Free Daily Headlines :

  • COVID-19
  • Vaccine Info
  • Money
  • Politics
  • Education
  • Health
  • Justice
  • More
    • Environment
    • Economic Development
    • Gaming
    • Investigations
    • Social Services
    • TRANSPORTATION
  • Opinion
    • CT Viewpoints
    • CT Artpoints
DONATE
Reflecting Connecticut’s Reality.
    COVID-19
    Vaccine Info
    Money
    Politics
    Education
    Health
    Justice
    More
    Environment
    Economic Development
    Gaming
    Investigations
    Social Services
    TRANSPORTATION
    Opinion
    CT Viewpoints
    CT Artpoints

LET�S GET SOCIAL

Show your love for great stories and out standing journalism

In 2nd debate, Malloy is proud and Foley incredulous

  • Politics
  • by Mark Pazniokas
  • September 30, 2014
  • View as "Clean Read" "Exit Clean Read"
Gov. Dannel P Malloy and Tom Foley kept their distance at this debate.

CT MIRROR

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Tom Foley kept their distance at this debate. Dennis House moderated.

West Hartford – In a televised debate Tuesday night, Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Republican challenger Tom Foley met in a political Twilight Zone, each unable or unwilling to recognize the reality of the other’s Connecticut.

Malloy defied polls that show a dispirited and disapproving electorate. He claimed progress, pronouncing himself proud of resolving an inherited $3.67 billion deficit without gutting municipal aid. Foley all but suggested he was mad, seeking votes in a different dimension.

“Sometime, I wonder if he’s living in the same state,” Foley said, prompting titters. Later he said, “It’s simply not true what you’re telling people.”

But Foley joined Malloy in downplaying non-partisan projections of a significant deficit in the coming year, albeit one far smaller than what confronted the first-term Democratic governor after he defeated Foley in 2010. To do otherwise would require Foley to promise more than his proposed budget freeze.

Foley, who promised four years ago he could have tackled the deficit with $2 billion in spending cuts, never quite explaining how he would close the remaining $1.67 billion gap, criticized Malloy for imposing what he called a needless $1.8 billion tax increase in 2011.

He conceded later to reporters he wouldn’t call for its repeal, saying such cuts no longer were feasible.

“I understand just a few minutes ago he told you that he wouldn’t repeal what I’ve done already. That’s very interesting,” Malloy said, addressing the press after Foley’s departure. “So he knows we did what we had to do to get through that problem.”

The debate at the University of St. Joseph, which was broadcast live on WFSB, was the second of seven general-election debates. They meet again 7 p.m. Thursday at the University of Connecticut in a forum televised on FoxCT.

Joe Visconti, a petitioning candidate, was not invited to either debate. Organizers said their criteria for inclusion was 10 percent in a poll, and Visconti was supported by seven percent of likely voters in the most recent Quinnipiac University poll.

Over an hour, moderator Dennis House of WFSB questioned the two major-party candidates on the economy, the expansion of casino gambling, education policy and the legalization of recreational marijuana.

Both men opposed allowing additional casinos in the state or the legalization of pot. In a series of rapid-fire questions at the close of the debate, House asked them if either had smoked marijuana.

“Whoa, I didn’t know I was going to get that question,” Foley said, laughing. “Yes, I have.”

“Once,” Malloy replied.

Sometimes ignoring the question, both men tried to define the other’s character.

Tom Foley looks into the lights during the sound check

CT MIRROR

Tom Foley looks into the lights during the sound check

Malloy twice talked about Foley’s recent release of tax returns, which showed that the wealthy Greenwich businessman paid no taxes in two of the three years, when his business losses offset his income.

When House asked if either could name a tax that was too low, Foley replied, “No.”

Malloy said, “The ones he paid.”

The crowd laughed.

At least twice, Foley talked about the state’s need for a leader who was civil and who listens, obvious references to Malloy’s aggressive style and penchant for lecturing audiences.

“I’m actually a very good listener,” Foley said after the debate. “I’m very good at walking up to people and striking up a conversation and getting a candid view of how they feel. And if this governor thinks that people in Connecticut think things are OK, and we’re making progress and we should just stay the course, he’s not talking to enough people.”

