Politics

Coons, O’Donnell Exchange Jabs in Delaware Senate Debate

NEWARK, Del. – Republican Senate hopeful Christine O‘Donnell is dismissing comments she’s made over the years on religious and social issues such as evolution, sexual abstinence and homosexuality, saying they’re not relevant to the campaign.

Squaring off against Democrat Chris Coons in a nationally televised debate, O’Donnell said Delaware voters want to hear about job creation and spending, not comments she made as a television commentator long ago. She refused to say if she still believes evolution is a myth, as she has said in the past.

Coons, a county executive, argued that O’Donnell owes voters an explanation. He said her remarks are directly related to how she would serve in the Senate, citing Supreme Court nominations as an example of where they might come into play.

The 90-minute debate was held at the University of Delaware and moderated by CNN’s Wolf Blitzer. The network carried the first hour of the debate. It pitted Coons, who excelled as a debater in college, against O’Donnell, who has appeared as a conservative pundit for years on TV shows such as Bill Maher’s program.

Coons opened the debate by calling O’Donnell an extremist who would promote partisanship instead of compromise. O’Donnell, a tea party favorite, shot back that Coons would be a “rubber stamp” for Democrats in Washington.

One light moment was provided by O’Donnell, who chided Coons: “You’re just jealous you were not on Saturday Night Live.”

The show has spoofed O’Donnell a couple of times, making light of some remarks she made as a television commentator over the years, including that she dabbled in witchcraft while in high school.

She challenged Coons’ record as New Castle county executive, accusing him of making pledges and “breaking those promises as soon as he takes office.”

“He will continue to rubber-stamp the spending policies coming from Washington,” she added.

Coons accused O’Donnell of distorting his record and said he hoped the pair could have a conversation, rather than her launching into a “diatribe.”

O’Donnell also called for extending the Bush-era tax cuts.

Coons was more guarded, saying, “We should do those tax cuts that have the best chance of getting our economy going again.”

The two candidates also sparred on health care, with O’Donnell assailing the Democratic health care overhaul that became law this year. “One out of four Democrats have gone on record saying they oppose Obamacare,” she said.

But Coons said there are “significant advances” in the bill. When O’Donnell said it would put Uncle Sam in the examination room, Coons snapped, “That’s a good slogan … How does this bill actually put Uncle Sam in the examination room?”

O’Donnell trails Coons by double digits in some polls and has been dogged by questions about her background and past statements.

Comments (163)

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  • SilentReader
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:08pm

    Coons must be defeated. He‘ll raise taxes and he’ll vote the straight party line, as he always has, right along with Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid. He‘s a wolf in sheep’s clothing just like the Progessives and the Fabian Socialist’s before him. There’s a reason why Harry Reid called him his “pet.”

    Christine O‘Donnell is the people’s voice and she‘ll do what she says she’s going to do. It’s a matter of trust, and she has mine. Who do you trust? Answer it, and vote accordingly.

    Report Post » SilentReader  
    • jwms
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:29pm

      She will do that, but I doubt she will get the chance unless Del. People wake up and get with the program! Karl Rove did so much damage! I think he should retire! I wonder, was he working for Mike Castle? Why else would he be so up set about just that race?

      Report Post »  
  • delawarebill
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:02pm

    There‘s two votes in my house for O’Donnell… There would be 5, but I can’t get Acorn to register my dogs as republicans.

    Report Post » delawarebill  
    • PlaneRick
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:55am

      That might be funny it was even accurately informed. Good Luck.

      Report Post »  
  • EqualJustice
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:01pm

    THIS IS AWESOME! You’ll love it. Chris Coons the TaxMan
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5aJAyBp_S8&feature=player_embedded

    Report Post » EqualJustice  
  • Contrarianthinker
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:00pm

    I didn’t hear anything Coons said as Marxist? He certainly did stand for centralized power and big government. I thought Christie did a good job except when it came to what SC decisions she disagreed with. She was obviouysly caught off gaurd.

    Report Post »  
  • Probity
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:54pm

    Her better witch ad should have her and Nancy Pelosi side by side and ask which witch do you want representing you in DC, the District of Corruption

    Report Post »  
  • urbanserf
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:54pm

    She did well considering the hostile environment (in University setting, vs. 2 Client # 9 moderators, and a dirt bag commie lawyer opponent.)

