[Cross-posted on Blue Mass Group.]
Yesterday, Republican Scott Brown delivered remarks that were billed in advance as a "major policy speech." Given that Brown's campaign has repeatedly faced charges of lacking substance and seriousness, a "major policy speech" could have proved to be a turning point for Brown. Unfortunately for him, the reviews came in, and they only served to reinforce the fact that Republican Scott Brown lacks substance.
The remarks, delivered to the South Shore Chamber of Commerce at Lombardo's in Randolph, were billed as a major policy speech, but did not make any new policy pronouncements, instead reiterating themes that Brown has struck throughout his Senate race.
But, in what was billed as a major policy speech, Brown delivered few specifics of his own tax policy.
Cynthia Needham, the Boston Globe's Metro political editor, tweeted:
Scott Brown is delivering his "major policy speech" now. @noahbierman is live tweeting. Still waiting for the "major" part of it... #masen
So Republican Scott Brown offered nothing major and no new policy in his "major policy speech." Perhaps Brown remedied his speech's lack of substance by taking questions from attendees or the media and offering thoughtful answers. Think again.
Brown exited the back door of Lombardo's, the function hall where Tuesday's event was held, shortly after wrapping up his speech. Talking on his cell phone as he got into a GMC pickup truck, Brown refused to answer any questions from a small group of reporters.
After his speech, Brown did not take questions from the chamber audience or the press, walking out the back door with a cellphone to his ear as he was chased by reporters.
So Republican Scott Brown bills remarks as a "major policy speech" even though it contains zero new policy proposals. Then, Brown runs out the back door to avoid any questions from voters or the media.
The only "major policies" that Republican Scott Brown's "major policy speech" reinforced are that Brown truly lacks substance and that Brown refuses to answer to the people Massachusetts.
How committed is Republican Scott Brown to refusing to discuss major policies? Check out this graphic inset from yesterday's Boston Globe story on Brown tiptoeing around Mitt Romney's selection of far-right-winger Paul Ryan as his running mate.
Republican Scott Brown "would not answer." Sounds about right.
