Debates, for Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown, and for Us
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Once again, Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown's debating plans are getting more attention than the more important issues of how each would serve as U.S. Senator.
I say bring on the debates! Stop worrying about who is covering it, or whether the moderator is who you want it to be. A good debater can work with whatever they get.
One debate rule I really do support though is making sure candidates don't bring talking points with them to the podium. I hope both Elizabeth Warren and Scott Brown agree not to bring notes with them. Candidates should be judged by their ability to think on their feet, and by what they already know. It simply isn't fair to voters to leave them with the impression that a candidate knows more than they actually do.
Bring on more debates!
Like Elizabeth Warren, I too had a debating scholarship to college. I love to debate, and as a candidate for the Massachusetts State Senate, 3rd Middlesex District, I've really enjoyed the debates we've had so far. I'm calling for a debate in each of the towns in the district, with candidates having no notes other than those they take during the debate.
We just had one in Waltham last week, and it was very well-attended and very much appreciated. Let's have one in Lexington, too! Chelmsford, Bedford, Sudbury, Lincoln, Carlisle, and Weston also deserve debates. Concord has one tentatively scheduled for Aug. 15. But every town deserves an opportunity to hear from all the candidates, so let's have more!
If you're interested in helping set up a debate in your town, please write to me at Mara@MaraDolan.com.
Tom Christiano
8:41 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Hi Mara. As you know, we have a Democratic State Senate Debate scheduled for August 28th here in Chelmsford, on the Politically Incorrect Show. All five candidates have agreed to attend this debate and they were all very cooperative, with no pre-debate demands. I'm looking forward to watching you -- and all the other candidates -- debate right here in Chelmsford on August 28th.
Mike Combs
10:14 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
I don't mind candidates bringing notes to debates. In "the real world" you're allowed to bring notes, and strategy and action count for more than speeches.
My disclaimer: I think Mara Dolan is terrific but Alex Buck is the best candidate for Third Middlesex Senator.
jtalexander
11:54 am on Thursday, June 21, 2012
Mara,
Really "Like Elizabeth Warren, I too had a debating scholarship to college". Does this mean that you had a full ride. I doubt it. As far as that the comment about thinking on our feet is silly also. I vote for someone who represents what I believe in and not for the person who may be glib. I look for the person's record, not what they say. We are voting for people to work on our behalf, we are not picking a debate team.
Alan Seferian
1:34 pm on Thursday, June 21, 2012
While being able to think on your feet is great, being prepared is even better. Like Mike, I see nothing wrong with bringing notes to a debate. I wouldn't be impressed with someone who hems and haws when asked a question while searching his or her notes. But someone who uses their notes effectively, so as to answer a question authoritatively, that is impressive.
nothanks
8:51 pm on Sunday, June 24, 2012
Awesome--i'm really excited to hear what tall tales Liawatha spins!!
Tyler Jozefowicz
8:29 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Can't wait for the discussion about the Kings and Queens that Brown met with in secret and solved the jobless problem. Perhaps he can tell us which Kings and Queens he met and how the discussion went ,in the interests of transparency.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
5:20 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Of course Brown should debate Warren. Native Americans are poor at debates, based on current land ownership records. Brown should brush up on the concept that no one really owns any land, we are just stewards of the earth, except for casinos.
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
William Crum
5:51 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
I don't care a frig about notes or debating scholarships. What the voters should learn from robust debates is what has Scott Brown done or not done for them and how would Elizabeth Warren vote differently in the future. The questions from voters and the moderator(s) will help determine if the small number of independent undecided voters get the accurate information to pick the right candidate in November. One issue is where do they stand on filibusters in the US Senate?
William C. Crum
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
5:54 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
William,
It goes without saying Warren would vote for more taxes and more spending. Do you need more information?
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
Tyler Jozefowicz
8:33 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
and it goes without saying that Brown will vote whichever way David Koch, Grover Nordquist and the 1% tell him. Why? Because he already has.
William Crum
6:08 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Reverend:
Yes, I'd like more information from the Senate debates and campaign in general.
My uncle is a minister and I try to be tolerant of all faiths at least if specific devotees of a particular sect are not trying to blow us up.
Having said that, ministers and not for profit churches and related charities don't pay their way in terms of income or propery taxes burdening the rest of us, so clergy should probably know the constitutional doctrines of both free speech and separation of church and state.
Are you a Weston resident? I don't recall you questioning the need for Westonians to have the highest property taxes in the state. Your sermon was not convincing!
William Crum
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
9:30 pm on Wednesday, June 27, 2012
It seems apparent Tyler and William would prefer total Democrat representation, House and Senate, for Massachusetts in Washington. More deep blue for the bluest state in the Union.
Do they represent those riding in the wagon (government sector or entitlement dependents) or those pulling the wagon (private sector)? Perhaps their attitudes are shaped by youthful inexperience, misguided altruism, collective guilt or limousine liberalism.
Your spiritual advisor,
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
William Crum
3:54 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
Reverend:
I'm 54, independent and haven't said publicly who I support for Senate.
Aren't churches and other tax exempts "in the wagon"? It's well documented that the leaders of many non profit organizations get exorbitant salaries and other perks, and that many charities waste a high percentage of their donations in ways that do not directly benefit the people and causes they purport to support! How much do you or your church pay in income or property taxes? Such hypocracy!
William Crum
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III
10:41 pm on Thursday, June 28, 2012
William,
Your Father here at Our Lady of Perpetual Motion does not receive an exhorbitant salary. I'm gonna guess that you'd feel more comfortable in November just voting a straight up-and-down Democrat ticket. You probably will get a warm rosy glow pursuing the dream laid out by Elizabeth 'Pocahantas' Warren.
Your spiritual advisor,
Reverend E. Raleigh Pimperton III