Medina blew it?

[gtrman66]

I just heard on the local news that Medina (candidate for TX gov) sided with the 9/11 truthers on Glenn Beck.

That would be a deal killer for me.

[synseer]

Part of the transcript from the interview...

"GLENN: I have when I said that I was going to have you on, you can't imagine the mail pro and con that I received. There was a theme that ran against you and that is you are a 9/11 Truther.

MEDINA: Well, there's lots of mud that people would like to throw at Debra Medina and make stick. The truth is I'm an everyday ordinary person. I am fighting for the things that our founders fought for, those very basic principles of a constitutional republic, and I'm going to champion people that hold their government accountable, hold me accountable but that's the first time I've heard that accusation. So that's an interesting one.

GLENN: Right. Here's then let me be more frank and ask you the question: Do you believe the government was any way involved with the bringing down of the World Trade Centers on 9/11?

MEDINA: I don't, I don't have all of the evidence there, Glenn. So I don't I'm not in a place, I have not been out publicly questioning that. I think some very good questions have been raised in that regard. There are some very good arguments, and I think the American people have not seen all of the evidence there. So I've not taken a position on that.

GLENN: I think the people of America might think that might be a yes.

MEDINA: Well"

http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/196/36197/

[Motive]

Of the choices, so far, Perry's got my vote again. Texas is strong and has been strong for a while...I don't agree with everything he's done, or has tried. But he did step up against BO. KBH is a known quitter in my eyes...not a fighter.

[TaxmanHog]

The way she danced around the series of questions definitely blew my support for her too.

[Jeb]

Duh huh! Damn dumb of her!

[gtrman66]

http://www.medinafortexas.com/getPost?p=272

by Debra Medina on Feb 11, 2010
I was asked a question on the Glenn Beck show today regarding my thoughts on the so-called 9/11 truth movement. I have never been involved with the 9/11 truth movement, and there is no doubt in my mind that Muslim terrorists flew planes into those buildings on 9/11. I have not seen any evidence nor have I ever believed that our government was involved or directed those individuals in any way. No one can deny that the events on 9/11 were a tragedy for all Americans and especially those families who lost loved ones.

The question surprised me because it's not relevant to this race or the issues facing Texans. This campaign has always been about private property rights and state sovereignty. It is focused on the issues facing Texans. It is not a vehicle for the 9-11 truth movement or any other group.

The real underlying question here, though, is whether or not people have the right to question our government. I think the fact that people are even asking questions on this level gets to the incredible distrust career politicians have fostered by so clearly taking their direction from special interests instead of the people, whether it's Rick Perry and his HPV mandate or Kay Hutchison and voting for the bank bailout. It is absolutely the right and duty of a free people to question their government. Texas does not need another politician who tells you what you want to hear, then violates your liberties and steals your property anyway. I fully expect to be questioned and to be held accountable as Governor, and that's the underlying issue here: should people be questioning their government. And the answer is yes, they should be.

[Remphoto]

http://www.medinafortexas.com/getPost?p=272

by Debra Medina on Feb 11, 2010
I was asked a question on the Glenn Beck show today regarding my thoughts on the so-called 9/11 truth movement. I have never been involved with the 9/11 truth movement, and there is no doubt in my mind that Muslim terrorists flew planes into those buildings on 9/11. I have not seen any evidence nor have I ever believed that our government was involved or directed those individuals in any way. No one can deny that the events on 9/11 were a tragedy for all Americans and especially those families who lost loved ones.

The question surprised me because it's not relevant to this race or the issues facing Texans. This campaign has always been about private property rights and state sovereignty. It is focused on the issues facing Texans. It is not a vehicle for the 9-11 truth movement or any other group.

The real underlying question here, though, is whether or not people have the right to question our government. I think the fact that people are even asking questions on this level gets to the incredible distrust career politicians have fostered by so clearly taking their direction from special interests instead of the people, whether it's Rick Perry and his HPV mandate or Kay Hutchison and voting for the bank bailout. It is absolutely the right and duty of a free people to question their government. Texas does not need another politician who tells you what you want to hear, then violates your liberties and steals your property anyway. I fully expect to be questioned and to be held accountable as Governor, and that's the underlying issue here: should people be questioning their government. And the answer is yes, they should be.

