Baier To Moderate Debate Between McMahon And Blumenthal In Suddenly Close Race

video

by Steve Krakauer | 12:53 pm, September 14th, 2010

» 14 comments

The Connecticut Senate Race has suddenly gotten close – and FNC’s Bret Baier will soon be moderating a debate between the two sides.

This was part of a profile of the Special Report anchor by Baltimore Sun TV critic David Zurawik that describes Baier’s strong ratings and more.

Baier, who has almost double “the combined audience of his competitors on CNN and MSNBC,” will moderate the debate, his first, on October 4:

The point at which the former Fox News White House correspondent finds himself already includes signs of his new status. He has been invited for the first time in his career to moderate a televised debate — a role more often reserved for the likes of Jim Lehrer or Bob Schieffer of public and network TV. This one will be held Oct. 4 in Hartford, Conn., in a hotly contested race between Democrat Richard Blumenthal and Republican Linda McMahon for a U.S. Senate seat.

It’s almost inconceivable that this race could suddenly be so close – a unique battle in a Democratic state that features a candidate on the decline because of his war record lies and another who was a regular character in the WWE, which she co-owns. McMahon was down nearly 30 points just months ago – now she’s six points behind Blumenthal.

On Fox & Friends this morning, Laura Ingraham, a Connecticut voter, couldn’t hide her excitement and surprise over the turn of events (hence, the image). Although McMahon “wasn’t someone I supported,” Blumenthal she says is “about as attractive a political candidate – he’s like a toothache.” Also, “She might not have been all the conservatives’ favorites, but she is a force to be reckoned with.

Here’s Ingraham today:

——
» Follow Steve Krakauer on Twitter

Bret Baier, Dick Blumenthal, fnc, fox news, Linda McMahon, Richard Blumenthal, Special Report

The Real Royal King

What a shame a journalist wasn’t available.
http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

RRK yes they should have held the debate in a Gulag so you could be the moderater. You and Blumenthal could rehash your Vietnam experiences.
The Real Royal King

My Vietnam experiences wasn’t all that interesting. Basically, 90 day rotation in Saigon handling a couple of quasi criminal matters which were really just PR. No hero, here, to be sure, but since you walk across the street to avoid recruiting offices, I am sure you understand that.
Big Eddie

Bret Baier is the best journalist working today and Big Eddie will watch that debate .( Just don’t use that Michael Buffer guy as the announcer ) . Miss Ingraham is one swell dish and a smart cookie , to boot .
felixw

You know the Democrats are getting desperate when they agree to debate the issues. Usually they prefer ridicule, character attacks, fear-mongering, insults, and all the other Saul Alinsky tactics that have become second-nature to the American Left. But since those aren’t working, Blumenthal has the unenviable task of having to defend the Obama-Reid-Pelosi track record over the last two years.

Honestly, to my mind, this means that McMahon has already won — no matter what you might hear from the pollsters. This debate would not even take place if the Democrat internal polls didn’t signal serious trouble. And no matter what spin you hear after the debate from the mainstream media, the very fact of a Democrat having to take public ownership for his party’s agenda will lead to his further erosion in the polls.
The Real Royal King

Big Eddie said:
Miss Ingraham is one swell dish and a smart cookie , to boot .

More like a sauerpickle.
The Real Royal King

felixw said:
You know the Democrats are getting desperate when they agree to debate the issues. Usually they prefer ridicule, character attacks, fear-mongering, insults, and all the other Saul Alinsky tactics that have become second-nature to the American Left. But since those aren’t working, Blumenthal has the unenviable task of having to defend the Obama-Reid-Pelosi track record over the last two years. Honestly, to my mind, this means that McMahon has already won — no matter what you might hear from the pollsters. This debate would not even take place if the Democrat internal polls didn’t signal serious trouble. And no matter what spin you hear after the debate from the mainstream media, the very fact of a Democrat having to take public ownership for his party’s agenda will lead to his further erosion in the polls.

Wise as usual. Here in Texas Tollbooth Perry is running from a debate as far and as fast as he can. Of course, he is limp-wristed and light in the loafers, but ….
http://gordonbloyershow.com gordonbloyershow

RRK poll……….27 thumbs down……….5 thumbs up. You are well loved RRK.
halekai

As a Vietnam vet who actually got shot at and, to this day, feels lucky to have made it home (many of my friends didn’t), I couldn’t care less who hosts the debate. Blumenthal committed an unforgivable sin in my opinion, and I would support Lady Gaga before I’d support a scumbag like Blumenthal.
http://TheDividedStatesBlog.com Publius219

Slightly off topic, but I love how far righties worship Baier as the beacon of fair and balanced, yet Shep Smith is a hack. Personally I have liked Shep for a long time, although don’t watch him as much as I used to. I find Baier to be decent but a bit dry. Certainly not unfair though. Which you’d expect given that he occupies one of the 3-4 hours of actual news on Fox everyday.
felixw

The Real Royal King said:
Wise as usual. Here in Texas Tollbooth Perry is running from a debate as far and as fast as he can. Of course, he is limp-wristed and light in the loafers, but ….

Come back here to brag on November 3… if you dare.
Arkansas Steve

This should be a good debate. I think highly of Bret & hope he does a great job.

However, I’m afraid some conservative FOX viewers may be a little disappointed, including me. You see, deep down, I’d really like Bret to help Mcmahon with his questions. You know, somewhat like most MSM hosts would help Blumenthal if they followed their past practices.

We’ll see…this is one election I really want to win. This & Marco Rubio!!
jk76

Was trying to find out how he was decided on. He is a little stiff, but overall pretty good, and probably really apt for a debate format as moderator. Should be interesting.

My overall personal favorite would probably be Savannah Guthrie. I have never seen her political leanings show, I honestly don’t know if she even leans. She’s witty and quick with questions. I don’t think she’d be good for moderator though, she’s not boring enough, her strong suit is being active and having fun., laughing.

Arkansas Steve, I’ll be helping Marco at the booth.
jk76

oops forgot…wanted to find out who picked Baier, cause will it help Dems explain away a bad showing or maybe help hurt Repubs cause he’s from Fox. just a side thought on the paths that may play out.