ok debates over. what did you think.

[bullimiami]

besides their both being pretty boring and davis smiling a little too much.

[flpoljunkie]

1. Who was the beard in red dress who rushed out and hugged Charlie at end?

Thought Charlie was smooth, as usual, but dwelled too much on the "empty chair" bit. Wonder how many work days Attorney General Charlie Crist has missed during the same period?

Davis made his case that Charlie has failed to lead for the past four years and failed to stand up for the people of Florida regarding our skyrocketing homeowners' insurance, property taxes, and making the FCAT work for students, rather than punishing school, teachers, and students.

[bear425]

2. I think Davis mopped the floor with Crist.

Davis' answers were substantive, as opposed to Crist's cliche responses. Crist sounded like an empty suit, however, I may be biased toward the Democrat. ;)

[seafan]

3. Hi, you guys! Great job, Jim.

just posted my opinion.

Thought Jim easily took control early and poured it on throughout.

[bullimiami]

4. i also thought that jim had substance and crist was dodging and smiling.

but, i may also be biased.

[seafan]

5. Orlando Sentinel's Maxwell: Davis edges Crist in first debate

http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/news_local_namesblog/2006/10/the_debate_davi.html

Jim Davis woke up tonight.

After struggling with his debating skills a bit earlier in the campaign, Davis looked as calm and confident as ever tonight. And I think he left the stage having edged out Charlie Crist.

Don't get me wrong. Crist looked good and sounded reassuring -- as I've said many times before. And you'd probably still rather grab a beer with him. But Crist has looked and sounded better than he did tonight. He was a one-note band, bashing Davis for missing votes in Congress while campaigning for governor. Fair criticisim? Sure. But it's not enough to center a campaign -- or, in this case, an entire debate -- around. And let's be honest here: It ain't exactly like Crist has been Mr. Full-time-Attorney-General lately, either.

Both men did a pretty decent job framing their opponent the way they wanted -- Crist painting Davis as an absentee pol, and Davis painting Crist as a special-interest lacky. Unfortunately for Crist, I think Davis's message resonates a lot louder. Davis's best line: "It's not just about showing up. It's about standing up," suggesting Crist has not done that vs. the insurance companies, drug manufacturers and more.

Crist was able to make himself sound more optimistic. And he zinged Davis, saying: "Jim doesn't sound very happy tonight. And I can understand why."

But Davis scored the best one of the night when Crist tried to nail Davis for treating Feddie Pitts unjustly -- and then Davis responded that Pitts was in the audience at that very moment ... supporting him. Wow.

There are still two weeks to go. Crist has always been the favorite. Months ago, I all but coronated him the next governor. And he's a natural on the campaign trail. But with Davis closing the gap in the polls, Crist may need to do better at the final debate than he did tonight.

snip

Great job, Jim!