Having been called out by name by Dan Moul at Wednesday night’s debate, I’d like to claim the privilege to respond.
First, Dan Moul started his two-minute opening remarks criticizing opponent Marty Qually for having already gone negative. “I didn’t know we were going into the attack mode right off the bat – I was hoping to keep it a little more civil.” Then he said normally, he ignores attacks. “I’ve grown a very thick skin over the years. . . .” Finally, he said, “I’m going to go down a different road,” which you’d assume means he plans to take the high road and stick to issues. But the different road was to instead take his entire two-minute opening statement to attack two constituents, Steve Niebler and me.
It was an astonishing performance. I’ve been acquainted with many politicians over the years and never saw such a reaction. For one, to lash back at criticism from constituents. Even more important, to give up the most important two minutes of the debate (opening statements) for such foolishness. Every candidate knows the opening statement is your one-time chance to set the tone and lay out the key themes that you will then develop during the debate.
Now, as for the rest of the debate:
- Kudos to Charles Stangor (as well as the college’s Eisenhower Institute and other institutes) for sponsoring this event
- Well done to Alex Hayes for doing an outstanding job of moderating
- A great job by the audience, writing excellent questions and behaving themselves throughout the event
- Thanks to the candidates for showing up and, once the flow of questions started, sticking to issues and keeping things civil
Three rotten tomatoes and four Pinocchios to Dan Moul for continuing to repeat the ridiculous lie of a dishonest, insecure, stolen election. Untold damage is being done to the country and our democracy by politicians continuing to repeat this nonsense. Donald Trump’s lawyers, his attorney general, his campaign officials, his family; Republican leaders of Congress all knew – and told Trump repeatedly – that the election wasn’t stolen, that Joe Biden won. Dan Moul should be ashamed for continuing to repeat this dangerous lie.
Leon Reed, freelance reporter, is a former US Senate staff member, defense consultant, and history teacher. He is a seven year resident of Gettysburg, where he writes military history and explores the park and the Adams County countryside. He is the publisher at Little Falls Books, chaired the Adams County 2020 Census Complete Count Committee and is on the board of SCCAP and the local Habitat for Humanity chapter. He and his wife, Lois, have 3 children, 3 cats, and 5 grandchildren.
Nice summary, Mr. Reed. I concur in your opinion of Dan Moul’s “performance”. I would also say that Neil Belliveau made his case without any acrimony or attacks on the other candidates and left us with food for thought. Marty Qually did a great job standing up to/defending the criticism Dan Moul expressed over Moul’s representation of both the proposed constitution amendment on abortion funding and Moul’s position on choice.