This was the second debate between Virginia's 5th Congressional District Independent/Republican (he switches whenever it is convenient) incumbent Goode and Democratic challenger Tom Perriello.
However, the other half of the people in the crowded room were not so impressed, by Rep. Goode and cheered just as wildly when Tom scored a real point with a common sense approach to the problems facing 5th CD residents. The lines were clearly drawn along party lines in this debate.
Whenever Perriello spoke of bipartisanship solutions, Goode attacked Nancy Pelosi like a junk yard dog. Yes sir, ole Virgil sure has a knack for stupidity.
In fact, much of Goode's time speaking was spent as an attack on Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and campaigning for John McCain, and when cornered on an issue he seemed to suffer a meltdown. somewhat similar to Miss South Carolina at this years Miss America pagent. Perriello finally had to tell Goode, "I'm not Nancy Pelosi, no matter what you seem to think."
Goode took full advantage of his 2 minute time slots to voice his support for a fence along the Mexican border, but didn't mention he has voted consistently against fining companies that knowingly hire illegals.
He also showed his good Christian spirit by saying so-called "anchor babies" children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants are the reason health care costs are so high. Perriello had to use some of his time to point out that only 40 members of the House agreed with Goode. If Virgil said "anchor babies" once he must have said it 50 times in 2 minutes.
Virgil's attack on children brought to mind a quote from Mahatma Gandhi, "I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians, they are nothing like your Christ."
On the subject of Energy Solutions, Goode could do no better than carry on about drilling in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) and offshore. Ever wonder why he conveniently forgets oil companies already own leases on 80% of the Outer Continental Shelf, or that drilling would have no effect at the pumps for at least 10 years (according to the Dept. of Energy)?
No, he would rather focus on one of the worse pieces of legislation to ever be introduced in Congress - The American Energy Act S. 2958. All the while Goode has voted against legislation that would promote alternative energy solutions.
If you are foolish enough to buy into this one, I have some land for sale you would just love!
Virgil also suffers (or maybe it doesn't bother him at all, as he appears clueless on most issues) from a lack of math skills. When Tom pointed out non-partisan scores of the House Appropriations Committee ranked Goode at 60 out of 66, Goode claimed that makes him better than the remaining 400 + members of the House. Sorry Virgil, that makes you 60 out of 66.
Retired Navy Senior Chief Roy Carter summed up the night like this, "I think Tom mopped up the floor with Goode." My wife said "Tom's responses were better thought out and certainly more intelligent, while Goode spun like a top with grease all over it."
(home video added until a really good clip from the campaign is found)
Perriello Dominates, Goode Flubs Facts at Issues ForumSeptember 4, 2008 - Danville, VA - Last night at the Sorensen Institute's Issues Forum, Democratic challenger Tom Perriello dominated the discussion as he faced off against incumbent Rep. Virgil Goode for the second time. Goode flubbed several key facts and made numerous gaffes.
"This forum is a must-see for voters of the fifth district," said Jessica Barba, communications director for the Perriello campaign. "The contrast couldn't be clearer: Congressman Goode's ineffectiveness, excuses, and blame games or Tom Perriello's energy, focus on results, and standing up for the middle class."
Here are just a few of illuminating moments of the forum:
"Bringing Home the Bacon"
Goode touted that he "brought home the bacon" for the district. But out of the 11 member Virginia Congressional Delegation, Congressman Goode, despite being one of only three Virginia Congressmen on the Appropriations Committee, ranked 7th in total earmarks for the 2008 fiscal year. [Source: Citizens for Government Waste, "2008 Congressional Pig Book"]House Rankings
In 2000, Goode left the Democratic Party in return for a prized seat on the House Appropriations Committee. "I believe being on the Appropriations Committee can help people in Southside, Virginia, and the 5th District," said Goode at the time. [Source: Allen, "Has Goode left his roots or kept them?" 10/03/2004, Roanoke Times] But a study by the Washington newspaper Roll Call finds that Congressman Goode is ranked 60th out of 66 members of the House Appropriations Committee in power and influence on the committee. At the debate, Goode falsely stated that "60 out of 430 members is not too bad," but in fact out of the entire chamber, Goode ranks 311th out of 435 members in power and effectiveness.Personal Holdings in Big Oil
When Perriello stated that Goode is in the top 3% of all members of Congress in terms of personal holdings in Big Oil, Goode attacked Perriello's holdings in the Vanguard 500, a mutual fund. Goode also attacked Perriello for not criticizing Gov. Mark Warner's personal wealth and former Vice-President Al Gore's holdings in Occidental Petroleum, of which Virgil Goode also owns up to $100,000."Anchor Babies"
On immigration, Perriello focused on cutting off the supply of jobs by holding employers accountable for hiring illegal immigrants. Goode believes that ending the "anchor baby situation" is the most pressing immigration problem to be solved.Spending
The National Taxpayers Union, the same organization that Goode brought up for praising him on his congressional allowance, gave him a C (53%) rating in 2006, 2nd session of Congress, for his voting record on taxes and spending.Podcast of the entire forum can be heard here: http://static.mgnetwork.com/cd...