In 4-way governor’s debate, Democrats avoid fatal gaffes

Florida’s top Democratic candidates for governor — Andrew Gillum, Gwen Graham, Philip Levine and Chris King — spent an hour Wednesday trying to burnish their credentials as the best person to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Rick Scott.

After being repeatedly attacked by her opponents, former U.S. Rep. Graham probably scored the best line of the debate.

“I seem to be the one,” said Graham, daughter of former Gov. Bob Graham. “It’s Gwen and the men.”

There were a few gaffes, but nothing that would rise to the level of candidacy-killing flubs by statewide wannabes in the past.

“Especially early on, you can’t win an election on a debate,’’ said Kevin Wagner, a Florida Atlantic University political science professor.

“It’s very rare you have a moment in a debate that puts you over the top. But you can make a mistake in a debate that might cost you.’’

He reminded us of a blunder by Democrat Bill McBride during a debate against incumbent Republican Florida Gov. Jeb Bush in 2002.

McBride was unable to say how he would pay for enhancements to public education, prompting Bush to label his foe as a “tax and spend” Democrat.

“It made him [McBride] look like he didn’t think through budget matters or how the budget works, and that really hurt him,” Wagner said, pointing out that McBride was close to Bush in the polls until the debate.

In general, early debates largely serve as a helpful dress rehearsal for candidates to hone their skills before voters really start to tune in to the upcoming elections.

But, in an era every breath is documented and shared, even the slightest gaffe is saved for posterity and potentially could be come back to haunt the candidates.

“In some cases, like Dan Quayle, it will live with you for the rest of your career,” Wagner said.