May 25, 2012

Live-blogging the Scott Walker/Tom Barrett Wisconsin recall debate.

It starts at 8. Central, of course. It's Wisconsin, baby. The center of the American political universe. The center, where time is Central. So hang on for 15 minutes. The crazy, recall fun is about to begin.

8:00: Live stream here.

8:03: We're going to get "an educated and civil debate focused on the issues" to "move this state forward," says a man in a 3-piece suit. Blah blah blah about the rules. The moderators are from Sturgeon Bay, Green Bay, and Milwaukee Bay... I mean, Milwaukee.

8:05: Walker won the coin-toss, gave the first opening statement. Now, it's Barrett, slowly and dramatically telling us — as scripted — about how Walker "tore this state apart." He assures us this isn't just "a do-over."

8:08: The first question is: Why are we here? (I.e., isn't this just a do-over?) Barrett says Walker started "a political civil war" and now they want an end to it. Walker says: It's about our reforms, which are working.

8:11: Should we can the recall? (I certainly think we should.) Walker says "absolutely." It's a "horrible waste of money." He thinks voters will want it changed.

8:12: Walker says if he could do it all over again, he'd have explained what he was doing, and most people would have agreed. He fixed it [the budget], then talked about it. Barrett says: "Scott, you started this by saying you were going to 'drop the bomb'... and you would use 'divide and conquer' to go after the workers... and tear this state apart... You decided to use a budget crisis to try to divide and conquer this state... and you succeeded." (A strong challenge from Barrett.)

8:16: The question is about how to count whether we've lost or gained jobs. Barrett is using the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimate, which says Wisconsin has lost the most jobs of any state. If Walker's numbers are right, it would mean the Bureau of Labor Statistics has made the greatest mistake ever. Walker says, those numbers are based on a sample of 3%. Walker is using the actual numbers from 97% of the employers in Wisconsin, submitted as required by law. (Walker should take some time to respond to Barrett's "divide and conquer" attack.)

8:19: What counts as a tax increase? Walker touts his caps on property taxes and the "change in attitude" affecting business. "I believe in getting government out of the way." Barrett brings up "divide and conquer" again and brings up Walker's record as Milwaukee County Executive (before he became governor). He talks about trust and says Walker pushed some debt onto our children (but I can't understand what he is referring to).

8:24: A question about who their contributors are. Barrett says Walker raises too much money from out of state. Barrett names a whole lot of cities in Wisconsin — places that people from out of state don't care about. Sturgeon Bay, Superior, Stevens Point... you get the point. The people from out of state see Walker as a "rock star." The "right wing" loves him, because he wants this state to be a "prototype" for the Tea Party. "He's pleasing these billionaires." Walker says in February and March of 2011, the out-of-state money flowed in against his reforms. That's where this all started. He complains about "all the union money" — the "special interests." More than 76% of his donations come from people who gave $50 or less.

8:29: The John Doe investigation. Walker says he has integrity. He was an Eagle Scout as a boy. He helped the investigation, he's not a target, and this is a distraction. Barrett points to Walker's criminal defense fund. (The question asked whether these insinuations about Walker are "responsible.") Barrett says he wants to "clear the air."

8:33: What about the flee-baggers? (The Democratic senators who fled the state.) Barrett says he would "seek to work with people" so we won't "face these huge civil wars." He brings up "divide and conquer" again. He'd "set the tone for the organization." [By "organization," he means the government.] Walker "dropped the bomb" — that was "his phrase." Walker makes claims of some bi-partisan actions. Barrett wants to go back to old battles, says Walker, quoting Barrett saying he'd "target" people and "take them on."

8:36: What about encouraging mining (and protecting the environment)? Walker says recall politics stood in the way of legislation that would have enabled the mining operations to go forward. Barrett says Walker isn't willing to "work with people." Barrett would have brought everyone together and asked: "Is there a need for this mine?"

8:40: Gay marriage. Barrett is for it. Young people favor "marriage equality." He shoehorns equal pay for equal work into his allotted time. Enough with the gays; on to the women. Walker says he's sworn to uphold the (state) constitution, and that defines marriage as between a man and a woman, so that's what he supports. As to equal pay, that's the law and he supports it and enforces it. He has nieces, so it matters to him personally.

