Ayers and Associates!)
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To: mylife

Yes, indeed, unfortunately. I can fight better than that, and I’m a girl. Gees.


15 posted on 10/13/2008 7:44:06 PM PDT by GOP_Lady
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To: GOP_Lady

I fear for the country. ;)


16 posted on 10/13/2008 7:44:59 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of the Masses Could be Farts)
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To: MplsSteve

*2 against 1 will win every time. At tonight’s debate Norm Coleman sat literally in the middle of Independent candidate Dean Barkley and Democrat Al Franken.*

Here again, it is a candidates like Barkley, a L Ron Paul lemming who will help make it possible for a WingNut leftist like Franken to win.

Only Coleman or Franken will win. Why don’t some get a clue and see that the third party demagogues are tools for the left.


17 posted on 10/13/2008 7:45:07 PM PDT by SoCalPol (McCain / Palin 08 The Only Choice)
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To: MplsSteve

OMG, say it ain’t so!
Franken in the senate? AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!


18 posted on 10/13/2008 7:47:04 PM PDT by kimchi lover (Just another non-racist not voting for Obama)
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To: mylife
If Sarah's the “baracuda,” then I'm the “lion.” ;-)
19 posted on 10/13/2008 7:48:10 PM PDT by GOP_Lady
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To: HelloooClareece
Are Minnesotans aware of how how stupid they seem?

As a Minnesota conservative, yes, I am hyper-aware of the stupidity. Al Franken is a nightmare.

20 posted on 10/13/2008 7:48:37 PM PDT by mplsconservative
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To: NOBAMA in 08

As they say in Minnesota “You Bet”


21 posted on 10/13/2008 7:48:38 PM PDT by Jan Hus
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To: GOP_Lady

We need more folks like ya!


22 posted on 10/13/2008 7:48:58 PM PDT by mylife (The Roar Of the Masses Could be Farts)
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To: MplsSteve
I've since added butter and syrup to Al's pancake.
23 posted on 10/13/2008 7:49:34 PM PDT by Dan Lacey
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To: Dan Lacey

You’ve got to be kidding me.


24 posted on 10/13/2008 7:50:21 PM PDT by GOP_Lady
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To: GOP_Lady

It gets a great response.


25 posted on 10/13/2008 7:52:03 PM PDT by Dan Lacey
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To: NorthWoody; Manic_Episode; mikethevike; coder2; AmericanChef; Reaganesque; ER Doc; lesser_satan; ...

WELCOME TO FREE REPUBLIC’S MINNESOTA PING LIST!

108 MEMBERS AND GROWING...!

FREEPMAIL ME IF YOU WANT ON OR OFF THIS LIST!


26 posted on 10/13/2008 7:57:07 PM PDT by MplsSteve
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To: mplsconservative

Al Franken as Senator? A Texas flag will be flying in Eagan. Yes, I know, most Minnesotans hate Texans, it must be a Bush Derangement Syndrome thing.


27 posted on 10/13/2008 8:18:48 PM PDT by Fred Hayek (Leftism is a mental disorder)
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To: Fred Hayek

Awww, Fred. One of our best friends is a Texan. Nothing wrong with Texans. :)

I may revert back to my South Dakota roots if big Al is elected. I’d be ashamed to admit I’m a Minnesotan.


28 posted on 10/13/2008 8:22:57 PM PDT by mplsconservative
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To: MplsSteve
gave money to Coleman recently — may well give more tomorrow — but he has run (generally) a weak-wristed campaign... Franken is a mean-spirited thug — can it really be that difficult to persuade the people of MN that electing Franken would be an epic humiliation for them?
29 posted on 10/13/2008 8:25:31 PM PDT by NYC_BULLMOOSE ("The best is the enemy of the good." Voltaire)
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To: mplsconservative

How do you think this race will end up?


30 posted on 10/13/2008 8:26:17 PM PDT by LiveFree99
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To: LiveFree99

I have no idea anymore.

Commonsense says Coleman prevails, but that seems to be a pretty rare commodity these days.


31 posted on 10/13/2008 8:30:09 PM PDT by mplsconservative
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To: MplsSteve

It could also mean that the anti-Coleman vote would be split between Barkley and Franken, in that case actually helping Coleman.


32 posted on 10/13/2008 8:33:27 PM PDT by St. Louis Conservative
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To: jwalsh07

What do/did you expect from a whining snot nosed RINO Coleman ... he has never been anything but another infamous RINO named Jeffords. No big loss other than the seat.

Minnesotans are socialist idiots ... they tired of Jesse .. they will soon tire of Franken then look to the next worthles idiot.

The circle will not be broken .....


33 posted on 10/13/2008 8:35:35 PM PDT by HiramQuick (work harder ... welfare recipients depend on you!)
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To: mplsconservative

” Al Franken is a nightmare.”

I can’t even imagine what it’s like for you up there. This whole election season has been like a bad Twilight Zone episode. Keep your spirits up FRiend.


34 posted on 10/13/2008 8:37:01 PM PDT by HelloooClareece ("We make war that we may live in peace". Aristotle)
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To: HelloooClareece

I’m trying my best. It didn’t help that I attended the McCain town hall last Friday. Him calling Obama honorable and saying he would be a good president made my blood pressure rise about 1000%.

Other than that, life is good. LOL!


35 posted on 10/13/2008 8:40:12 PM PDT by mplsconservative
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Re: Al Franken

Genus: Homo Politicus / Species: Dingbaticus Moronicus Dipshiticus.



