Sometimes life just happens at the last minute, and my family took priority over tonight's Culver-Nussle debate. (Actually I'd already decided the Packers took priority; I've seen Chet about four times in three weeks and I hadn't seen the Pack since opening day. But they've just blown a 9-7 lead and given up three unanswered touchdowns.)
But there was ANOTHER Debate today: Loebsack-Leach. I'll crib a couple key points from James Lynch:
Calling the deployment of troops in Iraq "potentially the greatest foreign policy blunder in American history,'' Leach called for a "steady drawdown'' of troops. "It should commence immediately.''
That was news to Loebsack, who said he had never heard the incumbent favor beginning the withdrawal immediately. Loebsack argued that it is more likely to happen with a Democratic majority in Congress.
"We simply don't have the opportunity, given who controls Congress, to make this work.''
So it's 36 days out and Leach feels his biennial need to run away from his party - and Loebsack calls him on it.
Lynch also mentions health care:
Leach and Loebsack did voice differences. On health care, Loebsack called for a single-payer, publicly-funded national health care plan that would be privately delivered.
Americans "are overpaying and being underserved,'' Loebsack said. The quality of health care in the United States ranks low when compared to other industrialized nations, he said.
Leach endorsed no specific approach, but said he's willing to look at many alternatives.
Leach: no plan. Loebsack: plan.
Leaving Cedar Rapids last night, I noticed that following the Hawkeye win in the Iowa-ISU game, the CYCLONE STATE billboard was gone and replaced by... one for Jim Leach.
May Leach have as much luck as the Cyclones.
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