alternatehistory.com

In 2000, Lazio ran for the Senate but was defeated by Hillary Clinton in the race to succeed Daniel Patrick Moynihan. His comparatively late entry into the race (five months before Election Day) followed New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani's decision to withdraw from the Senate race.

A decisive moment that was detrimental to his campaign came during a September 13, 2000 debate when he left his podium, walked over to Clinton with a piece of paper that he called the "New York Freedom From Soft Money Pledge" and demanded she sign it. Clinton refused. Some debate viewers were turned off by Lazio's demeanor towards Clinton – and as a result, Clinton's support among women voters solidified.

Lazio has since expressed regret for his conduct, widely regarded as "bullying and chauvinistic", during the debate:

"At the time, I was making a point about a campaign finance pledge that Mrs. Clinton had made and I didn't feel that it was being honored. I thought that was the opportunity to make the point. On substance, it was right - and on style and perception, it was a mistake, which I regret."

Now what if he had thought that sooner ( and also traveled upstate more often where he lost Buffalo) and not left his podium and kept his momentum, would he ride the anti-Hillary sentiment and moderate cross party appeal to a victory in November 2000? (Bear in mind Lazio got 50,000 more votes than Bush, proving better resilience in the state)
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