MTP: Webb v Allen

Just finished watching the Webb/Allen “debate” on Meet the Press. I put “debate” in quotation marks because it was less of a debate and more of a question and answer session, with Tim Russert asking mostly “gotcha” questions and both Jim Webb and George Allen answering defensively. Nothing new came out in this exchange and I doubt if anyone changed their mind because of it.

In my opinion, way too much time was spent on the war in Iraq. The first half of this joint appearance was devoted to this topic. Allen’s basic answers revolved around his (and Bush’s) mantra of “stay the course.” Webb’s answers were more complete, demonstrating his in-depth knowledge of this and other military actions.

The second half of the session dealt with the “gotchas:”

• Webb’s writings on women in the military
• Allen’s VMI statements on women
• Allen’s “m-word” moment, the noose and the Confederate flag
• Webb’s stand on affirmative action

Finishing up, Allen was asked to commit to serving out his full term, which he wouldn’t do. And then there was the question about both men chewing tobacco.

Given the opportunity to present these men in a national setting, I was disappointed in this “debate.” While I fully appreciate the impact of the Iraqi war, I would have liked to have heard more on the domestic policies of the two. I don’t think this debate hurt or helped either one. After watching it again, I don’t see a winner here. But I do see a loser: the Virginia public.