Debate 2 Analysis
What can I say? It was a low-key night. Nothing I said would cause me to say, “Aha.” Notice that I said all this about the last McCain/Obama debate.
The trouble? It was a low-key night. Nothing I said would cause me to say, “Aha.” And for a format which is supposed to McCain’s strong suit, Obama handled it exceptionally well. And when even Frank Luntz on Fox News is saying his focus group says Obama won it…again…well…
Both candidates had their strong points: McCain’s was energy. I feel Obama completely flopped on this issue tonight. He has in fact not been for oil. Very much against. For Obama, his strongest point seemed to have again been Afghanistan and Pakistan. He gave his case on Pakistan, and McCain again called it “attacking Pakistan.” I thought Obama was very clear on his intentions, and thought he didn’t need to practically interrupt Brokaw to get his case in again. Both statements were clear. McCain’s was wrong.
They seemed agree rather a lot tonight. Whether it be Obama’s flop on oil, cutting the federal budget (”department by department” and “line by line” are two explanations for the same thing), humanitarian responses in foreign nations, and even on the fundamental nature of Iran (though not on talks), they agreed more than they disagreed tonight.
Yet, overall, neither hit it out of the park. But McCain didn’t hit it out of the park, and that may be important. When your opponent is leading, you want to give voters a reason why he shouldn’t be leading. McCain didn’t do that tonight.
And unless McCain changes his strategy completely before next Wednesday, he probably won’t give a reason then. Why should anybody change their mind if nobody is giving them a reason to do so? That’s the whole point of a debate, to change someone’s mind. McCain’s not doing it.
And that may lose McCain the election.
I didn’t give Obama the edge this time like I did in Debate 1. The edge this time went to McCain. Of the two - he was engaged and energized. Obama fell into the acting like a professor too often. And McCain certainly went on the offensive as he needed too. Although did not go for the juggler like he could have.
I didn’t make a judgment this time because I was unsure. I could honestly see it either way. McCain did indeed go more on the offensive than in D1.
Still doesn’t change my bottom line, though.
michael,
I’d like to send a debate analysis, if the editors here would consider putting it up.
you send it.
I think it’s over and Obama will be our next president. I hope I’m wrong but I doubt it.
And I came to a surprising revelation last night; it turns out, I believe, that McCain isn’t the right candidate for the GOP now because he really isn’t ideological enough. He can’t seem to articulate what I believe a majority of Americans still feel- that government is more of a problem than a solution.
Sarah Palin had the best line of the entire cycle concerning the economic meltdown, IMO, when she talked at the VP debate about personal responsibility of everyday Americans, and how collectively Americans have to say "never again" will we allow ourselves to be exploited.
Her instinct was to tap into the same American ideals that Reagan did when he said that the scariest words in the English language are: "I’m from the government and I’m here to help."
If people now can’t see that government has been the root problem rather than the answer to our problems, then it’s hopeless, they will never be able to see it. I happen to believe that the majority still do see this, feel it in their gut even, but they’re not hearing John McCain articulate it.
So in their fear, since both presidential candidates are talking about how the government is going to be the answer, they’re listening to the guy who really believes that.
I really feel like I don’t recognize our country anymore, and I don’t say that as someone who has been fooled into a fear of liberal boogeymen. I’m just incredulous that the center right in this country has seemingly disappeared- but I guess that’s what you would expect when there’s a failure of leadership from the right and liberal ideologues who are ready, willing and able to fill that void.
Yeah, I thought last night watching it - seeing him stand there - that he looked like he was of the old guard. And the GOP will take the blame for this economic crisis, the Democrats will get off scott free again. They simply got their message out better.Personally, I’m okay with either as Prez. I’d lean towards McCain due to Obama promising to raise taxes. No I don’t make more than 250K, but I’ve been around long enough not to believe a Democrat that says they will raise someone elses taxes and not mine. Democrats are to taxes like Wedding guests are to an open bar.And I think McCain has the track record of setting the tone better in Washington. A level headed tone isn’t exactly a Democrat strong suit.But in the end, HRC isn’t one of the two - and that is a saving grace for this country and the world. Indeed it will be a great day for America when we vote and she’s not on the ticket. No matter what - between either McCain or Obama things will be different.