Debating The Debate
South Carolina’s five 2010 GOP gubernatorial hopefuls shared the same stage Tuesday night in Newberry, S.C., but none of the 400 Republicans in attendance saw the outcome of this “first in the state” debate in quite the same way.
Congressman Gresham Barrett, Lt. Gov. Andre Bauer, S.C. Sen. Larry Grooms, S.C. Rep. Nikki Haley and S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster held an hour-and-a-half long debate at the Newberry Opera House focusing primarily on the same two issues that South Carolina politicians have been talking about for decades – economic development and education.
We asked five of our most trusted sources from across the political spectrum to “grade” the candidates on their performances.
Here’s what they had to say …
“BUSINESSMAN”
Bauer: A-
Grooms: B+
Haley: B
Barrett: C
McMaster: C
Before debate: Undecided
After debate: Undecided
Thoughts: I thought Bauer carried the night and was slightly better than Haley and Grooms. Barrett and McMaster I don’t think did well at all. Haley had a rough start on economic development but picked it up when it came to education. Henry? I just don’t know how his demeanor is going to play throughout the state. It just wasn’t a strong performance at all for him. Gresham? He was obviously distracted. All in all, I’m not happy with what I see.
“SENATORIAL MUSINGS”
McMaster: A-
Grooms: A-
Haley: B+
Bauer: B-
Barrett: D
Before debate: Leaning Grooms
After debate: Leaning Grooms
Thoughts: Final analysis. McMaster, Grooms and Haley were the winners. Bauer was treading water. Barrett took a big step back.
“THE INSIDER”
Bauer: A
Grooms: C+
Haley: C
McMaster: D-
Barrett: F
Before debate: Leaning McMaster
After debate: Leaning Bauer
Thoughts: Andre won easily with Grooms trailing. Grooms was good but unpolished. I think listening to McMaster is worse than listening to Sanford.
“SANFORD BACKER”
Grooms: A-
Bauer: B
Barrett: C
Haley: C-
McMaster: D
Before debate: Leaning Haley
After debate: Undecided
Thoughts: I was really disappointed in Nikki Haley’s performance. I expected a lot more. Grooms impressed me much more than Haley
“OBJECTIVE OPERATIVE”
Grooms: A
Barrett: B
Haley: B-
McMaster: C
Bauer: F
Before debate: Leaning Barrett
After debate: Leaning Barrett
Thoughts: Gresham did well but he wasn’t on his game like usual. They were all disappointments. Grooms had heart. Barrett had substance. Haley had a script and actually stuck to it, but she came across as rigid and impersonal. Henry was personable, Andre was just tacky talking about how he has traveled the world and would continue to do so as governor.
You’ve heard from our sources, what do you think? Vote in our poll below …
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Comments
By Jane on September 23rd, 2009 at 8:06 am
thought Bauer was like a car salesman, pitching and pitching, but saying nothing that was verifiable, or good for the state.
Like when he talked about all that travel for economic development. As I understand it, he has yet to produce ONE job.
And someone should tell him it is classless to call oneself “a statesman”. Tacky, tacky…just more used car stuff.
By Nikki Haley for Governor on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:17 am
For those of you that were impressed by Nikki Haley last night at the debate please visit her website, http://www.nikkihaley.com. Thanks.
By SC Moderate on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:19 am
All I can say is, after watching the debate, Gresham better hope there is nothing to be found hiding under any rocks… because if there is, his answers set him up to be the new King of Hypocrisy (or at least co-King).
By Toyota Kawaski on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:52 am
Disappointed in Gresham saying we need to sit down with NAACP over boycott.
By Cooter Brown on September 23rd, 2009 at 12:05 pm
Anie-one:
Iz dare a vid-o o’ a aud-o ov dis ‘publican debate? I’d sho lik t’ hear o’ sight ‘em. if I culd
Rekon I cain mak’ edukashunal commentashun lik I normalie doos if’n I dont knows whut day said… Sounds lik Mista barret wins da scalawag award frum th’ ‘bove commentarie!
Thank ye,
C.Brown
By Jane on September 23rd, 2009 at 12:22 pm
I think the lack of comments says it all. We don’t care about any of these hacks.
By SC Integrity on September 23rd, 2009 at 12:42 pm
The few who? Anyone impressed by a hypocrite like Rep. Nikki Haley will be heading wherever Sanfraud goes soon enough. Haley makes good on her promise to follow Soprano to the gates of hell. So if you’re seeking more of that heinous and hypocritical leadership, Haley’s your ticket. A democrat will be elected before she would be and rightfully so.
By Rambo on September 23rd, 2009 at 2:15 pm
Come on guys just look at the ratings…Grooms may have been unheard of before this debate, but now after that performance he has really opened some eyes. He was ranked first by three of the people mentioned in this article and was a close second by the other two. With some time to build the campaign, this guy might have a more serious shot come early 2010.
By Toyota Kawaski on September 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 pm
agree 300% SC Integrity same ole song different dance partner with Rep.Haley
By Laura Campbell on September 23rd, 2009 at 7:09 pm
All losers. Where’s the alternative?
By AZALEA LEONHARDT on September 23rd, 2009 at 10:02 pm
BAUER, WAS GREAT. HE HAS LOTS OF GOOD IDEAS, AND READY TO BE GOVERNOR,
By JOHN M LEONHARDT SR on September 24th, 2009 at 7:28 am
LT GOVERNOR BAUER GOOD FOR SOUTH CAROLINA
By Brett on September 24th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
We followed the debate on Twitter as we were unable to watch it on Tuesday night, and most reporters were at first commenting on Larry Grooms’ solid responses, then later Nikki Haley’s. Apparently according to WIS Nikki Haley won. Think it’s going to be an interesting race. We were curious how Bauer was allowed to debate when he hasn’t announced.
By LStewart on September 24th, 2009 at 1:54 pm
I think the Dem debates are going to be a lot more interesting… I mean, they had their first showdown last night at Hawg Heaven and they jumped right on calling out Sanford on his affair. They are licking their chops and ready to get into office.
By ginasc on September 24th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
WIS is reporting this:
COLUMBIA, SC (AP) – South Carolina’s attorney general Henry McMaster received campaign donations from private lawyers he hired to pursue a case against drugmaker Eli Lilly & Co., a potential violation of state law.