by Curt_Anderson on October 25, 2022 7:56 pm
I watched the debate. In my old job of directing television and radio commercials I used to interview announcers and actors. If I were hiring somebody to be a commercial pitchman, I'd hire Oz. But that kind of talent doesn't determine who would be a good senator.

The format of that debate in particular is a silly way to determine if somebody would be a good senator. The time allotted for the answers was ridiculously short. "Please tell us what steps you'd take to solve the crisis in Ukraine. You have thirty seconds".

When senators do talk, it's long-winded speeches prepared by their staff. Not 15, 30 and 60 second responses to questions as if it were a game show. Some senators I've never even heard speak. Not being a great orator isn't disqualifying.

My guess is that polls won't change much, Fetterman will maintain his polling edge over Oz. I think voters if anything will tend to be sympathetic with Fetterman, who after all showed up despite all the disadvantages he is working under. People can relate to the underdog--those who have been knocked down and get back up.