In Connecticut, It's Now a Three-Way Race

[Rose Siding]

While few people actually saw today's early afternoon debate in Connecticut's U.S. Senate race, it's all anyone is talking about tonight. Alan Schlesinger (R) -- almost forgotten in a race primarily between Sen. Joe Lieberman (I) and Ned Lamont (D) -- came out of nowhere and dominated the entire debate. At least that's what the perception is, and in politics, that's the most important thing.

As one Political Wire reader notes, the dynamics of the race "shook to their foundations." Schlesinger was "articulate and passionate" and contrasted with a "mealy-mouthed Lieberman and a Lamont who faded into the background in the face of the GOP candidate's assault."

The Hartford Courant notes Schlesinger "cast himself as the lone conservative pitted against two liberals." Based on the reaction from talk radio alone, he's almost certainly going to improve his position in the next poll of the race.

http://politicalwire.com/archives/2006/10/16/in_connecticut_its_now_a_threeway_race.html

[welshTerrier2]

1. the debate rerun just started on C-Span1 n/t

[yourout]

2. Probably good for us.....

Likely takes votes away from Lieberman.

[calico1]

10. Lieberman can't be too happy.

Schlesinger will pull votes from Lieberman's column, not Lamont's.

[Xipe Totec]

11. and that's a good thing

anything that splits the 'pug vote is good for Lamont and bad for Schlesinger and Lieberman.

[MADem]

12. So far, yep...!

If he gets a chance to further define himself, he'll not just steal from JoeMentum, he could also motivate a disaffected stay-home base.

We want him to be just good enough to rob Joe, but not good enough to rile the sleeping far righties....

[Richard Steele]

20. No "probably" about it!

Any numbers that swing his way can only come
from Lieberman's column!

It's a GOOD thing!

[kainah]

3. currently re-airing on C-SPAN n/t

[marmar]

4. Schlesinger is the "moderate" Republican in this race...

:)

[buff2]

5. And LIEberman is the radical far right

:hi:

[magellan]

6. If people in CT don't know the difference btwn passionate and honest

...then I guess they'll get what they deserve.

[Mind_your_head]

13. Hear....hear...

:thumbsup:

[eleny]

7. I watched it and thought he was on fire

We can hope that he peels away some Republican votes from Joe. He was going for broke. I live in Colorado but can hardly wait till they have the next debate!

[napi21]

8. Alan actually DID do a good job today!

The only time I had ever seen him before what when he was on Tweety's show, and he was awful! I thought the same as this article says...Alan actually COULD pull enough Pub votes from Joe to make Lamont win!

[Vidar]

9. Good, I think..?

[Rose Siding]

18. If Schles. can shave 8 pts off of Joe's numbers, VERY good

[Ediacara]

14. I'm watching right now

Lamont was good, Lieberman was whiney as ever, and Schlesenger was surprisingly together and articulate. I think Lamont may pull this off.

Although, Schlesenger's line, "That madman Ahmedinijad has DESIGNS on killing everyone in this room!" That was a little too much channelling of Dr Strangelove...

[Art_from_Ark]

16. DId he actually say that?

That reminds me of the Russian military officer in Dr. Zhivago who was trying to rally his troops--

"The Germans are coming for your families! They'll rape your women!"

[Ediacara]

17. Yes

And "designs" was said in a very Dr Strangelove/Gene Wilder as Willy Wonka sort of tone, like he was having an anurism mid-word.

[Pirate Smile]

15. Good News. Schlesinger's votes come straight out of Joe's pocket.

[Hosnon]

19. Any video online??? nt

[Lautremont]

21. So Lamont "faded into the background"?

Smart guy!

[Eric J in MN]

22. I hope so, but until there is a poll where Schlesinger breaks 10 points,

...I won't say it's happened.

Or at least not enough of a three-way race for Lamont to win until Schlesinger breaks 10 points.

[Selatius]

23. IN YOUR FACE, LIEBERMAN!!!

I hope Schlesinger just shaved a chunk of your support base away from you! Hahaha!

[DeepModem Mom]

24. K&R!

[kerry-is-my-prez]

25. "lone conservative pitted against two liberals" omg!

Calling LIeberman a Liberal. This guy is either delusional, a liar or REALLY far to the right.