36 posted on 10/13/2008 9:10:23 PM PDT by donaldo
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To: MplsSteve
Coleman said the biggest threat to our country was the "partisan divide" in Washington. Huh? Yes it is a terrible problem, but Coleman kept repeating this line over and over again throughout the evening. Is that really the single greatest threat facing our country?

I absolutely agree with Senator Coleman. With the partisanship the democrats have shown the past 8 yrs, nothing gets done and our country continues its down hill slide. The democrats have become the enemy within. We have to beat them before we can fix anything. I think that was a great answer. Whether or not it resonated with the people is another matter.

37 posted on 10/13/2008 9:41:30 PM PDT by beckysueb (Drill here! Drill now!)
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To: HelloooClareece

Not to mention they gave Walter Mondale the only state he won against Reagan and also elected a practicing radical left wing muslim.


38 posted on 10/13/2008 9:44:25 PM PDT by beckysueb (Drill here! Drill now!)
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To: Jan Hus

I think thats “you betcha”. LOL


39 posted on 10/13/2008 9:46:03 PM PDT by beckysueb (Drill here! Drill now!)
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To: Fred Hayek

There sure are lots of ‘em (Minnesotans) down in the Rio Grande Valley come wintertime.


40 posted on 10/13/2008 9:49:06 PM PDT by 38special (I mean come on.)
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To: MplsSteve
Al Franken - "The greatest threat to our country is Al Queda". Hmmmmm, even though I disbelieve any sincerity or integrity of Al Franken's, that was still a good answer.

Then Dean Barkley says the greatest threat is our skyrocketing national debt. Hmmmmm another good answer and very true.

Then onto our sitting Repub Senator Norm Coleman and the greatest threat to our country is (drumroll).... PARTISAN DIVIDE IN WASHINGTON!!! HUH???

IS THIS GUY AN EPITOME OF THE STUPID REPUBLICAN PARTY OR WHAT???

WHAT A FRIKKIN IDIOT!!!!

Al Queda, or the mortgage crisis meltdown, or rampant government waste & spending, or the loss of jobs overseas, or socialism crippling our country, or the assult on our freedoms by activist judges, or the deadly sin of abortion, or the breakdown of the family and devastating impact of homosexual & lesbian marriages on family and our society, or ANYTHING..... but Coleman laments PARTISAN DIVIDE IN WASHINGTON!!!! HUH????

In other words if we could just get along in Washington & placate & appease each other & eliminate partisan divide, or show "respect" for each other (aka John McCain), then all would be well???

I have to say it again, Norm Coleman is a frikkin out of touch idiot. The National Republican party candidates once again reinforce their Stupid Party designation.

Unbelieveable how Norm Coleman is going to help help usher in demagogue buffoon Al Franken as the next U.S. senator from Minnesota!!! What a sad day for Minnesota but especially America.

41 posted on 10/13/2008 9:53:19 PM PDT by rcrngroup
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To: mplsconservative

If it makes you feel better, my Dem father saw McCain say that and commented that Obama was a bum for making his surrogates dump on McCain.


42 posted on 10/13/2008 9:54:02 PM PDT by HelloooClareece ("We make war that we may live in peace". Aristotle)
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To: MplsSteve
Al Franken - "The greatest threat to our country is Al Queda Qaeda". Hmmmmm, even though I disbelieve any sincerity or integrity of Al Franken's, that was still a good answer.

Then Dean Barkley says the greatest threat is our skyrocketing national debt. Hmmmmm another good answer and very true.

Then onto our sitting Repub Senator Norm Coleman and the greatest threat to our country is (drumroll).... PARTISAN DIVIDE IN WASHINGTON!!! HUH???

IS THIS GUY AN EPITOME OF THE STUPID REPUBLICAN PARTY OR WHAT???

WHAT A FRIKKIN IDIOT!!!!

Al Queda, or the mortgage crisis meltdown, or rampant government waste & spending, or the loss of jobs overseas, or socialism crippling our country, or the assult on our freedoms by activist judges, or the deadly sin of abortion, or the breakdown of the family and devastating impact of homosexual & lesbian marriages on family and our society, or ANYTHING..... but Coleman laments PARTISAN DIVIDE IN WASHINGTON!!!! HUH????

In other words if we could just get along in Washington & placate & appease each other & eliminate partisan divide, or show "respect" for each other (aka John McCain), then all would be well???

I have to say it again, Norm Coleman is a frikkin out of touch idiot. The National Republican party candidates once again reinforce their Stupid Party designation.

Unbelieveable how Norm Coleman is going to help help usher in demagogue buffoon Al Franken as the next U.S. senator from Minnesota!!! What a sad day for Minnesota but especially America.

43 posted on 10/13/2008 10:01:08 PM PDT by rcrngroup
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To: Clintonfatigued
There seems to be no good news out there. If Al Franken becomes Senator, than we definitely are going the way of the Roman Empire.

Minnesota would be, anyway. Minnesota conservatives might be eyeing residence in a red state like Nebraska or South Dakota.

44 posted on 10/14/2008 4:51:41 AM PDT by rhema ("Break the conventions; keep the commandments." -- G. K. Chesterton)
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To: rcrngroup

If Franken gets in the Senate it’ll be a sad, sad day for Frankensota and Amerika.

Ugh.


45 posted on 10/14/2008 5:26:25 PM PDT by LiveFreeOrDie2001 (It's not Obama, it's O-bey-me !!!)
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