8:43: Education. Walker (naturally) says he supports education. He has sons. He explains that his reforms have made more money available to avoid laying off teachers and to favor teachers based on merit. Barrett points to the spending cuts. (I'm still waiting to hear where Barrett would make the cuts to solve the budget problems.) Barrett manages to say "divide and conquer" again.

8:46: Access to health care. Barrett endorses all manner of spending. (Where will he cut?!) Walker cites spending that he did make, with reforms "to make sure it's sustainable." Of course, we have "a basic safety net," but if you can get your health insurance elsewhere, we're going to push you out to that. Barrett hasn't told us what he would do to economize.

8:50: What can Walker do to re-unify the state after all this turmoil? Walker says we sure don't want to go back and "rehash" the things we've already done. It's the "move forward" argument. Barrett says "you have to establish trust." He accuses Walker of dishonesty (referring again to those jobs numbers). He accuses Walker of "punishing" his "enemies." Barrett claims that that he, by contrast, would "work with people" and "get things done."

8:53: Walker has an opportunity to ask Barrett a question, and Walker just declines. He says the voters "don't want to hear us bickering," so it's immediately Barrett's turn to speak. Barrett seems pleased, but he speculates about what Walker might have thought he would ask about, and that would be the John Doe investigation. But that's already been asked, so he asks about Walker's traveling and out-of-state speaking and fund-raising. Will Walker disclose the details? Walker says he thinks the people in Wisconsin who've seen him — here, he names a bunch of Wisconsin places — know he's focused on Wisconsin. "I stood up and took on the powerful special interests at both the state and the local level, [which], in the past, had dictated to taxpayers what they were going to do... I put the power back in the hands of the taxpayers." Barrett repeats his question, the request for details about out-of-state donors. Walker repeats his (non-responsive) answer: He's fought for the taxpayers.

8:56: Closing statements. Barrett says he doesn't want to be a "rock star." He's said "no" to his "friends" as well as his opponents. He wasn't the "first choice" of the unions. Walker doesn't "ask for shared sacrifice." Barrett says (again) that he will "end the civil war." Walker says he "often chuckle[s] when [he] hear[s] the word courage, because, to [him] it's amazing that politics is the only profession out there where you're somehow called courageous just by keeping your word." He gets "courage" from the "people [he] meet[s] every day." He wants to "move the state forward" for the sake of the people of Wisconsin and the next generation.

9:05: I'd say the 2 men were pretty evenly matched. No one made any mistakes. They got their points out, and they both spoke fluently, without losing steam over the course of the hour. I doubt if many minds were changed. If there was an opportunity to screw up, it wasn't taken. I was annoyed by Barrett's calling Governor Walker "Scott" repeatedly. Barrett tried to goad Walker and annoy him, but Walker never took the bait. Walker never showed any disrespect. If anyone noticed that, perhaps there was a slight tip for Walker. But Barrett's the one with the uphill battle here.

There was a glaring question that was never asked, which was: What would Barrett do to solve the state's budget problems? He's never been specific, and he totally got away with it (unless the home viewers noticed it on their own).

113 comments:

chickelit said...

Looking for link in your earlier post.

Could you repost if you find it?

Jason (the commenter) said...

I'm watching it here, if anyone needs a link.

Jason (the commenter) said...

God, it looks like something from the '50s! Is all of Wisconsin like this?

Jim Hu said...

it's on cspan too

James said...

LOL@Jason....

That's the first thing I thought. Must be a public broadcasting production.

Steve Austin said...

Good Tom Barrett parody twitter account here.

@Barrett4Wl. With the last letter being an "L" and not an "I"

We have a Barrett debate drinking game going at that account. Drink when you hear Tom say any of these words tonight.

"Emails". "rockstar". " War on Women". "Divide and Conquer" and finally "high speed rail".

chickelit said...

I know garage stopped taliking to us.

rockstar!

Irene said...

None of the media representatives are from Madison. One is from Door County, the second is from Green Bay, and the third is from Milwaukee.

D. said...

secret emails i'm scared

chickelit said...

Scott Walker is a warmonger?

Jason (the commenter) said...

How do you end a civil war by trying to overthrow the current governor?

Duane Firesta said...

Walker had a better open

kcom said...

Here's my question to the informed. What's the odds of Scott Walker "blowing it" in some big way? Making a stupid mistake?

Isn't that the only way this will make any difference? Anything else would just be a wash, wouldn't it?

D. said...

scott be "dropping da bomb"

chickelit said...

