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Monday, Sept. 27, 2010 | 11:38 a.m.
Spectators are being banned from a debate next month between Democratic Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican rival Sharron Angle after a candidate forum last week ended with a fistfight in the audience.
Nevada Broadcasters Association President Bob Fisher told journalists and political candidates Saturday that only the candidates' closest relatives and advisers will be allowed to attend the Oct. 14 televised debate.
Fisher said each candidate must submit a list of 12 guests. Only those people will be allowed to attend the only scheduled debate in one of the most important races during this midterm election.
Witnesses say a candidate forum last week ended with an Angle supporter punching one woman and pushing another as they tried to walk past him.
Stay classy, Las Vegas!
This is wrong.
What will be the next step in the de-evolution of public debate? Prerecording both candidates and the media deciding what is safe for us to hear?
It's regrettable, but necessary.
It would be "wrong" if the public were allowed to ask questions, but that isn't the case with this debate.
Since the questions are fielded by the moderators, an audience would only be there to applaud when directed, anyway.
The public in general is being punished for the actions of one man?
On THE "ED SHOW" on msnbc, local talk host Heidi Harris (who contends that Reid faked the car bomb attempt on his family, based on what admitted mobster Frank Carlotta said) called Reid supporters at the debate "rude little piggies."
Despite Angle's claim that "Reid is using Sal Alinsky tactics to provoke assaults by her supporters," it is obvious that hate talk radio is in overdrive trying to create violence. (e.g. "Second Amendment remedies)
The Secret Service should send a special detail to Nevada to stop further tea-party/talk radio inspired violence.
Comment removed by moderator. Name-calling.
Senator Reid will get his butt kicked.
This is ridiculous---if security had done their job at the last fake debate, i.e., enforcing the stated rules, it would not have gotten out of hand, and that's talking about both Reid/Angle supporters. I couldn't believe how lax the organizers of the event were until the whole thing went downhill. One debate? And the public is not allowed---
Question, couldn't we see the debate on say for example, channel 8 Las Vegas. Has anybody thought about asking this CBS affiliate??
KUDOS to the Nevada Broadcasters Association for preventing any further violence! I've been present and witnessed, more than a few times in the past decade here in Nevada, people misbehaving and being rude, mean, nasty, profane, vulgar and dysfunctional - such innappropriate misbehavior, especially when children are present, must STOP!
NOTE: To all bullies - keep in mind that there are a lot of professionals, many retired, that know the law and won't hesitate to put your butts in the hospital and jail IF you attempt to use violence again - and our actions will be fully within the parameters of the law! This is NOT a threat in anyway, shape or form - it's a warning that we the people will protect the peace (again, within the law)!
No citizen's rights have been violated here - those interested can watch it on T.V., Cable, over the Internet, or listen to it on Radio!
@boftx Actually, they're halfway there. Reid was not there in person. Instead, he was allowed to pretape his questions and answers before hand so voters were denied the chance to see him think on his feet.
Can you believe the lack of civility in politics these days? No wonder nothing gets done. We're treating each other as if we are enemies. It's ridiculous.
Comment removed by moderator. Name-calling.
Will Open Carry be allowed at the debate?
Does this worry anyone else besides me? I mean come on. We are the PEOPLE and we can't even go watch our elected leaders debate? We can't evaluate them side by side and assess their responses to the issues? This smacks of big government interference in public elections. Just another reason to vote AGAINST big government politicians. Would this have happened in the Lincon-Douglas debates?
If I were Sharron Angle I'd refuse to appear for the debate unless the public is allowed to attend. This is an affront to liberty.
As an Independant, I have mixed feelings about a "controlled audience". On the positive side, candidates should be able to go into the substance of their debate without interruption. If this is to be a televised debate then let it be a televised debate.
End of Democracy?
What about the other Senate candidates? There are a total of seven. Under republican and democrat leadership we are losing our democratic process.
Arthur Forest Lampitt, Jr.
Libertarian Candidate for Governor of Nevada
www.ArtForGov.com
Art,
I would go so far as to say under the "leadership" of the media we are losing our democratic process.
As you (and I) have pointed out on other stories, the debate for the gubernatorial race was a farce with only Reid and Sandoval being allowed to participate *by the media*. That constituted a major failing on their part in my opinion.
They should set up an area adjacent to the studio with a seating area and a live feed, and let the public go nuts. Then have simultaneous broadcasts from inside and outside on two channels. Let the viewing public decide if they'd rather watch the debate (booorrrring) or the free-for-all (yaaaaaaaayyy!).
Good, we can watch the debates televised.
But this decision will disappoint tea nuts, who love nothing more than a big public stage that they can grandstand on.
