Ehrlich’s debate with Townsend took place on Sept. 26, 2002, at Morgan State University. Many Democrats saw the debate as a turning point for Townsend, whose campaign had been lackluster before she went on the attack against Ehrlich. Others say her harsh attitude may have been too much. In addition, a controversial situation at the debate distracted from its substance: Oreo cookies were distributed as a racial insult aimed at Ehrlich’s running mate, Michael Steele, who is black.