    Report Post » urbanserf  
  • leftylemn
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:53pm

    I’m not Harry Reids pet….but i’m a bulldog.

    Report Post »  
  • Probity
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:47pm

    They haven’t mentioned one Delaware issue yet. Sounds like a presidential race debate.

    Report Post »  
  • Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:44pm

    i thought she kicked some Marxist batoootie!
    We the People are starting to ‘see’ how the media sets up the toss.
    maybe i’m alone, but i declare she won….at least until C(lient) N(umber) N(ine) even changed it back to the Chilean rescue (WHICH IS ON EVERY OTHER NETWORK).

    Report Post » Maybe the GEESE Know More than the BEES Know  
    • Felix_the_Infidel
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:24pm

      If by, “she won,” you mean she came across as the nice, smart, decent human being who is not trying to pad her retirement account at the expense of tax-payers… yeah, she won.

      She needs to let loose more, though. She’s a decent, polite and respectful lady. Those are not the best qualities to have when dealing with rabid loons.

      Report Post »  
  • Probity
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:25pm

    Cut Spending, enforce laws already on the books, tell the truth, secure the border first , then sort out who’s here.

    Report Post »  
  • Plightman
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:24pm

    They are totally cutting O’Donnell off on each answer period and quickly cut into the debate portion.

    Report Post »  
  • Bad Kitty
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:18pm

    …I don’t get it

    Report Post » Bad Kitty  
    • 5
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:28pm

      Don’t get what?

      Report Post »  
    • GnomeChomsky
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:21pm

      It turns from a building into a robot, right? Well, whats fun about that?

      Report Post »  
  • TeaPartyPatriotJoey
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:17pm

    If she can get some fair exposure she may pull this off. I sent her some $$ to help her campaign and I don’t even live in that state. She needs more adds to show Delaware what she stands for. She just might surprise some people. I love her and think she’s great for the USA. Her win would show the old guard that the new guard is coming to claim back America!

    Report Post »  
  • broker0101
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:13pm

    Golden Opportunity Missed!
    Question: “Finland is #1 in Math education, South Korea is #1 in Science education. What would you do to make the U.S. #1 in both?”
    Golden Opportunity Answer (without missing a beat), “I’d introduce legislation to annex Finland and South Korea.”

    Report Post » broker0101  
    • 5
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:27pm

      Lol

      Report Post »  
    • TrueGrit
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:24am

      Maybe we should all move.
      This place is getting worse everyday.

      BTW Broker..
      Don’t Coons only come out at night?

      Are there Teacher Unions in Finland and S. Korea?

      Wolverine

      Report Post »  
    • beekeeper
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:32am

      In FInland & South Korea they have different cultures – in this country whenit comes to education, most look towards the state as providing the answers, and the Dem’s are happy to play along with the fantasy that a few more dollars, a few less kids in class, and a few more teachers can bring our education back to the #1 spot.

      Voters want “magic beans”, and politicians are willing to promise them – but the answer is you simply have to work hard, make hard choices, and always do what’s best for the kids – NOT the adults in the system. I believe it was DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee that said they system works great – for the adults in it, not the kids.

      Report Post » beekeeper  
  • 5
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:06pm

    This is Bull Crap. Totally cover the Coons and Burn the Nice Lady. BS LIB/TERDS!

    Report Post »  
  • 5
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:05pm

    3 to 1 BULL CRAP. WOLF is a Hack Wussy.

    Report Post »  
  • Capt_Spalding
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:04pm

    If CNN could get past their agenda and just MODERATE!

    Report Post » Capt_Spalding  
  • 5
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:04pm

    The US Constitution doesn’t change. This is a 3 to 1 gang bang. What’s New?

    Report Post »  
    • 5
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:26pm

      Broker0101, They wish they had something real. Witch or Marxist? She is way better for those people than this Guy just saying what He thinks everyone wants to hear. He said He’s been in D.C> for 10 years like that’s a good thing. 10 years is time to go. The President can only stay for 8 why should anyone stay for more?