Maybe the right-wing addiction to showboating started with their attempt to remove Bill Clinton from office, or maybe it was when Rep. Joe Wilson screamed, "You lie!" during President Obama's State of the Union speech.
Most likely it started long before that, in the mid-1950s, when GOP Sen. Joe McCarthy used the new media of television to go on a communist-sympathizer witch hunt, destroying the careers of many Americans and laying waste to one of our most sacred rights, that we are all innocent until proven guilty.
So people are going to be given the right to go act like little kids with no manners.
Not a big deal. This will be on T.V. You could not ask questions anyway. No right is being taken away from you here.
To bad that some people can not act adult enough to go to something like this without punching out others because they don't agree with them. The bad thing is those same fools get to vote in the election. Good thing is most of them won't take the time to vote anyway. To lazy.
Just what this country has become. People want to blame their elected officials when the real problem these days are the Americans that live here.
Grow up and be responsible for your own actions if yo expect more out of life.
"Grow up and be responsible for your own actions if yo[sic] expect more out of life." - vegaslee
Now if only more people would think that then we would have more moderates from all parties in office. :)
I posed the question once before, which direction is America headed in?
First the Sun enacts policy to limit the time of posted comments to blogs, also known as "trusted comments", now the President Bob Fisher of the Nevada Broadcasters Association, told journalists and political candidates Saturday that only the candidates' closest relatives and advisers will be allowed to attend the Oct. 14 televised debate, once again, veiling the First Amendment, to a so-called "Trusted" few of all the entitled constituents deserving freedom of information.
I would submit that doing the right thing is never easy and that the actions of a few is in no way a reflection of the actions the majority holds to as proper First Amendment rights to petition ones government. President Bob Fisher / Sun, take down that policy, you are impeding democracy not promoting discourse.
Sincerely UnTrusted
It's not necessairly Reid or Angle supporters who are at fault - the whole political process has gone to heck. Gone are the days of sevility and open debate where other opinions were respected. Now, it's who can yell the loudest and wave the most hateful signs. Intelligent debate has ben replaced by ignorant ranting.
I guess I do blame the Tea Party for this - it became the norm during the health care town halls. If you can't articulate a clear and thoughtful position, then by all means bring the debate down to your level of mindless foot stomping.
I considered myself a Republican before the party became so narrow minded and bigoted - the party of "NO". If you have viable alternative plans, offer them up for consideration rather than bringing the whole political process to a grinding halt. Instead you offer mindless dribble like your new party platform - a rehash of the same, tired rheteric that got us where we are now.
pmontg:
[[Senator Reid will get his butt kicked.]]
++++++++
I don't think so, but it remains to be seen. Angle might want to drop the constant creepy smile while she utters the strangest things.
Tony Crago
What kind of cheese do you want with your whine?
I assume you prefer the kind that goes well with your incessent daily rants on here ... cheap?
My opinion of both candidates in the Nevada race is negitive and I don't see or hear any reason from either the candidates or the folks who are making total fools of themselves by getting all riled up on here to believe any different!
Take a chill pill and be glad when Nov. the 4th gets here!
Okay, class, little Susie misbehaved this morning so no one is going outside for recess!
Contrary to the story the Sun wishes to tell (one-sided) consider why there was a "brawl" at the candidate forum. If the Reid supporters had remained in their seats until the end of the event instead of their pre-arranged mass exit with only a few minutes to go there would not have been a problem. If the Reid supporters had not rudely pushed past the gentleman and his wife in a crowded isle and instead stayed in their seats there would not have been a problem. If the woman had not jumped on top of the gentleman and shoved him back in his seat when he attempted to exit (and climbed all over his wife at the same time) he never would have reacted to push her off. First physical contact was by the Reid supporter -- not the man! Look at the Sun photos and you can clearly see the two women standing and verbally attacking the man as he is sitting (photos 3 and 4) -- also notice the one woman is clearly standing very much on top of the man's wife. What the photos don't show is the first contact when the man attempted to stand.
Clearly the Sun would be expected to lean toward favoring the Reid point of view -- too bad that they reject honest journalism.
Sure, during the event both sides were behaving rudely. But the Reid supporters started the physical contact.
I sure hope he doesn't own a gun...
@letsciencedecide - You are apparently a Republican who believes in science. I didn't think that was possible or, at least, certainly discouraged. I wouldn't let the Tea Party find out or you'll lose your membership card and secret decoder ring.
Uh, pmmart: damn, it is my civic duty to inform you that the election is on November SECOND, (2nd) not the 4th. You're welcome! (:
I don't think there will be a debate. Whimpy Reid will claim that the debate format is unfair because he can't pick the moderator and pre screen the questions. What are the Democrats going to complain when the Reps take over the House and Senate?
