Cardin Plays 'Hardball' Alone As Debate Fizzles

Cardin Plays 'Hardball' Alone as Debate Fizzles

Posted by TBN On 09/17/2006

Newly minted Democratic Senate nominee Ben Cardin appeared alone Thursday evening on MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews" after Republican nominee Michael Steele turned down a first debate opportunity on short notice.

Steele turned down the invitation to appear on the national political talk show to continue his "Steele Wheels for Change" campaign tour in Aberdeen and Chesapeake City.

Steele's refusal became a topic on the show.

"Mr. Steele said you are not officially the designated candidate of the Democratic Party . . . Does he have a point not meeting you in a debate because you are not official yet?" asked Matthews. There were delays counting ballots in some counties because of election night problems.

"Well, Chris, he sent me a letter congratulating me on my victory, and urging me to debate with him," answered Cardin with a broad smile, "so I am not sure what he's talking about."

The two did talk issues, with Cardin calling for an independent investigation into President Bush's use of power. He added that Republican leadership did not hesitate to investigate President Clinton years ago, and that "responsibility" has not been exercised yet with Bush.

Cardin connected Steele with the unpopular Bush, saying Bush selected Steele to run for senator.

Melissa Sellers, Steele's press secretary, said that he was on the road "talking to Marylanders" and he would do the same along the Eastern Shore Friday.

"He won't be sitting around in Washington, D.C., waiting for a debate on TV," Sellers said.

Yet, it was Steele who put out the first debate challenge immediately following the primary. He sent a letter Wednesday to Cardin and Kevin Zeese, the third-party candidate, inviting them to participate in a future debate.

"As we move towards Election Day, voters deserve to hear directly from the candidates on issues that affect Maryland," Steele wrote after congratulating both candidates on their success in Tuesday's primary. He said he was looking forward to joining them "in debates so we all can make our views better known to the voters.

"I am hopeful that by speaking frankly about the issues, we can help inform Maryland voters on how we would represent their interests in the United States Senate," Steele said.

Oren Shur, Cardin's press secretary, said Cardin was willing to debate, as he proved during the primary, and added that Steele did not come to debates between Republicans and Democrat candidates.

"It's pretty clear that Steele doesn't want to debate the issues on the Bush agenda," Shur said. "Cardin goes by himself speaking about the critical issues of Maryland and people."

Zeese was not involved in the debate over the debate, but he answered Steele's letter saying he was looking forward to participating in the "three-way debates" Steele and Cardin have agreed to.

"Open debates are an important way to demonstrate our respect for Maryland voters and our commitment to election excellence," he wrote. "This is sorely needed now, especially in the wake of the serious voting system disruptions on Primary Day."

Page 1