Liveblogging The Texas Senatorial Debate

We only just now got sound, and it is spotty through Ustream. It appears the candidates are on their opening statements, but it isn’t really clear since the sound keeps cutting out.

Updates below the jump.

9:14 Noriega up now with closing remarks. Doing a much better job than McMurrey.

9:10 closing statement. McMurry says that we can do better, and Centerpoint has enough lobbyists in Washington (or something like that. We’re tuning him out.

9:07 Noriega asks McMurrey what he sees as the greatest disappointment by Cornyn in six years in Senate. McMurrey says cheerleader position for Iraq war.

9:05 McMurrey gives question for Noriega. Mentions he is a cancer survivor. Claims that Noriega didn’t support single-payer helathcare in the Texas House. Noriega says that McMurrey is  great example for fighting for (unintelligible) to make sure more people get insured.  Noriega talks about $100 million cancer amendment. I will assure you that I will fight with every breath that I have that we have everyone in this state affordable healthcare and access to healthcare.

9:00 Universal Healthcare: Clinton or Obama approach? Noriega: everyone should have access to healthcare. Government needs to compel the American citizenry to enroll in a government, private, etc. plan. Will stand up for Texas kids when it comes to healthcare. McMurrey claims that Noriega is giving off Republican policy points. Wants single-payer healthcare. Now McMurrey is trying to tell a “personal story” about someone he knows like John Edwards used to but it bombs. He now compares the government’s fight against the slave lobby in the 1830s to the healthcare fight. Got news for you, Ray–the government didn’t fight the slave lobby in the 1830s. Go up a decade. Noriega says rising cost of healthcare is number one social issue facing this century. Make sure federal gov’t can negotiate with pharma companies to make sure seniors get medication.

8:57: Question on second amendment. Both say they will protect but there can be some regulation.

8:54 p.m. It’s working great now. We’re catching it mid-question but will pick up now.

8:45 p.m. After a long dead air period, the signal comes on for five minutes and all I see is a brief glimpse of some McMurrey rally cards. Have all nine of his supporters in Texas shown up for the debate?

8:38 p.m. Absent for a bit while debating people in the UStream chatroom over technology difficulties. Now, it seems as though Eileen Smith tried to ask a question, someone dropped a plastic cup, and a car alarm or squeaky mouse went off. Not sure what is going on.

8:31 p.m. The broadcast was briefly off the air. Were the censors going after Brooks’ boots? (or are those someone’s arms–we can’t tell).

8:29 p.m. Sound spotty, no clue what is going on. But, it looks like the Dallas Morning News’ Karen Brooks is wearing go-go boots. You go, girl!

8:28 p.m. The sound continues to suck, but it appears to be back on for a couple of seconds now. McMurrey is giving his opening statement at this time.

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