Steve King tells Democratic challenger: “You have not earned” debate

[ccharles000]

A meeting with Congressman Steve King and constituents in Sioux City today turned contentious when Democratic challenger Matt Campbell showed up and pressed the Republican incumbent about a campaign debate.

King was answering questions from a group of about 80 Sioux City area residents at Western Iowa Tech Community College, when Campbell, from Manning, approached the podium.

King was wrapping up his answer to a question when he stopped to acknowledge Campbell.

“I promised the gentleman to my right that he would get the next question. So I’ll turn to you and you may ask it,” King said, motioning to Campbell.

http://blogs.desmoinesregister.com/dmr/index.php/2010/08/30/steve-king-tells-democratic-challenger-you-have-not-earned-debate-video/

[WI_DEM]

1. what a jackass that King is:

Campbell, holding a letter to King requesting a debate, said: “I will ask you simply: You have never debated an opponent in eight years since you’ve been in office and I’d like to know whether you this year will participate in a live televised debate for the viewers to be informed as to the decision they are making.”

King replied: “And my answer to that is that, judging by the fashion that you’ve conducted yourself, you have not earned it. Thank you. Next question.” Credit The Sioux City Journal for capturing the fireworks on video, which you can watch at the bottom of this post.

Applause broke out, and a man near the front of the classroom stood up and said Campbell had a right to an explanation. King said he had answered the question and was moving on to the next question.

[babylonsister]

2. Good for Campbell! More of this. King wouldn't know how to act

in an honest debate.

[kenfrequed]

3. Uhm...

So the counter question should be ringing from on high... When do the voters earn an honest public debate in a public forum? How long do they have to wait before two people stand up and talk about the issues of the day, the promise of tommorrow and how the hell we get there?

[zulchzulu]

4. Send Steven King chickens daily until he grows a pair

Odd imagery, but you get it...