Unfortunately, my TV wasn't working quite right, so I had to listen to the debate via the Internet, and I missed a lot of the first part while fumbling with the TV.
I was very impressed with Simon. He was in excellent command of the facts and had an air of confidence that Davis struggled badly to imitate.
Davis sounded sneaky and evasive when talking about the two issues of most interest to me: The power crisis and the budget. Simon capitalized on Davis' own admission that he panicked during the power crisis. He also scored major points when talking about the budget. Davis accused him of not being specific enough; Simon shot back with citations to a number of specific proposals.
But my favourite moment had to be when Davis was asked why so many people disliked him, including - especially - people in the legislature. His hopeless answer to this question, mainly a vain attempt to change the subject, went off like a lead balloon, so much so that the follow-up question was simply a repeat of the original.
My least favorite part was where Simon was asked pointed questions about gun control. Davis was especially effective in mentioning the NRA contributions and endorsements; the implication was that Simon was pay to play on this issue, just as Davis was on his. We all know this is wrong - Simon's viewpoint was independently derived - but I could see it scored points.
But let's close this with another highlight - Davis was talking about the family leave bill, and Simon noted that the whole thing was funded by a tax. "Contributions," said Davis. No, Gray, it was a tax. I knew it. Simon knew it. And, more to the point, even the audience knew it.
And, finally, Simon was asked why so many people wanted to pick a different candidate. He brought up the point that most people don't know him, and I think he's right.
This debate showed me that Simon is hard-working, intelligent and will make a great governor. Let's do everything we can to make this happen in November.
D
I got to listen to most of it, on a Santa Cruz radio station 1080 am, and KFBK this after noon. Also on ABC Channel 10 in Sacramento right now re airing the debate.
What I found so amusing of Davis is his stumbling of words, incoherent at times, and always attacking Simon. He tended to down play the words, like taxes for revenues, and yes contributions. Also, green house gases, which is a farse of a bill, and that everyone is contributing to pay for "family leave act"? A$$hole!!!
I did listen and found Simon always staying with the questions. Didn't seem to me that he tried to sway out of questions, and answered them as he always had from previous talk interviews I heard him on.
What I found hilarious was that political editorial Times editor, Janet ?? asking Davis why both parties don't like him, and Davis spews off all kinds of personality stuff, like Eron, long extension cord to Texas for power, and Jay Leno, "white men can jump" jokes. In which Janet came back, and pounded Davis a new one, 'I didn't ask you about a personality test', I asked why don't parties on both sides can't stand you? I can image that Davis must of been fumbling at that rebuttal remark made Janet.... ;0)
Quite a few times, I was yelling at the radio, calling Davis, of course, liar and other words.....lol...