A memo e-mailed just now from Tom Suozzi campaign consultant Dan Gerstein to political reporters continues the back-and-forth over the backstage encounter between his candidate and AG Eliot Spitzer before the NY1 debate. Suozzi last night accused Spitzer of flying off the handle because Suozzi wanted to take a notebook on stage with him.
In his memo, entitled, "The Rage Backstage," Gerstein notes that a notebook should have been acceptable under the NY1 debate guidelines, which forbid only "visual aids, props, and charts.”
"At worst, this was an honest disagreement over unclear language. And it certainly did not justify a hostile hissy fit from a man who styles himself the governor-in-waiting of New York -- let alone a threat to back out of the one debate to which he has committed," Gerstein wrote.
Last night, Spitzer spokeswoman Christine Anderson told reporters that Spitzer was not angry, but "forceful."
Michael Rothfeld
Spitzer earlier today responded that he thought the rules did not allow "crib sheets" on the podium.
"And when I walked out, my podium was in compliance, which is something that, as attorney general, I believe in. The other podium had a rather thick binder of crib sheets that one of the other parties, not I, wanted to rely upon. This is a small issue as far as I'm concerned. It does raise questions about a candidate who needs crib notes to run for governor."
Comments (6)
Up until that last comment I read from the attorny general, i had all the respect in the world for him, even though im a suozzi supporter. I have a question for mr spitzer and all his "allies". if that raises a question about a man seeking the governors office, then what does "NOT" attempting or agreeing to another series of debates with a man that he is crushing in the polls say about him???? I cant wait for the responces on this one. Let me guess one will be , he doesnt have to debate, the people know him, LOL, thats a joke. Let me see, Mr spritzer will debate him again, yeah but when, sept 13th?
C'mon. Suozzi's staffers are posting from 1 West. While Suozzi won the debate he didn't come off as more gubernatorial and didn't bring up anything that would merit another debate. In fact, Spitzer seemed to have a slightly better grasp of the issues. Why is Tasini outpolling Suozzi? Because Suozzi has no REASON to run here. He's Spitzer Lite.
i have to admit suffolk pol, u have me confused! i have no clue what ur talking about!
I disagree that Suozzi is Spitzer-lite.If you watch his hands he is a lite to moderate Republican. His position on gay marriages and on abortion are tailored to draw support from the Conservative Party. In fact, Suozzi is not a member of any political party, he is his own party. As for the 1 West supporters, they have drunk the cool-aid. They bought the idea that Nassau was but a whistle stop on the way to Albany which is but a whistle stop before the White House. A funny thing happened on the way to the train station.
During this campaign, and particularly in recent weeks, I've gone from holding Suozzi in the highest esteem to seeing him as a self-indulgent clown.
Suozzi's conduct during the gubernatorial primary campaign has guaranteed one thing: Kate Murray is the next Nassau County Executive. Thanks a lot, Tom. Hope you're happy.