Early Debate Comments

(1) The Democrats are all about 'Arnold was not here and Tom McClintock is the true conservative in this race'. I think Democrat party leaders are more excited about McClintock staying in this race than most Republican leaders. Is this an indication that the Democrats know that Tom McClintock helps Cruz Bustamante?

(2) Why didn't any ask Arianna Huffington about her lack of charitable contributions. She attacked Bustamante over his $2.2 billion in donations (illegal), what about her illegal sheltering of taxes and charitable contributions?

(3) Gray Davis's quote, "Republicans would rather shoot their mothers than raise taxes?" I wonder if the "New Gray" wants to take that comment back? He was amazing, the "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" authored by Bill Clinton.

4) How did State Senator Tom McClintock do in tonights debate? Well...He answered EVERY question - honestly. (typical Tom here) He was poised and very pleasant, but was he 'low in volume', ignored due to the controlled format of this debate. I hate these types of debate! Why can't they dialogue between themselves?

(5) About the debate format...whatever happened to an old fashion debate? Cut the number of candidates down to three or four and open things up...let them ask questions of each other! It is NOT a real debate if the candidates CANNOT ask questions of the other participants! Stop this "debate light" forum.

(6) Cruz Bustamante didn't answer a single question. He was asked where would have performed differently than Gray Davis as governor - no answer but the lame power contract..."I would have called their bluff". Great, a candidate that takes millions from gambling money so he can play with our energy crisis with a "poker face". Asked what federal or state government benefits should be denied to illegal immigrants, Cruz offered no answer. He avoided the tough answers and the panel avoided the tough questions. Where was the questiona bout MEChA?

I'll have much more on my blog all night long!

Davis literally answered almost every single complaint by blaming republican (or the ever-popular spin off, blaming a specific republican - Pete Wilson).

Thanks for your take on it, Eric.

I watched all of the "debate" between the five replacement candidates. I also saw Arianna on Greta's show at 7 PM and she said that all of the questions were known in advance. Some debate!

My summary of the debate:

1) McClintock answered all of the questions, and was consistent in being a social traditionalist, a fiscal conservative, and an excellent debater. Concise, accurate, but understated.

2) Ueberroth stuck to his "I'm not a politician, I'm a problem-solver" personna. He was not as articulate as the others, and was vague on specifics. If he would practice "sound bites" about his main points, he would do much better. I know that's all process not content, but you have to have both.

3) Camejo was a typical socialist -- the wealthy don't pay enough taxes, the corporations rip everybody off, the politicians are on the take, we need more money for the poor, the schools, etc. He is in favor of every progressive social agenda item, and showed the most passion when he was able to use his sound bite answers.

4) Arianna tried at every turn to debate Cruz, to the extent of ignoring the other three debaters. She overtly claimed to be progressive, was in favor of the social agenda and econmic agenda, etc. It was obvious that she needs to cut into Cruz's voters to have a chance, and she tried overtly to challenge him.

5) Cruz didn't want to answer many questions directly. He played it defensively.

I do wish that Arnold had been there -- there would have been more of a buzz in the room.

The "reporters" were all scripted of course -- and every question seemed to come from the left of center.

It was decent political theater. I only wish that they had shown clips of some of the others in action -- Gary Coleman from Hannity, Mary Carey from www.jj1.com (or the Fox News interview clip), and some of the oddballs.

My prediction is that this race will even out a bit -- with Arnold 25%, Cruz 20%, McClintock 15%, Arianna 10% and Camejo 10% in the next Field poll. Anything can happen.

Well, I watched the debate on C-SPAN2 and then heard Davis afterwards on the radio while I walked the dog. Here's my 2 cents:

Tom McClintock was too tense and uptight. He talked too fast but he had all the right facts. He came across very sincere and very serious, but somehow not really in charge.

Peter Camejo was fairly well spoken and his voice was caring. He came across like a fatherly professor. He should pull some votes away from Cruz.

Peter Ueberroth was the least memorable. He lacked a message and emotion. He moved his arms and hands like a robot. He came across like a cold CEO. I don’t think he gained any votes.

Arianna Huffington was fun to watch because you never knew what she might say or do. She’s attractive and her accent is interesting. When she said “bully pulpit” I started laughing. I had trouble taking her seriously on any subject. She just seemed to really like being on television. I’m sure Cruz lost some votes to her.

Cruz Bustamante did not do well. He makes up numbers and tells stories to suit the moment. Like something about undocumented workers (aka illegal aliens) contributing $1400 more than they receive. And, that they only do jobs that Americans won’t. Then he waxed about his childhood working as a farm laborer. He’s like a bad used-car salesman. The undocumented workers will all be voting for him. I think he lost some votes to Arianna and maybe Camejo.

Gray Davis gave a very good performance. It was worthy of Bill Clinton but without the southern accent. Now I’m more concerned that the recall might fail, rather than the possibility of Cruz getting elected.

Whenever Arnold shows up, he should try not to be near Arianna; unless the goal is entertainment. She will probably try making little remarks with Arnold the way she did with Cruz.

I feel Arianna and Camejo did pretty well, and may have taken some votes from the dems, which is good.

I feel Ueberroth did poorly, but he may appeal to some as the non-politician, without pat answers, but with a real track record. I believe he was poorly prepared, almost like he didn't really care.

McClintock was sharp on the topics, but his delivery could be more animated.

Cruz gave his supporters what they expect.

I think Democrat party leaders are more excited about McClintock staying in this race than most Republican leaders. Is this an indication that the Democrats know that Tom McClintock helps Cruz Bustamante?

No, it's an indication that our perennially gutless Republican leaders are afraid that Tom McClintock will blow their cover.