Oklahoma senate debate, Carson/Coburn, now on CSPAN2

[Awsi Dooger]

Taped earlier tonight. Different format, seated at a round table with supposedly a conversational approach. Able to question each other directly. Questions from high school audience members later on.

This is a key race and very tight with a large number of undecideds in every poll, higher than any major race in the country.

Democrat Carson has promised no more negative ads during the campaign, in a race flooded with them.

[Awsi Dooger]

1. Typical Republican, Coburn couldn't name a single state park in Oklahoma

An unexpected question, "When did you last take advantage of an Oklahoma state park, and which one?" Carson answered first and specifically, naming one he and his wife visited two years ago. Stayed in their lodge. Said he needed a break after this campaign and hoped he could take advantage of several others he mentioned by name.

Even with the extra time to think about it, Coburn admitted he had no idea. Said he probably played golf at some of them. Then wandered through a generic response about how rich the state was in travel opportunities. Certainly not critical in this race, but very revealing.

Carson sounded more like a Democrat tonight, emphasizing programs should not be cut simply to save money, if the programs were vital to the underprivileged. But his response to why he is supporting Kerry was hardly enthusiastic, in fact reluctant and delayed. "Because I'm a Democrat."