Bawett is angwy!

Jason (the commenter) said...

So, Barrett isn't answering any questions directed towards him?

Unknown said...

Walker's been under fire for all these months, he's not going to have a gaffe.

chickelit said...

Walker is simply too earnest-sounding to lose. He makes Barrett look like an angry white man.

Irene said...

Barrett keeps calling the Governor "Scott." Deliberate.

edutcher said...

Walker was right the way he did it. If he'd talked about it first, the Demos would have killed him.

D. said...

divide and conquer - drink

Duane Firesta said...

My uncle lives in Lake Mills. Years ago, he told me his taxes and I fell out of my chair.

What are the taxes on $ 150,000 property? Anyone know?

David said...

Walker should not bow his head so much. Too much bald spot.

Barrett is more impressive here than in the idiot interview that Althouse linked.

D. said...

99% - drink

Vittorio Jano IV said...

I dislike the Mayor referring to the Governor as "Scott."

chickelit said...

Steve Austin at 8:05 was absolutely prescient.

David said...

Jason (the commenter) said...
God, it looks like something from the '50s! Is all of Wisconsin like this?


Jason, where are you from. That's the whole point of Wisconsin. You want sophisticated and cutting edge bling, go elsewhere.

Duane Firesta said...

Toooooo Bad that "outside" Washington DNC money isn't coming.

What a joke. Anger doesn't sell.

roesch/voltaire said...

More divide and conquer from Walker as he wants all to forget that he was part of Milwaukee County, where that evil city that had high unemployment and debt while he was country ex.--

chickelit said...

The out-of-state issue is a non starter as both are "guilty."

D. said...

if walker wins he's mittens vp

chickelit said...

"25 feet" should have been on Steve Austin's list!

Jim Hu said...

I would think that it's imprudent to be a governor of Illinois without having a criminal defense fund ready.

kcom said...

I heard 'emails'.

chickelit said...

Arrest the Fleabaggers!

D. said...

divide and conquer - drink

chickelit said...

Barrett has lost touch with reality and also the average Wisconsin voter.

roesch/voltaire said...

Moving the state forward, drink. Let us talk about the deer czar and eliminating state forest so deer hunters will have to pay a fee to private land owners to hunt.

D. said...

"venture capital" - drink

plus "pow wow chow"

James said...

I'm amused that Barrett would even talk about "hard work." He's well known for his short work days.

Unknown said...

Let us talk about the deer czar and eliminating state forest so deer hunters will have to pay a fee to private land owners to hunt.


Lie. Its an increase in land available. It was an ACQUISITION of land easements.

MADISON – The Department of Natural Resources today announced it is poised to make the largest recreational and forest land acquisition in state history, an easement on 67,346.8 forest acres in Douglas, Bayfield, Burnett and Washburn counties from the Lyme St. Croix Forest Company.

http://dnr.wi.gov/news/BreakingNews_Print.asp?id=2377


Perhaps as a devote of Voltaire you don't understand english well.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

'Walker never takes his jacket off and rolls up his sleeves and brings people in.'

Did they have a natural disaster in Wisconsin I didnt hear about?

chickelit said...

George Clooney just tweeted that he hit Barrett's tip jar

chickelit said...

@Barrett: Maybe stop investing so much in swanky UW rec centers!

Jason (the commenter) said...

Neither of them really stands out. Barrett clearly has no idea how to help the economy, just talk to people nicely. Walker is better with business, but not so good being pleasant.

Wisconsin can either have jobs and a "mean" governor, or high unemployment and a "nice" governor.

kcom said...

"George Clooney just tweeted that he hit Barrett's tip jar"

Is that what the kids are calling it these days?

roesch/voltaire said...

this is the state of hunting in Texas, thanks to Scott Walker's Deer Czar and the fencing lobby. The Deer Czar thinks that public game management is “the last bastion of communism." If you can't pay what a deer is worth, then shut up and hunt rabbits. People who call for more public lands are “cocktail conservationists,” and national parks are “wildlife ghettos.” The Deer Czar will do what he has already done in Texas--make hunting available to the well-heeled. Keep the peasants out and the deer fenced in. More below.

Unknown said...

So Voltaire thinks that the private forests which will now be open for hunting should remain closed and dedicated just to raising trees.

Yeah, I don't think you care too much about hunters.

D. said...

"trust" - drink

traditionalguy said...

