Inside The Room With Santorum and Casey - Rating the Debate
The radio interview that I moderated on KYW Newsradio yesterday between Bob Casey and Rick Santorum included the largest audience in this nationally watched contest — an estimated one million drive time radio listeners in Philadelphia and in Pittsburgh on KDKA Radio.
Unlike last week’s near scream out between Santorum and Casey, this was a much more civilized conversation, and in my opinion, one that contained more substantial discussion of the issues. This was not a result of my work or the great questions of KYW Bureau Chiefs Mike Dunn and Tony Romeo, but rather a more subdued approach by both candidates in handling the topics.
The candidates arrived early: Santorum first at 7:15 . In an office near the conference room studio that we used, the Senator did some reading and met with aides for the better part of forty minutes. He wore a sport jacket and sweater. Casey arrived at 7:30 with his wife and staff and outside of a men’s room stop remained in the room preparing strategy.
In the broadcast room. the two sat a few feet apart and greeted each other in a cordial manner, both of them looking more relaxed than in the Pittsburgh debate that resembled a political street brawl. It is obvious to me that beyond the courtesy, the men do not like each other. Often in political campaigns, candidates spar but they have respect for the opposition. Even with a pool camera on the candidates at all times, there appeared to be looks of scorn and grimaces of disdain.
As far as the content: Santorum was strongest when he spoke about his passion on opposing use of the morning after pill. Casey kept up his theme of connecting Santorum with the Bush White House. Casey called Santorum’s visit to the nursing home of the dying Terry Schiavo grandstanding, and Santorum once again prodded Casey on his job attendance record.
Through it all you saw the clearest differences: Casey opposes the Bush tax cuts. Santorum is opposed to any fast withdrawal from Iraq. Santorum portrays Casey as soft on illegal immigrants. And Casey portrays Santorum as a tool of the right.
Although the two men are pro-life, there are sharp differences on many issues, reflecting the current Democratic-Republican split in Washington.
You can listen to the debate anytime at kyw1060.com.
Very well done, Larry. I listened to it on the internet. I think we should have more debates like this, all stripped down. No fancy make up or facial expressions to worry about for the candidates on the radio and they can concentrate on what debates are really about, the issues. It is said that Nixon’s television appearance killed his campaign and gave Kennedy’s campaign a shot in the arm when the first presidential debate was aired on television. Mike Dunn and Tony Romeo had very thought provoking and intellegent questions. Casey was my personal preference as to who I thought did the best.
Thanks Barry