(2003-09-24) -- California gubernatorial candidate Tom McClintock failed to prepare any clever 'zingers' he could have used to make his opponents look foolish in tonight's debate.

Instead, state Senator McClintock came with nothing but detailed analysis of a variety of issues, and a commitment to cut spending and balance the state budget without tax increases.

A flash poll conducted minutes after the televised debate showed that Mr. McClintock's lack of witty personal assaults left doubts in the minds of many voters about his readiness to serve as governor.

The zinger void will come back to haunt him, according to an unnamed political scientist.

"Arnold Schwarzenegger had that great line about driving his Hummer through Arianna's tax loophole," said the expert. "And Arianna shot right back about Arnold's attitude toward women. Cruz Bustamante kept talking to Arianna and Arnold like they were morons. But McClintock was clearly unprepared for meaningful political discourse. It was embarrassing to watch him with that pedantic, deliberate focus on issues, facts and proposals."