The Debate in the 5th - Go Al!

By: Kathy Gerber
Published On: 10/23/2006 9:49:13 PM

This had to be the most bizarre debate ever.  The planners and panelists did an outstanding job. Al Weed was really on and absolutely the best hands down.  Several times Virgil was plain nasty. 

And I really hope that someone gets this video up because it is your chance to see what the Independent Greens are all about with Joseph Oddo.  He mentioned his web site 4-5 times.  And rail more than that. Oh yeah - and over and over that they are NOT going away. 

Virgil said he is for - get this from a true career pol - term limits, $1,000 limit on campaign contributions with no PACs, no corporations and no unions.  He got nasty about it.  I have heard what a great debater he is and sorry, I just didn't see this.  And I *do* have high tolerance for his heavy accent, so that isn't it.  More it was a smoldering anger that he has. I've read so many times that he was reluctant to attack Robb, but the impression he gave tonight was that he was holding back from a brawl or something.

Al pointed out that he has taken 1.4 million in contributions.  And Al said that earmarks are not leadership.  They haven't brought jobs back to the district.

Virgil said that gays and lesbians are special interests and they raised money for Al.  He is one angry man. 

Oddo - well - I'm afraid that his presence made it less than serious.  Let's put it that way.  And as serious as things are right now, that's pretty scary.  I wouldn't buy a loaf of bread from the guy.

I hope someone else got a chance to see it and shares his or her thoughts and impressions!!

Comments



Thanks Kathy for the write up (Gordie - 10/24/2006 8:34:58 AM)
I attended the debate and it was a very cordial debate except for a few instances. I had the biggest laugh with Mr Oddo. Virgil kept pushing for him to be at the debate and I believe he thought he had someone who would back him, but Mr Oddo attacked Virgil, where as Al Pointed out Virgil's dismal record and had highly attanable positions, which Oddo kept showing the way to attain those programs with the money from no bid contracts and outlandish defense spending. Mr Oddo just may take some Republican votes from Virgil with last night performance.

Al Weed was definately cool and to the point, he certainly got a lot of chuckles from the audience with his story at the football game. Last night showed Al's ability as a leader now all he needs is the chance.

Thanks to my wife and granddaughter it was recorded but I cannot post with a dial up service. Any way I think that would be illegal.



Darn it (Gordie - 10/24/2006 8:40:23 AM)
I hit the post too soon. Here are 3 more debates. One is tonight in Danville. I am still tossing it in the air if I want to ride down there.(99 miles)
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

The other three debats will not be televised, but if they are in your area, we hope to see you there:

Tuesday, October 24th, 7:00 PM
Debate Sponsored by American Legion Memorial Post 325
Danville, VA

Tuesday, October 31, 7:30 PM
Candidates will both be guests on Bob Gibson's Evening Edition Radio Program
WVTF radio

Wednesday, November 1, 7:30 PM
Debate sponsored by Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University
Crawley Forum at Hampden- Sydney College



I made up my mind (Gordie - 10/24/2006 11:36:30 AM)
Since Al is in Danville. Curts half way there and Steve is not going. I will be heading that way with a very nice lady named Emily.


It's not every day (Mark - 10/24/2006 12:06:05 PM)
you get to ride around with the future Congressman's wife!!

Good job posting today, Gordie. Hope to see you soon.



The best moment (Mark - 10/24/2006 10:40:28 AM)
was when Oddo and Al Weed were asking each other questions about half way through, and they each took turns asking embarrasing (to Virgil) questions about Virgil's money-taking problems and another question.

With the positioning, they were talking past Virgil. Al was on one side, Oddo on the other.

I agree, Oddo is very odd. he didn't belong there, but he may have provided just the right ingredient to allow people to really pay attention to Al and Virgil. Oddo bordered on the laughable, and some of his answers were no more than rambling disconnected bits, like he was doing a stream-of-consciousness rant or something.

Also, Virgil had spoken at Cumberland High School earlier in the day, and Lisa said it was the worst speech she's ever heard.

More to come, I am reviewing the tape now, and writing a press release.

Viva Al Weed!!



Great! (Kathy Gerber - 10/24/2006 10:57:26 AM)
Is there anyway that folks can view this?  It is of interest across the state so that people can learn something about the IGs.


Kathy.... (Mark - 10/24/2006 12:03:26 PM)
What's an IG?

Or am I just dense from too many hours?

Also, I am trying to figure out how to get VHS into digital. I will be posting it if I can.

I will be taping the Hampden-Sydney debate myself, on Nov. 1st. That one will absolutely get put up.



Independent Green n/t (Kathy Gerber - 10/24/2006 2:11:21 PM)