Politics: McConoughey won tonight’s debate
I managed to catch the debate on 18th District Congressional debate tonight. Jim McConoughey, John Morris and Aaron Schock were grilled on issues ranging from earmarks to the growing power of the presidency.
Again, most of the time, the three gave remarkably similar answers to the questions. That’s not unusual, since most of the time, they are trying to position themselves as the true conservative candidates.
The difference was in style and tone. Morris is by far, the best public speaker of the three. McConoughey is the worst. He’s gotten better as the campaign has progresses, and he’s better able to think on his feet. And Schock has surprised me. He’s a far better debater than I have seen from him in the past. He spoke with more authority than the other two in his dislike of the No Child Left Behind Act.
And kudos to McConoughey for actually trying (as well as he could within time restraints) answering the questions he was asked. Morris hot on my last nerve by almost never answering a questions without some anecdote about his eight years on the council, or some dig at Schock. Asked about what he would do to improve the care given to returning Iraq veterans, Morris repeated an often-retold story about how he once escorted a group of gold star mothers, and then took a dig at Schock for joking about national security matters. The pattern repeated itself throughout the night.
Asked again for an answer to the question, Morris said he would continue to employee a veterans liaison in his office if elected, as does current 18th District Congressman Ray LaHood, which is something the other two agreed to do as well.
McConoughey’s answer demonstrated that he’s some research on the issue. VA hospitals, he said, operate under an old model of admitting most of its patients for overnight stays, which most of the services they need are on an outpatient basis. He’s also like to see more transportation for vets traveling back and forth to get the health care they need.
McConoughey also didn’t get caught flatfooted by the question (and I’m paraphrasing) ‘Well, what spending programs WOULD you cut?’ Note to Morris: “taxes” is not a spending program. McConoughey said it isn’t a matter of eliminating programs, but reducing the size of the ones we already have and by limiting the growth of entitlements.
Schock came away from the debate having not said anything to embarrass himself or otherwise turn off voters. Being the front runner, this is all he needed to do. Morris came out swinging. But I think he got caught being a politician one too many times, and his lack of direct response to direct questions seemed almost stereotypical of a politician. Granted, this has always been a problem with hearing Morris on the stump, but it was even more noticeable tonight.
While McConoughey lacked flash, he didn’t lack substance. I think any viewer looking at Morris and McConoughey for an alternative to Schock probably would choose McConoughey.
Kudos to WEEK’s Mike Dimmick and Christine Smith of the Journal Star editorial board for their excellent questions, and for following up on each other’s questions to force some answers out of these guys.
UPDATE: C.J. Thinks Schock won the debate. But he also called out Morris on a contitutional gaffe.
Billy Dennis is a former reporter and editor at small daily and weekly newspapers in Illinois and Missouri. He comments on media, news and politics. He also owns and operates 
I’m confused as to why you would say that anyone looking for a Schock alternative would choose Morris.
I misspoke. Meant to write “McConoughey.”
As if I didn’t already dislike Morris enough, I was completely disgusted by his inability to answer a question without bashing Schock. While I’ve always been an Schock supporter, (jokes about national security aside) McConoughey was truly impressive.
Morris did speak very well, but he has always been able to schmooze… I don’t watch a debate to hear about a press release that he has already released, nor am I interested in the way he twists Schock’s words regarding his family (or rather, lack of wifey and kids).
“I know what it is like to sit at the kitchen table.” direct quote from John Morris. What the heck does that mean? Is he implying that neither McConoughey or Schock own a kitchen table???
I just don’t get what Morris is trying to do, he talks more about Schock’s positions than he does his own. He also randomly inserts his recycled soundbytes often making no sense at all. I just wish he would answer a question.
I hear Kent coming up in 5…4…3…2…1…
I don’t find Morris to be that good of a speaker. If being phony makes one a “good speaker,” then I guess he might qualify. I don’t think he could truthful if someone led him to it. He’s like one big, long, boring sound bite.
Is Morris working for the McConoughey campaign? If not, are his performances some sort of federal election commission violation because they’re so helpful to McConoughey?
It’s amazing. Aaron trots out the same vote for me – I have six years of work experience, he instantly and repeatedly gets attacked by Morris, and McConoughey can just answer the debate questions and stay above the fray.
I though Morris would steal votes from McConoughey, but now I think he might be doing more to help McConoughey. Totally clueless.
Morris, in addition to coming off as a bit phony, also comes off as mean and angry. And if I have to hear about serving 120,000 people during his 8 years on the City Council one more time, I’m going to throw up. I don’t know anyone who thinks 8 years on the Peoria City Council is better experience than 4 years in the State Legislature. And stop answering questions with “When I’m in Congress…” Ugh, everything about Morris just rubs me the wrong way.
It just seems to me that there is no real differences in the candidates on issues. The questions are never answered directly, and its a popularity contest. My analysis of the coverage would be that Morris/Schock make Jim M. look even better to me, or more appealing as far as integrity goes. I find that if Morris really answered the questions, and reflected alittle more sincerity…he would have came off on top. He just looked to rehearsed…and like an actor.
