Debate didn’t sway most of audience’s mind

For the most part, Wednesday’s gubernatorial debate at the World Resort Saipan Diamond Hall did not sway the audience’s previous choices for the Nov. 5 polls.

More than 500 spectators crowded the debate hall to watch the candidates lay out their claim to the CNMI’s highest post. Based on an informal exit poll conducted by the Saipan Tribune after the debate, 40 respondents said the debate did not affect their choice for the gubernatorial seat. Some 10 of those present, however, admitted that the debate has changed their mind about the upcoming elections.

One of the 40 who said their choice remained the same said the debate only proved that his bet was far more intelligent and superior to the others. Some said it was the content of the speech that counted, not the fluency of the delivery.

The event, organized by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce, had pre-planned seat arrangements for the supporters of each party. The left side of the hall was reserved for Covenant Party supporters, while the middle part was meant for the supporters of Republican Party. Independent and Democratic Party supporters shared the right side of the hall.

Each side was assigned at least 90 chairs for the supporters of each party. “We came here to support our bets,” said one of the people who said the debate did not change his decision.

The 10 people who said the debate made them think twice about their choices expressed dismay over the result of the debate. They said the way the candidates answered some of the issues really made a difference to them.

The debate ended at 10pm creating a major traffic jam exiting the Diamond Hall. Some supporters remained in the hall to congratulate their respective gubernatorial bets. (Marconi Calindas)

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How did they prepare for the debate?

If most people in the audience thought that the gubernatorial candidates generally did good in Wednesday’s debate, it’s partly because the political aspirants got refresher courses before the actual debate.

House Speaker Benigno R. Fitial said in an interview after the debate that he had formed a prep team a month ago, specifically to practice for the debate and similar forums.

“I formed a prep team a month ago, and we’d do mock debates. We discussed issues,” said Fitial.

Fitial is running for governor under the Covenant Party, with Vice Speaker Timothy P. Villagomez as his lieutenant governor.

Democratic Party gubernatorial candidate Froilan C. Tenorio said he had a coach, David Cahn from Maryland, who practiced with him a few days before the debate.

“I had him go over with me on issues,” said the former governor.

Tenorio had served as governor from 1994 to 1998.

At least twice, Tenorio skipped answering questions during the debate. He is credited, however, for capturing the audience’s attention with comments that elicited laughter from people.

Independent candidate Heinz S. Hofschneider said that he did prepare for the debate but “not formally.”

“My preparation was my 14 years in public service, which spans four administration,” he said.

He said that, except for the Japan Airlines issue, there’s really “nothing new” in the discussion.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta, who is seeking re-election under the Republican Party, found the debate “interesting.”

He said he was expecting, though, to get “broader policy questions.”

“The big picture is important,” he said.

The governor said he prepared for the debate on Monday and Tuesday, getting some tips from lawyer Joe Camacho on proper demeanor during debate.

“We went over some pointers, like not getting offended or irked during the debate,” he said.

Meantime, people who came for the three-hour debate said all four candidates did well during the debate.

“It went very well. I was very impressed with all the candidates,” said Triple J Enterprises general manager and former SCC president Jay Jones, noting that candidates may have studied the issues well.

“They did their homework,” he said.

Marianas Visitors Authority board chair David Sablan said listening to the candidates was “educational,” but he hoped to hear more “long-term economic plans or solutions.”

“There’s lots of criticisms and less on solutions,” Sablan said.

Businessman and Commonwealth Utilities Corp. board member Joseph Torres said he wished for a longer debate time.

“It’s very, very informational but I’m not satisfied with their discussion on the CUC fuel surcharge,’ Torres said.

GOP Rep. Ramon Tebuteb said it was “very stimulating.” “But I feel that some focused on attacks, not really on issues,” he said.

Covenant Party senatorial candidate Rep. Clyde Norita said he feels that he answered more difficult questions during the senatorial debate earlier. “The questions were not as hard as the Senate debate,” he said, laughing.

Northern Marianas College current events instructor Sam McPhetres said he compliments the candidates for being very civil. “It was well-handled. The questions didn’t really lead to confrontation, which is good,” he said.

McPhetres said the real event to watch for “is what goes on next Saturday, Nov. 5.”

SCC president Alex Sablan said the debate provided a good venue for voters to learn more about their candidates. “It’s up to the voters now to decide. The candidates did a great job. We encourage the voters to vote wisely on Nov. 5,” he said. (Liberty Dones)