If we talk about it today, I’ll go crazy.
Seriously, Scarlett, I can’t bring myself to give a damn right now. But in the morning I will. That’s when I’ll rejoin sidekick Andy Gobeil on his "Big Picture on the Radio" show on S.C. ETV radio, to talk about the debate.
Joining us will be a third amigo, my colleague Mike Fitts. I’ve asked him to come along to help with the awkward pauses. Mike follows this stuff a little more closely than I, since he’s our national guy. At least, I know he’s talked to Bill Richardson; I don’t even know what he looks like. I know Joe Biden, though. I think everybody in South Carolina has met Joe Biden, he’s been down here running so long.
Here’s hoping they get winnowed out a little before we have to start having endorsement meetings with them.
Anyway, Andy and the gang have a big lineup for their coverage tonight. Maybe you can use this in lieu of a program:
For Immediate Release
April 25, 2007
ETV’s "The Big Picture" Set to Interview Presidential Candidates
After Thursday’s Debate, April 26 at 8:30 p.m.
Columbia, SC…On Thursday, April 26, ETV’s coverage of the first-in-the-nation presidential debate will include two supplemental programs – The Big Picture and Project Discovery.
At 8:30 p.m., immediately following the debate, a special edition of The Big Picture will begin to broadcast from the South Carolina State University campus. ETV news and public affair’s Managing Editor and Host Andrew Gobeil will interview all available candidates for their perspectives on how the debate went, the role South Carolina will play in their presidential bid, etc.
Confirmed candidates thus far include:
- Joe Biden
- Bill Richardson
- Chris Dodd
- Dennis Kucinich
- Mike Gravel
Former Senator John Edwards has also indicated that he might participate.
Additionally, Gobeil will speak with state and national figures, including:
- U.S. House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn
- Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter, D-Orangeburg
- Sen. John Matthews, D-Orangeburg
- Joe Erwin, former party chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party
- Dr. Scott Huffmon, Associate Professor of Political Science at Winthrop University
- Dr. William Hine, Professor of History, South Carolina State University
"The Big Picture" will be simulcast on ETV Radio and also streamed over the Internet by going to www.myetv.org.
Earlier in the day, Project Discovery will air live at 1 p.m. and will be seen on ETV and also broadcast directly into classrooms across the state. This special episode of the occasional series gives students around the state a behind-the-scenes look at the Democratic debate, what it takes to put on such an event, and its impact on the Palmetto State, as well as the nation. The program will also encourage students, who may be too young to vote, to become involved and stay interested in politics. Students will be able to call in to 800-763-ETV1 with their questions.###
In fact, when I saw that release I thought maybe they didn’t need me, and called to see if Andy would let me off the hook.
He then explained that the release was about tonight, as it clearly said. Tomorrow, it’s just him and me. And now Mike. Tune in.
But who let the guy from Alaska in? He’s been thru too many long winters. At least I heard some specifics from some of them, and they didn’t spend the whole time putting each other down.
Rep. Gravel is a piece of work, isn’t he?
But I tried to put in a good word for him this morning on the radio. His belief that this is still 1971 and we’re still in Vietnam is so compelling that he made me feel young again.
In my opinion, the debate was mediocre. Brian William’s questions early on were negative and tantamount to personal attacks on the candidates, so the tone of the candidates themselves was defensive from the beginning. The major candidates to me seemed to be scripted and somewhat disingenuous. Edwards needs to fire his handlers because they have taught him not to be forthright, so he comes off sounding phony. All of these candidates need to stop worrying about offending special interest groups and they need to start talking from the heart instead. Even more troubling, the candidates didn’t effectively address the following issues that I hear from my coworkers every day:
1. The outsourcing of good paying manufacturing jobs and trade related issues.
2. Illegal immigration. Foreign workers taking middle class jobs (for much less money) and staying in this country on a permanent basis.
3. The outrageous cost of health care. Losing health insurance. People not having health insurance.
4. Gas prices being manipulated by big oil companies.
5. Lack of pensions and reduced benefits.
6. Credit card interest rates and payday loan sharks.
7. A corrupt political system that is run by big money and that is facilitated by an ineffective government.
Also, ordinary people are talking about climate change. Everyone realizes how the weather has changed since we were children-once again, we didn’t have a real winter. Everyone wants to know why we aren’t doing something to switch to alternative energy sources. Why don’t we employ some of these former manufacturing workers to make new energy systems for the future?