I thought the debate went extremely well for Laffey. The format seemed to allow for more back and forth, as well as depth (as opposed to the last debate). Laffey definitely came across like a winner; Chafee came across like a whiner, who just didn't know when to stop talking. He kept trying to bring up old subjects, once Dan had moved on to totally different ones. Chafee just came off as very snippy or chirpy (I'm at a lost for better adjectives).

Laffey definitely benefited by Yorke's playing of all the negative commercials that Chafee's been running, and how the Chafee folks have taken real events and warped them completely out of context. There is definitely a marked difference in tone between the two campaigns' commercials. I also liked how Laffey called out Chafee for repeated saying things that are not supported by facts. It's about time. If the Chafee folks thought he was ahead before today 1-0; it's now 1-1.

Chafee's statement that the Republican Party was for environmental protection and avoiding entanglements overseas was all anyone needed to hear to realize he's far outside of the mainstream Republican Party. I don't think you could find a SINGLE democrat voter or elected official that would characterize the Repubs that way.

Laffey wiped the floor with Chafee. And after enjoying listening to Chafee contort himself for an hour in order to try to attract a single conservative Republican to vote for him I get to sit back and enjoy reading the contortions of his sycophantic supporters as they try to spin that Linc didn't sound like a complete disaster today.

The one thing I thought Laffey could have capitalized more on was at the very end of the debate when they got into the subject of the war on terrorism.

Chafee was his usual "peace in our time - Neville Chamberlain" self, and Laffey was forthright and on the money, but he could have really challenged Chafee on his overt pacifism. I hope he has a chance to nail him on this subject in the coming TV debates on this subject. RI Democrats are more conservative than what the polls are alluding to - that they are supposedly the most antiwar liberals in the country. They are really Reagan Democrats, and that's why Laffey will win against Whitehouse once he beats Chafee.

Greg, I'm sorry but my thoughts on a
RI Republican are one of a pro-enviro,
anti-war, pro- diplomacy type of guy.
Chafee is the Man.

The war in Iraq was a mistake. Chafee
realized there was no immediate threat
and voted against it. How can you fault
him for that?

So, you're stating that Chafee is not only brilliant, but apparently possesses psychic abilities, too?

I'm sure Osama wants to engage in diplomacy! Would that be before, during, or after he annihilates us? You can have "peace" in a second -- surrender.

Please return to you parellel universe!

Chafee opposed the war, and didn't have to take 88 different positions on it like Kerry did. That's the kind of leadership I prefer in a senator.

Chafee opposed the war because after umpteen UN resolutions and dozens of stall and obstruction tactics by Sadam Hussein, he believes inspections could have worked. He thinks you can talk to guys like Assad in Syria and Chavez in Venezuela. He thinks you can negotiate with Hamas and Hezbullah. He thinks if we don't go on the offensive and rout out terrorism, everything will be okay.

What is he doing in the Senate?

Stretch:

I agree. The scary thing is that Chafee not only votes this way he actually believes it.

Standing alone on principle is usually a strength. But when you are standing alone based on an irrational position that makes you wrong not independent.

Another thing that this plays into is Chafee’s position that changing things down in DC is “impossible” (his words in D1 and D2). Here is another case where Chafee is the can’t do candidate while Laffey is the “can do” candidate.

Career politicians have a tendency to compromise rather than fight when it comes to taxes and spending. They also pander to special interest strong arming because it gets swept under the rug in these humungous appropriations bills. Tax breaks for big oil and big pharma cost the taxpayers billions every year.

I won’t be surprised if Chafee repeats his mantra again during D3 on Wednesday. “You have to be able to work with people in the Senate. I work within the system down there.” Maybe Mr. Chafee doesn’t realize that he is in the majority. Laffey worked from a minority position (city and statewide) to get it done in Cranston. He fought when he had to (even going to court to end corruption) and worked with the bi-partisan leadership in Cranston to advance his own progressive reform agenda. In other words, he got along with everyone to help advance his pro management rights agenda for the city. That is true leadership, not just getting along for getting along’s sake. The bond rating agencies and the people of Cranston agree.

Rhode Islanders have a real choice in September. That is America at its best.

Laffey’s going all the way.

J Mahn