Standing 25 feet apart on a broad stage, the two men seemed unsure how to engage at times. In their previous debate, the two candidates sat in club chairs, nearly within reach of each other.

Foley declared the state an economic disaster, desperate for new leadership; Malloy pointed to signs of progress, conceding there is much to do.

“I’m proud of the investments we’re making,” Malloy said.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy checks his notes before the broadcast.

CT MIRROR

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy checks his notes before the broadcast.

“Governor, you lost 3,600 jobs in August,” Foley said. “If you think things are going well, you need to check with other people.”

Malloy retorted that the state gained 3,100 jobs in July.

Foley was unsure how to react when Malloy suggested something was amiss in a multi-millionaire, the owner of a mansion, a yacht and a jet, paying no taxes.

The Republican said he had no taxable income and that Malloy actually out-earned him. Seemingly at a loss, Foley finally said, “Congratulations.”

In his closing state, Foley asked voters to weigh his view of reality against the governor’s

“You have a very important decision to make five weeks from today,” Foley said. “You agree with Gov. Malloy that everything is OK in Connecticut. We’re making progress. If we just stick with everything we’re doing, everything will be fine. Or do you agree with me that we’ve lost ground and that we have many serious things we need to do.”

Malloy used the word “proud” a dozen times in his closing remarks.

He was proud of the progress on the economy, proud of twice raising the minimum wage, proud of a paid sick days law, proud that Electric Boat is expected to produce 10 submarines in coming years and Pratt & Whitney has its biggest backlog of engine orders since 1983, proud that crime is down and graduation rates are up.

He pointed to Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman in the front row and said he was proud of her overseeing the successful implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

“I am proud to have been your governor, and I am asking for your vote.”

The governor, who needs to do better among female voters to counter Foley’s huge lead among men, opened by greeting his wife, Cathy, from the stage. He noted they just celebrated their 32nd wedding anniversary.

At the conclusion, Malloy strode across the stage to shake Foley’s hand. Cathy Malloy then joined the governor on stage.

After the debate, Foley said Malloy’s pride in his administration was evidence of being out of touch. Malloy said the word was well chosen, if only for how he refused to pass the state’s financial woes on to municipalities.

“We didn’t shift our burden to municipalities. No firemen, policemen, teachers, public works folks lost their job because we settled a problem like a lot of other states did,” Malloy said. “You want to know something? I’m proud that we didn’t cause teachers to lose their job. Or policemen. Or firemen.”

The debate can be watched online.

The Remaining Debates
Joe Visconti has a firm invitation to only one debate with Dannel P. Malloy and Tom Foley, a forum in New London on Oct. 16.
When Where Host
7 p.m., Oct. 2 University of Connecticut, Storrs Hartford Courant/FoxCT
4 p.m., Oct. 9 Hartford Hilton Connecticut Broadcasters Association
7 p.m., Oct. 16 Garde Arts Center, New London The Day/CPTV
7 p.m., Oct. 23 NBC30 studios, West Hartford NBC30
8 a.m., Nov. 2 WTNH studios, New Haven WTNH

Sign up for CT Mirror's free daily news summary.

Free to Read. Not Free to Produce.

The Connecticut Mirror is a nonprofit newsroom. 90% of our revenue comes from people like you. If you value our reporting please consider making a donation. You'll enjoy reading CT Mirror even more knowing you helped make it happen.

YES, I'LL DONATE TODAY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mark Pazniokas is the Capitol Bureau Chief and a co-founder of CT Mirror. He is a frequent contributor to WNPR, a former state politics writer for The Hartford Courant and Journal Inquirer, and contributor for The New York Times.

SEE WHAT READERS SAID

RELATED STORIES
CT lawmakers call for funding to stop ‘mass killing’ of Black and brown children
by Kelan Lyons

Lawmakers identified a $5 billion proposal by the Biden administration, and marijuana and sports-betting legalization efforts, as potential funding.

Lamont faults CDC on J&J vaccine pause: ‘I would have handled it differently’
by Mark Pazniokas

Gov. Ned Lamont and other governors expressed dismay to the White House over pausing the Johnson & Johnson vaccine.

GOP retains Monroe-Newtown seat in CT House
by Mark Pazniokas

Republican Tony Scott of Monroe won a special election Tuesday in the 112th House District of Monroe and Newtown.

