The South Carolina 7th Congressional Debate pre show

Last night, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Grand Strand Business Alliance welcomed two political pundits to Myrtle Beach High School. James Carville and Mary Matalin, or the “Ragin Cajun” and “his knockout wife” (according to Carville) were invited to give their spin on the current political climate.

Charles Bierbauer was the moderator for the evening and asked the couple about the last two debates between Mr. Obama and Mr. Romney. According to Matalin, “Obama did what he had to do during the second debate, but the Romney/Ryan team looks more mature. The governor is clearly confident and has vision; he’s not the dog abusing tax cheat that is portrayed.”

Carville stated that Obama looked like he did not want to come to the first debate, but not on Tuesday night. “He was testy enough last night to wet everyone’s appetite.” said Carville. He also stated that he would be more interested in the questions that the candidates would have for each other rather than the journalists’ questions.

Matalin added that many women have a problem with Biden because of his smirking and that “it reminds women of their husband’s smirking at them.”

Bierbauer then asked what would they like to see on this Monday night’s debate. Matalin talked about the Libyan attack (that killed Ambassador Chris Stevens this past September 11). and that people want to know that foreign and economic security are the same wherever Americans are. “We are only as safe as our intelligence is good,” said Matalin.

Carville also wondered aloud if Libya is going to be an October surprise. “President Obama will be to have an effective answer,” said Carville.

Bierbauer then brought the discussion home to the 7th Congressional election and asked the pair if the presidential election “has coattails to these candidates?” Carville stated that every election is the most negative and this one is no different.