Paladino Says 'Yes' To Debate
NEW YORK (CBS 2/AP) -- Republican Carl Paladino has accepted CBS 2HD's offer to host a debate with our radio partners WCBS 880 and 1010 WINS, along with the New York Times, and the City University of New York.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Democrat Andrew Cuomo had yet to respond.
The debate between the seven gubernatorial candidates on Monday was described as a "show of farce." Front-runner Cuomo, who avoided all long form interviews, defended the seven-way debate at a campaign appearance in Poughkeepsie Tuesday, but as for a one-on-one with Paladino, he would not commit.
CBS 2's Marcia Kramer: "Mr. Cuomo, last night's debate was truly a farce. Don't you think you owe people more? Don't you think the people need more than that to see what your positions are to compare you to Carl Paladino?"
Cuomo: "You know, Marcia, the point was made very early on in the Paladino campaign that all candidates should be included, that there is a female candidate who is running, that her voice was very important. There are African-American candidates who are running. Do I believe there's more discussion to have with the people of the state so they understand the issues? Yes."
Kramer: "Mr. Cuomo, I repeat my question. You had a seven-ring circus last night. Why not debate him one on one so the people of New York can compare?"
Cuomo: "I believe there is something to the argument if you are eligible to be on the ballot you are eligible to be at the debate."
Kramer then asked Cuomo why he has repeatedly refused an issues interview with CBS 2.
Kramer: "Why not do an interview about your issue positions and you can get the people to hear it?"
Cuomo: "I would love to talk to you about an issue."
Kramer: "That's what your staff has been saying for six weeks, but so far you and I haven't spoken."
Cuomo: "We're speaking now. Okay, I would like to do it."
Kramer: "When will you do it?"
Cuomo: "Next Thursday, 2 o'clock."
Kramer: "I'm there. So are you willing to do it Thursday at 2 o'clock?"
Cuomo: "No, I was kidding."
The latest Siena poll shows Cuomo ahead by an "overwhelming" 37 points. Siena interviewed 647 likely voters from Oct. 14 to Monday, ending just before the only scheduled debate in the race.
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 points.
(TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