Nice try for a save. Not sure it will work.

[TaxmanHog]

Might work, to be honest, while I was typing my retort above, I was thinking this lady really is all about Texas, as Potential Governor, that's where her focus should be. From what little I have read about her I'm still impressed by that focus, unfortunately she stepped in Dog Shit by answering the line of questions posed, had she simply side stepped it by reminding Glen of her primary focus & that citizens should question & hold their government accountable, she would have been OK. :eek:

[Jeb]

Might work, to be honest, while I was typing my retort above, I was thinking this lady really is all about Texas, as Potential Governor, that's where her focus should be. From what little I have read about her I'm still impressed by that focus, unfortunately she stepped in Dog Shit by answering the line of questions posed, had she simply side stepped it by reminding Glen of her primary focus & that citizens should question & hold their government accountable, she would have been OK. :eek:

She can't retract that interview! She was not tricked the questions were really delivered like lobbed soft balls! Do you believe or not! Absolutely not should have been the natural reaction from anyone but Charlie Sheen or some GWB hating nut! Texas is one of the most important political states in the union come November 2010 and 2012, as the Governor can push for a candidate and affect an outcome much like our piece of dung governor Christ swung the Rep primary to McCain by endorsing him right on the eve of the election(which forced Romney out of play). One week before that endorsement Romney was up in Florida in most polls. To act like it is all about property taxes or state issues only...want play! We are in a war against the greatest threat we've seen in our lifetime and just as Scott Brown showed in Mass you have to attack the big ticket issues that are tied directly to an over-reaching big government hell bent on destroying our freedom! Good try though Taxmanhog...but you know that the party with the majority of the nations governors has far more sway than the other! Will not work!

[synseer]

Hmph!...pretty good response from her. Just might work...there will be those who will ask "who gives a f*** if she's a 9/11 truther?...she supports my concerns on issue this and other issue that; and that's all that matters."

[nelson]

I heard this interview. Beck later denied this, but I heard it in his voice: he did not give the woman a chance. He just didn't tolerate her. Beck gave her little opportunity to state her case, asked a token question, sort of laughed at her response, then he focused on a single national security issue - 9/11 and whether she aligns with the "truthers" - for the remainder. His dislike for the lady was audible even as the interview began. I like Glenn Beck especially the documentary videos he produces but he lost a little of my respect during that interview. Personally I think the "truther" people are idiotic. But I really liked Medina's brief description of what she would do with TX economy. Beck completely ignored it! She wants to abolish property tax and move to a consumption tax. Talk about a cool agenda. She sounded very serious about it. If this could be accomplished it would be a massive step in the right direction, imo, and I don't hear anyone else approaching the topic. She's just running for TX governor. I think Beck over-reacted, he could have taken her statements at face value and let the people decide. Instead he carved up his audience and assassinated her.

Anyway I have no vote in the matter and don't know who I'd vote for anyway. I just happened to catch this interview and found the lady's economic idea refreshing. If she's a truther then she's an idiot. But maybe she's not. Anyway I sure wish Beck had delved a little more into TX-relevant stuff so I could have learned a bit more about her agenda.

[Jeb]

Boo hoo! Nelson, if you get a shot at 10 million people to state you case this far into the election you can't bitch about a person in the media that has just provided you a huge megaphone and you blew it! Now, she may have want to ban the property taxes or even have the cure for baldness...it is quite beside the point. If you step up to the plate you better be prepared for a slider, a fast pitch or a curve ball! You can't blame the pitcher if he pitches an iside low ball if you swing at it...can you? Please, let's remember 12vers or birthers or other big issues have been out in the political and public domain for awhile and really are fair game. She swung and missed! How can you blame Beck as he gave her a question that deserved one answer as I see it and that answer is hell no! Anyone that hesitates on a question as serious as the implication that Americans were complicit in the murder of almost 3,000 innocent people on 911...damn, that should be easy. He gave her a chance to clarify and she still did not put it straight! Question for you...what would you answer be if you got the same question? Would you hesitate?

