Sali's debate no-show: A few other reactions
A few more blog reactions to Rep. Bill Sali's decision to back out of a debate with Republican challenger Matt Salisbury. The Idaho Public Television-League of Women Voters-Idaho Press Club debate was slated for Sunday.
• From Betsy Russell at the Spokane Spokesman-Review's Eye on Boise blog (By way of disclosure, Betsy and I are president and vice president, respectively, of the Idaho Press Club board): "I know first-hand that the Idaho Debates, which the Press Club, the League and Public TV have co-sponsored for three decades worth of primary and general elections, require many hours by many volunteers to bring together, many of which already had been expended for the 1st District debate that was to happen in five days. (Sali spokesman Wayne) Hoffman said Sali had equivocated from the start about whether he would attend. 'We responded back that we could do it if we could do it,' he said. 'At that time, the congressman couldn't commit.'"
• From D.F. Oliveria at the Spokane Spokesman-Review's Huckleberries Online blog: "As far as I'm concerned, a politician who bails on important debates is similar to an applicant who fails to show up for a job interview. They don't deserve to be hired, no matter how qualified they are."
• From Boise Weekly editor Shea Andersen, a panelist on the now-cancelled Sali-Salisbury debate: "While my weekend has freed up remarkably, it is a shame. Sali has apparently pulled a page out of the Jim Risch playbook. ...
"Which means my garden will get the attention it deserves. Finally. And democracy, dare I say it, will not."
• From Meridian blogger Joel Kennedy: "While some people would be ashamed to admit that they can't schedule their own time properly, Bill Sali seems to have no such compunction -- it's almost as if he recognizes that people already know he's a failure, so when he can't even clear the low bar that's been set of "show up where you agreed to show up," he isn't the least bit ashamed."
Click here for my take.
Delicious
Digg
Yahoo- Kevin Richert's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Salibury asked a stupid question and paid for it.
He was very incorrect and now Sali has every right not to put up with that kind of blatant poking.
He won, post facto and Salisbury stood there embarrased.
Come on, kids, the playground isn't a free for all!
AS A DEMOCRAT ESPECIALLY I can say that Mr. Sali was VERY polite in his response and I have to show respect to him for that.
This was bad behavior and it was easily parried. I would have a lot of concern if I were an Idaho Democrat.
All I ask of Idaho Democrats is not to flake apart faster than the national candidates. State party strength is the only way the national race can succeed.
Salisbury
I will remind you that Salisbury is a Republican candidate.
I will remind you that I am an American of free will...
and stupid ideas are no man's monopoly. You are not a very good political thinker.
Regardless of how we feel about people's political beliefs they are our neighbors in the end. That was an unnecessary question, a bizarre question, he waffled and choked as if he was embarrassed to have even asked it (HE WAS TOO). He fell on his sword and lost a lot of his credibility for going against his hunches. Sali is not mandated to debate anyone, nor is any political candidate. Why should he participate in a farce?
Perhaps he also feels it would be polite not to allow his opponent to compromise himself.
Jesse, I am gathering that you are fairly young and green. You have to teeth on something. Let it be the bitter taste of today's so-called political ethos.
Best of luck and have fun when you find your party affiliation does not mean your life's battle but your feelings toward helping your neighbors.
I am not claiming a monopoly on stupid ideas exists.
I'm simply saying that Salisbury doesn't reflect badly on the Democrats, as your first comment seems to imply, as he is a Republican. What is his question, by the way?
You did not pay attention but I will be patient and explain...
Salisbury asked a question about Sali's status on a vote concerning a vaterans' issue. He was tentative from the beginning, apologetic beyond contrite and highly embarrassed to have to ask it. It was nearly obvious a campaign aide coerced him to do something against his nature and he did not heed his hunch. Sali politely answered that he was not aware of missing that vote/voting absentee and his office confirmed shortly thereafter that Mr. Sali was indeed correct.
When you go against your gut reaxtions 95% of the time you are merely wrong. It's the 1% that makes you feel that you were foolish that kills the other 4%.
I did not say Mr. Salisbury is a bad man. I said he made an unwise decision trying to best a man on a now useless point and lost a battle that is bigger than the race itself. Mr. Sali does not believe he can trust any further debates to be sound and fair. On some points he was proven correct.
Brinksmanship cuts both ways.
Thank you for your reply and I hope you gain many insightful moments from this campaign year, whether I provide them or not.
So you speak for Sali?
With a comment like this "Mr. Sali does not believe he can trust any further debates to be sound and fair." Really... Sali actually told you this? Or are you just speaking out of the south end of a north bound mule.
I don't think anyone is going to learn anything new from another party loyalist that puts their childish political party loyalty above common sense and the good of the Nation.
Don't be childish. You have better posts than this.
I'm from Ontario, OREGON too and the last time I looked we haven't been split from the People's Republic of Oregon YET.
Why don't you ASK SALI YOURSELF? He's not going to post here, nor has Raul Labrador posted in a long time nor has Langhorst.