I will say that Mr. Morris (In my opinion, and my experience) really does want the best for Peoria,IL. I really respect him for always going the extra mile to encourage people/businesses to stay in Peoria.
I always thought Aaron, just lacked experience. In the end if you want change…the lack of experience seems to help us not make the same mistakes. I feel that a fresh outlook can benefit many in alot of ways. I just don’t understand how everyone of these guys, thinks war is a great answer to all problems.
Jim M.-good dialogue and strong answers. It seems he has more substantial talking points…and this is probably why he is gaining respect at such a fast pace.
I predict Jim M. will win the election.
John Morris is a nice guy and I think he is very sincere about doing what he thinks is best but I have developed some real issues about his stance on social issues. I thought I might support him but I have since changed my mind.
He is beating this family thing to death and alienating those that may not have a traditional family or those that are young and do not have a family yet. Most of us were all young and single once and there is nothing wrong with that.
It was almost becoming awkward when they were discussing Aaron’s single status like there was something wrong with him or he had a disease.
I agree Joe, family is great and all that. But, in the long run…You could look at it like this. The time he does not have to devote to family-he can devote to work. Its also less distractions. He is able to have a stronger focus elsewhere. So, another reason…this did not work out to help Morris. (in my opinion)
As a dead, rich guy who couldn’t figure out trust funds, Morris has my vote!
The truth is Morris has been in the central Illinois community his whole life. He’s served folks from high school all the way to his time on city council. An amount which is more political experience than both his competitors put together. He’s a proven conservative, a church going family man, a great speaker, and not afraid to take someone to task who is not telling the truth. Each of the folks running have similar stances on issues, but the important thing is who has served our community, who has the experience, age and life experiences to be the next congressman. It’s Morris. Plain and simple. The others are fine folks and decent candidates, but Morris is my man.
I am unsure as to how some of you could be making some of the comments that you have made if you actually watched and/or listened to the debate. “Kudos to WEEK’s Mike Dimmick and Christine Smith of the Journal Star editorial board for their excellent questions, and for following up on each other’s questions to force some answers out of these guys.” This debate was one of the most unprofessional and classless productions that I can remember in recent times. I felt pity for all three candidates that had to endure this debate. The tacky buzzer of Tom McIntyre. The tainted viewpoint of Mike Dimmick not even remotely concealed. A general lack of questions being posed fairly. From the opening attack question on John Morris, to the lobbed softball question to Aaron Schock, and then questions poised to Jim McConoughey that even if he was knowledgeable about, he still could not answer. Obviously in my opinion, the WMBD debate was handled much more professionally last week.
Being a life long central Illinois resident (except for those 6 years) doesn’t make you qualified to be a Congressman; Nor does being on the City Council. When a candidate is asked a question he should have the decency to at least answer what was asked without giving rhetoric, double-speak, bad slogans, and/or worthless facts, and still not answering the question. What Dimmick and Smith did was call the candidates out when they did not answer the question after their minute of rambling on. When you don’t respect the voters of this great district enough to give straight forward answers, it shows.
Did anyone else guffaw when Morris so confidently quoted “Shakespeare” during the debate? “Nothing is certain but death and taxes.” Shakespeare it is not. Ben Franklin should have the person he attributed with this quip.
It is obvious that Morris was “bashing” Schock because he knows that Aaron is the front runner. By doing this he is trying to separate himself from Jim making it appear to be only two people in the race. Isn’t also funny that you all remember all of John’s talking points “verbatim”! You might not agree with him but many do. And for all of the Jim lovers out there, you must have been thrilled when he mentioned Hillicare during the debate. I could almost hear the gasp from his campaign manager. I believe that we will be in great shape with either Aaron or John representing us in DC. Unfortunately I can only send my vote one way and that will be for John Morris.
Actually, the first person to reference the certainty of death and taxes wasn’t Ben Franklin. Daniel DeFoe wrote it more than 60 years before Franklin.
The reason John “bashes” Schock isn’t because he’s the front-runner. It’s because Schock constantly misleads people with his statements. John’s just getting tired of sitting back and listening to Schock’s line of bull. Schock’s a nice guy, but he just doesn’t have the maturity to serve in the U.S. Congress. In the State Assembly, he had his name added to Democratic bills, most of which didn’t pass. He did this in order to show that he can “cross the aisle” toward bi-partisan politics, but what it really shows is that he doesn’t have any real stands on the issues. Just go to Schock’s website (www.aaronschock.com) and read his stand on the issues, i.e. the “Schock to the System”… the shock is that he doesn’t really have a stand. Go to John’s website (www.votejohnmorris.com) and you’ll see that every issue facing our nation is clearly addressed. Again, John is the one with the most relative experience, including six years in the nation’s capital, interning for both Congressman Michel and in the Reagan White House. He has my vote, and if you want someone who will make a difference in Washington, he’ll have your vote, too.