[gtrman66]

Interesting Jeb. But what if you are up to bat, ready to swing and the catcher gives you a full body tackle? I have to admit after thinking about it... what did that question have to do with Texas? She's not running for a fed office. She has stated time and again to question our gov't at every step. So it was consistent with her theme.

I do not for one second lend any credence to the fed having anything to do with 9/11, but why would asking for more information and questioning the handling be considered "crazy". After all, everything the fed touches does appear to have a dirty side.

March 2 is still a couple weeks out and she is still more "sane" than Perry or KBH.

[Motive]

She would get more respect from me, if she just manned up and stood behind her beliefs.

[Remphoto]

She would get more respect from me, if she just manned up and stood behind her beliefs.

I agree. There was a reason beck asked her the question. Somewhere she must have expressed truther beliefs. If she believes any of that stuff she is as nuts as Rosie.

[Jeb]

Interesting Jeb. But what if you are up to bat, ready to swing and the catcher gives you a full body tackle? I have to admit after thinking about it... what did that question have to do with Texas? She's not running for a fed office. She has stated time and again to question our gov't at every step. So it was consistent with her theme.

I do not for one second lend any credence to the fed having anything to do with 9/11, but why would asking for more information and questioning the handling be considered "crazy". After all, everything the fed touches does appear to have a dirty side.

March 2 is still a couple weeks out and she is still more "sane" than Perry or KBH.

Texas is not an island separate of the political war we are engaged in for our very freedom...in fact, Texas, like Ca. is highly influential in everything from the battle against amnesty to how many conservatives or liberals are elected to Congress. No longer is all politics just local as we are in a worldwide battle for which worldview will win the day. Many in Europe and here have fallen prey to this ridiculous Truther conspiracy and we have to refute it everytime it is mentioned. And, sometimes instead of a fast pitch, slider, or a curve ball, the pitcher just hits the player. You can rush the mound or calmly take a base!:D

[nelson]

Ever been questioned by someone you knew was out to get you? You can tell from the first moment you encounter the person. Nothing you say really matters - the person has already decided to assassinate you - so you cautiously clam up, and commit to nothing.

If you heard it, this is exactly what happened during the Medina interview on Beck. I'm not saying I support the woman's candidacy. I do like her consumption tax idea. I am only saying Beck had already decided to assassinate her. Hearing this in his voice (as did I) she clammed up. Honestly, I would too.

Since then Medina has since stated she is not (http://gmirwin.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/debra-medina-denies-being-a-truther-on-klif-am/)a "truther" ... if she is taken at face value, then all of Beck's assumptions are moot. (He did assume, after all.)

[nelson]

I want to add that if she was a truther that would affect my vote (if I voted in Texas). And maybe she is I don't know. My whole thing is I just despise these assassination tactics. Based on one issue that is less relevant to an office, completely destroying someone who could do some real good. The left has long used this tactic to destroy candidates they don't like, and I hate to see Beck doing the same thing.

[Motive]

Whatever she is or is not, from what happened, I cannot respect her. She backpedaled and didn't stand up in the face of adversity....not someone I want running Texas.

If she got bullied by Glen Beck, how is she gonna fare against Obama?

[Remphoto]

Look at the transcript of the exchange. Beck had info that she had expressed truther beliefs more tha, once. All she had to do was say "no". Instead she wiggled and squirmed. She is now backpedaling. Draw your own conclusions.

[nelson]

That's a strong argument and I'm sure a lot of people will agree. But consider this: do you think radio or television interviews really measure backbone? Or don't they more accurately measure... media polish? Isn't that the criteria we are voting on? Is it the criteria we should be voting on?

Here's something else to consider. I think 95% of all people elected before 1920 would have a very hard time today, in the era of instant media. Think about it.

