I'm planning on watching the Deeds-McDonnell debate, which begins at 11 am, at Virginia Talks (a Style Weekly project) and hopefully live blogging it. If that doesn't work, I'll try the Washington Post Virginia Politics blog. There's also a live chat at Virginia Talks, and undoubtedly plenty of chatter on Twitter (also see here and here). So far, I see that "Bob McDonnell just finished checking out the stage setup before the debate. Ed Gillespie was accompanying him."By the way, this is the first time the Virginia Bar Association debate will be available for viewing outside the physical location (The Homestead or, in some years, The Greenbrier). In 2005, I drove to White Sulphur Springs to watch Tim Kaine and Jerry Kilgore debate. In 2006, I was netroots coordinator for the Webb campaign, so I got to hang out in Webb's "war room" at The Homestead for that one. This year? Verrrry boring. :)
UPDATE 10:30 am: The Virginia Talks poll indicates that 50% of people expect "pre-packaged sound bites" from the candidates, while just 15% expect "a lot of issues" will be discussed.
Also, the debate moderator is Rod Smolla, dean of the law school at Washington & Lee.
UPDATE 10:36 am: The video feed is working at Virginia Talks.
UPDATE 10:51 am: Virginia Talks is showing highlights from the correspondents dinner/roast. Very funny, particularly now that it's all over! :)
UPDATE 10:52 am: Just a thought, since Virginia Talks was just showing them roasting each other, I wonder if Brian Moran and/or Terry McAuliffe will be watching the debate today from their undisclosed locations in Maine, etc. :)
UPDATE 10:55 am: The debate should be starting shortly. Here are a few things to look out for as you watch.
UPDATE 11:04 am: Can't we ever have a debate without technical glitches? This time, the live stream is "stuttering" - stopping and starting all the time - and making it very difficult to watch. Greeeeaaaat.
UPDATE 11:07 am: Video feed working for the moment. Creigh Deeds introduced to lots of applause in his home county. Bob McDonnell introduced to significantly louder applause and cheering. Laying down groundrules - opening statements, questions to candidates, questions by candidates to each other, final round of questions from audience both live and "virtual," closing statements.
UPDATE 11:11 AM: McDonnell opening statement, claims Creigh has "home court advantage" (don't think so!). Most important thing is to move economy forward, create jobs. McDonnell slams "cap and trade" and says Deeds supported it. Lists "challenges we face right now" (transportation, education, etc.). Touts his leadership, says Creigh supported him 98% of the time (not sure on what, sound isn't the greatest).
UPDATE 11:13 am: Deeds opening statement. Not even 20 seconds in, Deeds mentions Mark Warner and how he worked with him. "Moderates." "Business community." "Today we're facing the same challenges." "Bush economic policies." Must keep Virginia "low tax state." Must maintain commitment to higher education. Must pursue exciting economic opportunities of the future (stem cell research, alternative energy, spaceport). "Common sense values." "Get results."
UPDATE 11:15 am: Question on education, video "stuttering" again. Live stream appears dead again. D'oh! Now video, no audio (11:18 am).
UPDATE 11:27 am: The sound is back for whatever reason. Deeds says he wants to create opportunity, prosperity and hope in every corner of Virginia. On abortion, "I trust the women of Virginia" - ought to be decided by women, doctor. "My opponent opposes abortion even in case of rape or incest." McDonnell - Raised with traditional values (life, marriage, rule of law, be nice to each other, civility). Need to promote and strengthen families, religious institutions. More reliance on private sector, less on government. On abortion, I've been pro life. I try to find ways to bring people together, have advocated parental consent, ban on partial birth abortion, informed consent bill. These were "widely embraced...Creigh voted against all of them," he's "outside the mainstream." Creigh voted for Marshall-Newman and then opposed it. I'm about jobs and opportunity. "Common sense solutions to create jobs and opportunity." Deeds - "We all have personal views...but when personal views bleed over and affect public policy, that's a different matter." McDonnell is "out of the mainstream" on abortion. McDonnell introduced 35 bills that would restrict a woman's right to choose. "My record...is built on bipartisanship."
UPDATE 11:31 am: Question on future of justice system in Virginia. McDonnell- "Strong supporter" of independence of judiciary. Judges should find and declare the law. Politics and ideology should play almost no role. Started judicial performance evaluation system. Objectively evaluate judges. "Merit selection process for judges," look solely at credentials of judge, legal scholarship, writing ability. Overall, we've got a great justice system in Virginia. I'll appoint people according to those criteria.
Deeds - Independence of judiciary is critical. We've got to put people on bench who have experience, intellect, curiosity to take facts, apply law, provide justice. Cynicism about government is rampant, court is window on government, extremely important we put good people there, politics should not play a role, should be merit based. We should reform the whole process.
McDonnell - I agree with Creigh, we did have a breakdown this past session between GA and Supreme Court. Impartial rating of judges. Expand quality of judiciary, appointed first two African American judges, expanded # of women, important to have diverse bench. (ha, you mean like Sonia Sotomayor?!?)
