Ben Cardin Missed An Opportunity (Misses Debate)

[journalist3072]

As I was listening to the early morning news while getting ready for work this morning, they were saying that Ben Cardin was a no-show at a debate sponsored by the NAACP (I believe held yesterday, but I may stand corrected on this).

And they said people booed as it was announced he was not there.

According to his folks, he had some other engagements, but he plans to address the organization this weekend.

I was really disappointed to hear he missed the debate, especially one involving the NAACP.

He really needs to be doing everything he can to connect with the African-American community and make sure the majority of African-Americans in Maryland are energized to vote for him. The Maryland race is a very competetive one, that Michael Steele has a good chance of winning. (Kathy Hughes, the owner of Radio One, that is responsible for many of the urban radio stations here) is supporting Michael Steele, and she even cut a radio ad for Steele that's been running on her stations.

And I worry that some of my fellow African-Americans will vote for Steele just because they want to have another African-Amrerican in the Senate, regardless of where he stands on the issues.

I really hope Cardin doesn't blow this.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

1. That's a HUGE tactical error on his part...

:(

[journalist3072]

3. Exactly!!! Because there will probably be some folks who say

Ben Cardin didn't have time to show up at the debate, so I don't have time to go to the voting booth and vote for him.

I was just really disappointed when I heard that on my local news this AM.

And what's more, Michael Steele is really making a play for the African-American vote this time. He's not writing it off simply b/c he's a Black Republican. He has even been on the syndicated Russ Parr Morning Show, which a lot of African-Americans of voting age listen to.

[GoddessOfGuinness]

7. Marc Fisher has been very outspoken in his support of Cardin...

He's also been critical of Steele's rehearsed lines and unwillingness to answer questions immediately following debates.

I hope he speaks out on this incident, and that his support for Cardin isn't deterred by it. I get the feeling he's highly respected among local African Americans.

[lastknowngood]

2. Yah I have been saying the same stuff I think Steel is going to win

it. Cardin has really blowin an easy win. I see a big repug surge here in Md. a damn shame.

[journalist3072]

4. I think so too

I think Michael Steele just may be headed to the Senate next January, sadly.

I see the Cooke Political Report has changed the status of the Maryland Senate race from "leans Democratic" to "toss-up." (http://cookpolitical.com/)

[SaveElmer]

6. Take a deep breath...evey piece of bad news does not mean doom...

Cardin still has the advantage here. He is running in a blue state in a Democratic year. His ads have been effective at tying him to Bush's coattails. My guess is he squeaks this out 51-49...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

8. The repugs won't care whether Cardin shows at NAACP or not...

but the wealthy African Americans in my county are not going to be pleased at all. :(

[SaveElmer]

5. Bad move...but...

I still think Cardin will pull this out...I think the surge nationally will pull him across the finish line...

[GoddessOfGuinness]

9. Oh, there may be hope...Check this out

"Moreover, Cardin is speaking Saturday at the statewide NAACP candidates forum in Baltimore, an event that Steele will not attend."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/26/AR2006102601580.html

[Bumblebee]

11. Okay -- I stand corrected.

[Bumblebee]

10. Are you sure? I went to Google News and typed in Ben Cardin

and there is nothing about that while if he had missed a debate, esp. this one, it would have been a big story, starting with the Washington Post and, of course, Washington Times. Something just does not add up.

[never_get_over_it]

12. OK that was beyond STUPID

no show are you kidding me - I told my friends in MD to vote for Kweisi Mfume in the primary....JESUS

[GoddessOfGuinness]

13. He's doing a statewide NAACP event tomorrow

which Steele will not be attending...

[never_get_over_it]

14. Oh thank God

we have to get as many Dem seats as we can - I fear the idiot in chief is going to get to put up another Supreme Court Justice and if we can't get a sort of moderate in there this country is DOOMED. And of course there are a million other reasons we need to take the Senate...

[AnnieBW]

15. It was a Debate in One County

He'll be addressing the state-wide NAACP convention tomorrow - and Steele isn't. They can ask him why he didn't go to Charles County then.