Anybody see the Cardin-Mfume debate yesterday?

[MrModerate]

I think it was yesterday and not a replay on MPT.

Both said the right things, but Mfume said 'em better. I have read the stories saying Cardin is a more adroit technician when it comes to pulling the levers of government -- which could be a plus or a minus -- but Mfume struck me as more able to excite the electorate.

From what I've seen of Steele, either one could wipe the floor with him, but I am concerned that Cardin would be pilloried as colorless in a state where color matters. I've been leaning Cardin, but now I don't know.

Opinions?

[CC]

1. I was glad they did it, specially since

we don't get to hear much up here. I have to search to find anything beyond ads. I am still torn between Mfume and Cardin though. I don't want to vote only on a who would better beat Steele though I want who ever to beat him soundly. I do like the Mfume is not taking corporate money. Takes some courage to do that when you know your main competitor is. They said there would be another one that would include all candidates.

[lizerdbits]

2. Mfume's comment on race

Near the end he said if you have two African Americans running then race isn't an issue so you have to focus on issues. Could be right but it also comes across as saying "I should be nominated because I'm the same race as the other party's nominee."

[MrModerate]

3. I thought that was a loaded statement too . . .

But maybe also true. Could be looked at as a refreshing case of a politician looking at the truth and not trying to spin it into meaninglessness. I think that's what he was getting at with his reference to "persuadable voters." If Maryland racists choose to stay home in November, I've got to think that's a good thing.

I'm still conflicted, though, about choosing between Mfume and Cardin.

[CollegeDUer]

4. We need electrifying Democrats who can stand up against the Administration

Mfume is that, Cardin is not, from what I know. I will admit I haven't been following the race closely enough.

[nickshepDEM]

5. We also need Democrats who can win general elections.

Cardin can, Mfume cannot, from what I know...

[CollegeDUer]

6. It's that kind of electoral courage (or lack thereof) that...

..has been costing the Democrats elections since 1994. Your republican opponent is a polarizing firebrand and you're a "spineless" Democrat. Sure, voters know the Republicans are ruining the country, but a long-time "safe" Republican voter will rather stick with the GOP rather than change if they don't see a convincing alternative. Mfume provides a convincing alternative.

[nickshepDEM]

7. I get what your saying...

Kucinich for President - Lets give the voters a real choice!

Seriously...

1. Your theory is proven false by every poll published on this race. Mfume has held a lead in, maybe, 2 out 10 polls. Both of which were within the margin of error. Steele has never gotten within the MOE of Cardin.

2. Mfume cant raise money for shit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lise_Van_Susteren">Greta's sister outraised the guy before she dropped out. Sorry, but it costs big bucks to run a decent campaign these days. Cardin can raise money, Mfume, obviously, cannot.

3. Cardin and Mfume agree on 99% of the issues, so if Cardin is spineless, Mfume receives the same designation by default.

4. Mfume has skeletons in his closet that make Bill Clinton's BJ look like a walk in the park.

5. "Sure, voters know the Republicans are ruining the country, but a long-time "safe" Republican voter will rather stick with the GOP rather than change if they don't see a convincing alternative. Mfume provides a convincing alternative."

If you think a 'safe' Republican voter is going to pull the lever for Kweisi Mfume, please send me whatever it is you're smoking tonight.

[CollegeDUer]

8. I see your worldview

You have the same "establishment" worldview of "safe centrists" that is leading our planet to hell. The future of our world is not about your partisan politics; it's about bringing people into power who are bold and courageous in a great way. And you would rather not risk it. It's too unsafe, so says Rush limbaugh and lou dobbs. A very narrow worldview.

[kwassa]

11. First you have to make those bold and courageous people electable

Safe centrists aren't leading our planet to hell, extremists are, particularly Republican ones that have been in power in the Bush administration.

A very left Democratic candidate won't get elected. That is a political fact of life.

[Sasha Undercover]

12. Baloney.

Cardin is no centrist. Look at his record. And Mfume is all talk and no action.

[Ken Burch]

14. You have to be a centrist if you're for "free trade".

nt.

Why are people so convinced that Maryland won't vote for a progressive? What the hell would you call Sarbanes and Mikulski?

[Ken Burch]

13. If you nominate Cardin, you lose half the black vote

Especially if he's going to run as a DLC'er. You can't ask black voters to vote for a white candidate who isn't a passionate progressive on civil rights and social justice when the other party nominates an African American.

Even a bogus anti civil-rights African American.

This has to be a boring, meaningless race. It could have been a campaigned that mattered on some level other than just the mundane question of which party won the seat.

And everyone who voted for Mikulski would have voted for Mfume. Mikulski voters DON'T have a problem with African American progressives.

[Chalco]

9. But, isn't Cardin owned by big business and Mfume is not?

Is that statement correct? I'd rather have someone who is working for me and nor for big business.

[Nancy Waterman]

10. I expected Cardin to do better

But Mfume was way better in the debate. Cardin came off like a predictable pol. Mfume came off like a statesman. We need leaders who can go on TV on the pundit shows and speak for Democrats. There are few appealing ones who can right now. I think Mfume could do that. He speaks very well and thinks well on his feet. And he is on the right side of every issue, especially the need to get corporate money out of politics, which is the prerequisite for so much other change. I kept falling asleep while Cardin was talking. Then I would wake up for Mfume becasue he didn't say the same old, same old. I was very impressed and am no longer uncertain.

Does anyone have a link to the entire debate? It would be great if the Mfume website could put it up.