Dellinger's Debate Performance

Last night's Lt. Gubernatorial forum was instructive, and showed again why Hampton Dellinger is such a strong choice for Democrats in this race. I have selected some very short excerpts of the forum last night where I thought Hamp was particularly strong.

The entire forum is supposed to be online soon at UNC-TV. I'll link to that when it is up. These short clips are made to generate discussion and to educate voters. Please check out Hampton's own TV Ad and Radio Ad at http://www.hd08.com and sign up to support the campaign.

Here are the clips:

Hampton on the Economy and Education

Hampton's focus all year has been on making North Carolina number one in things other than a place to do business. The strength of our economy and our growth is dependent on the quality of life here in North Carolina, and Hampton does a good job here of tying it all together, including the importance of supporting our education system, even in tough economic times.

Hampton Dellinger on the importance of Voter Owned elections

Here, Hampton reemphasizes one of his foremost progressive positions - that money should not control politics. He favors extension of the Voter Owned elections act to cover all state offices. At the same time, he recognizes that other reforms are necessary, and calls for prohibiting fundraising or donations from government contractors and appointees.

Mr. Besse and Sen. Dalton both took shots at Hampton's fundraising, but both did it in a sidelong, indirect manner that only registered for those of us who have read campaign finance reports. And neither can contend that the Dellinger campaign has been anything but above-board in its fundraising. Above-board and darn effective I might add. Until the day when we don't need to fundraise to win elections, we need to make sure our candidates can keep up on that score.

Hampton on Health Care and Independent Critiques of Senator Dalton's Record

Hampton has taken some heat for pointing out distinctions between rhetoric and records and between his record and those of his opponents. Last week, an independent expert echoed his critiques of Sen. Dalton's record on health care funding in the budget process. Hampton very tactfully and directly addressed that issue, and then tied it in nicely to what he believes should be North Carolina's health care policy.

Hampton's Closing Statement

I've often talked about Hampton's strengths as a candidate including his ability to speak directly to voters on television. I think this clip shows those strengths. To be fair, all four candidates had moments where they stumbled a bit last night, and Hampton trips over his tongue once here - happens to the best of us, and I included it to show that I am not trying to fawn all over him here. That's not to say, though, that his real talents don't shine through when he's looking right into your living room. Our best standard bearers in the Democratic Party have shown that ability - and I think, personally, that Hampton has it in spades.

Here, Hampton sums up his reasons for running in what has become a regular part of his stump speech. Also, new this time, is the reference to the impressive string of endorsements he has garnered over the last several weeks.

The Dellinger bandwagon is rolling. Come jump on.