[Motive]

Unscripted interviews are a more accurate measure, than some Barbara Walters garbage IMO.

She got blindsided and called out, she was ill prepared, and lacked conviction in her beliefs. She'll be blindsided alot more if she makes Governor.

Speeches are prepared, and written by someone else 9:10 times, debates are rehearsed answers, what do we really have to go on other than blindsided interviews? It was apparent she can't handle being blindsided, and comes back later with a prepared response, neither fly for my vote.

It goes back to being prepared, Kinky Friedman had alot of valid points and I like where he stood on alot of the issues, but he didn't take it seriously....I take my state very seriously, as should my governor. She should have known the question was going to come up, and should have been prepared, or at the very least, stood behind her responses. If she's not prepared, then I feel she's not taking it seriously.

It goes back to slick Willy, I honestly, don't give a damn if he did anything with Lewinski, what bothers me, is he lied, and played symantics like a spoiled teenager, then once he got caught, he cried like a bitch....if he would have stood up and said, "yep, I did it, please forgive my moment of weakness"...I would have had 100x more respect (which isn't saying much) for the punk.

[Jeb]

I am the same guy not matter where I am are who I am with. I teach people to communicate and alway tell them to know who they are, what they believe, and to be comfortable in their skin. You can rehearse certain questions and even polish you response...but you have to believe in your position to truly convince others! You can't wait for the question to be packaged and delivered.

[Motive]

I am the same guy not matter where I am are who I am with. I teach people to communicate and alway tell them to know who they are, what they believe, and to be comfortable in their skin. You can rehearse certain questions and even polish you response...but you have to believe in your position to truly convince others! You can't wait for the question to be packaged and delivered.

Exactly, and about the only way you'll get a glimpse of their true selves is when they get blindsided.

[Jeb]

Exactly, and about the only way you'll get a glimpse of their true selves is when they get blindsided.

Damn right! What pops out usually when blindsided will release a little bit of your true self!

[nelson]

Well I hear you guys and understand. So here's why I lean a little this particular way. Of course I have firm beliefs. But I'm a regular guy, just not rehearsed in a public setting. I'm definitely NOT a polished politician. Every skill is best developed with deliberate practice, and I have never spent my time preparing to make just the exact perfect impression I know will win voters. That discipline is something I care little for.

If I ever ran for office, all I could do is lay down my plans. I would probably do this in writing. In person, there is an expectation today of immediate impression - this I cannot satisfy. The immediate impression I make is of someone who sits and listens, aborbs, but responds carefully, saying very little. Because I just don't absorb, process, and regurgitate immediately. For me the absorption and processing in particular take time.

So I guess I associate somewhat with the regular person type, who normally shies away from the camera, but considers what has been spoken later, using established, well-founded principles, to produce a position which I believe is most sound.

I could never run for office. I would be destroyed immediately. By the first controversial question. I would hesitate to answer, my mind still absorbing the scenario, the interviewer, the setting, maybe even the question. And in today's world, that hesitation, which I consider my greatest asset, because it allows me the time I need to process and develop what I think is the best approach, would be my destruction. It simply does not suit the immediacy that a television and radio generation expects.

So here's a great example of a bunch of guys on a forum who generally see eye to eye even with confessed liberals like Motive (ok, so we know he's really a closet conservative) but we all still have different approaches and personalities.

[Jeb]

Your right about that nelson! I could handle the talking part...as my momma says I should have been a lawyer or a preacher! Unfortunately, I have too many skeletons in my closet and they could dig up so much dirt and shocking events in my past that unless I was running as a liberal Demorat, it just would not fly! Remember ALGORE is a big pothead and if you know anthing about Slick you will find cocaine and rape! It just does not stick to them because the liberal media want even touch it! Dan Rather never ran a story on any drugs or talked to single victim of Bill Clinton, yet he ruined his career trying to destroy Bush with a false story.

But, we can still join in the fight in so many other ways and this forum is one of them. One person at a time!