The live feed is putting me to sleep. Even the repooters drone slow detailed question combination implying guilt for something somewhere and demand Walker prove a negative.

This is one secular church service that needs a live band to keep its captives awake.

Duane Firesta said...

I'm starting to feel sorry for Barrett

D. said...

"secret emails" - drink

Dan from Madison said...

lol barretts question to Walker MASSIVE fail

chickelit said...

Walker: "with malice towards no one and charity for all."

Barrett: "You're threatening our way of life!"

Dan from Madison said...

Barrett with the final dagger in his closing statement - on himself.

wef said...

Tom Barrett comes across as a bit smarmy. Too bad.

kcom said...

So is the argument that the deer issue is so pressing that the governor should be recalled over it? What is this whole thing really about?

Althouse question from a previous thread: "Can you articulate, clearly and specifically, what the standard is for removing a governor in the middle of the term for which he was elected?"

D. said...

"his" civil war? i am the 99%

roesch/voltaire said...

Unknown read closely Walker appointed the deer czar who makes these crazy statements and wants to charge us who hunt for deer to pay fees-- no wonder Walker can pull the deer skin over your eyes.

Duane Firesta said...

Walker won without even having to try. Easy to understand why he beat the guy the first time.

National DNC is smart to not waste on money on this guy.

Walker may have been in trouble if it was someone besides Barrett.

gk1 said...

Heh, I have to supress my desire to see wisconsin punished with leftie warmovers like Barrett. You really deserve that guy, but you will get Walker instead.

roesch/voltaire said...

Oh yes we have seen Walker in the last eleven days but he doesn't say where he has been before that.- so typical of the talking point evasions he produced for the debate, but I am biased of course-- still I I found Barrett the one who seemed like the adult who can pull the state together and lead us "forward," and I suspect I am not alone in these feelings.

Petunia said...

kcom, this whole thing is about the government unions' finally being brought under control and throwing a tantrum because their extortion was exposed and curtailed.

And unfortunately several hundred thousand Wisconsites are either too Walker-deranged, too naive, or too dumb to realize it.

Unknown said...

Poor English-as-a-Second-Language Voltaire. Vous have idee fixe on one "CZAR" !!!!!

I weel type slow for you because I know you can't read fast..

Eeet is land privee with easement (pronounced ease moun) for citizens....


This purchase forever opens access to hunting, fishing, trapping, hiking, skiing, bird-watching, ATV and snowmobile trails, portions of the North Country Trail, and extensive habitat for deer, bear, wolves, woodcock, migratory songbirds and grouse,” said DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp. “

Nes ces pas?

Oh by the way Walker saved taxpayers 1 billion dollars and didn't have to raise taxes.. And these new hunting lands being available will increase our hunting tourism dollars...

pauldar said...

Just talked to my fav 1st cousin who lives in Oconomowoc. She and her husband had watched the debate and was happy with the performance of Walker. I didnt get to watch as I had a graduation Party, but just got back and read the live-blogging of Ann, which I always like to read. Seems my cousin is not alone.

walter said...

Barrette repeatedly promoting his promise to "focus on jobs".
Focus is great if you have an idea what to do.
I guess to his mind it comes down to "trust".

D. said...

barret da bomb

David said...

I was particularly impressed with Barrett's stirring defense of compulsory union dues for public teachers, the union insurance company's exclusive health insurance franchise and other union perks. He was also impressive in his far ranging and creative ideas of how to restrain state spending and limit the growth of government. The success of Milwaukee's public schools also is a very strong argument for a Barrett victory.

Henry said...

I don't suppose that anyone outside of Niall Ferguson cares, but divide and conquer actually worked. A bunch of petty despots were co-opted and 100 years of progress resulted.

Unknown said...

---Focus is great if you have an idea what to do.

Yeah, I was rolling on the floor laughing when Barrett said Walker wasn't involved in the mining negotiations.

Barrett was not a rock star but a black hole emitting no heat nor light while his local congressmen said no to jobs at Joy Global and Caterpiller just so the Democrats could stick it to Walker. Any one want to deny that?

