DeVos Granholm - Debate 1

Some good news and bad news. The good news is that this is only the first debate and that the debate does not affect my vote. The bad news is that the first debate was brutal. I'm not even going to spin this one.

I don't know how else to explain this. It was brutal and painful to watch, especially since I've seen DeVos speak several times in person - and have spoken with him several times. He's better than that. Much better.

It wasn't due to Granholm's not lacking any openings. She kept attacking, but led with her chin and was open to a good political counterpunch. DeVos should have countered with "We've had 4 years of your plan. It hasn't work. Here's my plan" and then go down the list with the plan right there. I expected all attacks as that's all Granholm had. She's done about as good of job running the state as Matt Millen has running the Detroit Lions.

I did not expect DeVos to beat Granholm (a lawyer who also went to acting school) in a TV debate. I did expect DeVos to rise above Granholm's slogans and attacks with more substance than was at the debate. What's worse though is that he HAS a plan, and did not mention it at the debate. I was waiting for the next step in the debate after "We need new leadership." Both candidates had too many dodges, too much politispeak, and not enough substance. I expected that from Granholm (all flash, no substance), but not from DeVos. I've see the other DeVos, and that's what the rest of the population needs to see.

I know it's easy to armchair QB, but if I was DeVos' debate prep team, I would just trash the slogans completely, be all business, and be himself at the next two debates - treating the crowd as 5 million Board of Directors members. Just be straightforward, no slickness, answer all the questions, and go forward with the Michigan Turnaround plan. That's just my own opinion.

There's two more debates to go. We'll see what happens.