Stefanik does not believe in democracy
Times Union editorial details Stefanik’s congressional record
By Ken Tingley
Rep. Elise Stefanik sat down for an interview with Mountain Lake PBS this past week where she emphasized she “believes in democracy.”
Those are her words. Her actions contradict that.
On Thursday, WPTZ-TV in Plattsburgh, an NBC affiliate, hosted a debate between Stefanik and her Democratic challenger Matt Castelli.
Stefanik did not show up, so the Plattsburgh station aired a one-on-one interview with Castelli next to an empty podium.
Stefanik’s spokesperson said it was a scheduling conflict and that Stefanik was committed to another public event in Herkimer County - a fundraiser. But the Plattsburgh television station said it offered Stefanik four different dates to choose from months ago and never heard back from her. Candidate Castelli has previously reported that on social media as well.
Rep. Stefanik was caught in another lie.
WTEN-TV of Albany, WCFE-TV of Mountain Lake, and WPTZ-TV of Plattsburgh sent out invitations to both candidates within the last two months. WWNY-TV of Watertown also sent out invites in August; Stefanik’s campaign rejected proposed debate times for this month and didn’t offer an alternative schedule.
Stefanik alleges a conspiracy between media outlets and Castelli over the dates, places and even the moderators of the debates without any evidence. Where does the ridiculousness end for these conspiracy theories?
Stefanik’s campaign spokesperson told a reporter at the Plattsburgh Press-Republican that the television station had “disgraced” itself. I disagree. I think the station took a stand for the citizens it represents in its viewing audience. It was Stefanik who disgraced herself.
If Rep. Stefanik believes in democracy, she must also believe in the people’s right to choose their representatives in Congress. Yet, she steadfastly refuses to debate her opponent. If she or any other candidate balks at the opportunity to be heard, it does not stop the process. It does not end the conversation. That is fair and transparent.
Castelli agreed to the debate in Plattsburgh, and three other debates as well. In a district that is one of the largest in the state of New York, reaching as many media outlets as possible should be a priority, especially for someone who “believes in democracy.”
Debating one’s opponents should be a priority. I think it should be mandatory. It should be part of each voter’s code of ethics. If you dodge a debate, you risk losing my vote. If Rep. Stefanik believes in her message, if she believes she has done a good job, then there is nothing to be afraid of in expressing her views in an exchange of ideas.
But that is not what Rep. Stefanik has been doing. From what I have seen for some time, her message is one of hate. She says Democrats are evil and un-American, while spreading conspiracy theories that are untrue.
The Albany Times Union weighed in with its endorsement on Sunday. Unlike many newspapers, it did not shirk its responsibility. The editorial is must reading for any serious voter in the 21st Congressional District. The editorial is more than commentary. It weaves important and significant facts about Rep. Stefanik that every voter should consider:
“She continues to cast the Jan. 6 House investigation as an illegitimate witch hunt, even as it has shown that Mr. Trump incited the insurrection with full knowledge that his claim of a stolen election was false. (Her spreading of Mr. Trump's lies prompted The Harvard Institute of Politics to remove her from its senior advisory committee.)”
“In an ongoing and shameless con on her own constituents, she has voted against legislation sponsored by Democrats only to claim credit for the money it provides her district. The latest example: Just two weeks ago, she was touting $12.9 million for hospitals in the North Country — money that came from President Joseph Biden's $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package last year, a measure she opposed.”
“There seem to be few issues she won't hyperpoliticize even when it's ultimately destructive. Just one example this past week: When National Assessment of Educational Progress results showed pandemic-related drops in test scores, Ms. Stefanik reacted with a litany of far-right fake talking points, deploying phrases like "radical woke agenda" and "Critical Race Theory indoctrination." What could this divisive, irrelevant rhetoric accomplish in fostering a grown-up, bipartisan discussion on how to help children get back up to speed after a pandemic that disrupted their learning?”
“Ms. Stefanik has sunk from one low to another in appealing to the most ardent
members of Mr. Trump's MAGA movement. There was her campaign, in 2019, inviting a pro-Trump demonstrator to a town hall after he had threateningly pointed a toy gun at a reporter for the Glens Falls Post Star.”
That final point struck a chord with me because I lived through it. In 2019, I emailed Rep. Stefanik personally and asked her to denounce the man who had threatened our newspaper. Instead, she invited him to be her guest at a town hall meeting.
Rep. Stefanik is not only a bad congresswoman who cares little if anything about the district she serves, she is dangerous. If you review her record closely, you will also be skeptical that she “believes in democracy.”
Will is back
After reading Will Doolittle’s second column this week, it struck me how much I have missed his voice.
He provided needed insight into a plan for a new transportation hub and parking garage on Elm Street in downtown Glens Falls. Will has the advantage of three decades of institutional knowledge and lives in Glens Falls. It is a reminder of how important it is for communities to have conversations about projects that are happening in their time - both pro and con.
Talking with Joe Donahue
I’m looking forward to my conversation this week with Joe Donahue on WAMC (90.3 FM).
Joe is a great interviewer and it is always a lot of fun to talk with him. I will be discussing my new book “The Last American Newspaper)” at 11 a.m. on Thursday.
Joe and I will also be talking in person on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at Battenkill Books in Cambridge at 6 p.m. I hope to see many of you there.
Tweet of the Day
Stefanik is an actress. She's learned her lines well and uses (as my grandmother used to say) "A bunch of bologna" to to distort and distract. She takes credit for others' work. She is confident in her MAGA support, enough so that she doesn't need to worry about whether she is actually supporting her constituents or not. She just crowd surfs to her next goal-wee, wee, wee, wee, all the way home to Mar-a-Logo
I read the endorsement from the Albany Times Union for Castelli (and also for Hochul) and against Stefanik (and Zeldon) and really appreciated their clear, thoughtful, truthful commentary--as i do your words and Will's. It does my heart good when people speak what is truthful and thoughtful...and it makes me so angry to hear lies, misinformation, the constant barrage of ignorant hatred which is spewed everyday about the "extreme left wing socialists destroying our country." Stefanik and Alex are always talking about "their" disgraceful and despicable and shameful actions. They should be shamed...they have lost all integrity. Sixty minutes did an excellent piece last night on the election deniers in Arizona. What is heartsickening is how many people believe them.....So thank you Ken,for your words.