      Report Post »  
    • statesrights
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:45am

      Actually according to the 22nd amendment…a Vice President who serves < 2 years as President is able to run for 2 additional terms making their total years 10, but I agree 10 years is to long, unless they really are listening to the people of their state or district. Plus it is always good to shake things up just so people dont get complacent.

      Report Post » statesrights  
  • Fedup
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:01pm

    This guy is nothing more than a marxist and he has no brain. God bless him but he is really no match for Christine. He is a lemming and we now have a baby killer running in Delaware.

    Report Post »  
  • Plightman
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:01pm

    I like this O’donnell. She more than likely wont win this election, but she will be heard from again. She speaks with certainty and clarity. And she proclaims loyalty to the Constitution. I like her.

    Report Post »  
    • 5
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:23pm

      She can win. These 3 are ganging up on Her.

      Report Post »  
    • LadyLiberty
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:33am

      I agree.. she may have had flaky moments in the past but she handled herself VERY well here considering that these three seriously were ganging up on her.

      Coons is Reid’s Pet. That is ALL any voter should really need to know. O’Donnell could be the anti-christ incarnate and I would still vote for her before I’d even look at Coons.

      Report Post » LadyLiberty  
  • RobertCA
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:00pm

    Loons gonna vote for Coons .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • melissa
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:25pm

      nice one.

      Report Post »  
    • TrueGrit
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:19am

      If I were from Delaware I’d vote for Roger Rabbit over Coons…
      truth be told…I’d vote for John Wayne or anyone other than this now exposed Marxist.
      O’Donnell works just fine for the moment. How could anyone be worse than what you have
      or what Coons brings to the table.

      Wolverine

      PS Broker101… funny… depending on how old you are and where you are from.

      Report Post »  
  • broker0101
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 7:55pm

    Oh, I thought Coons was African American. I was wrong.

    broker0101  
    • 5
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:22pm

      Ha Ha, NOT FUNNY. Be better than the Left.

       
    • broker0101
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:26pm

      5, I respect your opinion, but I don‘t have the need to claim that I’m “better” than anyone. Besides, funny is funny.

      Report Post » broker0101  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:38pm

      How about just not being a racist moron, Broker?

      Report Post »  
    • StMichelob
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:48pm

      Agreed. Not funny.

      Report Post » My Sacred Honor  
    • PlaneRick
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:52am

      Not funny at all.

      Report Post »  
  • ADMIRAL747
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 7:53pm

    Coons selling Delaware more lemons. Pathetic.

    Report Post »  
  • 5
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 7:51pm

    Coon is a Marxist.

    Report Post »  
    • PlaneRick
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:50am

      Yeah and Marx spoke towards a flat tax rate that promoted labor and production. Scary huh.

      Report Post »  
    • VanGrungy
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:05am

      Yeah…100% tax rate leaves you flattened on the ground… Thanks Marx

      Report Post » VanGrungy  
    • swigs
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 9:22am

      @PlaneRick

      Production on the backs of labor is slavery. Real wealth comes the land and not taking from Paul to give to Peter and back to Paul.

      There’s a reason communism fails where capitalism succeeds the former implodes the later expands.

      Report Post » swigs  
  • M31Sailor
    Posted on October 13, 2010 at 7:50pm

    Would love to see her wiggle her nose and have him turn into the POS this bearded maxist is.
    Sailor

    Report Post » M31Sailor  
    • angrymob
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 8:51pm

      Good one! :P

      I‘d vote for O’Donnell, too bad I’m in California.

      Report Post » angrymob  
    • John 1776
      Posted on October 13, 2010 at 9:21pm

      They would be foolish not to elect her. Del is left leaning, but Coons is FAR left. The only thing the left has left is character assassination, and they are good at it. I hope our friends in Del see past that and set the state on the correct course with O’Donnell.

      Report Post » John 1776  
    • Polwatcher
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 5:36am

      Sailor nailed it.

      Report Post »  
    • Jimt
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:20am

      COD did really well in the debate; Coons came across as arrogant and condescending.

      O’Donnell nailed him repeatedly for removing a tax exemption for the elderly and disabled in New Castle County (a point he never disputed), socked him for giving thousands of dollars to special interests, and raising property taxes nearly 50% over three years.

