"Feingold, Michels take off gloves over Patriot Act"

[XanaDUer]

Feingold, Michels take off gloves

By JR Ross
Associated Press
October 2, 2004



There's no love lost between Tim Michels (left) and Sen. Russ Feingold. (AP photo)


MILWAUKEE -- Republican Tim Michels accused U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold of repeatedly turning his back on homeland security Friday night in the first debate between the two, singling out the incumbent's vote against the Patriot Act that expanded police powers to fight terrorism.


Feingold countered the legislation has undermined civil liberties and questioned how Michels could criticize him for voting against a piece of legislation his Republican opponent has admitted he hadn't even read.

Feingold said he voted against the bill after looking at it closely and seeing that allowed the government to monitor computer use, look at library records and get into people's homes without just cause.

"We should be protecting freedom at home as well as freedom abroad," said Feingold, a Democrat. He pointed out 20 senators have now signed onto legislation to alter portions of the bill to protect civil liberties..."

http://www.madison.com/tct/home/topstories/index.php?ntid=11644&ntpid=1

[AndyP]

1. Feingold is the man

He came and spoke to us last year and defended his vote Best part about it is that he's totally right. Nobody read the patriot act, it's the fearmongering again that's all the right can do. I hope he runs for president some day soon :)

[bobthedrummer]

2. Russ absolutely took Michels out of the game on the Patriot Act

during the debate last night.
It was so sweet!

[mark0rama]

3. Michels clearly did not learn from dubya's debate mistakes.

Reaction shots of him showed him glowering, looking testy, snapping the cap of his pen repeatedly.

Feingold was thoroughly in command of the debate most of the time.

[gumby]

4. Watched the re-broadcast today.

Not only did Feingold score when he said that Michels had never read the Patriot Act, he scored again when he reminded Michels (and the audience) that the courts have recently declared portions of the USAPA unconstitutional.

Feingold made clear that Michels is not only dumber than a box of rocks, he's also against the Constitution.

Smack Down.

[XanaDUer]

5. That's 'cause we have truth on our side.

Eom.

[Poiuyt]

6. Feingold has a big lead over Michels

something like 52%-39%