One Down, One To Go

The Giants defeated the Phillies 3-0 today, giving them a 2-1 advantage in the NLCS.  The Phillies are looking to win their third consecutive National League Pennant, while the Giants are looking to go to the World Series for the first time since 2002, when they lost to the then-Anaheim Angels in seven games.

While not a fan of the club that once upon a time inhabited the Polo Grounds, I am indifferent towards them.  At the same time, I hate the Phillies more than any other club save one: the Evil Empire a.k.a. the New York Yankees.

The Yankees and Rangers play in an hour, and I'm hoping to see Texas take a commanding three games to one lead over the Yankees with one game left to play in New York after that, and potentially two more to play in Arlington.  Obviously, I'm hoping that the Rangers make that unnecessary and simply close out the series in New York.

Tonight's Gubernatorial Debate

Andrew Cuomo and Carl Paladino faced off in their only debate tonight. The two major-party candidates shared the stage with five minor candidates, including Kristin Davis (the so-called Manhattan Madame), NYC councilman Charles Barron, and Jimmy McMillan of the Rent is 2 Damn High Party. I live blogged the debate over at Daily Kos. It was my first-ever attempt at live blogging.

What struck me most about the debate was Paladino's relatively good behavior. Gone was the angry and obnoxious bigot that we had seen in full force the past week. Instead, Paladino remained relatively calm. The real characters in the debate were McMillan and Davis. McMillan concluded nearly every answer with "Rent is too damn high!" Meanwhile, Davis got in a few zingers of her own, particularly against what she termed "career politicians".

In fact, "career politicians" seemed the term of the night for everyone on-stage except Andrew Cuomo. Each of the six other candidates bashed career politicians in one form or another. Barron, at one point, accused Cuomo and his father, former Governor Mario Cuomo, of racism. Paladino discussed cutting spending, although he didn't mention anything about his baseball bat.

All-in-all, tonight's debate seemed relatively tame. I was expecting fireworks, with Carl Paladino providing some more golden material. Instead, aside from the minor candidates, the debate was relatively calm and an actual exchange of policy ideas.

In the end, I think Cuomo won the debate. He clearly possessed a grasp and knowledge of policy unmatched by any of the candidates. Other candidates offered vague proposals that either consisted of pure platitudes or simply did not make any sense. Cuomo offered substantive policy proposals, which while certainly not comprehensive given the limited time in a debate, clearly indicated he possesses a serious plan, something that cannot be said of the other candidates.

Of course, I entered the debate with my mind already made up.  I already knew that I am voting for Andrew Cuomo on November 2. I merely watched for the entertainment value I expected. In some ways, the debate proved disappointing because Paladino did not provide the expected fireworks. However, some of the other candidates did provide those fireworks.

Entertainment Provided Courtesy of Carl Paladino

I'm anticipating tonight's New York Gubernatorial Debate. The debate should provide some entertainment value, with not only waiting to see the latest crazy statement made by Republican candidate Carl Paladino, but also from some of the characters debating Andrew Cuomo tonight. I'm actually live blogging the debate over at Daily Kos.

In the meantime, The New York Times, has published two articles today. One is about the preparations and expectations from both the Cuomo and Paladino campaigns ahead of tonight's debate. The other is about the five minor candidates appearing on the stage with them tonight.

Whatever happens, tonight's debate should be interesting.