Wednesday, October 15, 2008
McCain Debate
First make sure you have done the required reading here and here. The first is a great summary and the second is a quick fact check both from NPR.org. States rights and judicial nominations were part of the debate for a time which was great to hear although they were in the context of roe v. wade. McCain has introduced a new character into the American political vocabulary "Joe the plumber" who took the place of "Joe six pack" or other personifications of the average American in the debate. The debate, like most political debates had no clear winner. But as pointed out by NPR during their post debate broadcast Obama accomplished his goal of creating trust with the American people, while McCain did not manage to discredit the Obama campaign. Although from a policy standpoint McCain surely appealed to the conservative voter it seems as though he failed to appeal to the swing voters.
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10 comments:
As pointed out in previous comments McCain desperately needs an absolute victory over Obama. It seems obvious that he did not achieve overwhelming victory tonight. I think the chances for the McCain-Palin ticket are looking even more bleak. Joe the Plumber a new part of the American vocabulary or a temporary tool?
McCain nevertheless improved in todays debate as he seemed to be more alive than usual and was ready to get into a fight. Unfortunately for him, Obama was just keeping his head down and playing it safe. I agree with cameron that McCain needed a victory and although he improved, it just didnt seem like it is going to be enough to make a significant difference at the polls.
I don't think McCain even came close to winning in the debate. Ignoring the fact that to even "win," he would need a massive victory, McCain still stumbled. Trying to blame the negative turn of the campaign on Obama? Really? And then 30 seconds later trying to claim that his campaign was entirely about the economy? Most of the early polls seem to agree. Polls of undecided voters have Obama winning roughly 60-30, with 10% saying it was a tie.
I think it was great to see an animated McCain in last night's debate, and I wondered to myself if it would have made a difference if he had been this animated in the previous debates. My thought is that no, it probably would have hurt him more. Because McCain is the underdog now, he can get away with what otherwise might be called "snippy" responses and jabs. I also wondered whether Obama wouldn't do better for himself to get emotional in responding to McCain. On reflection, I think Obama did just what he needed to do-- directly answer some questions with an answer that makes him appear reasonable (Ayers and Acorn), throw in the occasional job (McCain campaign is 100% negative...?), and then change the subject to the economy. Getting emotional would have been seen as McCain "getting the best" of Obama, in which case the McCain camp could argue that Obama doesn't have the temperment to be president. Ah, the fickleness of rhetoric...
Although he was more animated than usual, I think McCain's scoffing and odd facial expressions in the background when Obama was talking were inappropriate. Although it is fine to disagree with the candidate you are opposing, it is not ok to do so disrespectfully. Obama kept his cool during the debate, and McCain lost it. And he is supposed to be the experienced debater...
You could tell in this debate that knew the stakes and knew that this could be a turning point if he "dominated" this debate. This is hard to admit as a republican, but it looks like McCain's chances are long gone if the economy doesn't turn around very soon (which won't happen). He gave it all he got at the debate and sadly it wasn't enough and he will not be able to catch up to Obama. He came out in the 12th round swinging for the knockout and just wasn't able to do it. Romney 2012!!!
Jesse, I wouldn't call it over already. This is America and unfortunately anything can happen. Who knows what the McCain campaigners have up their sleeve.
But I'd have to agree with Christoph. John McCain looked incredibly flustered and though he was "emotional" and overall did a better job I still am under the impression that he came off rude and desperate.
As far as Joe the Plumer goes, here's some info from Yahoo News
"Joe the Plumber's story sprang a few leaks Thursday. Turns out that the man who was held up by John McCain as the typical, hard-working American taxpayer isn't really a licensed plumber. And court documents show he owes nearly $1,200 in back taxes."
Even "Joe the Plumber" is not happy with the way the debate went. Besides his tax and liscense issues being brought into the public eye he had other negative comments about the debate.The full story can be read here. http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,24511706-5012572,00.html
I think the perception of the candidates’ reactions during the debate is basically all about what you are looking for. The left will argue that McCain looked rude and angry during the debate with his scowls, while the right will say he had emotion and showed his passion for the defense of his values and America. Similarly, the left will argue Obama was cool under pressure, while the right will say he came off arrogant and condescending with his smiles.
It would be interesting to see how many Republicans wished they had picked a more "economic-savvy" candidate than McCain. During the primary, Romney was Mr. Economy for the GOP, however who knows how he would do as a candidate in the middle of this crisis. Would voters trust his economic knowledge (and obvious talent), or would they be suspicious of his Hedge-fund background and lump him in with all the other Wall-Streeters everyone loves to blame for the crisis?
Either way, I agree with Jessie, even if McCain wins, look for Romney to make an appearance in 4 years.
I am in disbelief that the McCain campaign would allow their candidate to reference a story that highlights the worst of America, not the best. "Joe the Plumber" is behind on his taxes, and his story of being able to own his company isn't a viable possibility. Ah, the importance of checking your facts.
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