Meanwhile stop asking such stupid 5th-grade questions and find out for yourself.
I'm not your mama and I don't bleach your underwear. Won't send you money when you're at college and broke period.
If you all put thought into anything I'd never have to write this place.
Bunch of nOObs that need to figure stuff. Get to work already. I'm already a professional curmudgeon.
PS Sali is already benefitting from a fracturing Democratic base
I won't be petty about that. Fight harder.
This post sheds light on the rest...
I checked on two things. One, Sali didn't tell the truth, he's a PAC piggy, FEC clearly shows that he does not get 80% of his money from Idaho. Second, Sali went on and on in support of a bill he did not vote for. Salisbury was the one who showed some class by giving his primary opponent a chance to clear up a serious question that WOULD have haunted him in the general. Sali had no parry, just a blank look and more excuses.
At least, because of Salisbury, he had a chance to have his staff look at that vote and ask for a correction. I would be concerned for the D's in Idaho too. Who every wins the R race, will stomp Walt.
Bad behavior to ask someone for clarification when they are not telling the truth? Is that your idea of the way politics should go? You should stay in Oregon.
ANON vs. ANON and who cares?
I'm certainit doesn't matter at this point.
Do you ACTUALLY BELIEVE this site has anything to do with something?
I already voted!
My parents and a sibling and many of my relatives live there, you JUST FOUND THAT OUT AND YOU THINK THIS IS AN AM RADIO SHOW?
Aren't you the vomiter?
You must be George Bush...hey, the helicoters have found us! Comrades! Die bravely! Ahhhh....
cx
fL
B"FL
F
r
Hmmmm.
Sorry, kids, I guess that was Jeryy Springer calling to tell me I'm not the father.
Isn't BSali a lawyer?
I don't know as we can expect much truth from a lawyer. I guess that's why he's a politician, has the credentials. Funny isn't it, lawyers & honesty so far apart in a justice system, & where do judges come from? I guess we expect too much from AG's & Supreme court justices. The Clintons are lawyers too, aren't they?
As good a liar as Bush is he must have a degree in, from? What kind of degree does it take to become a self proclaimed war President who never starts wars, or finish them? College really paid off for these guys! Some people go to college with hopes of being a success, so does this mean success & failure are one & the same or it's ok to fail as long as you can lie/spin failure into success?
Not sure I'd let the world know they graduated from my college, enrollment might go the way of the successful outlook of our economy.
Bush...must have a degree
Bachelors from Yale, MBA from Harvard, and he became governor of Texas, and a twice elected president. Not bad.
All that education
& what do We have to show for it? War in Iraq which was only going to cost $50 billion, now closer to $600 billion, major fighting has been over for years but we can't leave, economy is in the crapper, picking up swirl speed, & the fights over. In an effort to protect his war monger mentality & mistakes Bush is now suggesting negotiations with anyone should & would be a mistake, war is the only option??? If McCain is elected it's more of the same but if Obama is elected & puts an end to any of this war & world disconnect Bush has US in, it only proves what Bush has done through war & no chance of negotiating was a mistake.
I'm not a democrat or republican, I'm an Ameriican! Truth is obviously not something Bush or the republican party want the world to see & have started the political games to coverup. This two party joke is getting out of hand & costing US more than money. It's time the American people bust these two parties up before they destroy US. As soon as one takes over we no longer have democracy, we have a dictatorship.
Has Bush used Iraq as his personal battlefield while killing thousands of innocent people? Was that the plan from the beginning? As some suggest, get terrorist all in one place to eradicate them, hunt them down one at a time? At the expense of? Iraq & the people of Iraq? Is that the America of the 21st century, keep the fighting out of America even if thousands of innocent people in other countries die? That should help promote democracy all over the world. While I suspect terrorist keep US in Iraq with continued violence, I never did suspect Bush was purposly drawing them in from the very beginning at the expense of the Iraqi people & the rest of the world. Appears just as evil as anything terrorist could come up with, even 9/11.
Full disclosure by all our representatives back to NAFTA might be a better indication of how well educated our representatives are & where to send your kids to school. IF you want them to make a lot of money at the expense of We the people & the rest of the world, by all means, Harvard & Yale.
I suspect all Bush's education did more for the Bush dynasty than America so in that respect the education paid off. When I worked for the Nebraska Dept. of Forestry the head of the dept. had a doctrine while my direct supervisor with no more than a high school education was stealing thousands of $ & Doc. didn't have a clue? There's a diffence between book smart & common sense, I suspect Bush is not, has none, & took the world in the greatest scam ever. Full disclosure, let's see the numbers, or are we afraid of that truth as well?
I rest my case.
"...what do we have to show for it?"
No attacks on the homeland since 9-11-2001.
The DOW raised above 13,000 again yesterday. Smart companies and relevant industries are making money.
And of course we are engaged in free and open elections where we can choose our leaders rather than have a junta appoint them.
As with any presidential term depending on your views Bush has done some damage and Bush has done some good - but the Republic endures. Now that is something to be thankful for and proud of our roles in everyday.
