10.07.2008

Tuesday Night Town Hall Debate - A Biased Recap

Okay, so I'll admit in advance that I may be a bit biased. But to be honest, I do think that the Obama campaign has another victory under it's belt and I'll explain my point of view. Obama genuinely does a better job connecting to the struggles of the American people. I loved that while the topics of education, the genocide in Sudan, or the issue of poverty weren't necessarily huge voter concerns, Barack Obama mentioned how he wanted to deal with those issues in his first term. To appease his critics, I also felt that Barack Obama spoke more and more in specifics on how he plans to address of issues of universal health care, the war in Iraq, foreign policy, and easing the economic burden. And THANK GOD he finally decided to bring up the fact that it was a mistake from the beginning to go into Iraq. Now while we are in the midst of a huge financial burden on Americans, we're working on rebuilding their government while Iraq has a $79 BILLION dollar SURPLUS (STFU!). RED FLAG - SOMETHING'S WRONG HERE. Bottom Line: I feel confident in my decision to vote for Senator Obama for President. How about you?

McCain, on the other hand, did do well with his usual talking points, yet he fell short when attempting to attack Barack Obama. In my opinion he needs to talk more about the real issues that affect people's lives first-hand - his whole energy argument is getting old. He's full of rhetoric and no real substance (which is funny because that's exactly what they say about Barack Obama). And I know this is superficial but he looked old and had a hard time comprehending the questions being asked. Not sure if this is my bias, but he looked slightly confused half the time. And if he would've use the word "American" or "My Friend" again I would've gagged. Btw, I know may be trippin' but did anyone else notice that he told the black man who asked the question about the economic crisis that "he probably hadn't heard of Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae until recently." I was like WTF?! But then again, I'm probably trippin', but who the F*CK didn't know about them? I'm sure some people didn't, but I doubt the people asking the probing questions at a political debate would be that naive. The comment just seemed really condescending. Aren't McCain supporters tired of him thinking they are stupid? First Palin, now this. I mean really...

In short, that's my opinion. For once, I didn't watch the debate on CNN in an attempt to avoid that reaction meter - which I think is completely innappriate for a debate. I also refused to watch any pre or post-debate coverage as it tends to stress me out. So, until tomorrow I'll just say that Obama won (hands down) and McCain has some serious negative campaigning to do. Will this debate change any minds? - I don't know. Should it? - I think so...

8 comments:

uglyblackjohn October 7, 2008 at 10:12 PM  

It's odd that McCain lacks the "likability factor" that even Palin seems to posess. Was he trying to be clever? As Obama stated, the wheels seem to be falling off the cart.
McCain came across as old in this format.
Obama seemed more in control this time around.

D.J. October 7, 2008 at 11:13 PM  

I honestly don't think it was you imagination. I think McCain does think that black folks are just that stupid. I'm sorry after the "That One" comment plus the rallies of the last two days that have a dangerous Klan rally feel to them. mcCain needs to just go find his hood!

Submariner October 8, 2008 at 6:16 AM  

D.J. is correct except that McCain's disdain for the electorate isn't limited to blacks.

His campaign is effectively over and he knows it. A McCain comeback would surpass Truman's 1948 victory and in that race Truman had the advantage of being the incumbent and mounting the first relentless grassroots campaign in the form of the so-called "whistle-stops" in which he would travel to cities and towns and speak to citizens from the back of the train.

If you get a chance, look at the rebroadcast of last night's debate. Note the contrast in body language. McCain is feral. While Barack is speaking, he paces back and forth across the stage like a caged animal. He is unable to assume a position of comfort. His attempts at levity are forced and unnatural. He is also strangely petulant. My wife, too, picked up on the paternalistic undercurrent of McCain's response to the black man.

Obama, meanwhile, is reposed. He is sipping on water while McCain is on the attack. He is still using phrases like "John and I agree." He remains seated while McCain is speaking. He shares the intimacy of his mother's dying days and affectionately calls out his wife during his final remarks. But at the debate's closure, Obama pointedly does not walk over to shake the man's hand. He is accommodating but not subordinate.

The supremacy of Obama's confidence is confirmed by his and Michelle's dalliance at the end of the event compared with the efficient exit of McCain. If you are a sports enthusiast, this is the equivalent of the winning team staying on the court long after the game is over as the losing team quickly withdraws.

Tasha October 8, 2008 at 10:00 AM  

I paid close attention to the body language that submariner mentioned. McCain never appeared to be at ease with the audience or even the words coming out of his own mouth. Too busy thinking of another way to attack Obama to really connect with the audience.

T October 8, 2008 at 10:50 AM  

I think it may change some minds. I'm a serious Obama supporter and unless he announces via youtube clip that he's a devil worshipper, he'll definitely get my vote on November 4th.

I think McCain won with rich people. Folks are selfish, plain and simple. [I think] they feel they did what they had to do to get rich and they don't want the government or anyone else reaching into their pockets to help the middle class and/or the poor. I can't say I disagree with them, but I'm not wealthy yet, so we'll see how I feel once I hit that quarter million a year salary.

As far as Obama, he said the same stuff he always says (which is not a bad thing). Some people haven't heard his talking points and him and Michelle ALWAYS stay behind to talk to, shake hands with and engage the people. It's a long, tiring task, but I think it gained him at least 80 votes from Nashville last night.

GO TEAM OBAMA!!!

The Breaking Point October 8, 2008 at 5:19 PM  

Change minds, no. Nail the coffin in McCain's chances? Well, if not quite, close.

As others have said, McCain seemed ill at ease during the debate, which I attribute to being intimidated by Obama. A bat could see that McCain can't match Obama's speaking skills or baring. In addition to that, his plaform sucks. Tax breaks for the rich and powerful, privatising Social Security, deregulating health insurance providers, antoagonising America's enemies and ignoring some of its allies. It just gets worse and worse with this guy.

Most damningly, though, he doesn't care about the middle class. Rachel Maddow (MSNBC) rightly pointed our last night that in two debates, he has yet to say "middle class." Isn't that amazing? With the economy in triage and 1 in 6 homeowners being upside down on their mortgages, McCain can't fix his lips to even say "middle class"?

Yeah, he lost the debate.

Citizen Ojo October 8, 2008 at 7:04 PM  

So Healthcare is now a Responsibility and not a Right? mmmmmmmmmmmmmm

brightstarr October 8, 2008 at 9:59 PM  

For children, I definitely believe it's a responsibility. If you choose not to cover yourself, that's your right.

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