Mike: I am interested in all things Hillary, as defeating her is the number #1 priority other than winning the war in Iraq. I agree that the GOP should nominate the candidate who has the best chance of beating her.
I see Allen as the conservative challenger in the primaries, but frankly, don't know that much about him (other than GOP Senator from VA, former Governor, etc.) I haven't heard him speak, and don't know how he is on the stump. Some politicians have the best ideas in the world, but are dull, dull, dull, such as Bob Dole.
What was the nature of Allen's debate with Boxer where you say he lost badly? I didn't see it, but would like to hear more about Allen.
Allen was on CNN's Late Edition, their Sunday show with Barbara Boxer as the Democratic counterpoint. I don't remember all the topics discussed, but I do remember that I was appalled at the lies Allen let Boxer get away with. These were basic facts that anyone even remotely informed could have rebutted her on. Instead he just sat there like a deer in the headlights and never responded. I was practically screaming at the TV for him to hit her back and to reply to her lies! But he never did. I would have left her a smoking ruin. Instead Boxer got out all of Democratic propaganda points unchallenged. Allen just seemed totally unable to go off script to challenge her. He just kept to what seemed like a pre-fab set of remarks and was either unable or unwilling to take her on.
Anyone not very well informed had to have been left to assume that because Allen didn't answer he couldn't answer and that Boxer's lies were valid. No wonder the GOP is floundering in the polls. We just can't marshall the facts and truth in our favor to form cogent replies to the deceit of the Democrats.
Hillary will make mince meat out of this guy if he is unable to fight back against lies and dirty tactics. We need some sharper than that if we're going to beat that wretch. Allen was just appallingly feckless and seamed totally unable to deviate from his script. I was deeply dissappointed.