Massachusetts Senate Debate

      I watched the second debate of the Massachusetts senatorial race between Scott Brown and Elizabeth Warren. While much of the beginning of the debate was mostly focused on extraneous issues like Elizabeth Warren's native American heritage or the argument regarding which candidate represented who when they  were both lawyers, the debate eventually shifted to actual political issues. The debate was close throughout, but it seemed as if Elizabeth Warren more effectively able to appeal to likely voters. Despite Brown's consistent efforts to display his bipartisanship, citing that he is the second most bipartisan senator based on his record, Warren was able to dispel his attempt at portraying himself as an independent by claiming that Brown's rhetoric is very different once he leaves Massachusetts. Warren argued that Brown signed an agreement with other Republicans that if he indeed won the Massachusetts Senate seat, that he would work to oppose Barack Obama's agenda. While Brown made some sound arguments and continued to try to appeal to a generally democratic Massachusetts, Warren seemed to have the edge, sticking to her guns as the defender of the middle class who will stick up to the special interest groups and big banks unlike Scott Brown.

      The media after the debate generally concluded that it was a draw, as most who attended the debate came out believing that the candidate they supported going in won. In general I agree with this conclusion, however I do believe that in the context of the race as a whole, considering the left-leaning Massachusetts population, Warren's rhetoric and persona give her the W in this debate.