[Motive]

Hold up, I'm not a "confessed liberal", I'm for small government...I may be more anti government than most conservatives, though. The only stance I have that vastly differs is my stance on abortions. If anything, I'm an Independent...borderline Libertarian.

The only thing I believe the Federal government should be concerned with, is protecting the Bill of Rights, and defending our borders.

The only thing I think the Federal government should be spending tax dollars on, is National Defense.

The rest, left up to State and Local governments. I believe in state sovereignty. Each state running as if it were it's own country, but united against common enemies. If you ask me, the President has too much power, and should not hold more power than state Governors.

It's not the hesitation in Medina's answers, it's her answers that bother me, then to come later backpedaling...

No I do not want someone with such a lack of conviction Governing my state, and defending it's sovereignty against those who wish to take it from us, up on Capitol Hill.

Perry, has stood up for it, and has publicly defended it. While I disagree with alot of what he's done, TTC, using Eminent Domain, etc... I do like that he's willing to butt heads with the White House over "how to run Texas"

[gtrman66]

It seems funny that there is a trend to stand up for the career politician because they are so practiced and polished they can answer any question thrown their way and when a "lay person" finally is making head way we jump on her inability to be a polished politician.

I watched both Rep. debates and I think the Glenn Beck ambush has not changed my mind. Maybe Medina has little "looniness" to her, but probably not any more so than Perry or KBH, they just hide it better.

Thinking back, KBH and Perry dodged more relevant questions (abortion, money to close friends, voting records, fake tax cuts...) and yet they are still considered viable candidates?

Since the Libertarians vote for their candidate by convention and not public voting, I can still slip in and vote Rep in the primary. I got to go with Medina.

[Motive]

Polished politician or not, when you believe in something, you stand behind it, if you've got the backbone. She buckled to a reporter, how's she going to fare against the Federal Government? I'm not willing to risk that.

KBH ran from Senate, I don't want a quitter running Texas either. As much as I'd like to have a new governor, the other options aren't any better.

[Remphoto]

There is wackiness and then there is wackiness. Truther wackiness is so far over the top it makes me wonder about the basic judgment of the candidate and would make the candidate non-viable IMHO. This is one time I am glad not to be living in Texas.

[nelson]

Who says there's not diversity within conservatism! Well in my view we can't fully assess a person, backbone or anything, based on ~60 seconds of interaction in this kind of setting. Do this and we'll just get fakes all the time - as we've been getting. Need to watch the person for a little while, at least. And maybe accept a little quirkiness. That said, truther wackiness sure is wacky. It's an illness. Of course so are tax-and-spend-addiction and entitlement-psychosis. Ideally I think a governor should pay almost all of their attention to economic issues within their state, in order to ensure an environment that will attract investors (not repel them). Any governor/candidate with a track record of anything else... well, I'm going to be suspicious of them.

[Motive]

Ideally I think a governor should pay almost all of their attention to economic issues within their state, in order to ensure an environment that will attract investors (not repel them). Any governor/candidate with a track record of anything else... well, I'm going to be suspicious of them.

This is true, and Texas is doing well...considering the state of the nation.

Texas, alone is considered the "7th largest economy in the world" We have more Fortune 500 companies than any other state...here, just let me quote it directly:

http://governor.state.tx.us/files/press-office/Governors_Budget_2010-11.pdf

As our nation’s economy struggles, experts conservatively predict that states will be forced to close more than an
estimated $100 billion budget shortfall over the next two years, and news reports detail deliberations about the
difficult budget cuts and significant tax hikes those states must contemplate in light of their present financial condition
and outlook. Texas is not immune to these challenges, and, the Comptroller’s recent revenue estimate indicates that
our next two years will be tight.
In spite of this tightening financial picture, we are fortunate that Texas is not among those states facing the crippling
shortfall that so many states must address; however, our comparatively stronger economy and better financial picture
did not come easy. Together, we worked to solve a $10 billion budget shortfall in 2003 by setting priorities instead
of raising taxes. Our vigilance in maintaining low taxes, establishing a stable and predictable regulatory climate, and
setting budget priorities, has attracted new businesses, new jobs, and new Texans to the Lone Star State over the past
five years. We must maintain that same commitment in today’s challenging economic climate.
A little more than 20 years ago, Texas suffered from high unemployment and the collapse of real estate markets
and the state’s oil and gas industry. In the years since, Texas has diversified its economy and attracted business and
industry in most every sector of the economy. Today Texas is home to more Fortune 500 companies than any other
state, and enjoys recognition as the “Best State for Business” according to CNBC, the “Best State to Do Business” by
CEO Magazine for the third year in a row, and the state best suited to weather the financial turmoil by the Financial
Times of London. While recent booms in oil and gas have been good for Texas, it is our diverse economy that puts our
state at the top of these lists and makes us the seventh largest economy in the world.

