I am currently watching a video of the debate, which I unfortunately (tortuously) missed last night, and I expected something far different. I glanced at the papers as I walked to work on Broadway Ave. and I gathered that Obama had dominated an ugly debate. This is consistent with most media representation this week, which has all-but crowned Obama the winner and depicted the McCain campaign as a pathetic, grouchy disaster. But I'm not so convinced that McCain is out.
I have learned specifically from this election not to count anyone out (I predicted Giuliani and Clinton to be the candidates!) I never dreamed McCain would make it this far, he's proven me wrong too many times this election season. I wouldn't bet $5 on McCain winning, but I wouldn't wager that he wins either. I still see it as a toss-up. He's only 5-10 points behind and there is a month left, and sadly I am anticipating a marginal Bradley effect. Also, the fact that George W. Bush won the last election under so much negative publicity and an unpopular war makes me believe that John McCain can pull an upset as well. It's been proven that mud slinging works; McCain's adviser, Rick Davis, isn't dumb. Relying on false rumors and some exaggerated facts could push McCain close to Obama, I'm not sure he'll win of course but he's still a threat that should not be ignored. Underestimating McCain and the GOP is a naive flaw that could allow a resurgence for his campaign.
Obama looked good last night, he was tough and calculated in his addresses while McCain struggled to maintain a pleasant demeanor as he presented unattractive political assaults. But McCain didn't lose, he just did what he has been and I'm not sure it isn't working. He may not have been a great debater but he did plant some questions in voters minds about Obama, reinforcing issues that push the majority from approving Obama. I certainly don't suggest that McCain has a sure victory in November, but Democrats shouldn't be celebrating yet.
Note: Weirdest moment in the debate has got to be McCain's retorted "Not you Tom" when Brokaw asked who he would choose as Treasury Secretary. Was it another slight against the "liberal media" or just an awkward attempt at humor.
I was able to listen to/watch the debate last night. I say that, because I was in the car for part of it, and at home for part of it. I agree with most of what you said. As I was watching the debate, I could not pick a clear-cut winner. Many of the media said immediately afterwards that Obama won the debate. However, I am also not as convinced. Both of the candidates did a respectable job. However, they both were guilty of side-stepping questions. I believe Obama toed around more than McCain did, but both were guilty of it. After they were done talking, I thought back to the original question, and realized that they hadn't actually answered that question, but rather had gotten onto a policy issue they had hoped to be able to elaborate on during the debate, and thought that may be their only opportunity to do so. I believe that in these debates, the candidates should make an honest attempt to answer the question put before them. Also, they need to abide by the rules they agreed to, instead of running minutes over their time-limits as Obama did several times during the night. That gives an unfair advantage to the candidate who does not follow the guidelines, and is allowed to speak longer, to reinforce why they should be the next President. It will be interesting to see how the next Presidential debate goes.
I agree, there were many moments in which Obama, and sometimes McCain, would dodge the question. But I think it was less a fault of Obama because he was always trying to refute McCain's claims about him but didn't have enough time to play defense while answering the new question too. In the future, I hope both candidates can abide by the set time constraints, if for no other reason just to spare us from Brokaw's dutiful nagging "Gentlemen I have to remind you your campaigns agreed..." It made the debate a little awkward and both candidates looked kind of childish especially when they pointed fingers when chastised for not listening to the moderator's reminders. Next debate should be better I hope.
Note: Weirdest moment in the debate has got to be McCain's retorted "Not you Tom" when Brokaw asked who he would choose as Treasury Secretary. Was it another slight against the "liberal media" or just an awkward attempt at humor.
I think it was an awkward attempt at humor. He did that a lot. He'd crack a joke and be the only one laughing... I kind of felt bad for him. Sympathetically awkward, maybe?
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It had to be an attempt at humor, and the audience kind of chuckled but it seemed like you said sympathetic. I felt bad the other jokes but that one just made him look kind of mean toward Brokaw so I felt bad for Tom...very weird. I hope he brings his A-material next debate.
I felt like the weirdest moment in the debate was when McCain was juxtaposing his record with Obama's on energy and pointed across the stage to where Obama sat and called him "that one."
I was watching it with my boyfriend's mom and she and I both paused to look at each other in disbelief. I felt it was rude and disrespectful on McCain's behalf. Of course, I also felt it was rude when McCain came up behind Obama after the debate and slapped him on the back. Obama then extended his hand to McCain who backed away and offered his wife's hand for Obama to shake.
For someone who always touts bi-partisanship, it's clear from McCain's body language he wants nothing to do with Obama.