So how’d my debate with Tim Eyman on the John Carlson Show go?
Let me start off by saying that I like John Carlson. I disagree with almost everything he has to say, but I like him. He’s smart, he’s engaging, and when you meet him in person, he just comes across as a really nice guy.
That said… man, did John have a bug up his ass today about the tribes. He didn’t really seem to want to talk about I-892, but rather seemed intent on backing me into a corner, forcing me to try to defend the tribes.
I wouldn’t oblige. I don’t work for the tribes, and I don’t support expanding gambling anywhere. Furthermore, I wasn’t about to waste my precious airtime talking about the tribes, when the important task is to inform voters that I-892 legalizes slot machines. I stayed on message as best I could, and then listened to John fill the final 20 minutes of the hour urging listeners to “stick it to the tribes.”
Personally, I think that sentiment is rather childish (and perhaps a touch racist), but… well… it’s John’s show. I can still like John, even if I disagree with him.
Oh yeah… Tim Eyman.
Tim spouted the usual bullshit: tax cuts, yada-yada-yada… tribal monopoly, yada-yada-yada… raised by wolves, yada-yada-yada. One thing Tim doesn’t like to talk about is slot machines — specifically the 18,225 slot machines I-892 would put into over 2000 neighborhood bars, restaurants and bowling alleys. That’s because if voters understand this, Tim would stand a better chance winning at slots than winning on the ballot.
I disagree with nearly everything Tim says, just like I do with John. But Tim, I’m not so sure that I like. Still, I suppose it might be interesting going out with him for a couple of beers (or an upside-down margarita) and talking one-on-one, with no reporters around. Though if I do, I’ll be sure to leave mention of it on my blog, just in case I disappear.
Anyway, the most interesting thing about my hour with Tim was that it only lasted 30 minutes. Half way through the show Tim had to bag out due to “cell phone trouble.” Yeah right.
See you Monday morning at 7 on the Mike Siegel Show, Tim. I suggest using a land line.
