At Democratic Debate, Philly Left Wanting More
Not much substance in this debate, the governor and other Philadelphians say.
Pennsylvanians are not shy about sharing their political views and after Wednesday’s Democratic Presidential debate in Philadelphia, many here expressed regret at what they felt was a lack of substance.
“I was disappointed in the first half of the debate,” said Pennsylvania Governor, Ed Rendell. “I thought ABC was disgraced.”
Rendell lamented what he felt were largely irrelevant questions aimed at the candidates during the first 45 minutes of the debate — questions that dealt solely with campaign missteps and poorly-worded comments, rather than issues important to the city and the state.
Rendell spoke from the majestic National Constitution Center in Philly’s historic district. Philadelphians from another part of town shared his frustration.
“I think they spent too much time on the campaigns,” said Reverend Raymond Williams of the Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in South Philadelphia. Williams wanted to hear more on unemployment and gun control. Despite a lack of focus in the debate, Williams was impressed with Clinton’s performance.
“I think she won that debate,” Williams said. “I think she touched on a lot of issues Pennsylvanians are concerned about.”
Mark Segal, publisher of the Philadelphia Gay News also spoke well of Clinton, and unlike many here in the spin rooms, applauded moderators Charlie Gibson and George Stephanopoulos for being aggressive with Senator Obama.
“I feel as though it’s the first time he’s really being questioned,” Segal said. “They wouldn’t let him just answer and get away with it.”
Segal referenced a moment when Obama claimed to have “disowned” Rev. Jeremiah Wright as evidence of the candidate’s
discomposure. “That was his deer in the headlights moment,” Segal said.
Reed McGowan, director of the Norris Square Neighborhood Project, a community empowerment group serving Latinos in Philadelphia, agreed that substance was lacking in the first half of the debate, but believed Obama performed well. “I think they both had strong points but I think Obama had a more personal reaction,” McGowan said.
McGowan was disappointed with both candidates’ stances on gun control. “They started talking about the Constitution and the second amendment but they didn’t provide any strategies,” he said.