Drive-bys lament possible debate-less Senate race

Posted on by

I am not a big fan of candidate debates in major statewide or national races.  The rules for such events tend to be so watered-down that we, the viewers and voters, rarely learn anything substantive about the important issues of the day.  *Seriously, how much can you offer up in 30 seconds?*

Here’s one drive-by moaning about how we may  go through the first Senate race in 30 years without a debate between the two major party candidates. That would put us at the 1996 rematch between the late senator Jesse Helms (R) and Harvey Gantt (D).  Seriously, was there anyone out there unclear about where Helms came down on the issues of the day?

Drive-by media types love these debates.  They sometimes bring ratings.  Sometimes the candidates slip up and say or do something stupid. But the TV age rarely delivers anything close to being Lincoln Douglas – esque.  *Introduce yourself in one minute. Answer this question in 30 seconds.*  

WHY would Roy Cooper want to debate?  Every poll that’s been done shows him with a healthy lead over Republican standard-bearer Michael Whatley.  The RealClearPolitics average has Cooper leading the race by a healthy eight points.  That’s twice the victory margin he posted in his 2020 reelection over Republican Dan Forest.  

Eat into that Cooper lead.  Narrow his projected victory margin.  Then, Team Cooper might be willing to talk. 

Cooper has also been running – and winning – statewide races for 24 years (four terms as AG, two as GOV). He’s been around.  People are familiar.  What else is there to learn about him?

One would think Whatley would be desperate for a debate.  (He’s got brutal name-ID numbers.)  But, according to media reports, Team Whatley is non-committal on the subject.   We think we understand  WHY.

We’ve got some video (HERE and HERE) from Whatley’s 2023 reelection bid as state GOP chairman against Raleigh businessman and former NC State football player John Kane.  On the video, Whatley appears to be dancing the jitterbug (while seated) as Kane blasts him for, among other things, protecting Thom Tillis from the wrath of party conservatives.

Interestingly, Whatley can be seen and heard on the video praising the use of primary challenges to punish incumbents for deviating from the party platform.  Earlier this year, Whatley refused to even acknowledge or participate in a GOP primary for Senate.  What a difference 2-3 years makes. 

Another piece of irony –  all of Whatley’s elections for state party chairman were marked by significant sketchy practices and apparent voting irregularities.  Yet, Whatley has proudly worn the mantle as some kind of election integrity champion.

It’s football season.  Roy Cooper is in ‘victory formation’ and running out the clock.  Judging from the video we’ve provided – and other eyewitness accounts – Mike Whatley has no business being anywhere near a debate stage.