Senator Google

Who was the winner in this weekend's debate between Doug Forrester and Jon Corzine? It was the moderator, WNBC's Gabe Pressman. Mr. Pressman was visibly pleased by the candidates' near constant sparring: Accusations and denials punctuated answers to almost every question. Mr. Pressman, a local legend, has been on the air in the New York City area for 60 years and is credited with coining the term "hippie" among other broadcast coups.

As for the debaters, Mr. Forrester needed to pull off a top-notch performance, and he did. He was articulate, engaged the camera and was in command of the facts. Mr. Corzine was nearly the opposite. He seemed to look at his hands most of the time and couldn't grab the wheel from Mr. Forrester.

When asked if New Jersey's drinking age should be lowered to 18, Mr. Corzine paused and stumbled for an answer. "I think it's 18, isn't it?" he said to Mr. Pressman. Twenty-five thousand Rutgers students rolled their eyes. Mr. Corzine should thank Mr. Forrester for not laughing out loud and falling off his chair.

Mr. Forrester's good performance may have paid off. Polls taken since the debate have him behind by 5 to 6 points, which is a huge improvement and close to the margin of error. But we wonder: If Mr. Corzine wins, will the first scandal of his administration be the discovery that minors got into the champagne cabinet during his victory celebration?