The Great CA-CA Debate

From: Hiram Gonash <okfreddy_at_hotmail.com_at_hypermail.org>
Date: Thu, 25 Sep 2003 03:12:50 -0000

Random Thoughts about the Great Debate

It was one of the best entertainment values I've seen in a long time.
The 5 candidates were unalike enough and, for the most part, volatile
enough to make for a great show. Add to it an incompetent moderator
who had the evening's best line (about reducing his meds) - such fun.
It should be a weekly show.

Arnold, I thought, came across as nothing more than an actor, someone
who has little to offer without a script. He came across as a rich
superstar and not much more. His closing remark about wanting to give
something back to the state for his success, I felt, implied that he
hadn't given enough to begin with. It just didn't sound right. He had
too many cliches, too many sound bites. After initial early applause
for one bite, he rceived no further applause. No vote for him.

McClintock, on the other hand, gained tremendously by offering
solutions to problems. I disagree with his basic positions though - no
vote for him because of those positions. (10-1 Joy votes for this guy)
I felt however that he should NOT bow out of the race just to unify
the Republicans. He is a valid alternative to Arnold and perhaps the
better candidate of the two.

Camejo had some good ideas which I agreed with. The only thing holding
me back from voting for him is that he wasn't aggressive enough in the
debate. He didn't interrupt, no smart comebacks, nothing. He may have
done it,as he said, out of respect but in Politics you have to be
aggressive. As Governor you have to be the Leader. You have to show
some backbone or you will be trampled. No vote for him but some
respect.

Arianna (or 'Ms. Camejo' as Stan the Mod Med Man called her) had the
aggressiveness and some of the best comebacks and putdowns. To Arnold:
"We'll see who can talk louder with an accent!" Her problem was that
she had plenty of attack but little solutions. I wouldn't feel
comfortable voting for her though I agree with many of her complaints
about the system. No vote for her but I enjoyed watching her.

Bustamante was ultra-slick with a pleasant speaking voice. I noticed
he always agreed with the other candidates on some points. He was very
positive and showed great leadership. On the other hand I wouldn't
trust him to babysit my penny jar. No vote for him but if he ever
records Steinbeck - I'm buying.

A great, fun debate but I still can't decide who will receive my vote.

If only Mary Carey were there...

-Ozzy

P.S. Lenny should become a moderator. He could do no worse than Stan.
Received on 2003-09-24 20:12:52