Coleman, Franken and third-party candidate debate in showcase of Minn. race's intensity

[susanbanks44]

Source: AP

ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) _ Republican Sen. Norm Coleman and Democratic challenger Al Franken exchanged barbs in their first Senate debate Sunday night over the ailing economy and the war in Iraq, while a third-party challenger seat kept both on their toes.

Their 90-minute debate at the University of Minnesota's Rochester campus was the first of five over the next month before voters weigh in Nov. 4 in the closely watched race. Independent polls show a race in flux — some showing Coleman on top and others with Franken in control, but all with the Independence Party's Dean Barkley making a dent.

Coleman, seeking his second consecutive term in the Senate, presented himself as a moderate voice in a political culture beset by deep partisan divisions and questioned the temperament of former "Saturday Night Live" funnyman Franken.

"Yes I am angry, but being angry doesn't solve problems," Coleman said. "Anger for anger's sake doesn't solve anything. It doesn't solve problems."


Read more: http://www.newsday.com/news/politics/wire/sns-ap-minnesota-senate-debate,0,5871158.story

[orleans]

1. wish someone put it up on youtube. n/t

[Democat]

2. Any reviews by DU members?

Give us a short overview - who won?

[jpgray]

3. Franken and Barkley had the most effective moments

But Coleman weaseled his way out of any real damage.

[Democat]

5. Thanks!

Hope Franken can do some damage to Coleman in the next debate!

[jpgray]

6. If you'd like to watch online, a few blogs and other sites broadcast it live online

I'll try to track down some links.

[truthisfreedom]

4. It was a slow, grueling debate, and Al wasn't as sharp as he could have been... but...

He nailed Norm time and time again for voting AGAINST supporting the troops, and that's what counts.