Warren Shines During First Democratic Senate Debate

It was Elizabeth Warren’s first real test to see if she can take on Republican Scott Brown in the US Senate race. During Tuesday night’s debate at UMass Lowell, Warren certainly held her own alongside the five other candidates. The biggest surprise- she was funny!

A student asked the candidates how they paid for college, noting that Senator Brown modeled to pay for school (remember the Cosmo cover?). Warren had a priceless answer. She said, “I didn’t take my clothes off.” The delivery was too perfect for the answer to be rehearsed, which shows she can be candid and relaxed while campaigning.

Probably her biggest competitor who ran unsuccessfully against Brown, City Year youth program co-founder Alan Khazei, also kept it light at times. The candidates were asked their stance on legalizing marijuana. Khazei said, “I inhaled and enjoyed it.”

Khazei made a solid push for startups in order to turn our country around. He didn’t fault President Obama for compromising on the Bush tax cuts like the other candidates had.

Warren had some rehearsed lines that seemed to get the crowd cheering as well. The Harvard law professor and consumer advocate said Forbes had voted Senator Scott Brown Wall Street’s favorite senator. Warren said she can promise Forbes she won’t hold that title.

Another humorous moment occurred when a student asked what action hero each candidate would be. Newton resident, Herbert Robinson, who has a large physique,  said, “I think it is pretty obvious I should be hulk.” When pressed why, he said, “Well, look at me.”

Robert Massie, who unsuccessfully ran for lieutenant governor in 1994, took a shot at Brown. When asked if he would come back to UMASS Lowell for another debate, he stated that these public forums are very important and criticized Brown for not holding one town hall meeting since taking office 600 days ago.

Immigration attorney Marisa DeFranco had several strong moments. On job creation, she pointed to being a small business owner and said she had a ground game. She also stressed the importance of living and working in a county that Scott Brown won last time around.

Elizabeth Warren was the clear front runner in a recent poll heading into the debate and that’s probably where she will stay in the morning.

The six Massachusetts Democratic candidates for the U.S. Senate also include state Rep. Tom Conroy.

Democrats are eager to pick the strongest candidates to defeat Brown who won a special election for the Senate seat held by the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy.

Related posts:

1. 6 Mass Democrats facing off in first Senate debate
2. Warren Launches US Senate Campaign with Mass. Tour
3. Elizabeth Warren to Address Mass. Labor Day Event
4. Warren launches website, exploratory committee
5. @crazykhazei Account is Shut Down After Brown’s Adviser Admits He’s the Man Behind the Tweets

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Posted by jcashman on Oct 4 2011. Filed under Politics. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry