by Javier Manjarres
The Republican Jewish Coalition of Florida hosted the first candidate forum between the Republican congressional candidates vying for the opportunity to face Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz in November. All of the candidates- Karen Harrington, Gineen Bresso, Joe Kaufman and Ozzie deFaria confirmed their attendance prior to the event, but Bresso abruptly withdrew, claiming a conflict with a previously scheduled finance event.
The forum gave the candidates five minutes to introduce themselves and was followed by Q & A from the audience. Ira Sabin, Treasurer of the Palm Beach Republican Executive Committee moderated the forum.
Here is a brief overview and highlights of the event, including the responses to some of the questions asked by the attendees.
Opening
Joe Kaufman started off his introduction by stating that “We cannot continue purchasing fuel from our enemies”, presumably referring to Saudia Arabia and Venezuela, but failed to mention that the majority of U.S. oil imports come from Canada and Mexico. Kaufman then made the case for his anti-terror credentials, referencing the Florida chapter of the Republican Jewish Coalition, which he claims to have founded.
But almost on cue, Kaufman uttered his now infamous quasi-bigoted statement- “It takes a Kaufman to beat a Wasserman.”
Ozzie deFaria immediately followed Kaufman, and objected to this statement calling it a”Divisive statement that generates bigotry and hatred.” deFaria then rattled off his extensive business acumen, listing among other things, $800 million raised to the economy while he was atop of companies and the creation of 2700 private sector jobs.
”I have truly lived the American dream.”- Ozzie deFaria
Harrington rounded out the opening statements by mentioning her attendance at the annual RJC meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada last weekend, and reiterated her “Strong base of grassroots support,” and name-dropped some of her high profile endorsements like Congresswoman Michele Bachmann and RJC Founder Stanley Tate.
Harrington subtly contrasted her small business experience to deFaria’s more ‘big’ business approach and experience.
”Obama is a national security issue for the United States.” -Karen Harrington
Q & A
On job experience:
Kaufman never said what his current job was. Instead, Kaufman said that he ran a 501(c)(3) charity and had held “various” jobs over the years. Kaufman also said that he helped “expose bigotry and terrorism” while running his non-profit, Americans Against Hate. Perhaps Kaufman expected the audience to assume that he drew a paycheck from the donations sent to his charity?
A passionate Kaufman also stated,” I need to be in Congress,” before doubling down on his prior claim by again saying that “most people understand that it takes a Kaufman to beat a Wasserman.” Most people?
deFaria rehashed his business experience and the fact that he was currently taking a break from the private sector to focus on his congressional campaign. Harrington also restated her position as owner/manager of her restaurant in Pembroke Pines, Florida.
Term Limits:
While all three candidates all agreed in no more than three two year terms in the House of Representatives, Kaufman tried to claim that Harrington was in favor of extending term limits. Harrington quickly smacked Kaufman’s allegation by quickly reminding him that she signed the Term Limits pledge last year.
In a one-on-one with Wasserman Schultz, candidates were asked to contrast themselves with her:
Kaufman said that, “I would tell the truth to the American public.” Kaufman emphasized the need to create Americans products and build up the energy sector.
deFaria said that Washington DC needed “business discipline” and took a swipe at Harrington by claiming that unlike her, he would not wait for a second congressional campaign to run a smarter and more effective campaign-he would surround himself with right people from the get-go.
deFaria you will recall photo-shopped a dog collar around Wasserman Schultz’s neck, and publicly stated on several occasions that “We need to her (DWS) back to the pound”- not so smart of a move.(Dog Collar folie)
I have nothing in common with Debbie Wasserman Schultz”- Ozzie deFaria
Harrington said that both Wasserman Schultz had two things in common, in that they were both cancer survivors and were both mothers of three children.
She will never understand how to make payroll because she does not have any business experience.” -Karen Harrington
On a constituent opposed bill up for a vote:
defaria said that if elected to the Congress, he would do what he felt was right. deFaria said that as a Congressman, the people who voted for him did so because they trusted he would make the right decision. deFaria closed by saying that he would do “what is right, not what is popular.”
Harrington stated that she would first make sure that the bill in question was constitutional and that it would not compromise her morals, principles, or values before supporting it.
Kaufman said that he would vote “his conscience.”
The moment of the night was when the candidates were asked to give a solution to the current Housing crisis.
Harrington said that,while some regulations are necessary, deregulation, or elimination of bad regulations are what is needed. Kaufman gave a long and convoluted answer, similar to a 2004 John Kerry presidential debate tip-toe answer that ended in the invoking of the use of energy resources.
Right after Kaufman’s trip into outer space, deFaria immediatly jumped up and gave the soundbite of the night:
Joes’s answer made me forget the question”- Ozzie deFaria
deFaria agreed with Harrington that the Dodd-Frank banking bill needed to be scrapped and that less regulation was needed to improve the economy. deFaria also warned that there wasn’t a ‘silver bullet’ that would fix all the economic woes of the country. deFaria believes that there will have to be a lot of give and take as we attempt to revive the economy and that some folks would have to “bite the bullet and move on…there will be suffering, and we would need to fight through it.”
What Federal agency would you cut?
deFaria quickly and firmly stated the Department of Education, saying that education should be a local issue, not a federal one. Harrington listed the Labor, Commerce, EPA, as well as agreeing with deFaria about the Department of Education. Harrington then emphasized the successful charter school system as an alternative and again sided with deFaria in bringing education back down to the state and local level.
Kaufman wasn’t exact on which department he would cut until deFaria called him out for not giving a specific answer. Only then did Kaufman say that he would cut from all government agencies that overlapped one another.
Closing:
Defaria again reminded everyone about his business acumen, adding that he was the only one that could beat Wasserman Schultz because he of his background.
“What you see is what you get”-Ozzie deFaria
Harrington closed by saying that her campaign has received support from citizens in 44 states and is the only one of the field of candidate that has qualified to run for office by petition.
Kaufman couldn’t resist but to take a swipe at Harrington by chiding her for only getting 38% of the vote in 2010 when she first ran against Wasserman Schultz. Harrington quickly smacked his argument out the door by stating in 2010, only 41% of Republicans came out to vote.
In sum, both Karen Harrington and Ozzie deFaria did very well, making strong cases for their candidacies, while Kaufman proved all of his detractors correct in their assessment he was a ‘one-trick pony’ issue candidate. It’s disappointing to see that Kaufman has made little effort to learn and articulate the numerous federal issues that every serious congressional candidate should be well versed in. Throw in Kaufman’s not-so-subtle bigoted comments and you have a candidate who is not ready for prime time, let alone represent South Floridians in the U.S. Congress.
45 Responses to “Candidates Impress, but Joe Kaufman Flounders at RJC Candidate Forum”
You know Javier, a true journalist would write this with just the facts . .. so that the reader would not know which candidate you did or did not support. Your snide digs at Kaufman makes it very clear that you do not like him. Is this supposed to be a news coverage of the event . ..or an opinion piece? I have notice many times in many articles , that you slant the facts to favor the candidates that you like, and to disfavor the ones you don’t like. I don’t consider you to be very professional.
I like Karen Harrington.The REALITY is that in the traditionally DEMOCRAT VOTING Jewish community,a KAUFMAN CAN beat a WASSERMAN.That’s not bigoted or hateful,it’s a FACT!
Joe Kaufman is a hard working political activist that has put his LIFE on the line to protect Floridians.
Well, I just googled , and it seems that Joe Kaufman is not an “establishment” Republican. .. . now I see why Manjarres does not like him. I have noticed before Manjarres does not like the candidates who are not “establishment” candidates . . .in other words, Tea Party supported candidates. So, now I understand his negativity toward Kaufman.
By the way, I’ve met Harrinton, and while she is a lovely lady, there is no way she will be able to defeat Wasserman-Schultz.
This Joe Kaufman guy seems like he was breast fed a little too long. I am familiar with his corner protests, and I am honestly embarrassed to say that he is Jewish, as I. This guys doesn’t deserve one vote from the Jewish community, she is a sham.
To Sam the camel head: go shove your mohamedon garbage up your koran
Despite the silliness people post in here, I think this post sums it up fairly well. It was a good debate. Kaufman did mess up but I am impressed with Harrington. defaria is impressive too but with the limited tolerance for mistakes in politics, I worry that he may have some challenges to overcome. Like Jeb, Harrington could win this one if her own party would get out of the way. Seen many races over the years but your county lacks the leadership to collaborate and focus on winning this race. Remember Tom Daschle; John Thune was able to beat him only because his party was solidly behind him. In your case, you have local issues to deal with.
Javier has already, if I remember correctly disclosed that he endorses Karen Harrington. He does not claim to be a “news reporter”, but a columnist with opinions, (if I remember correctly)…..Kudos to javier for exposing the inadaquacy of Joe Kaufman.
Joe,what exactly does that phrase, “It takes a Kaufman to beat a Wasserman” mean? It sounds like “it takes a Jew to defeat a Jew” IS THAT WHAT IT MEANS ? EXPRESS YOURSELF LIKE A MAN ! To many that is what it sounds like and if so then if certainly may make many gentiles of all faiths be a bit appathetic towards Joe at best. AT worst it may keep them home on election day (God forbid – pardon the pun.)
JOE, WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING ?
Trisha, your logic is absurd. You have no facts to back that up. It is an opinion, not a fact. Walker, learn how to spell the next republican rep’s name from our district correctly. (just a joke)
Karen’s retort to Joe should be “It takes a woman to beat a woman.”
Remember Hillary Clinton’s Senate race against Rick Lazio? At a debate he stepped out from his podium and approached Hillary with some pledge he wanted her to sign. All the Hillbots came down on Lazio as aggressive and it worked.
Men running against women have a very fine line to walk. Ozzie’s already crossed it once. I have no confidence that Joe would have the self-restraint not to lose his cool and over-react when attacked by DWS.
Actually, it would be easy for any candidate running against DWS to loose their cool in a debate with her. She comes across as very masculine, with a deep throaty voice and a clueless demeanor. Her religion is the Democratic Party, and her support for the failed presidency of Barack Hussein Obama is almost laughable. I implore any of our candidates that debate her to show her no mercy in their responses, as they surely will get no quarter from her.
DWS will never understand how to make payroll because she does not have any business experience.” -Karen Harrington
This is what makes Karen Harrington different from all other candidates. I want a hard worker, not someone looking for a new job like Mr. Kaufman, nor someone looking for another challenge due to his “TYPE A” personality like Mr. DeFaria.
Why are they running ?
Kaufman — Never held a real job and needs one badly to support his wife and maybe kids in the near future.
Defaria — To make right connections to further his business interests.
Harrington — Grateful citizen, wants to serve fellow citizens. Small business woman tired of watching the country heading in the wrong direction and having to pay for it in surmounting taxes.
Your call but I am supporting someone who understands my problems, to represent me AND that is Karen. I cannot support a guy looking for a job OR an Elite so that he my look down on me. Ever met Defaria ? Lord the elitism and arrogance he projects ! We do not need another elite.
Couldn’t have said it any better myself !
Excellent reminder… why are they running? We should be asking this of all the candidates. It usually comes down to one of two reasons. The first, is that they genuinely want to make a positive difference and help secure our liberties. The second, is that they are running for personal ambition. Karen is the former. She is a mom, business owner, soccer coach and involved citizen. I have personally met her and she is one of the hardest working, kind and humble people I have ever met. She stands head and shoulders over Wasserman-Schultz and deserves our full support. Great job Javier.
To ME: I can spell Harrington, it was a typo. Can you spell inadequacy? I still say Javier does a hatchet job on candidates he does not like. I’ve seen it before, and he twists the facts . .. .
Why the nastiness against others ? Don’t like him OR don’t like what he writes, then don’t read it. Simple. No point attacking people and injecting your personal negativity into public domain.
I hear that this article is 110% accurate. A friend of mine attended, and he said that Javier failed to point out that Kaufman planted a question in the audience to stump Harrington.
Why would Javier not write about that, when Harrington supposedly made the guy who asked the question look bad?
Javier is a paid polical worker who does these hatchet jobs on behalf of candidates that pay him. It’s as simple as that. Follow the money. Just do a google search on the topic and you will see. The unethical part about it is that he claims to be a journalist when he’s really a paid political campaign worker.
Where can we find this claim you talk about? Humor us….
I guess I did a hatchet job against both Bondi and Kottkamp,since they both bought advertising space,right? Dofus
Why the nastiness against others ? Don’t like him OR don’t like what he writes, then don’t read it. Simple. No point attacking people and injecting your personal negativity into public domain.
@Walker Why the nastiness ? Don’t like him OR don’t like what he posts ? Don’t read it. Simple. No point in attacking others and injecting negativity from your personal life to the public domain. It’s not healthy.
I don’t read your blog often, but this one was mentioned to me. Here’s an answer RE: Harrington & Term Limits………..
Kaufman NEVER claimed that Harrington wished to expand term limits. He said that she wanted to create an Amendment to the Constitution to expand a U.S. Representative’s term from two to four years. Harrington said this was not the case, but video footage shown here, taken less than three months ago, clearly proves that she did in fact favor an Amendment to expand the term from two to four years. Kaufman was 100% correct, and Harrington has been caught in a “hasty defensive remark”. http://redbroward.com/2012/01/11/karen-harrington-wants-constitutional-amendment-to-expand-us-congressional-terms/
Also regarding jobs, let’s ask each candidate to publish their tax returns for the last 5 years and their P&L statements. Might be interesting to know what income was reported to the IRS and how exactly their campaigns are being financed. Joe Kaufman has been
an Investigative Journalist for many years. Karen Harrington has been an extremely successful restaurant owner/manager accumulating over $250,000 to finance her political campaigns and Ozzie is just a plain smarty-pants with a midas touch, accumulating big dollars by buying, merging and selling one business after another. Harrington and DeFaria are prime targets for increased taxes. On second thought, it might be well to let “sleeping dogs lie”. Can’t wait for the next forum/debate. Thanks for letting us vent our speens.
No, if this is the case, then Kaufman misspoke at the debate when questioning Harrington
In the video, Harrington states that she would support an amendment for term limits-from 2 year terms to a maximum of (2) four year terms. Go watch the video again.
Wasn’t there… can’t comment on the “debate”. BUT…deFaria states the right attitude that he will support the winner of the Primary in August. Would love to hear the others say that…and then DO IT!. Candidates…Keep your eye on the ball, which is to defeat DWS. It will take ALL the current Republican Primary candidates…ALL OF THEM, their staff, their workers, ALL… to rally behind the winner to defeat DWS. The Dems are not going to let their National Dem Chairman and Nancy Pelosi’s ordained next Speaker of the House (God forbid should the Dems win the House!) be defeated. They will throw EVERYTHING they have at our Republican candidate. DWS will lie, gnash out, bite, chew up and spit out the Republican candidate. Whoever it is better be up to the task of fighting back with the facts and the truth in a forceful way! No one is going to win this race against DWS JUST BECAUSE they are Jewish, Hispanic, have big name political connections, or a successful Business man or woman… it will take lots of guts and smarts and many, many boots on the ground going door to door! It’s votes from ALL the voters. Don’t be silent in this game or we loose.
BTW… I think Javier/Shark Tank is a ‘blogger’, not a NEWS (just the facts)reporter. I think bloggers are opinion oriented aren’t they?
I agree with Rose, It will take everyone working togetgher to BEAT DWS.
Who is going to really represent District 20? Just because someone wears a suit, it does not make them a businessman, just because one is married to a jew or Israeli does not make them someone that will stand up for District 20. Forget Javier, let’s talk about the candidates…one can’t stay on topic or answer the question, one seems to be a fine businessman with sometimes poor judgement, and one seems to be a real female candidate who has lived and worked in the community and wants to protect America, support Israel, and provide the atmosphere to promote small business and growth in our community. So… firedebbie.com and vote Karen Harrington!
Joe Kaufman never created a job and he never really had a job. He rants on like a crazy lunatic! This guy is embarrassing to the Republican party!
So I guess Joe Kaufmann has not taken out any ads on Shark Tank.
Remember every endorsement Javier gives is bought and paid for.
Thanks for reading the Shark Tank. It must really eat up inside that I get so deep under your skin, that you feel the need to post a comment on the blog
You know, I’ve watched this race closely from Day One, and with an open mind. I’ve gone to events for each of these candidates, I’ve listened to them speak. I agree that Ozzie does a good job (most of the time) of portraying himself as a businessman with a strong financial background, but he’s always been rough-around-the-edges, sometimes abrasive (not in a good way), lacking in political know-how. I decided to support Karen not because she’s a woman, or she has campaign experience, but because she is smart, local, doesn’t need talking points, and speaks her mind without the abrasive ness of Ozzie (but with truth and conviction). Joe has never impressed me. I respect what he’s done for the community in the past, but he tends to ramble, comes across as a bit of a neophyte, and has made several rude comments in the past drawing on the fact that he feels he can bank on Jewish support (a little unrealistic considering his opponent, DWS, and the fact that she receives quite a bit of support from various Jewish organizations). He’s not great in debates or in Q&A sessions. He doesn’t give me a sense of confidence or authority. Furthermore, this is Javier’s blog- he can say whatever he wants to say! If you don’t like the spin, don’t read it- or start your own blog!
Yes to the comment of “K” all of the above. I know Karen very well and worked on her volunteer committee before my family life got in the way. Although new to politics, she is not new to running anymore. All the others are all new and it seems they have not traveled outside the parameters of this area to know what really goes on. Karen has been traveling around the country constantly as well as locally to support the conservative agenda. She has the correct balance of all that is necessary to defeat DWS and then go to DC to change or rather save our country from liberalism which has been creeping into our culture little by little for decades ! I know more gentiles that are as sensative or even more so than some Jewish people. As a Jew who lived in Israel for 2 years I could could tell you a thing or two about the so called “Christian right”. They are HUGE supporters of Israel for biblical as well as political and survival reasons. If one were to listen to Christian radio or TV one would hear this constant and consistant support of Israel on a regular basis. To suggest that one Jewish person is the only person to defeat another Jewish person is rediculous and will be used against Joe Kaufman, if he were the nominee. DWS is no dummy. She knows how to use “dirt” to defeat others, just like the other democrats. Karen is the right person at the right time ! I know Karen and if you are reading this: “GO KAREN WE ARE WITH YOU – GOD SPEED!”
Mike Henry
You got it right! “GO KAREN WE ARE WITH YOU – GOD SPEED!”
And….I lived in Israel too…..the so called “Christian right”. They are HUGE supporters of Israel for biblical as well as political and survival reasons. If one were to listen to Christian radio or TV one would hear this constant and consistant support of Israel on a regular basis.
Thanks Mike Henry for reality reply!
Quasi-bigoted? LMAO. Don’t you get the concept of dog eat dog, dude? In a heavily Jewish district, made even moreso by the recent redrawing, a Jewish candidate has the best odds. Javier, you can’t possibly be so naive as to think there’s no identity politics in ALL
groups, faiths or ethnicities. Several of the Jews in public office I know grew up in Miami but had to move to N. Dade or Broward to get elected. Like votes for like, whether we like it or not. If Kaufman is a lightweight (like Hasner is) that’s another matter and we shall soon find out how he holds up.
“Like votes for like, whether we like it or not.”
So you’re saying that Jews will only vote for a Jew, even if that Jew supports an administration whose policies aid and abet the enemies of the Jewish homeland? Whatever happened to “never again”?
Puhleez. Not all Jews are self-loathing nor are they all lemmings.
Carlos you know nothing ! You are obviously the lightweight. If you grew up in Miami you are just as provincial as people in New York City
Please tell Kaufman that I need to be in Congress too….what makes his need greater! I need it and I need it now! I also needed to be the first woman president of the United States, one nation under GOD…but I went in a different direction…I need to be in Congress, unlike Kaufman, I really need it to protect AMERICA!
Your credibility is gone. People can see through your distortions. Your readership numbers are dropping.
haha, nope.
To SJ and all others. If you are new to this sight you will think that Javier is JUST a reporter. Javier please state your case every so often so people know where you stand. Like most conservative reporters you make disclaimers. Tell these people who think that the information begins when they begin reading are wrong. It’s like some people think history began when they became interested in history and politics:that our 236 years of declaring independance has nothing to do with our history. Javier, tell these people ! We love you, you are on top of what is going on. Dare I say that ?
I’d like to know where each of them stand on putting this ICE detention center boondoggle in our back yards. We know Kaufman is vehemently opposed to it. Harrington and de Faria won’t or haven’t taken a stand on it.
We will actively campaign against any GOP contender that supports this ICE facility in their district.
Javier, as one who has often been criticized for being too opinionated myself, I appreciate what you do. The truth is becoming harder to find these days because of rampant political correctness and threats to those in the media who dare to confront candidates (especially Barack Obama – not MY president!) on the real issues. We must not be intimidated into thinking that our own party is “untouchable” but if anything, we should be harder on our own party when we see inconsistencies because fraud and lies naturally lead to distrust by the American people. Republicans are supposed to be the ones who are “different”, who “take the high road”. When they don’t, it is a disgrace to our party and a slap in the face to the American people. Our candidates should and will face intense scrutiny, unlike our usurper-in-chief, Obama, who has gotten away with massive fraud, lies and deceit. I applaud your courage and tenacity.
I like to fight and confrontational style in Joe Kaufman. Sweet and nice are ot going to defeat the mouthpiece of the Progressive Democratic party. Wasserman needs to.be embarrassingly defeated in November. Joe Kaufman will do that.
Sorry iPhone typo – I like the fight and confrontational style of Joe Kaufman
As a Jewish Republican, and a recovering Liberal, I would like to say you are way, way out of line. Joe is a hero and he is making a point about how the religious left — Jews and Christians — manipulate arguments until they are indecipherable. Wasserman-Shultz is a master of this. And what Joe is saying is exactly right.
How about fair coverage? Everyone who knows what Joe has spent the last decade doing knows he is a patriot.
Shame on you.
Ummm, we have never question Joe’s decade long dedication to the issue. Joe is wrong and bigoted for stating that “It takes a Kaufman to beat a Wasserman”
This is like saying it takes a Jose to be a Julio.