UPDATE 11:37 am: McDonnell asks Deeds, "why did you choose Creigh not Bob?" Ha, just kidding. Cap and trade (McD calls it the "federal energy tax") - will you sign a letter with me that will go to Senators Warner and Webb and ask them to vote against "job killing energy tax." Creigh - I talk to Webb and Warner on regular basis. Are you running for governor or Congress? On card check, protect secret ballot, won't do anything to impugn Virginia's integrity as business-friendly state. Cap and trade, climate change is a serious issue. Let's face it, in a recession, any legislation that will put business at a disadvantage is not a good idea. I think Congressman Boucher did yeoman's work on cap and trade. Let's talk more about Virginia, not about the halls of Congress. As Attorney General, you approved electric power rate increases for Appalachian Power.
McDonnell - the answer I heard was "no." We need a governor who understands 10th amendment. If you won't take a stand for 1,500 jobs in your district, people in Virginia can't be confident that you'll protect jobs statewide. A governor needs to take a stand and say if it's wrong for Virginia, I'll oppose it.
UPDATE 11:42 am Deeds - You voted against "Virginia Works" designed to help SWVA.
McDonnell - As AG of Virginia, I took oath of office to uphold law, protect interests of consumers. My job wasn't to make it up, it was to follow what statute says. Difference between us is you believe higher taxes is way to prosperity, I believe that's wrong. You voted to increase gas tax, many other taxes, these will not help hardworking citizens of SWVA. Dedicate full time Dep. Sec. Commerce and Trade, focus on economic development in Southside, SWVA. I will make that a top priority.
Deeds - The politics of "gotcha" are why people are cynical about politics, but two can play at that game. You voted for many taxes - soft drinks, hunting and fishing, food, etc. There's nothing wrong with looking at ways to solve problems. You have to see entire playing field.
UPDATE 11:47: Deeds to McDonnell: You said your model for governance was George W. Bush. Where have you been last 8 years?
McDonnell: After 9/11, we had serious problems in this country, at risk for attack, we all rallied around best interest of United States, Bush did good job of keeping America safe. Also, dealt with economic downturn. Significant tax cuts. Killed the "death tax." This is the reason we've had this economic revival in America, almost overheated. Those cuts will go away in 2011, we're going to have half at trillion $ tax increase on American people. I don't agree with President Bush on a number of things he has done. But this new Congress, with cap and trade, whopping tax increase, card check, unfunded mandates in stimulus bill, micromanaging, socialized medicine...this Congress is wrong.
Deeds - Again, I'm not sure if we're debating a congressional race of governor of Virginia. Last month, McDonnell said Bush policies worked great. I ask you, is the economy of Virginia overheated? Extremely high unemployment in Virginia. I'm not arguing about things that kept this country safe, we're all patriots. On card check, the secret ballot is going to be preserved.
UPDATE 11:49 am: McDonnell claiming Creigh is big supporter of tax increases, in primary said would keep "all options on the table" to fund transportation. Now, you say you'll make transportation a priority but not one dime for transportation. Will you raise taxes in order to fund transportation?
Deeds - Again, the politics of gotcha. You want to go through the entire record? I'm not ashamed of anything. Need to focus on transportation, no quicker way to create jobs than 21st century transportation system. About funding, a lot of options are going to be on the table, I'm not going to presume what will or will not pass the General Assembly, but I will NOT fund transportation on back of public education. My opponent wants to take money out of the general fund, $5.4 billion out of education, robbing Peter to pay Paul. We need real solutions for people of Virginia, too many people sitting in traffic, we need to come up with creative solutions not just talk.
McDonnell - I agree, we don't need talk, that's why I announced a detailed, comprehensive plan. Creigh, you don't have a plan, you haven't suggested one dime. That's not right. You ought to tell people exactly how you're going to fund it. As to accusations of "raiding the general fund," you know that's not right, Creigh.
UPDATE 11:54 am: "Would you raise taxes to fix transportation? If not, what would you do?"
McDonnell - Tough times right now, people of Virginia can't sustain another tax increase and still recruit Altrias and Rolls Royces to Virginia. We can't do it. Deeds doesn't propose a dime to fix transportation. I've got specific plan. Bonds, let NOVA fund transportation projects in NOVA, create tolling, privatize ABC stores, devote 75% of surplus to transportation. These are all about saying, "I will lead on transportation." I was able to bring Republicans and Democrats together.
Deeds - I voted for the bill only at the governor's urging, told people I was holding my nose because it was Balkanization and abuser fees. While we're talking, people in NOVA and Hampton roads are stuck in traffic, opportunities lost in Southside and SWVA. McD's "plan" is built on "robbing Peter to pay Paul."
UPDATE 11:57 am: "Do you support rights for GLBT, including marriage and civil union?"