When do WE make money?
Once again you reminded me of one of my favorite 1980s tunes, and I like the ban'd entire body of work and not just this singular ditty...
(bridge)
On the road to oblivion
and all the world is Babylon
(something something) and everyone
a ship of fools sailing on...
Everybody Have Fun Tonight-Wang Chung
transcribed by L. Symer
If it seems this late in the year than no doubt it's too late.
The poor man still choked when he knew better and for those who want Sali out, a Democrat probably will not fit their bill. I didn't care for Grant any more than I would Ron Paul and to claim, as Grant did that Minnick is from the same cloth without Minnick distancing himself almost immediately IS disconcerting a bit.
It's very disappointing to everyone.
?
foreignoregonian, your not making any sense.
Why not answer the question put to you?
Do you in fact speak for Sali?
Where's mtomlin?
He could straighten this out in a Rhode Island Red heartbeat. Foghorn Leghorn for Congress, for Senate, for President, I say, I say, son, we need a leader. What are we going to do without Bush? Give peace a chance? Say it ain't so & what will we do with all those fine weapons of minor destruction. I have an idea. Let's sell them to the next up & coming terrorist group so they can kill American soldiers with them in the next war we fabricate. This is easy, any self proclaimed war President could do it.
This two party joke called democracy is getting way out of hand. A big fat RI Red chicken pickin chit in the dirt gets more accomplished than these two parties/allies to terror. Look at the way they have the American people bickering back & forth while America continues to slide into
economic ruin. It isn't just about the presidential primaries, now we're fighting over simple BSali & the democrat with no chance. Ask any Idahoan living in poverty & he'll say I want more of this republican leadership, look how good we have it.
Maybe the American people need to forget the election. Let government do whatever government is going to do & let the world see what a great system it is that does the same without US as they did with US, as they please. Can't blame US for voting in all these losers if we don't vote & they will continue do as they are now at the expense of We the People.
Some suggest the President has no say in the cost of fuel, he's the commander in chief & his job is to defend America. America's in an econmic tailspin due in large part to the cost of oil due to the war in Iraq which leads right back to the self proclaimed war President who started the war. Oh, he didn't start the war, he just convinced Congress to back the war with taxpayer $ & suddenly Congress is responsible. No they're not, We the People are because we voted them into office! How convenient, talk Congress into a war, blame them when we get in, turn it all sideways, & blame the American people when can't get out?
I had an old buddy in high school like that, start fights & never get in a fight. One night he ran over some kids on a motor cycle, couple of them each lost a leg, but he wasn't to blame.
His only real mistake, {in his mind} was that he admitted years later that he did it on purpose, swerved at those kids. He cut the left front tire after the accident so it looked like an accident, let the tire company & insurance company pay. Didn't matter to him that a couple kids went though the rest of their lives on one leg. He could be President. Funny thing is he ended up one the biggest drug dealers in the state of Nebraska. After that venture got into the life insurance business, then real estate, & is making millions. Goes to church every Sunday, all the town council meetings, a pillar, I say a pillar of society. America truely is the land of opportunity & wouldn't you know, he's republican. You think you know somebody & find out years later who they really are.
Chop off RI Red's head, watch him flop, boil the broiler, & lets eat. The President said he could ride the pony but he could not ride.
Good post - good metaphor
"Where's mtomlin?" Sorry. Sometimes I have to actually earn my living with clients (smile), and it takes me away from you all. You did pretty well without me, but I see I can help with a few things...
It is important to note that neither Senators Clinton nor Obama can end the war. They can only stop us from fighting in it. We were not fighting when we were attacked. We were not fighting when Islam declared war on Israel and us.
The two parties do not have us fighting in the election - we have the parties fighting, as it should be. It is the system we set up, and evidently like...as we continue it.
The President has a say in the cost of fuel to the extent he can convince Congress to allow us to drill our own oil - especially in our coastal fields and ANWR. He has a say to the extent he provides good leadership with our oil-rich friends in Mexico, and Central America - Bush II, Clinton, Bush I, Reagan, and Carter all failed us on this.
Hey, What About Pro-Sali Reactions?!?
I know that as an Anti-Sali Socialist, Kevin "Socialist" Richert has to follow orders from Speaker Pelosi's office to try to tear down Bill Sali, the Hero of the Owyhees, but can't he at least pretend that he's giving equal time to Pro-Sali Patriots? There's lots of Pro-Sali smartness out there on the Intertubes -- here's where I defend his decision not to debate, for instance.
My Patriotic Pro-Sali Website!
You got that link. you know where to find them, Fred.
BillSaliFan
Just read your website and found it offensive & juvenile. Are we really supposed to take you seriously when you refer to Sali's opponent as Salisbury steak? If your site is an example of "Pro-Sali Smartness" then I completely understand Richert not giving time to the site. I just keep thinking, maybe this satire?
If you want reactions...
I'd say these defections are breaking out in a rash.