Texas Gubernatorial Debate: Reactions to Voter Reactions

A Texas Tribune focus group of undecided voters watches the January 29, 2010 GOP Gubernatorial Debate between Rick Perry, Kay Bailey Hutchison, and Debra Medina. Their reactions are in the video below. Here are my reactions to their reactions:

1. The undecided voters who watched the Belo Debate understandably were not moved by the joke they called a debate. One person in the focus group talked about how the choice is like coke or pepsi. The voters were looking for someone (anyone) to make the case for their election, and they just did not hear it. One person complained that Perry avoided the answer regarding in-state tuition for illegals and then just made up that the state of Texas follows up to ensure the illegals become legal. The panel thought the exposure will help Debra Medina but thought that some of her ideas were not feasible.

2. At least one half of these undecided Republican voters are still on the fence, which if we apply statewide means, the race is still in flux and is probably headed to the runoff.

3. The question is whether the party can get excited and unite around one candidate who can beat Bill White who is raising money, has a high profile, and is talking about his vision for Texas. In a year where incumbents may be on the outs, the GOP and its candidates need to listen to its undecided voters -wheres the Beef?