Gov. Scott Walker is encouraging lawmakers to break their impasse over legislation that would streamline the state's mining permitting process.

http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=6329595&postID=8979783987373073835

Gov. Scott Walker said Tuesday he’s using his “bully pulpit” to encourage action on a mining bill before the Legislative session ends on March 15. Walker made speeches in three cities to promote legislation enabling a Florida company

http://www.wuwm.com/news/wuwm_news.php?articleid=9958

Governor Walker Visits Northwoods, Stresses Importance of Mining Legislation

http://www.wjfw.com/print_story.html?SKU=20120228172251

You liberals? There's this thing called the internet that has a lot of history. You can't just say Walker didn't focus. Here's where Democrats (again) showed they cared less about working people and taxpayers and are all about political power.

walter said...

Bu, bu, bu David..
It's not about that stuff. It's about trust. Rolling up sleeves and working together. And not being rock stars.
Don't you trust a system where "labor" can extract dues and vote in their own management?
You hate the children.

ignatzk said...

I hadn't seen Barrett speak previously - at least not anything more than soundbites. To me he spoke presuming a context I did not have - the context of being deeply embroiled in his own view of the political campaign. He seemed angry and his anger caused him to be a bit flustered. Frankly I was surprised he's the mayor of Milwaukee.

ricpic said...

Roeschi can't stand private property. Hates it, actually. Roeschi's a filthy commie and proud of it, too.

Anonymous said...

Needs two sides to start a war, civil or otherwise, yes?

If there's a war, the only goal is to win. If Walker wins with divide and conquer, what's wrong with that?

Tommy is hopelessly whiny, like the "cool" president who lost his cool stepping on cowpie.

Unknown said...

---He seemed angry and his anger caused him to be a bit flustered.

What makes him seem flustered is the high amount of dishonesty he had to embrace to make the attacks he was making.

Job metrics brand new from Walker? -- no they are legal requirements

Walker decided to tear the state apart?
-- no when he asked the unions to negotiate they called him slave master and told him where he could stuff it.

Walker's staff member was focus of John Doe
--- that Walker asked for. And don't forget that Barrett endorsed a candidate for city comptroller that promptly got caught taking a 500 dollar bribe.

Walker's County lost jobs?
---- The majority of Walker's county - is the City of Milwuakee. I'd love to see statistics about what the non-Milwaukee part of the county's records was due to the city.

Jason said...

Now, it's Barrett, slowly and dramatically telling us — as scripted — about how Walker "tore this state apart."

Yeah, Walker forced teachers to walk off the job and force school closings for as much as a week in some cases.

Barrett says Walker raises too much money from out of state.

That's rich, considering Barrett and the Wisconsin Dems are pissed that the DNC wont send them any out-of-state money. Its not Walker's fault that Barrett's party sees Barrett as a loser, unworthy of party money.

Barrett says he would "seek to work with people" so we won't "face these huge civil wars."

Once again, Dems fail to own up to their own responsibilities.

The 14 senators that fled are elected representatives of their districts. Whether they like it or not, they dont answer to the governor...they answer to their constituents. The fact that they are now 14 unpopular scumbags because of their foolish stunt isnt Walker's fault.

Barrett says Walker isn't willing to "work with people." Barrett would have brought everyone together and asked: "Is there a need for this mine?"

Barrett must have been too busy drawing up Milwaukee trolley plans to find out that Walker probably spent 2 solid months promoting the mine, visiting the area, and working to get a bill passed.

And I cant believe I just heard a politician, in this job climate, actually say "is there a need for this mine?" Are you fucking kidding me? And you wonder why corporations are fleeing the city of Milwaukee.

Barrett claims that that he, by contrast, would "work with people" and "get things done."

Yes, Milwaukee is a city just busting at the seams with great economic development, a high quality downtown area, and a safe city where violent crime is rare.

Tom Barrett is a moron. There is simply no other way to say it. Scott Walker could simply stand there for an hour, say nothing, and still win a debate with this guy, because he is nothing but an empty suit with no ideas, no plans, no vision, and no balls...just stupidity.

Michael The Magnificent said...

Frankly I was surprised he's the mayor of Milwaukee.

You're not the only one.

Back when I lived in Brown Deer, and Mayor Barrett was my representative in the House, I often wrote him letters regarding upcoming legislation. His responses invariably ignored the position and logical arguments of my letters, and went on to thank me for supporting HIS position on the matter at hand.

The man, and his staff, are twits.

Unknown said...

---And I cant believe I just heard a politician, in this job climate, actually say "is there a need for this mine?" Are you f)(* kidding me?

Well said. It seemed whacky when he said it, but then much of what he said did.

