The Debate On The Debate - The Continuing Adventures of Craig "Cry Baby" Williams

Craig Williams seems be unsure of what, exactly, would be acceptable terms for a debate with Sestak.

One thing that caught my eye in the Daily Times article from September 23rd (see the 9/25 post on this blog) was the quote from Craig Williams' press release, saying that he was "greatly disappointed that Sestak’s rhetoric about campaigning on the issues in a free exchange of ideas will only last for two hours."

In the next day's Bulletin, however, he's quoted as complaining that, "the two-hour length could dissuade radio and television outlets from running the debate."

He doesn't like the timing, he thinks he's being given too much time to give his answers, he doesn't like the long time for opening and closing statements, and he was apparently in favor of a long debate time before he was against it? Unless, of course, he's not in control of his press communications and wasn't yet briefed on what his position was supposed to be. Considering that the rest of his campaign is based on boiler-plate Republican talking points, I wouldn't be surprised by that at all.

Personally, I think that he needs to spend his time complaining about the terms of the debate because he knows he won't be able to stand on the issues. I think he's afraid of the long answer times because the only thing he's capable of doing in depth is drilling for oil.

Someone needs to bail Williams out before hurts himself

Wow, Craig Williams just doesn't get it on the financial crisis.

In the Sept 23 Delco Times story:
"Williams said government-sponsored enterprises, like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, need to be removed from the equation and the market must be allowed to operate freely to prevent future problems - an attitude espoused by former President Ronald Reagan."

But earlier in the article:
"Williams said if emergency legislation goes through allowing the bailouts to an as-yet-unknown number of financial agencies, he wants to see some serious accountability built into the provisions. He also stressed the need for transparency in the process and, if appropriate, some subpoenas and indictments being handed down."

Different positions (from the same article):

"Get government out of the way," said Williams. "If government had been out of the way from the start when it came to mortgage lending, the companies would have done fine."

Sestak said he does not agree with that philosophy. If anything, he said, this crisis resulted from a lack of responsible oversight and accountability.

So which is it Craig? Market rules only or regulation? You can't have it both ways. Reaganomics were awful, so if Williams makes up his mind and chooses trickle-down economics, it's just another reason to vote for Sestak.

Sestak - Williams debate

A debate between incumbent Democratic Congressman Joe Sestak and Republican challenger Craig Williams will be held on October 29, 2008 according to the Delco Times story on 9/23/2008. The debate will be two hours long.

According to the story, Williams is unhappy about this. He wanted more debates and more time. I guess the Delco Republicans have a short memory - they forgot that incumbent Curt Weldon wouldn't debate anyone for years and only granted a 1 hour debate with Sestak two years ago.

Details from the Delco Times:

According to the agreement between the two campaigns, the Delaware and Chester County Leagues of Women Voters is set to jointly host the debate.
The format will include six-minute opening and closing statements, the order for which will be determined by a coin toss.
Each candidate will have five minutes to respond to questions, which includes rebuttal time. The campaigns agreed to allow the League of Women Voters to determine the location and designate a moderator to ask questions.

Can't figure out what Williams is going to say after he opens with "Drill Baby Drill". But I'm sure he will get drilled by Sestak!

Drilling Williams

It seems that the only thing Craig Williams has to offer is that he is in favor of drilling for oil, everywhere and anywhere.

In recent (9/19/08) Delco Times article, it says "Craig Williams, the Republican candidate for the Seventh Congressional District, blasted his Democratic opponent, U.S. Rep. Joe Sestak, D-7, of Edgmont, this week over his support of the Comprehensive American Energy Security and Consumer Protection Act."

Williams must be inspired by his connection with would-be VP Sarah Palin and the GOP convention chants of "Drill Baby Drill" as it seems this is his only issue.

Sestak sticks to the facts, as he has stated over and over again, that there are thousands of unused drilling permits, that the proposed ANWR drilling will have little impact, and that drilling is only a short term answer to bigger energy problem.

Pandering by Williams, knowledge and hard work from Sestak. That's par for the course in this campaign.

The Unbearable Silence of Spencer

It's always a good laugh to read The Daily Times political coverage during election season, but there is a particularly interesting trend this year. If you review Gil Spencer's editorials and visit his Daily Times blog, you may notice a topic he seems to be avoiding - Delaware County politics.

Sure, he's chimed in on some local controversies here and there, but we haven't read his usual hatchet-jobs on Democratic candidates. I suppose Gil must be used to the fact that Vitali will be in his seat as long as he wants, but where are his screeds against Sestak? Maybe he's too pissed off about a potential Obama presidency and those nasty people beating up on poor Sarah Palin, or maybe he's lost track of Craig Williams, what with all that cross-continental traveling the man's been doing. Maybe he's auditioning for that national pundit career he's always wanted.

Maybe he knows which way the wind is really blowing and doesn't want to have to taste his own foot again.