Every now and then during an election, democracy breaks out. That’s what happened Wednesday at noon on the south side of the West Virginia State Capitol building when incumbent Republican Attorney General Patrick Morrisey and challenger Democrat Doug Reynolds met for an impromptu debate.
The debate came about somewhat unexpectedly. Morrisey issued the challenge during an appearance on Talkline Tuesday, referencing Reynolds pledge to debate “anytime, anyplace.” Morrisey invoked a gunslinger approach by saying he wanted to meet Reynolds at “high noon” on the Capitol steps.
The set up was spare: two microphones and a couple of chairs. A small crowd gathered and, at the appointed time, both candidates showed up and launched into a spirited debate, taking questions from reporters and the audience. Unfortunately, not many people saw it. Our reporter, Brad McElhinny, provided a feed on Periscope, and other media were there to record and pull sound bites, but there was no statewide audience.
The debate was freewheeling, with some give and take between the candidates and with the audience. Morrisey seemed as though he had been spoiling for the fight for awhile, and was on the offensive much of the time.
The Attorney General’s race has become perhaps the most acrimonious of the state races during this election cycle, even more than the Governor’s race. Reynolds has attacked Morrisey as beholden to the big pharmaceutical companies, while Morrisey has painted Reynolds as an inexperienced lawyer who supports Hillary Clinton.
Wednesday’s hastily organized debate was not a thing of beauty. There was no red, white and blue made-for-TV backdrop, no moderator, no makeup, no structured format and no statewide audience, but it was compelling and informative.
Notably, the debate setting was a stone’s throw from the statue of Abraham Lincoln, the country’s 16th President who, earlier in his career during a campaign for Senate, participated in the famous Lincoln-Douglas debates of 1858.
No, the Morrisey-Reynolds debate Wednesday was not the stuff of history, but it was a raw and refreshing exchange between two candidates locked in a close race. It was a good exercise and democracy always benefits from a good workout.
Who knows? Maybe the idea will catch on.
LIVE on #Periscope: #MorriseyReynolds #BattleattheCapitol https://t.co/rmQa2v9QAQ
— Brad McElhinny (@BradMcElhinny) October 19, 2016