I know I’m not the only one who’s disappointed with the current political season, especially the governors race. There’s certainly not as much money being spent on TV advertising as some GMs had hoped.
Given the wide margin that Gov. Steve Beshear has in the polls, you can’t blame him for dodging debates. Besides, he’s got a terrible speaking voice, has no accomplishments to tout, and has to face the accusation from his challengers that he’s only running to keep the seat warm for Jerry Abramson.And the more colorful characters in this election season, our former Mayor for Life and Richie Farmer, have rarely been heard from during the campaign.
That made last night’s debate from Richmond, which aired on WDRB-TV, worth tuning in to. And David Williams and Gatewood Galbraith jumped on their opportunity.
Williams clearly outperformed Beshear in last night’s debate. He’s a talented speaker and believes what he’s saying. I think he’s smarter, and most anyone in Frankfort would agree.
Williams had better lines, such as the one in which he called Beshear a “cheap-shot artist.”
Beshear took credit for moving the Ohio River Bridges project forward (a questionable claim).
Of course, I don’t like his policies on education, mountaintop removal, gambling, abortion or the way he tries to link Beshear to President Obama in a negative way. But watching the debate last night, I didn’t seem him as the Bully from Burksville. He was simply better prepared and a better debater than Beshear.
Beshear ignored his opponents, rather than engaging them. He never looked at them or turned his attention away from moderator Bill Bryant. Beshear rarely mentioned Williams by name, notably when he mentioned Williams’ history of gambling losses.
In the end, none of this will matter and it’s doubtful that Williams will close the gap before election day.
There’sanother debate on Oct. 31, and the election is Nov. 8.
