Posted on 08/12/2006 12:50:34 PM PDT by Raquel
John Spencer was the clear winner at the debate, August 9, 2006, at Pace University, downtown Manhattan, hosted by NY1 between the two Republican candidates for New York State Senate. I arrived at the event with an open mind, even though I knew how much I favored John Spencer for Senator in this race. I was nonetheless disappointed by KT’s lack of substance, unflattering attack-mode and dizzy comments, and left feeling I had made the right decision in the first place.
KT came out swinging with irrelevant personal attacks, including an assumption that John would be “court marshaled” (I’m still trying to figure out how) if he were in the military. John held his own, protected his family, and requested that their “personal lives not be a part of the dialogue.” He’s right after all—voters want to know where they stand on the issues, not the circumstances surrounding one’s divorce.
But to add insult to injury, the Moderator poses a very personal attack question at KT—I have too much class to repeat. The panelists weren’t any better and if anyone wanted to create a “side show” it was them. (It takes great pains for the media to cover Republicans in a good-light, especially conservative ones.)
The Hillary factor was raised with John pointing out that Hillary spends most of her time criticizing, which is exactly what I was thinking, after her shameless (read from a paper) attack on Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld, based on half truths, conspiracy theories, and flat-out lies. KT suggested she would be a more formidable candidate against Hillary because she’s a stay-at-home mom (now), and Hillary isn’t (as if droves of stay-at-home moms will run to the polls).
John spoke about his service in the Vietnam War and in government, having been two-time mayor of Yonkers and member of the City Council, he “worked in union with elected officials” to make real changes in Yonkers, including booting out a corrupt Judge.
KT worked for three Republican presidents, in what capacity I’m not sure, but she definitely worked for three Republicans because she said it at least three times. I’m also sure she worked in an office next to Henry Kissinger because she said that at least twice; again in what capacity I don’t know.
KT rattled some percentages and loose statements such as John “raised property taxes by 45%”, created a “$60 million deficit” and “employs his own family.” Well maybe some of John’s family members are competent people he trusts, or is KT making a charge of criminal nepotism? With respect to a “$60 million deficit” in Yonkers, it sounds something like “President Bush caused Katrina”. As to raising taxes, was it John alone who raised property taxes or the City Council when he was a member? Was it a measure he proposed, or one he voted against? It just was not clear in what context KT made these accusations. John rightly denied them.
KT injected her view to expand renewable energy in New York, which I liked, but I’m not sure if that was an insert someone else conceived. John agreed with expanding renewable energy in New York and stressed the importance of reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil. The discussion was cut short by the panelists, who were begging for sensational material.
John and KT had some shining Republican moments agreeing on most of the “lightning” session of questions on issues regarding general politics. At one point, I got the impression the panelists wanted the candidates to conduct some “bush bashing” but thankfully they both resisted.
The turning point came on the issue of abortion. John Spencer obviously pro-life, KT McFarland, obviously not. KT also foolishly supports the “morning after pill” when all reports show its harmful effects on women (see www.raquelwalker.com). Abortion is a very serious subject requiring thoughtful argument, but the panelists did not want to expand on the topic, demanding yes or no answers, when this is one of the few issues that truly differentiate the Republican candidates.
John Spencer showed guts, intelligence and charm at the debate against KT. KT should have run against Rep. Carolyn Maloney on the Upper East Side as a stepping stone, rather than jumping into a state-wide race of this grandeur.
Having a conservative Republican emerge from New York, who can show the large differences between a left wing ideology and a right one, will start a trend of conservative policy and principles that will save New York from economic downfall and moral bankruptcy.
Senator Clinton is a carpetbagger from Arkansas. She has supported every left wing agenda since she was in college, through her husband’s presidency and now as New York State Senator. It will take an enormous amount of tenacity to compete with her and her gang of thugs. I am confident that John Spencer is up to the task.
Yawn. Focus attn and money on where we can win.
Go Spencer go. I wouldn't be as happy about a Hillary defeat as I would about a conservative Republican getting elected in NY.
PING
I watched part of this debate. McFarland struck me as just a tad bit off her rocker. Spencer, on the other hand, would be great as Senator, but clearly has an uphill battle (like Everest sized).
Thanks for the correction, which I've fixed at my site.
Yes, I heard reports about McFarland's strange behavior before, but I didn't expect the spectacle I saw on Wednesday. If she is serious about public office, she needs some forefront issues she supports and talk about them, but no clear message came through. Conversely, John Spencer had it all together, genuine and smart, with a plan for changes in Washington, just as he changed things for the city of Yonkers.
It sounds as though you have quite a legitimate candidate in John Spence.
I pray that things go well for his candidacy.
Excellent essay...let's hope Spencer can pull it off...but it looks like it's all wrapped up by the forces of evil on the left.
Do you see any light at the end of the tunnel in this God forsaken dysfunctional state?
I'm working on it, and yes there is light. One of our biggest problems is the hierarchy in the New York State Republican Party, who have sold out the party by nominating Bloomberg, and electing a far left liberal for Mayor of New York. It feels as if they have no principles and no guts. There is too much money and too much quid pro quo. But, at the grassroots level, Republicans are moving right, having realized that we've been indoctrinated by the NY Times all these years, and are tired of the godless New York City culture. We're fighting back.
IN the meantime many conservatives have given up and are moving out. I am an optimist but that optimism continues to be battered by the Republican leadership.
What can we do about the "Republican hierarchy?" What can we do about NYC controlling everything? Answer: not much.
Last conservative left please turn out the lights.
I heard an interview with Spencer. Very impressive guy. He won't have the money to compete with Hillary, but he will destroy her in a debate. I bet she tries to avoid one. A tough, hard driving Vietnam vet, this Irishman could give Hillary a tough time regardless.
Yes, Kabar, he is pretty impressive, I liked him instantly. He's sincere and unafraid. Great qualities in a politician. Hillary is tough because she garnishes votes with bribes. Wouldn't it be nice if the poor, honest underdog wins? Another big problem in New York is that the press doesn't cover conservatives. It's ridiculous, and the Post has become some kind of shill for Hillary. The Spencer campaign will get a boost as soon as he wins the Primary. God bless him, it's a tough race, but nothing is impossible.
You can help by making a small donation to John's campaign at http://www.spencerforsenate.com/site/c.euLPK3MNItG/b.981431/k.CB42/Home.htm
I grew up in upstate NY. Ben Gilman was my congressman. If Spencer received more exposure in the press, he would be a more formidable candidate. I hope he can debate Hillary. Spencer is no Rick Lazio.
Spencer can win with Upstate and Long Island. Not all Democrats shill for Hillary. She is extremely polarizing and if vocal conservatives spread the message one way or the other (blogs, radio, t.v. commercials), John Spencer has a shot. Rick Lazio got a late start, the media killed him after his debate against Hillary, and he wasn't as conservative as I would have liked. Like you said, Spencer is much different, and Spencer will blow her away at a debate. I'm looking forward to it.
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