Mike Oot is a real person, who has a pulse, he stands, walks and talks, so, must be there is a real campaign for the 23rd Congressional seat.While this blog may joke about the race, do not think for a moment John McHugh does, he takes every opponent serious and he showed up to play ball last night. Any young, up and coming politico out there should show up to watch John McHugh debate, he is an excellent teacher with excellent debating skills assisted by his depth of knowledge on issues. He has a mix of his ideas, his accomplishments and an attack of his opponent's ideas in every response. His eloquence and humility were impressive for the 102 people in attendance.
(Disclaimer - Dan Francis will not agree with anything in this post, that point is recognized)
The candidates sparred over energy prices, health care, the economy, dairy farming, foreign policy, border crossings and budget cuts.
Oot took a very left of center approach on issues including health care with his universal health care approach while McHugh pointed out he does not think government is best to run health care and cited unfunded liabilities of Medicare, underpaid providers and a government that brought the public the compassion of the "IRS." McHugh asked, is this the same government you want responsible for providing health care, "I don't think so!"
Oot version of foreign policy concerns was less than an original answer, "end the war." He made no mention of Iran or the aggressions of Russia or any other policy. McHugh quickly responded that he favored ending the war, but using a different approached so all the work accomplished was not in vain.
There is a campaign for the 23rd Congressional seat and McHugh is ready to defend his solid effort for the people of the North Country, while Oot is struggling to run a campaign.
McHugh clearly was the winner of this debate.
11 comments:
IV - disclaimer - I disclaim... actually I agree with your fine assessment. Or as Gomer Pyle might say, "Surprise, surprise, surprise..."
But, all seriousness aside, it was not a debate in the true sense, except John McHugh kinda nibbled at the edges of "a debate" but the two of them seldom went at each other in any real "debate format" ... the timed format and prepared questions - not a good format.
Having sad that, these critical things were MIA:
1. Torture and loss of American prestige (war crimes have been committed - btw: I'm an old Marine interrogator and I know those rules and the law).
2. NSA domestic spying and FBI abuse of power (and we're not safe - not from the awesome power of our own government)!
3. McHugh criticized the $700 billion and the GOP, yet he supported the bailout and the GOP.I know he's a Republican, but last night he kinda, on some points, sounded like a DEM!!!
4. Afghanistan and Pakistan and Iran (we must forget the 600 lost there and that number will go up... bet on it).
5. Pending voter problems and the billion already spent with few fixes and in fact it may be worse this cycle.
I'm done now.
Thanks to people like John McHugh, the corruption of the George Bush Administration goes on and on.
Two weeks after being questioned by ABC News about his travel expenses and gambling habits, the head of the US Postal Service's Inspection Service abruptly announced his retirement. It seems that Alexander Lazaroff joins the long list of Bush's corrupt decision makers. He was traveling and gambling on our dime and perhaps postage stamps, too.
Where the hell was John McHugh when all of this was going on? Who was he representing? Unlike other Republicans and Democrats, John has not ever voiced concern about these antics.
Last night's debate was very interesting to watch. It was my first glimpse at Mr. Oot and I must say that he is more enjoyable to watch and listen to than Dr. Bob Johnson.
Congressman McHugh certainly exhibited his command of the issues and his passion for serving the people of Northern New York. Mr. Oot represents that legislative will of the party he represents, not the hopes, dreams, and needs of the people of Northern New York.
Dan Francis brings up some good points about the horrors of war, however, such attrocities shall always occur during times of war. No matter how many laws we enact or how much training our soldiers receive, it is difficult to overcome human nature. The natural man that is inside of us that is difficult to tame and at times compels men to do the unthinkable.
In response to Rwiley's complaint of Congressman McHugh, it is difficult for a legislator to know what appointed officials, much less other elected officials, are up to ALL OF THE TIME. Only God Himself has the omnipotence and omnipresence to know the heart, will, and actions of men. I don't know if you have ever served on a board as an elected official, but I heartily suggest you do. You may learn a thing or two of what real governance is compared to shouting absurdities from the sidelines. It is often difficult to get people's attention when people are breaking the law. And sometimes even if you get their attention your colleagues or leaders are complacent and would rather sweep issues under the carpet than discuss the problem and devise a solution. An example of this would be independent contrctors being allowed into the NYS retirement system. In order for them to be included the town supervisor and town boards must designate them as employees and award them so many credits for how much work they would do during a year. All-in-all it was a good debate and I am certain that Mr. McHugh will be aour Congressman for anotehr two years.
John who?
Who is this McHugh character? He sure doesn't visit the northeastern portion of his district much.
john peck wrote in part:
"Dan Francis brings up some good points about the horrors of war, however, such attrocities shall always occur during times of war. No matter how many laws we enact or how much training our soldiers receive, it is difficult to overcome human nature. The natural man that is inside of us that is difficult to tame and at times compels men to do the unthinkable."
I was addressing torture being conducted in war, not the horrors of combat... I happen to know both very well ... in time of war, torture is inexcusable and if we excuse that which is illegal, it becomes easier each time ...
Two words illustrate precisely what I mean:
Abu Ghraib
* War Crimes must be pursued, otherwise why do we cheer so loudly when an old Nazi is caught and tried?
This issue is a no-brainer ... torture does not work and it's illegal ...
"I don't know if you have ever served on a board as an elected official, but I heartily suggest you do. You may learn a thing or two of what real governance is compared to shouting absurdities from the sidelines."
To answer your question, YES, as a Republican and as an active Republican for 38 years, I did learn a lot.
During my years as a Republican, our Republican Congressman lived in the community. When he wasn't in Washington doing our business, you would see him around the community. You could say hello to him at a restaurant or at the many community functions he attended. His term was as long or longer than John McHugh's.
John McHugh is an absent congressman.
Time for change even in the North Country. MuHugh is weak on the environment maybe Mike Oot will do better. Lets give Mike Oot and the north country a fresh start.
I heartily agree with you RWiley that Congressman McHugh is an absent Congressman. That point is the main issue that I have an issue with him aside from his being a member of Congress for 16 years and still having as much power as a junior Congressman. I do currently serve on a town board and I enjoy it very much, although it does get very frustrating at times too when you work with people who are willing to disobey the law. I commend you for your years of service to the Republican Party. It is my intent to continue serving the people of my community and this state throughout my life. I enjoy the conversations and insight that both you and Mr. Francis offer.
John Peck: thanks, I appreciate that - I try hard.
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