And I Promise Sophomore Parking!

Last night was the first debate between the primary Democratic candidates for Missouri Governor, current Governor Bob Holden and State Auditor Claire McCaskill. The debate, I have to say, has changed my mind on this race.
 
Prior to last night, I had been a dispassionate Bob Holden supporter. I really felt that he took office at bad time, and had to fight a Republican legislature, and that as a result, he looked like he was a much worse guy than he really is. Although I continue to believe that he is largely a victim of circumstances, I was very disappointed in his presentation and rhetoric in the debate format.
 
He came across as a relatively poor public speaker -- not only in his awkward presentational manner, but in how he chose to deal with the questions addressed to him. He failed to address specific issues regarding his administration and his policy choices, and when asked "why" he would do something, he would cite the circumstances around his action, but not the reasoning behind the choice. It is hard to have faith in a leader who will not justify his actions when given the opportunity.
 
As I often note when I go to restaurants, everyone in almost every arena makes errors. That's humanity. What sets people apart is how you deal with those errors.  If the server forgot to put my entree order in, does he comp my drinks? Does he even apologize? Similarly, with Holden -- after withholding a chunk of state funding for education, voters raised taxes, then Holden found sources from which to supply the previously withheld funds. McCaskill suggested that the funds had been available prior to the election -- why hadn't this been made known. Holden avoided a direct answer, which always makes it seem as though the real answer must have been horrible.
 
Ms. McCaskill now has my favor, but not necessarily my support.  She seemed (as she has before) a bit smarmy.  She was clearly in control of the debate, a much better speaker, with much better questions to ask and with much better sources and figures to back her opinions. Unfortunately, her presentation (and career choices) made her look much more like a lifetime politician rather than a lifetime public servant.  Unfortunately, Holden looked like neither.
 
Perhaps the most significant thing I took away from the debate was its comparison to the debate I had the opportunity to see between 5th district U.S. Congressional candidates Jamie Metzl and Emanuel Cleaver.  Both Metzl and Cleaver came across as political heavyweights, relatively comfortable in a debate format. Cleaver was able to rely on his strong rhetorical skills, while Metzl leaned on his great policy background. Because each had an individual strength that made him comfortable, they were much more animated and complete in what they had to say. Frankly, it made our gubernatorial candidates look like high schoolers running for student body office.
 
On a side note . . . in a debate co-sponsored by KCUR and The Kansas City Star, where was Steve Kraske?