If you saw the Webb/Allen debate, who do you think came off better?

[Armstead]

I saw the last half of it on CSPAN.

It was kind of mixed, IMO.

I was very impressed with Webb. He knows his stuff, and he has an obvious backbone. He didn't take any guff from Allen. And in the brains and depth department, he outclassed Allen.

And I like the fact that he seems to be the kind of Democrat who could help to win back a lot of wayward Democrats. I also like the fact that he has a basically progressive/liberal/populist message. Despite his conservative streak on some issues, and his GOP history, he seems a lot more progressive on economics than a lot of "centrist" Democrats.

In fact in his wrap up, he made a direct appeal to people who were once Democrats who believe in liberal economic policies but had moved towards the Republicans because of national security issues. He basically said that the GOP had screwed up national security and foreign policy, and the Democrats would do a much better job on that too.

But Allen is a slick dude on the podium. He seemed to oiverpower Webb in the personality department. And he seemed well prepared with the GOP spin, and good at pounding it out.

I'd say on content, Webb won by a country mile. But on delivery it was probvably a draw, with a slight edge to Allen.

How do otehrs see it? Or how is it being spun in the Virginia media?

[Erika]

1. Allen came off as stiff and defensive

Not too impressive.

[Justice Is Comin]

2. Webb gave up a lot of time he could have continued speaking.

and he didn't nail Allen to bush until the closing statement which was great. The tax taffee Allen was trying to stretch, he just didn't blast him with the real facts of the tax cuts, just missed a great opportunity.

It was like Jim had a secret confidence or something that this was the proper way to low key it, but he sure could have layed him out and he stayed low profile.

I don't understand why they don't have some super fabulous soundbite lines all prepared going in that would be assured to lead the news coverages of the debate, and then just look for the ideal place to put it in.

I just don't see that but it's sure as hell what I would do.

[greyl]

4. I can't believe he said "I'll pass".

I was dumbfounded.
I think he needs a few new writers and a speech coach to take the angles off of his esoterica. I don't think many people in my neighborhood(very rural VA) know what internecine means, for example.
But really, "I'll pass"?

I'm calling it a draw.

[virgdem]

3. I saw almost all of the debate...

it's hard for me to be objective, as I so detest Allen. I felt that he was more polished than Webb, but on content, Webb trumped Allen on all issues. I got tired of all of Allen's obvious lies, dissemination and downright distortions of the issues and attacks on Webb. It's gonna be close, but I hope that Webb can pull it out. I've spoken to many people here in VA Beach/Norfolk and folks that have voted Republican for years are now expressing doubt and disgust with Republicans. I hope this bodes well for the Dems in what has been a traditionally Republican area for years.

[lostnfound]

5. If only Allen could be connected to the Foley scandal in some way..

I can't believe the deer head story hardly made a dent.

[Awsi Dooger]

6. Webb left some opportunites out there

As others mentioned, he often shortened his replies and once gave up his reply time completely. He also has a habit of keeping his head down and not making eye contact.

The part that frustrated me was when Webb repeated the same question to Webb as a previous debate, why he voted to raise his own salary yet voted against hiking the minimum wage. Allen was prepared for that topic and launched a long reply that made it appear he supported the increase in the minimum wage. Webb should have formed the question differently in regard to a standalone raise in the minimum wage, to put Allen on the defensive.

Also, Webb's other candidate-to-candidate question was bizarre. It dealt with an island and Allen quickly said he would have to study the issue before responding. Webb was stuck at that point and awkwardly tried to describe what the issue was. No doubt the viewers had no idea about the specific issue, so no matter what Allen had said it wasn't going to have impact. You want your candidate-to-candidate questions to be on a high profile issue that will resonate and change minds. No one was going to give a damn about the issue Webb picked. Allen, in contrast, used a simple question regarding the number of Virginians impacted by a tax decrease. When Webb didn't have the number, Allen slipped it in, 3 million. It was probably misleading bullshit but that's what you want in a candidate-to-candidate question, something that puts the other guy on the defensive and a basic topic like taxes.

Webb's closing remark was very effective, and he was able to give it last. So let's hope it pulled out the debate in Webb's favor. But overall as a debater, Jim Webb is no Jon Tester.

[sandnsea]

7. China and Taiwan???

Oh yes, I think anybody who watched that debate is well aware of the significance of China and Taiwan. The point was very clear, if Allen doesn't have his prepared talking points, he doesn't know what the hell is going on in the world. He's a rubberstamp.

Although I would agree, Jim Webb is no Jon Tester. He was just beyond all expectations.

[Justice Is Comin]

8. He's no Harold Ford either.

Every single Democrat on the continent should be hiring him as a debate coach. He was incredible.

[Eurobabe]

9. Felix is a smarmy suck up. I thought Webb held his own

but I didn't get that last weird question about the islands near Taiwan, was he trying to make Felix look like a dope (geography for dummies?)

Webb seemed much more in control and knowledgable than that stupid ex-football coach. I weep for UVA (my grad school alma mater) everytime I see Sen. Macacawitz.

[Armstead]

10. I concur with what most have said

Webb was great in many ways -- especiaklly on substance -- but he did a couple of weird things that seemed to unbdercut that.

I was particularly bothered that he asked Allen about voting to raise his salary question, without seeming to have a prepared response that was more direct and targeted. Allen was able to spin it, and Webb's answer seemed too vague.

It probably depends on the voter's ownb inclinations as to who "won" the debate. I hope enough people see through Allen and his slick talking points to recognize that Webb would be a far better Senator.

[kentuck]

11. I'd say it's going down to the wire...

A cliffhanger....a nailbiter...to borrrow a couple of sports cliches.