If Tuesday night’s gubernatorial debate is anything like the first one, voters should prepare to be underwhelmed no matter whom they support.
The first debate pitting Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott against Democratic state Sen. Wendy Davis played according to a dull script that offered little new insight. Voters who watched deserved more than they got.
It’s too bad that, given the chance, neither candidate seems willing to go beyond sound bites in discussing solutions to the state’s pressing problems, from education and immigration to transportation and water funding.
That’s not to say nothing separates the candidates. To the contrary: Davis did take a strong swing at Abbott’s decision to defend $5.4 billion in cuts to public education. But her solutions regarding “outdated tax loopholes” lack the specifics voters need.
We know where the two stand on social issues. Abbott clearly opposes abortion. Davis favors abortion rights. Abbott has defended a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Davis has called for its repeal.
Davis has serious concerns about voter ID laws. Abbott favors stricter enforcement.
There are real differences between how these two candidates would govern. But the last debate, at least, didn’t give us much to hold on to.
Abbott did exactly what he had to do politically. Poll after poll has shown him with a commanding lead, so he’s hunkered down and tried not to make mistakes.
Davis has done what she has to do — attack where Abbott might be weak with swing voters.
Both strategies are good politics and lousy for informing voters.
Davis has to offer more specificity about how she would do things differently if she wants to succeed. And Abbott owes voters more than a bunker candidacy. Voters need to understand how he is different not only from Davis but from the man who has held the governor’s office the last 14 years.
Gov. Rick Perry’s governance should be an issue on the table for both candidates. His missteps, including his oversight of the Texas Enterprise Fund and politicization of the Austin district attorney’s drunken-driving arrest, are fair game for discussion.
What voters need most from these two candidates is an understanding of how each would lead the state. How would they tackle pressing funding problems? What should we do about aging or absent highways? How should we invest in alternative transportation and energy? How should we best use the state’s natural resources while protecting our environment?
Don’t hold your breath for detailed answers. Instead, look for another game of dodge ball, with Davis throwing and Abbott ducking.
It’s better than no debate at all, perhaps. But if that’s what we get, voters will be the ones getting tagged out.
Tune in Tuesday night
Who: Attorney General Greg Abbott, Republican, and state Sen. Wendy Davis, Democrat
When: 8 p.m.
Where: KERA-TV (Channel 13) studios in Dallas
Other sponsors: KXAS-TV (NBC5), KXTX-TV (Telemundo 39), The Dallas Morning News, Texas Association of Broadcasters
Live TV, radio: KERA-TV (Channel 13), KERA-FM (90.1), COZI-TV (Channel 5.2), among others
Live streaming: texasdebates.org, NBCDFW.com, dallasnews.com and Telemundo39.com (Spanish)
Moderator: KERA managing editor Shelley Kofler, with questions from panelists Brian Curtis, NBC5; Peggy Fikac, San Antonio Express-News/Houston Chronicle; Norma García, Telemundo 39; and Gromer Jeffers Jr., The Dallas Morning News