@TonyV
Interesting response, thank you for your contribution to the topic being discussed.
1984 has arrived!
@lsd
My pleasure. Always happy to contribute.
I said earlier that what happened at the first "debate" was a product of the loss of respect for the political process by both sides.
I think it really took off when the Tea Party chose to disrupt the health care town halls rather than add to the discussion.
@bbtbrain:
Good post -- I think you just came up with the excuse that Angle is looking for to run away from the debate.
TonyV:
[[I said earlier that what happened at the first "debate" was a product of the loss of respect for the political process by both sides.
I think it really took off when the Tea Party chose to disrupt the health care town halls rather than add to the discussion.]]
++++++
I agree with your post for the most part, but the first "Tea Party" town hall disruptions were not of choice. These folks were a carefully crafted 'movement' by Dick Armey's FreedomWorks and extremely rich corporate types like the Koch brothers. They were sent out with instructions on how to disrupt and how to move about a room to appear more in attendence than they actually were. News, especially cable news shows, ate it up. Fox promoted this "spontaneous" "grass roots" movement and did so aggressively.
If only that woman hadn't allowed her jaw to come into contact with that guy's fist, it would've been OK. As a matter of fact, she and/or her jaw were asking for it. You know how those people are. Just sashaying around debates just looking to get hit. If she had only left her jaw at home, this whole thing never would have happened.
Screaming Palin started this and got whacko women to be part of her sick movement. When Palin was running for VP, we would cover our ears, for fear of losing our hearing. The tea party carpetbaggers incite violence, and blame it one others. I have said this before and I will say it again, at the recent United Nations meeting, several delegations got up and walked out (including US) during the President of Iran's speech. NO ONE HIT THEM. Some fat old slob that is a part of the carpetbaggers decided to hit a woman. If it were me, he would have to worry about my second admenment remedies, as Crazy Sharron is so fond of saying. It is unfortunate that some of our rights were taken away by the carpetbaggers. Can you just imagine how many rights we would have left, if Crazy Sharron and her carperbaggers were elected? NONE!!
It might be a better debate if there is no live audience to play to.
@bbtbrain - Sharron runs away from anything that is not Fox (except that she even ran away from local Fox 5!). She will use any excuse to not appear or debate.
@ Pisces41) - very true!
I look forward to this televised debate. I hope to see some substance from Sharron and what her plans are, but I doubt that will happen.
This just shows the mentality and how violent the tea party supporters are. They are a racist group filled with hate and are bringing that hate into this election. I mean what REAL Man hits a woman?? This is bizarre and it scares me to think; these people are supporting someone who revels in this kind of thinking. We even are faced with these people who are getting their money from white supremists. They are led by the John Birch Society. Have you ever heard of this society? We can't afford these hate mongers.
Oh so the people who want "second amendment remedies" when they lose the election won't be able to create violence at the debate. What a shame.
Who cares? The woman wanted equal rights and the man gave them to her. How long was she and her friends in his face? A lot of frames!
Just vote for Sharron Angle on Saturday, October 16 to Friday, October 29 during early voting or on November 2nd and be done with these dictators.
That's what Sharron Angle is all about, TAKING BACK AMERICA!
I think that this is more a symptom of lack of manners on everyone's part. Growing up it was called "acting common" and that was an insult.
Attending functions here in the Las Vegas area, you see lack of respect for others all the time.
Examples: Not paying for good seats and then moving into them and being offended when someone asks to see your ticket, because those of us that paid for the good seats are bothered by the fact that you stand up all the time to block our view and talk loudly so that we cannot hear, or letting your children run wild while you chat and don't seem to notice that they are disturbing those around you. This behavior also occurs at free events and restaurants.
It is okay to disagree with someone. Everyone is entitled to their opinions, but it frightens me that people cloak themselves in religion and patriotism to appear "better" than those that don't agree with them. Reminds me of the "America, love it, or leave it" during Nam.
Be Civil to your neighbor. Jesus said you should love your neighbor as yourself, but with "hate radio and TV" I don't see a lot of that happening.
Fistfighters are invited to take part in the regular training sessions at my new martial arts school.
You are welcome to discuss political issues meanwhile trying to defeat your opponent by scoring.
Though, imho, one should either try to discuss things using words and better arguments OR try to win a fight by means of martial arts, but without further discussion. Not both simultaneously.
