PA gubernatorial: Swann beats Rendell in first "debate"
The "greatest political mind in State history" proves clueless
By Mark Kilmer Posted in Archived — Comments (3) / Email this page » / Leave a comment »
Ed Rendell is the "greatest debator" and the "greatest political mind in Pennsylvania history." At least that's what those who fawn say. In truth, he's clueless.
Was it a debate? The Allentown Morning Call's Harrisburg guy John Micek calls it that. At the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry Forum in Hershey yesterday. Lynn Swann and Ed Rendell were able to trade charges.
Rendell accused the former Pittsburgh Steelers star of hypocrisy for supporting one of the pay hike's legislative architects.
That would be Bob Jubelirer, the State Senate Pro Tem who enthusiastically supported Swann's candidacy but received Swann's tepid support only after a tabloidish reporter snuck in the question and Swann replied, "sure."
Read More…
Swann said Rendell gave birth to the raises and at first defended them, then blamed lawmakers as public outrage mounted. Rendell ultimately ''cried'' that he'd been pressured by senior Republicans into signing the measure, Swann said.
Two hours after the debate, Ed Rendell was Jimmy Swaggart, begging his flock for forgiveness for his sins: "'There's no question that I made a mistake signing it." And you made a mistake enthusiastically endorsing and then staunchly defending it.
Bob Jubelirer has said that he made a mistake in voting for the pay raise.
Rendell, Swann said, should also be taken to task for his springtime support for House Minority Whip Mike Veon, D-Beaver, the only legislator to vote against repealing the raises.
I've discussed some of Ed's claims in this debate in a post below.
The real debates will be October 4th and 10th.
In Hershey yesterday, Rick Santorum talked rather than debated. His election opponent, Bob Casey, didn't bother showing up. You know, his little mind would be eaten alive in the U.S. Senate.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette describes some of the exchanges, and Swann seems to have deftly outmaneuvered the "greatest political mind in Pennsylvania history."
Rendell supporter John Baer, of the Philly tabloid Daily News, conceded that Swann batted and rattled Ed, but taunted that the governor's race was over anyway so it doesn't matter.
Folks, it ain't over 'til it's over. (That's a Yogism as the New Yankees cruise to another World Series championship.)
(cross-posted at the SwannBlog.)
« BREAKING: Bank Collapses. Feds cite Sen. Chuck Schumer as "immediate cause" of collapse — Comments (14) | The National Intelligence Estimate: "Losing the GWOT in Iraq" — Comments (73) »
PA gubernatorial: Swann beats Rendell in first "debate" 3 Comments (0 topical, 3 editorial, 0 hidden) Post a comment »
of the snap variety. What else is interesting to note is that is was true. Jubelirer, as majority leader, would have been a valuable ally in getting his agenda through the legislature.
Lynn Swann was not answering a question about the pay raise and it was not a ringing endorsement. Swann said only that Jubelirer would be useful if he were reelected.
That is now moot anyway.
And you, sir, have just endorsed Ed Rendell.
Is Rendell only leading by 15 points now instead of 20?
Doesn't make a big difference really.
---
This is my sig.
There are many like it.
But this one is mine.
link:
I also don't believe you can find anyone who's actually said such lofty things about Rendell, who sticks his foot in his month on a weekly basis.