Many Tennesseans tuned in to TV Thursday night with some anticipation that the debate between Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Haslam and Democrat gubernatorial candidate Mike McWherter would shed decisive light on which man should be elected to lead Tennessee government for the next four years.
What did the viewers see?
There were two nice, sincere fellows, each wanting to be governor. But neither delivered any “knockout” blows or “zingers” on big issues to inform potential voters very much in ways that would help them make the choice between the two.
The candidates were asked about many diverse subjects by a panel of questioners. Both answered forthrightly. But there was not much in their answers that suggested which candidate for governor would make Tennesseans better off and carry Tennessee forward better during the next four years.
For example, there was talk about oil imported from Venezuela, upon which Americans depend rather heavily, and which nobody wants to cut off. There were words about the need for energy independence. Much was said about heated TV advertising. They talked about illegal immigration, ObamaCare socialized medicine and the importance of University of Tennessee education.
But a lot of what they discussed was really immaterial so far as revealing their respective qualifications to be governor of Tennessee.
Viewers of televised political debates often pick a “winner” or “loser.” But neither candidate made decisive points in this debate.
In choosing between the two pleasant gentlemen, we believe Haslam is the more conservative candidate. He also has the business experience and political principles that suggest he would be the better choice for governor, with no disrespect for his competitor.
We believe Tennesseans would do well to elect Bill Haslam governor in the November election.