The way I see it, Texas isn't broke, why try and fix it?

EDIT: What I DON'T want, is these other candidates taking Conservative votes, and allowing a Democrat to sneak in...

[gtrman66]

At least this is not as bad when I had to select between the KKK guy and the Crook Edwards in Louisiana... that was a hard vote either way. My wife and my vote cancelled each other out.

[Jeb]

Who says there's not diversity within conservatism! Well in my view we can't fully assess a person, backbone or anything, based on ~60 seconds of interaction in this kind of setting. Do this and we'll just get fakes all the time - as we've been getting. Need to watch the person for a little while, at least. And maybe accept a little quirkiness. That said, truther wackiness sure is wacky. It's an illness. Of course so are tax-and-spend-addiction and entitlement-psychosis. Ideally I think a governor should pay almost all of their attention to economic issues within their state, in order to ensure an environment that will attract investors (not repel them). Any governor/candidate with a track record of anything else... well, I'm going to be suspicious of them.

Nelson, I had a Veteran in my office yesterday asking for my help and within one minute he admitted to a felony conviction dealing with perversion...I really had a hard time after what he said he did stuck in my head. Particularly because I have a teenage daughter! If a person ducks certain question or fails to take ownership of something they have done...I am going to make a judgement in the negative about their integrity and honor! Call me old fashion or provential, but that's just me! Telling the truth should come natural as lying usually shows up in your non-verbal communication. When I replay on my DVR the interview of Medina I see all the body language that I have seen in my previous Law Enforcement career. It made me think she was trying hard to hide her true thoughts!

[gtrman66]

I get to cast my vote for Medina today. Maybe she's crazy, but she's still more sane than the other 2 sacks of excrement.

[Jeb]

I get to cast my vote for Medina today. Maybe she's crazy, but she's still more sane than the other 2 sacks of excrement.

Seriously, any one of the 3 Reps are better than White!

[TaxmanHog]

Results so far in Texas!
http://cnmnewsnetwork.com/11566/texas-primary-election-2010-results-available/

[Motive]

Voted yesterday, it was hard to vote against John Carter, but I voted against all incumbents in Congress.

Also voted FOR the having to show ID to vote, I can't believe it's not already in place.

Seriously, any one of the 3 Reps are better than White!

Very true

[synseer]

Results so far in Texas!
http://cnmnewsnetwork.com/11566/texas-primary-election-2010-results-available/

Ugh!...I am perturbed that there is a Democrat on that list who has the same last name as me. Must have been adopted.

On the other hand...

Perry Wins Texas Republican Gov. Primary Race

In his victory speech, Perry kept with the anti-Washington campaign he waged against Hutchison: "From Driftwood, Texas, to Washington, D.C. we are sending you a message tonight: Stop messing with Texas!""

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/03/02/hutchison-concedes-republican-gubernatorial-primary-gov-perry/?test=latestnews

[Motive]

That's what I like about him, his ads always mentioned preserving the 10th amendment "that's supposed to keep Washington from messing with Texas".

I don't have confidence in the other two, to take up and fight that fight.

[Jeb]

Water under the dam now as he put a whooping on both ladies! I know, I know, you should not pick on the girl!:rofl

[Motive]

I voted for him on Tuesday, not gonna vote against him just to vote against him.