Well, I watched the Great Debate, and I must say that Arnold was horrid. Most particularly, he let Ariana bait him over and over again.
"Never argue with an idiot -- people won't be able to tell the difference." This was proved tonight. Cruz understood this, as did McClintock. For the most part they either ignored Ariana's yap-yap-yap, or took the high-road "whatever" response. But Arnold yap-yap-yapped right with her.
I fully expect Arnold's numbers to plummit after this debate. His only hope is that no one saw it. I don't see how he can win with McClintock in the race -- and after this, I think McClintock (poised as always) has the better chance. Even with McClintock out, I see Arnold as the loser.
I wrote a couple of days ago that I remained undecided. I'm not anymore. McClintock and Bustamente (*shudder*) are the only two candidates who have a CLUE what they want to do. Arnold could have had my vote tonight, but the man I saw up there is NOT ready to be Governor.
My vote's going to Tom.
Agree that McClintock was by far the most impressive. Tend to agree that he deserves my vote. Still worried about Cruz "Mr. N-Word" Bustamante becoming Commissar of the state.
On my blog I suggest that pollsters ask people for whom they would vote if 1) they didn't have to worry about who they thought would win, and 2) *Arnold* dropped out. (We have seen similar questions asking "What if McClintock dropped out?" -- I'd like to see one asking the same question about Arnold.)
Posted by: Patterico at September 25, 2003 09:27 AMI think Arnold's exchange with Ariana was to both of their advantage. Ariana will be perceived by the left as the one person who will stand up to Arnold and President Bush. For the lefties, that might make them take the so-called principled route and vote huffinpuff instead of bustamove. If some of the left bleeds off to vote for Ariana, the portion of the right that sticks with Tom will be neutralized. Arnold will win the soundbite war with the hummer comment.
Posted by: irishlass at September 25, 2003 10:35 PM