Billions of dollars are being drained in California in illegal alien welfare, as in Reid's Nevada. Instant baby citizenship is a major problem that must be solved, because pregnant Mothers are intentionally arriving here, as they can immediately get post natal care along with a wide range of freebies and cash payments. Once here the fertility of foreign mothers escalate bringing for each child born at least six hundred dollars,. Those with more than three or four children can move into low income housing, to which other family members--legal or illegal--move right in. Then Guess who is paying for this--California taxpayers and the federal government. Schools are another major problem--that is overwhelmed with illegal alien children--again the taxpayer pays for it all. Under the Democrats this give-away is only going to get worse. Nevada is not that better off, as now illegal aliens are collecting unemployment benefits from the slide of the building construction.
Nevada with all its entertainment industry under Reid is falling into financial red ink. All states need to reconsider the massive costs of illegal immigration and take a minute to GOOGLE--Illegal alien--costs. You will be stunned at the expenditure by the US government, county and city welfare and public services and with not enough monetary returns. Business use cheap labor and the farming industry, but leave all the costs of health care and education to the unaware taxpayer. But this is not just a uncontrolled problem in border states, as in the last thirty years the invasion has spread across this soil. It is time for a reevaluation of our laws, which make it a felony to enter America without permission. Mandatory prison terms for business who hire illegal labor, with a uniform Guest Worker program that has not been fraudulently used as it is today.
We should welcome the highest skilled professionals from other countries, but not mediocre job seekers from other countries, who become contingent on welfare and other social programs. Just Remember that reelecting Senator Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi, Barbara Boxer, or any Governor, Major and elected officers will relieve you of more taxes to pay for illegal immigrant households--will be a repeat performance. You can shadow your Senator or Congressman at the Washington switchboard at 202-224-3121 NumbersUSA can enlighten you about the reality and costs of illegal immigration.
Questions have not been asked by Andrew Coumo in New York, who had some nefarious dealing with Freddie Mac/Mea over pushing hard to give mortgages to unqualified low income home buyers. Third in line of issues is illegal immigration that Democrats are the major contenders in forcing through a path to citizenship or Amnesty. Sen. Harry Reid has been consistent in trying to enact laws on allowing illegal aliens a right to stay here, after breaking the law. Each time the Reid has authored a bill for any immigration reform, his bills in the Senate has been shot down in flames. Yet when it comes to enforcement of the "rule of Law" he has interceded with law enforcement laws such as E-Verify and 287 (G). Both federal laws for local police to question suspicious persons, same as the Arizona law SB 1170.
Almost all Liberal-Democrats Senators like Reid, Boxer as incumbents must not remain in Washington, as they have completely ignored the 15 millions of Citizens-Residents out of work, and have not stop soliciting for more cheap labor from the other side of the border fence, or one way flight tickets from foreign lands. The Democratic Party and even many of the staunch Republicans have allowed the illegal invasion, get out of hand as thousand s are still slipping past the border fence and there is no real way to know who is a true tourist or student at the airport?
After November in the likely lame duck sessions or perhaps before, the Democrats are searching for more votes. Liberal-Dem's are hoping that the potential of passing some kind of immigration reform will bring more major minorities into the party's power. so not--only--must we be very observant of any secret sessions behind closed doors executive law, but be very aware that illegal aliens can and have violated the law in voting in these coming federal elections. Many states still have no strong security measures to check who is voting? Utility bills and other easy fraudulent paperwork are easy to produce. A small group of other states are showing federal picture ID and extensive checks must be performed, specifically where absentee ballots are concerned. Combat between Brown and Whitman in California has illustrated the reality in this Sanctuary State as only Meg Whitman said she would enforce immigration laws and attest that she is against any Amnesty.
LET THE GAMES BEGIN
The parade in to the political gladiatorial arena has began, as Sen. Harry Reid attacks Sharron Angle, Senator Boxer stands against Carly Fiorina, and in the most dramatic race for the governor of California Brown battles Meg Whitman. The battle is not between swords and Retiarius Trident, but between issues and ideologies?In one month the citizen-crowds will descend on the voting booths, but the big difference is that a third party has emerged called the Tea Party. Under the banner of the Republican, this is a clash of the elites and the moderate conservatives. Although jobs is the main event in this Coliseum, second to this must be the economy that is still writhing from the downturn. Main street banks are reticent on loaning money for mortgages, even the Democrats bailed out these institutions with billions,
mred so true. This is getting past just loud angry whites. It's gonna get people or multiple people killed, and that will be the beginning of race riots. The longer we act as if race is not ONE of the MAIN FACTORS DRIVING THE T-PARTY and it's consequences leading to violence the worse it will be when violence begins. If we don't stand up against it, blood will be the only thing that will shake America awake, with the far right hate machine that is talk radio & fox "news" who will magically support the president when he's "their" guy or gal. Woo hoo go saraaaaaaah palen. Haha, go angle, o'donnel, paul, miller, rubio, paladino, right? They're all gonna win right? Huh? Right right wingers?