[TomGuy]

I caught part of Allen's appearance on Meet the Press yesterday. I wasn't impressed.

Russert, typically, tries to corner any 'rightees'. And he effectively did so against Allen on several issues. As a result, Allen appeared fumbling, unsure, indecisive and defensive in many of his responses. Allen is not ready for prime time.

[areafiftyone]

He's not known outside of Virginia and that's something he is going to have to work on BIG TIME!

[GOPGuide]

If Allen closes the border, will anyone really care how he sounds on "Meet the Prick"?

[RFEngineer]

"Allen is not ready for prime time"

And fortunately, he's got time to get ready for prime time.....

[Corin Stormhands]

Allen is not ready for prime time.

FWIW, "Meet the Press" isn't in prime time.

But, trust me, George Allen is ready for prime time.

[iceskater]

IMHO, Russsert only tries to trap conservatives who might be viable candidates. Since Russert pushed him hard on several questions, then I believe Russert thinks Allen is one to watch.

I think Sen. Allen is getting better at handling Russert. I thought he did much better this time. And he got in a couple of digs at Dodd.

[hosepipe]

[ I caught part of Allen's appearance on Meet the Press yesterday. I wasn't impressed. ]

Newt would chew Russert up and spit him out LIVE or on tape..
Pundits are afraid of Newt.. rightfully so..

[EDINVA]

not doing well with Tim Russert didn't seem to hurt Bush much, now, did it ?

[katana]

I didn't see the interview but trust your assessment. Suffering through an ambush like you described is something a smart politician will learn from. Since these are still early days Allen has time.

I remember a governor of Texas who looked more than a little shaky in his first national press exposures, and never became a smooth talker, but certainly made some strides over the years.

At least there appears to be someone with a bit of profile who sees that border control will be one of if not the crunch issue in 2008.

[truth_seeker]

"Russert, typically, tries to corner any 'rightees'. And he effectively did so against Allen on several issues. As a result, Allen appeared fumbling, unsure, indecisive and defensive in many of his responses. Allen is not ready for prime time."

It isn't prime time, yet.

Did it occur to you that guys appear so early, to start getting scrubbed, tuned up for Prime Time?

I clearly recall GWB wasn't ready for prime time early on.

Sometimes AFTER the election, he still didn't look ready!!

Clinton, usually media-sharp, had some bad days. Same with Reagan, Carter, Ford, Nixon, Johnson too.