Deeds - Marriage between man and woman, not an issue in Virginia. I've supported nondiscrimination, full contractual rights. We need to focus not on politics of division but on what will help us move forward as Commonwealth. Every Virginian must be included, can't divide citizens along lines of our personal views.
McDonnell - As AG, I had policy that we didn't discriminate on anything. I don't think there ought to be any tests other than merit for someone to be brought into state service. I supported marriage amendment.
[followup - for both of you, you don't plan to emphasize these issues in campaigns or as governor, would rather focus on economy, roads, etc.]
Deeds - We only get 4 years to advance agenda, that's not much time. I'm going to focus on creating opportunity and hope in every corner of Virginia. I want to promote fairness. I've never made social policy - abortion, gay rights - a huge focus of my agenda. I'll focus on economy, moving Virginia forward.
McDonnell - Jobs and opportunity, access to prosperity are my top goals. Transportation, K-12, higher ed. Also need to strengthen families. Fatherhood initiative that Obama has talked about. Jobs/economy=top issue.
UPDATE 12:02 pm: Role of guns in society, lessons from VA Tech tragedy?
Deeds - I'm a strong supporter of Second Amendment, grew up in part of Virginia where people respect gun rights. VA Tech shooting changed so many things. Those people poured their grief into closing gun show loophole, I worked hard to craft amendments to get bipartisan support, got the bill out of committee for first time. I haven't supported much gun control legislation.
McDonnell - I'll never forget April 16, 2007. I went to Virginia Tech. Gov. Kaine handled that well, his finest moment as governor. I'm a strong supporter of 2nd Amendment. I don't support private sales of firearms regulation that Deeds supports.
UPDATE 12:06 pm: Final question on relationship between national policy and our own state making its own decisions.
McDonnell - I couldn't agree with that sentiment more. Federal government has trampled on 10th amendment. I think that's bad for Virginia and bad for America. The federal government has spent too much money under Republican and "Democrat" administrations. Card check, cap and trade, "socialized medicine," new intrusions into free enterprise system. I'm very concerned, it's not just a federal issue, when Congress passes things it affects Virginia. I'll work with Congressional delegation to be an advocate for state, don't just say "it's a federal issue there's nothing I can do about it." "The 10th amendment still means something." Government closest to the people. Jefferson. I'll fight for that.
Deeds - 10th amendment is often trampled on, Bob and I agree. We've got to work to make sure state's interests are maintained. Tell federal government to adhere to its own work. Bob keep raises issues that are federal, we've got to focus on what's going on here in Virginia.
UPATE 12:10 pm: Creigh closing statements. Who will move us forward, who will take us back to failed economic policies of past. I stood with Mark Warner, this man stood in opposition to Mark Warner. I stood with John Chichester. I'm proud of my bipartisan work. This week, I was endorsed by 8 Republican legislators. I've got a plan to jump start economy, invigorate small business, provide targeted tax relief, create green energy economy, invigorate rural economic growth, solve transportation problems. We need to look forward. Hope, prosperity, opportunity, We can't go back, we have to go forward.
McDonnell; Creigh Deeds is a good family man, none of this is personal it's about ideas. Use my experience as army officer, Fortune 500, AG, to solve problems. Deeds supported virtually everything I've done. I've received endorsements of Sheila Johnson, 100+ law enforcement officials, Republican legislators. Promote jobs, grow economy. I've stood with small business, Creigh's stood with unions. I have transportation plan, took some courage. Creigh has not announced any plan to fund transportation. I'm a strong support of offshore drilling, Creigh has not indicated support. I'm for low taxes, Creigh's for higher taxes.
UPDATE 12:15 pm - Debate over, candidates shake hands, applause from audience, now let the spin begin! :)
SHORT SUMMARY: I didn't really hear anything new today, no major gaffes either. It appears that McDonnell's strategy is to run against cap and trade, "socialized medicine," "raising taxes," infringements on state sovereignty, and whatever else is in the right-wing Republican playbook. At the same time, he says he's going to focus on the economy and creating jobs, but by following Bush-o-nomics that seems laughable. McDonnell also claims his shell game of a transportation "plan" will really accomplish something. That's a complete joke. He hit Creigh several times on not having a serious transportation plan.
Creigh seems to be trying to focus on Virginia as opposed to "national" issues. Also, Creigh is trying hard to tie himself to Mark Warner (not so much Tim Kaine). The economy, "green jobs," transportation, education are main themes. Also, avoiding divisive social issues and the politics of "gotcha."
I'd say both guys held their own today, but of course I strongly disagree with McDonnell on EVERYTHING so to me it was no contest on substance. In terms of delivery and style, McDonnell was far, FAR stronger than "Jerry the Duck" Kilgore was four years ago against Tim Kaine. This is going to be a tough election, and given how extreme Bob McDonnell really is, that's frightening.
Also, I tend to agree with Larry Sabato that "This will be a party base election with much lower turnout than 2008. Both candidates tossed out the usual red meat for activists."
UPDATE 6:27 pm: Audio available here.
