Interesting dynamic from Haugh
The News & Observer asked several political analysts to watch the debate and share their thoughts about the performance of Democratic U.S. Sen. Kay Hagan and challengers Republican House Speaker Thom Tillis and Libertarian Sean Hough. Here is what they had to say:
Craig M. Burnett, assistant professor in the Public and International Affairs Department at UNC Wilmington
Both Hagan and Tillis who largely did not address Libertarian Sean Haugh are looking to link each other to their own records, hoping that voters will focus on their perceived shortcomings. Most of the debates talking points matched the advertisements.
Tillis, in particular, seems to want to reinforce his argument that Hagan is weak on foreign policy and is a rubber stamp for President Obama. Hagan, by contrast, is quite comfortable attacking Tillis education policy, which, historically, has been a bipartisan issue in North Carolina.
One of the most effective paths of attack for challengers is the economy. Unfortunately for Tillis, this option is largely not available as the economy overall has improved and he, personally, must share some of the responsibility as a public figure in North Carolina. Its unlikely that other issues, including ISIS, have the potential to impact and motivate voters in the same way.
This debate, similar to the previous two, is unlikely to change the minds of most individuals. Thats likely good news for Hagan.
Andrew Taylor, NCSU political science professor
There is still clearly a great deal of friction between Hagan and Tillis. But the conflict between them has taken on a predictable feel and the talking points are becoming cliches. Add to that the more intimate setting around the desk and Libertarian candidate Sean Haughs calming influence and I thought the debate was not quite as feisty. Like the previous two debates it will do little to move the needle, an outcome made even more likely by the relatively few North Carolinians who watched the event.
Michael Bitzer, Catawba College political science professor
Well, pretty much what we expected, as it was another round of sharp elbows and continued talking points from both Hagan and Tillis. I thought Speaker Tillis was more aggressive than he was on Tuesday night, but Senator Hagan seemed to keep her cool and returned fire just as much as she did Tuesday.
See the article here:
Interesting dynamic from Haugh