Nomadic100 said...

Barrett was impressive in his endless repetition of platitudinous cliches and desperate attempts to wing Walker with accusations about a "criminal computer network" and "who pays your legal fees."

The Governor didn't have to break a sweat!

Original Mike said...

"Barrett endorses all manner of spending. (Where will he cut?!)"

Nowhere. You see this on the national level, too. Lip service is often paid to debt reduction, but never any real commitments to cut. The voters have to punish this or we are doomed.

Damn. The New Jersey Devils just beat the New York Rangers. Two Badgers on the Rangers.

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

Barrett had more grey.

Original Mike said...

"Let us talk about the deer czar and eliminating state forest so deer hunters will have to pay a fee to private land owners to hunt."

You are so full of shit.

Michael The Magnificent said...

Garbage Mahal and his ideological minions not being here to gloat is the dog pack that didn't bark.

In other words, there is no debate, Walker won.

Unknown said...

You are so full of shit.

non, non, say it en francaise pour voltaire!


vous êtes pleine de merde Voltaire mon amis!!!

David said...

Lem said...
Barrett had more grey.


But Walker has more bald. Actually, it's good for Walker because it shows he does not have a pointed head.

Anonymous said...

Of course he got away with it. The press doesn't care--whatever he does is bound to be better than what Scott Walker's doing. That's a matter of faith on the left. Much like the meme that Obama's troubles are all related to circumstances beyond his control, so there's no point in asking him about it.

walter said...

"you wonder why corporations are fleeing the city of Milwaukee."

Need trolley!

Lem the artificially intelligent said...

I noticed how Barret was turning to look at the Governor maybe too often. In Contrast the Governor always faced the questioners..

Barrett's body language betrayed the obsession they have with the Governor.. at least that's what I saw.

walter said...

Barrette had the better lighting and backdrop. Nicely enveloped in flag..Walker stuck against Wisco's thumb. Twas a plot, I's tells ya.

Chuck said...

I'd like to dedicate this playing of "You Dropped a Bomb on Me" by The Gap Band to Mayor Tom Barrett, the eternal silver medalist:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVWERU_xY6I&feature=related

kcom said...

"Need trolley!"

Is that in the immortal voice of Christopher Walken?

"Need more trolley!"

Known Unknown said...

still I I found Barrett the one who seemed like the adult who can pull the state together and lead us "forward," and I suspect I am not alone in these feelings.



Because he's kicking so much ass in Milwaukee, undoubtedly.

furious_a said...

Attaboy, Scott! Make the Unions Spend it All!

Q said...

I hate it that these things are called "debates".

Two or more people answering questions put to them by moderators is not a debate.

On a separate note, when will Republicans start insisting that 50% of the moderators must be Republicans, instead of the current situation where 98% of them are drawn from the activist wing of the Democratic Party?

sane_voter said...

@Jason

"Scott Walker could simply stand there for an hour, say nothing, and still win a debate with this guy, because he is nothing but an empty suit with no ideas, no plans, no vision, and no balls...just stupidity."

For a minute there, I thought you were talking about Debbie Wasserman Schultz.

walter said...

Speaking of Divide and conquer, is someone live blogging Allie's Bi(partisan) date?

Comanche Voter said...

Wait a minute there buster. Debbie Wasserman Shultz is NOT an "empty suit"!!!!

Empty skirt, empty blouse, empty head maybe--but not an empty suit.

Fen said...

So, Barrett is making all these vague spending promises he won't be able to deliver on if he's elected.

Are Wisconsin voters really that stupid?

Michael Haz said...

I listened to the debate while driving to northern Wisconsin.

Was Foster Brooks the moderator?

Chip Ahoy said...

I've always admired Debbie Wasserman Shultz for her dulcet intonations and her soft lovely hair that bounces playfully to her shoulders. She always has such nice things to say about everybody and she always sees the best in everybody and never a cross word.

Anonymous said...

There was a glaring question that was never asked, which was: What would Barrett do to solve the state's budget problems?

Erin Davisson asked him about it as a part of her first question, and he totally did not answer it, and she let him off the hook. It is good that Gov. Walker pointed out near the end that Mayor Barrett has avoided answering that question for 44 days.

"... willing to roll up my sleeves" -- where have we heard that (many times) before?

Rusty said...

roesch/voltaire said...
Moving the state forward, drink. Let us talk about the deer czar and eliminating state forest so deer hunters will have to pay a fee to private land owners to hunt.



Yes he actually said that.
When he was working with the TEXAS DNR. He was referring to the way the TEXAS DNR ran their program.
Nowhere in the Preliminary Report is privatising public land mentioned.
Do you consider lying a virtue?

rosebud said...

Didn't see the debate, but I did drive from St. Croix Falls to Winter on Friday. Walker signs outnumbered Barrett signs by a ratio of 5 or 6 to 1, with Walker having an advantage in the size of the signs as well. Saw a few Petrowski and Seidel signs too, with Petrowski having more but not so lopsided a ratio. Interesting to see some places with a Seidel sign not also having a Barrett sign.

roesch/voltaire said...

Okay Rusty why would Walker want to hire a Deer Czar from Texas who had made these wild statements and considers the Wisconsin tradition of game management communistic? That said, Unknown PR, I do applaud the easement purchase of the Brule-St Croix Legacy Forest, but I do not see how that should lessen my worry about Walker who seems to show his true colors by hiring Deer Czar, do we really need one, from Texas.

Tacitus said...

Up to the lake driving through NW Wisconsin. Tally of Walker to Barrett signs....25/8.

Sure, I suppose Walker has more money to spend, but you still have to get people to agree to put up the signs. And until recently, at least where I live, that took some courage. Not sure if those posting Barrett signs would get grief from partisans, but Walker signs will sure buy ya some...

Tacitus

wildswan said...

Debate takeaway: Scott Walker carried out a complex reform which needs simple slogan. I propose: "Support the 3 R's"

The three R's of Walker's reforms are: Rebalance, Rebid, Rearrange. 1. Rebalance the amount contributed by public service employees so that health care and pension contributions do not destroy local budgets. 2. Rebid contracts for all public services whether large like health care or small like school lunches. 3. Rearrange schedules to eliminate featherbedding while keeping jobs. The 3 R's are not possible while public union's retain unrestricted collective bargaining power (and buy Democratic politicians with union dues) so that means that the power to abuse collective bargaining must be restricted. But the point of the restriction is to return power to the local communities so that they can carry out the 3 R's and balance their budgets without mass layoffs.

harrogate said...

"If there's a war, the only goal is to win. If Walker wins with divide and conquer, what's wrong with that?"

Scotty couldn't say it better himself.

Joe Biden, America's Putin said...

Sounds to me like the democrat was sputtering cliche’ed idiot.

Rusty said...

roesch/voltaire said...
Okay Rusty why would Walker want to hire a Deer Czar from Texas who had made these wild statements and considers the Wisconsin tradition of game management communistic? That said, Unknown PR, I do applaud the easement purchase of the Brule-St Croix Legacy Forest, but I do not see how that should lessen my worry about Walker who seems to show his true colors by hiring Deer Czar, do we really need one, from Texas.


Did you deliberately misrepresent the Koll's position vis-a-vis Wisconsins deer situation or are you willfully misinformed?

As I pointed out before Koll's Statement concerning Texas deer management concerned TEXAS DEER MANAGEMENT. Did you even read the preliminary report?

PackerBronco said...

I think Barrett should henceforth be called Tom "magic sleeves" Barrett, because he can balance the state's budget by rolling up his sleeves.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ann,

I respect your forthrightness in noting clearly that Walker ignored Barrett’s challenge about Walker’s out of state fundraising.

In truth, had Walker not felt ashamed for his solicitations outside the state, he would have answered in a forthright manner. And if Walker is embarrassed, well, he is embarrassed by his own actions.

In addition, I feel that Walker passed up his opportunity to confront Barrett simply because he did not want to engage Barrett at all.

gadfly said...

Scott Walker needs to tell Barrett that he will discuss the private "divide-and-conquer" conversation that he had with Diane Hendricks just as soon as President Obama explains the open mic conversation that he had with Russian President Medvedev regarding missile defense.

Walker simply had a partisan conversation with a supporter while Obama implies that he will dangerously weaken our national security after his attains reelection.

Strelnikov said...

Anecdotally, I'm up in Door Co. this week opening the house for the summer, and the yard signage is about two to one pro Walker. Since the Barrett people tend to have multiple signs (They feel everything soooo strongly.) the ration is probably somewhat higher. In '08, the whole place was awash in "hope" posters. Keep on choomin'.