The calculus of cannabis: How legalizing pot became a political puzzle
by Mark Pazniokas

Whether Connecticut legalizes marijuana depends on two legislators solving a puzzle of politics and numbers.

Cardona taps a top Lamont staffer to join him at the U.S. Department of Education
by Jacqueline Rabe Thomas

Nick Simmons was director of strategic initiatives in Lamont's office for nearly two years.

Support Our Work

Show your love for great stories and outstanding journalism.

$
Select One
  • Monthly
  • Yearly
  • Once
Artpoint painter
CT ViewpointsCT Artpoints
Opinion SB 1018: Connecticut’s effort to increase prosecutorial accountability and why it will not work
by Olivia Louthen

Senate Bill 1018 does not solve Connecticut’s largest criminal justice problem: outcomes for crime victims and defendants vary based on zip codes because judicial districts operate independently of one another.

Opinion Debunking the CBIA’s takedown of the public option healthcare bill
by Bill Shortell

I am writing to those struggling to defend the public option healthcare plan, under the burden of a mass of disinformation put out by the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). The latest version of the Public Option (SB 842) will offer a state-run healthcare package to small businesses, individuals, and not-for-profits.

Opinion A crisis and complaint about Anthem mental healthcare coverage
by Rebecca Burton, Rebecca Toner, Jorge Fernandez, Emily Stagg and Carrissa Phipps

We write on behalf of the Mental Health Clinicians Action Network of Connecticut (MHCAN-CT), a multidisciplinary group of mental health professionals aiming to improve access to mental health care by bridging the gaps between clients, clinicians in private practice, legislators, governing bodies, and insurance companies. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been advocating for permanent pay parity for telehealth services as well as more power to hold insurance companies accountable for meeting the standard of care.

Opinion Ensure that undocumented individuals have access to COVID-19 vaccine
by Moe Uddin

Now that the COVID-19 vaccine is available for all Connecticut residents over the age of 16 years, we must ensure equal access to the vaccine for all community members, especially vulnerable populations. In Connecticut, one such population that deserves our attention and support are our migrant farmworkers.

Artwork Grand guidance
by Anne:Gogh

In a world of systemic oppression aimed towards those of darker skintones – representation matters. We are more than our equity elusive environments, more than numbers in a prison and much more than victims of societal dispositions. This piece depicts a melanated young man draped in a cape ascending high above multiple forms of oppression. […]

Artwork Shea
by Anthony Valentine

Shea is a story about race and social inequalities that plague America. It is a narrative that prompts the question, “Do you know what it’s like to wake up in new skin?”

Artwork The Declaration of Human Rights
by Andres Chaparro

Through my artwork I strive to create an example of ideas that reflect my desire to raise social consciousness, and cultural awareness. Jazz music is the catalyst to all my work, and plays a major influence in each piece of work.”

Artwork ‘A thing of beauty. Destroy it forever’
by Richard DiCarlo | Derby

During times like these it’s often fun to revisit something familiar and approach things with a different slant. I have been taking some Pop culture and Art masterpieces and applying the vintage 1960’s and 70’s classic figures (Fisher Price, little people) to the make an amusing pieces. Here is my homage to Fisher -Price, Yellow […]

Twitter Feed
A Twitter List by CTMirror

Engage

  • Reflections Tickets & Sponsorships
  • Events
  • Donate
  • Newsletter Sign-Up
  • Submit to Viewpoints
  • Submit to ArtPoints
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Commenting Guidelines
  • Legal Notices
  • Contact Us

About

  • About CT Mirror
  • Announcements
  • Board
  • Staff
  • Sponsors and Funders
  • Donors
  • Friends of CT Mirror
  • History
  • Financial
  • Policies
  • Strategic Plan

Opportunity

  • Advertising and Sponsorship
  • Speaking Engagements
  • Use of Photography
  • Work for Us

Go Deeper

  • Steady Habits Podcast
  • Economic Indicator Dashboard
  • Five Things

The Connecticut News Project, Inc. 1049 Asylum Avenue, Hartford, CT 06105. Phone: 860-218-6380

© Copyright 2021, The Connecticut News Project. All Rights Reserved. Website by Web Publisher PRO