Berg Vs. Reed

OUCH! Oh... I guess it wasn't that bad.

Finally managed to remember to watch one of the candidate forums on KEET TV. This was the first time I'd actually seen Libertarian candidate, Tom Reed, although I've spoken on the phone with him once or twice. He looked different than I expected, although I couldn't tell you why.

For once I wish the Republican candidate showed up. It would have diverted some of the attention, rather than having it all focused on two people.

I'll give Patty Berg the win, as far as presentation goes. Tom Reed seemed obviously, if not nervous, then at least not used to being in front of cameras and the public eye. He made it through the whole thing and deserves credit. If that had been me, you would have seen the literal deer in the headlights, as I tend to freeze up in the public eye.

Reed's answers seemed to be doctrinaire libertarian. One thing I found distracting, if not irritating, was his preceding answers with, Libertarians believe... I understand that many LP candidates think they should be selling the LP, but first and foremost you have to sell yourself. If you sell yourself well, your libertarian ideas might be accepted a little easier. He needs to start out with, I believe.

I also found it somewhat embarrassing him saying Patty Berg has been doing a good job. Regardless of how you feel about the incumbent, if you think they're doing a good job, what's the point in challenging her? Instead of doing that, he might have done better just by just noting where he agrees with her and how the voters would be better off with him in charge where he disagrees with Berg.

Anyway, overall not too bad and perhaps Tom will be a little more comfortable should there be another forum before the election.

The question I have now is, what happened to Republican candidate, Ray Tyrone? He showed up at the forums last time around.