Blogging The 2nd Debate--Recap, **Update--Video Posted

**Update--Fox 31 has posted the entire debate online, scroll for the link . . .

In case you miss it, here is a steam of consciousness recap of the 2nd debate.

First segment--

What are the issues for Colorado voters?

Udall--Gas prices, energy independence, avoid war, create new jobs, release oil from strategic petroleum reserve, crack down on oil speculators, oil companies drill on current leases, drill responsibly, alternative energy "new energy economy"

Schaffer--without a doubt energy, energy costs to education, problem of oil price a function of bad decisions by Congress, partisanship has created need to send money overseas due to lack of opportunity to drill here, Congress' low approval rating attributed to these deficiencies, comprehensive energy plan includes "doing it all" including renewable energy tax credits

Udall--it's all Schaffer's fault, can't have oil executives in government

Schaffer--company was not primarily an oil company, cadmium telluride--next step in solar energy, companies receiving tax credits can push technology to create jobs and credible alternatives to traditional energy sources

Udall--we need to work together

Schaffer--vote no on an adjournment resolution?

Udall--yes

Second segment--

War on Iraq?

Schaffer--we can agree that surge in Iraq is working, reconciliation between Sunni and Shiites, Iraqi security forces policing their own and taking the lead, still a lot of uncertainty, but progress has been made

Udall--troops performed with great valor, take care of them when they come home, "honorable, responsible exit," been 2 times to Iraq, accuses Schaffer of meeting with Kurds to cut a deal, take attention back to Afghanistan and where Osama Bin Laden is

Schaffer--didn't cut deal with Kurds, not in favor of open-ended engagement in Iraq, draw down based on real goals and not a timetable, Iraq as a bulwark against Iranian aggression

Udall--back to Afghanistan, rebuild the military, wanted a more specific declaration of war to avoid fiscal and human costs

Schaffer--Udall's resolution was partially correct, but too much even for fellow Democrats

Udall--must go back to central front of war on terror, accuses Schaffer of not supporting veterans

Schaffer--veterans know Schaffer's support, small minority in DC still believe we would be better off if we hadn't gone to Iraq, Bin Laden not "full definition of terrorism"

Third segment--

527 ads? Not good, not healthy?

Udall--don't like them, ask Bob about them, denounces 527s, its part of the game

Schaffer--why people are fed up with duplicity, McCain-Feingold on bipartisan basis, limits ability of people to speak in a campaign, laws passed to protect politicians to protect themselves from criticism, I'm running because I'm critical of government, I voted against it, Udall voted for it

Udall--broad bipartisan coalition wanted to take money out of politics

Schaffer--people want to have their say

Zappolo--you were ahead 10 points, but it is tied, why?

Udall--it's going to be a close race, need to listen to Coloradans, tax breaks not beneficial to Americans

Zappolo--it is difficult to run as a Republican?

Schaffer--Bush is not on the ballot, polls have closed in recent weeks due to energy and the inability of Congress to pass any meaningful reform, Udall has voted to close options, mine has been to open all avenues

Udall--oil companies like higher energy prices

Final segment--

Udall--elections about choices, if you like Bush/Cheney, bad health care, more of the same, vote Schaffer--if you want an honorable exit, health care, change, vote for Udall

Schaffer--people want fresh leadership in DC, Udall has been in Congress without much success, bipartisanship bickering, I'll bring energy prices down, I won't constrain options and will bring a different voice to Washington

Whew!

Fox has posted the entire debate online.

2nd Schaffer-Udall Debate On Fox 31

Don't forget, the second debate In its entirety--August 3, 10 pm.

Schaffer's challenge to Udall on voting against the resolution to adjourn, well chronicled on this blog, is around the midway point of the show (with commercials).

Schaffer Udall Fox 31 Debate--Photos

Behind the scenes at the Fox 31 debate--"Colorado 2031 to air next Sunday, 10pm, on Fox 31 after the news.


The set, bare just a few minutes earlier, has been prepared and awaits the candidates Bob Schaffer and Mark Udall, and the host Ron Zappolo.


Zappolo prepares his mic.


Host Zappolo encourages an "anything goes" atmosphere and what would become a "guided conversation" rather than a traditional debate.


Schaffer argues a point during the first segment, which of course focused on energy--what mattered most to Colorado voters.


What we have here is a not only a closeup of the Fox 31 camera, but an example of Udall's most frequently used gesture--the double "click" position.


Schaffer explains his positions on energy as Zappolo looks on.


Udall responds--there's those hands again.


Waiting his turn.


Likewise.


Yep. The hands. Again.


A view from the inside.


The host was able to see what the audience will see with the use of this monitor.


From the other angle.


A wide shot (the hands!)


A friendly exchange.


Udall's closing remarks.


Bob's closing remarks.


Schaffer--gotta bring down the energy prices.


Conclusion.


A spirited and frenzied dialogue, and handshakes all around.


Media swarms Schaffer (foreground), while Udall (background, next to ladders and obscured by the reporter in the white shirt) answers a few questions after abruptly exiting the studio following the debate.


Udall gets his opportunity to chat with the reporters.

Schaffer Udall Fox 31 Pre-Debate Rally--Photos And Video

Photos/video of the rally outside--




Yep, it's evil.


Signs of the times--commuters along Speer and Lincoln were treated to a lot of signs, and responded with honking.


Anti-Udall protestors--from his left--brought out the impeachment signs and asked for Udall to bring President Bush and Vice President Cheney on charges.


The battle is joined--Boulder liberals welcome!


These guys have appeared at both of the debates--"Where is Mark Udall on EFCA?"


Showin' liberals a little love.


Like the "Veterans for Udall," it wasn't quite clear if those holding signs were actually veterans or firefighters.


There was a large youth contingent among Schaffer's supporters.


The wall of Udall supporters make their case--"M A R K, vote for Udall all the way!"


But the high cost of energy was on the minds of Schaffer's supporters--"drill here, drill now!"


Big Time Bob Schaffer fans brave the late July heat--with fan-favorite "U-Turn Udall" signs highlighting the Democrat's record.


Bob Schaffer greets supporters outside the Fox 31 Studio as Dick Wadhams looks on.


Schaffer chats with supporters before heading inside.