      She also effectively addressed the dangers of the national debt, including its effect on our ability to take a hard line against China. She connected government overreach with the lack of businesses creating jobs, and pledged to repeal Obamacare which she said was a government takeover of insurance that exacerbated rising healthcare costs.

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 6:55am

      As I watched this, at first it seemed it was three against one. Coons was condescending and obnoxious.
      When Christine was asked about Supreme Court cases, wish she would’ve mentioned Kelo. She needs to highlight her common sense, citizen-legislator positions. Come on Michael Steel. Shell-out!!!

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
    • Citizen7154
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:07am

      I agree with John 1776.

      Report Post »  
    • gobluebuckeye
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:51am

      O’Donnell is not going to get a easy win in this election, but if New Jersey could finally wake up and elect a man with principles such as Chris Christie, then Delaware can too change and elect a real conservative. I hope people finally see that the experiment of going left and more progressive does not work, its time to go back to the principles and political philosophy that made us successful as a nation. This nation is in the middle of a fight for its very soul, and I believe that our nation is being torn in two. The Conservative will win this round but we have to start convincing the nation to run away from anything close to socialism, cause as takes a hold on the uneducated and the over-educated its going to get harder and harder from them to understand the real message and principles found in both conservatism and the Constitution. We have to educate people and get the correct message out there, because the liberals claim they speak of truths and its sad that many take their word as truth.

      People this nation is at a crossroads, are you doing your part?

      Report Post » gobluebuckeye  
    • Marcobob69
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 7:55am

      I hope the people of Delaware see through the left’s BS. As evident in other races across the country, the Progressive left will stop at nothing to discredit and dirty-up the opposing candidate(s) to make themselves look like the “knight in shining armor”. Don’t be fooled by their crap! DON’T FORGET TO VOTE ON NOVEMBER 2ND! Take advantage of your God given right to vote(while you still can)!!!

      Report Post »  
    • snowleopard3200
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:06am

      Interesting the gentleman calls her an extremist of partisan ideas and not willing to compromise when the Progressives are just the same way.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • Dodsfall
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 8:23am

      Progressivism is all about compromise- toward the left. They won’t always get what they want overnight, but gradually freedom is surrendered a piece at a time.

      Report Post » Dodsfall  
    • whofarted
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:01am

      I would love to see her wiggle something but not her nose.

      Report Post » whofarted  
    • We Are Not Alone
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 10:14am

      Can anybody out there make some fun O’Donnell (witch twitch) ads for youtube? It would be great if funny O’Donnell ads went viral for the next 2 weeks. I wish I were creative, this would be a fun project.

      Report Post » Want our country back  
    • jwms
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 12:19pm

      Her problem started when Karl Rove trashed her the night she won the primary! Sham on him! He should have been first at her side to help her win. As upset as he was, makes me wonder, was he working for the Mike Castle who is nothing more than a Democrat in a Republican Suite? At least if Koons wins, we all know he is an Obama man! and Harry’s pet!!! Shame on Karl Rove and the rest of the GOP!

      Report Post »  
    • PlaneRick
      Posted on October 14, 2010 at 3:46pm

      Yes but that also understanding that Marxism and communism are not justly synonymous and those specifics blatantly show through in ignorance when attacking specifics.
      My joke was aimed towards flat taxers who seem to believe in the theory of a ideologue without understanding the necessary implications or effect of such a policy.
      As for wealth coming from the land, that is absolutely true for a closed country, but as imports show, that is not viable sole dependent as a primary industry in this country. So any economy in America will require secondary and tertiary industries to fulfill demands of jobs. Take the secondary of the railroad to the primary of the mining industry, both of which (American history has proven) need some sort of regulation or third-party oversight for worker protection which industry consistent failed to provide until government protection was finally provided. If that is absolute socialism or communism in the book of others, then they need to get out of the children’s section of the library and start reading adult books.

      Report Post »  
    • msnbciscomedy
      Posted on October 15, 2010 at 10:28am

      Coons had wolf and the other hack holding his hand and Odonell still made him look like an ass. She is awesome. When wolf starts trying to manhandle her, I would love to be it the audience and just step up and bitch slap him, tell him to show some respect and watch him cry like the little city boy that he is. Worthless talking head in an expensive suit and a big ego…..perfect bitch slap candidate.

      Report Post »  
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