Capuano and Khazei answered audience-submitted questioned posed by moderator Joe Mullin, of the Third Middlesex Area Democrats (MAD), at the 90-minute forum sponsored by the Third MAD, the Fourth Middlesex Area Democrats and the Greater Lowell Area Democrats, and hosted by the Lincoln Democratic Town Committee.
Covering topics that ranged from foreign policy to health care to the economy, the candidates found common ground on many issues, but drew sharp distinctions in the strategies they would employ to achieve meaningful change for the state and the country.
Both Capuano and Khazei noted the absence of their political rivals, Attorney General Martha Coakley and Boston Celtics co-owner Stephen Pagliuca, who had confirmed for the Nov. 21 forum in Lincoln, but withdrew shortly before the 1 p.m. start, reportedly due to family reasons. Capuano took aim at Coakley, who he charged with repeatedly avoiding public forums and debates.
“I think people should take notice of who’s not here,”
Capuano said to heavy applause in the mostly filled Donaldson Auditorium at the Brooks School in Lincoln.
“Someone who wants to be a United States senator is repeatedly unwilling to put themselves out in front to answer tough questions, to have a debate with their colleagues, how can they possibly think they are going to be a successful United States senator.”
UPDATE:
—–Original Message—–
From: Aaronson, Ben
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2009 9:27 AM
To: nfsagan
Subject: RE:Coakley never confirmed. Pagliuca confirmed but withdrew late.
Ben Aaronson
The Lincoln Journal
Two candidates for US Senate fail to show up for a campaign event they committed to, and this is not newsworthy? Both candidates – Pagliuca and Coakley – did not attend “reportedly due to family reasons.”
<
p>How about at least covering the debate that occurred between Michael Capuano and Alan Khazei on foreign policy to health care to the economy?
Just took a quick look at her website events – the Lincoln forum isn’t posted there as an event scheduled for the Campaign. The Greater Boston Interfaith Forum is (and Martha was at that) as is a Boston forum later in the month. So, did doesn’t appear that Coakley pulled a Pags (who ran with his tail between his legs at the last minute). In fact, while Martha Coakley is attending and participating in any number of forums and debates, this one wasn’t one she was scheduled to be at.
<
p>Neil, educate me here – what was the attendance at this forum?
I wrote the reporter and asked for clarification:
<
p>Had Coakley confirmed to participate or had she declined?
<
p>
I have to say, I’m finally glad we are on the same side of a primary for once!
<
p>Samantha Bee fears the media won’t be able to handle Khalid Shaikh Mohammed’s trial if it’s held in New York City.