Michelle Malkin/Ricardo Pimental debate

myself ^ | 1/26/2003 | Myself

[stylin_geek]

I had the pleasure of attending a debate featuring Michelle Malkin and Ricardo Pimental. I did get a couple of good pics, along with finding out just how stunning Ms. Malkin is. Believe me, pictures do not do her justice. Especially since I was nervous and my hands were shaking while trying to take her picture. It helped I had a sign that said "Free Republic loves Michelle." I showed her the sign, she laughed, I asked for pictures, and she was nice enough to oblige.

The debate was current border policy, vs tightening down as much as possible on illegal immigration. Mr Ricardo took the narrow position of tighter immigration policy hurting illegal but hard working Mexicans, while Ms. Malkin talked about the broader issue of 9/11 showing the dangers of current immigration policy. Mr. Pimental did come across as being pretty well informed about the narrow issue, well spoken, and had a rather self-deprecating sense of humor.

Ms. Malkin was very articulate, did a good job of rebutting Mr. Picardo, though she did get caught once, and was left speechless when Mr. Pimental asked her how a National Guardsmen would be able to stop an Al Quada terrorist when he has trouble stopping an Illegal Mexican who barely has an 8th grade education.

I was surprised at the turnout and I wound up sitting in the lobby, watching on closed circuit tv. But, showing up late allowed me to get my pics of Ms. Malkin, so it was worth the price of admission.

If anyone cares for more detail about the debate, let me know, I have several pages of notes and I will write something a little more in depth.

One thing Ms. Malkin said which brought quite a round of applause, "A nation without borders is not a nation."

The debate was interesting, and both speakers actually engaged in dialogue and counter dialogue, without resorting to the personal attacks which seem to typify a lot of what passes for debate these days.

[stylin_geek]

I also engaged in a discussion with the protesters, and one of them was quite interesting to talk with. Another was completely inconsistent, as she hated government, but was willing to pay more taxes, and thought everyone should be paid at least $11 per hour.

[Abcdefg]

Having seen her on TV, I must agree. She is very nice to look at.
Brainy as all get out, too!

[stylin_geek]

PING!!

[lakey]

O. Ricardo Pimental: His newspaper columns should carry a barf alert.

[Marine Inspector]

I was there also.

Had a great time and spent most of it with Michelle. I should have a photo of Michelle and I up by tomorrow.

There were several officers from the INS in the audience.

I left right after the debate, as the wife is about to pop out my third child.

[stylin_geek]

Believe me, based on his articles, I was biased against him before the debate. However, after listening to him speak, I do like him better. Afterwards, I was able to shake his hand, and told him I completely disagreed with him, but that I gave him a lot of credit for showing up. He may be wrong, but he has the courage of his convictions.

[Marine Inspector]

Glenn Spencer from The American Border Patrol was there and video taped the event.

He should have a streaming video up in a few days.

[Marine Inspector]

However, after listening to him speak, I do like him better. Afterwards, I was able to shake his hand, and told him I completely disagreed with him, but that I gave him a lot of credit for showing up. He may be wrong, but he has the courage of his convictions.

Ditto.

[stylin_geek]

Feel free to critique what I put up about the debate. First time I have done such a thing, and any pointers or suggestions would be welcome.

[Marine Inspector]

It looks good to me and sums it up quite nicely.

I had a VIP ticket and was to sit up front, but it was oversold, so I stood in the back by the cameras.

I was hard to hear at first, but once they got everyone quite, you could hear just fine in the back.

There was a young Hispanic couple a few rows down from the back and right behind the row of INS officers, that were making snide comments under their breaths. They and the INS officers had a few words when everyone filed out of the auditorium.

[Think free or die]

Thanks for the info. I'd like to read more, when you have time to go back to your notes. Where was the debate?

[nothingnew]

Afterwards, I was able to shake his hand, and told him I completely disagreed with him, but that I gave him a lot of credit for showing up. He may be wrong, but he has the courage of his convictions.

That's whats it's all about friend. I would rather have one man who speaks his mind dirctly to me, though I disagree with him, than 100 men who placate or draw back from me.

KUDOS to you.

FMCDH

[stylin_geek]

The debate was held at Steele Auditorium of the Arizona Historical Society Museum in Tempe, AZ. I will ping as many as I can once I can get back to my notes, and have time to give a more detailed account of what was actually said.

[stylin_geek]

Top left photo, Michelle graciously allowing me to take her picture, bottom left, Michelle signing books, bottom right, crowd leaving debate, top right, clean and relatively articulate protesters.

[stylin_geek]

Thank you.

[Think free or die]

Thank you. Look forward to seeing it.

[potlatch]

O. Ricardo Pimental: His newspaper columns should carry a barf alert.

They should carry a picture of an olive - stuffed with him!!

[kaktuskid]

As should the entire Arizona Republic!!

[Spiff]

Please post all the details. I was supposed to attend it, along with the big Republican meeting (I'm a State Comiteeman) that morning, but instead had an emergency (SQL Worm) at work that kept me there from 4am to 8pm. Hated to miss it but had no choice.

[lakey]

Our subscription continues to be paid only because we like the comics and puzzles. Editors wanted very much to get rid of daily B.C., and did cut The Wizard of Id down to only on Sundays. We also like Rob Robb and Business section Talton.