Thomas Sowell: Feingold Versus Johnson

Thomas Sowell analyzes the first debate between Russ Feingold and Ron Johnson in his column, "Feingold Versus Johnson."

Sowell writes:

One of a surprising number of old, well-established politicians being challenged in this year's election by some unknown newcomer is Senator Russ Feingold in Wisconsin. In a recent debate between Senator Feingold and his new challenger, businessman Ron Johnson, the difference between the old pol and new guy on the block stood out.

Feingold was clearly smoother and more glib-- and his arguments may have sounded more plausible to those unfamiliar with the facts. But what Ron Johnson said would have resonated better with those who did know the facts. How many people are in which category may determine the outcome of this election.

Sowell goes through the candidates' responses on the issues, pointing out that Johnson gave the winning answers.

But as the rookie, Johnson isn't slick like Feingold. For the uninformed and unfamiliar with the facts, Feingold may have appeared to have had the upper hand in the debate. But in reality, Johnson delivered.

Sowell concludes:

The question in Wisconsin, as elsewhere, is whether the voters want more political cleverness of the kind that has gotten this economy into its present predicament.

No. We want real change, not Feingold's brand of political cleverness.

With so many people in such bad shape in this miserable economy, we can't afford six more years of Feingold.