BO won.
Not in a big way, but he did exactly what he needed to do. Which was show he was competent, be respectful to McCain, and demonstrate having a handle on the issues. He did an excellent job of all three of those things.
McCain accomplished a few things- he demonstrated his experience (and called into question Obama's experience), made a really good point about how Obama's tax plan will not work, and highlighted his conservatism on wasteful government spending and comparing records on that issue.
Obviously, even if Obama had completely wiped the floor with McCain, I would still not vote for Obama, but he demonstrated an excellent ability to allow smears to roll off his back and maintain civility during heavy criticism. He also clearly presented his positions, and defended against McCain, who seemed to get the last word almost every time.
If the McCain that showed up last night shows up at the next two debates, he will lose plain and simple.
I haven't listened to any commentary yet, I wanted to put my thoughts out there before becoming tainted with the spin that is out there.
What do you think?
Update: It has been pointed out that Obama consistently referred to McCain as "John" instead of "Senator McCain" which was disrespectful to some degree, but he probably got away with it in the public. My guess is that most people didn't pick up on that, but time will tell.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
My Thoughts on the Debate (Quickly)
Posted by JB at 8:53 AM
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4 comments:
I watched hour one from my DVR this morning. I thought McCain won the first hour. Here are some highlights that put McCain ahead of Obama:
1. McCain pulled even or won on the economic issues. Considering it is his supposed weakness, this was a victory for him.
2. McCain argued rightly that the next president will not have to decide whether we should fight a war in Iraq. That's been decided. The issue is the way forward.
3. McCain highlighted over and over Obama's naivete when it comes either Iran, Iraq, or Pakistan. My favorite quote that was repeated at least a half dozen times, "Sen. Obama just doesn't understand."
4. McCain knew the name on his wrist without looking. Obama had to read the name on his wrist. This was an inauthentic moment for Barack. Also, it was a petty point that Obama tried to make. I have a wrist band too (Barack), so that nullifies the point you are trying to make (Sen. McCain).
5. A minor point that Ashley noticed: Sen. McCain called Barack, Sen. Obama. Barack called Sen. McCain, John. It smacked of disrespect. The same thing gets on my nerves when reporters refer to Pres. Bush as Mr. Bush. He has a title. Use it! (yes, I used Barack on purpose.)
This is enough for now.
Chuck Flurry
Obama Won? Listen Barry couldn't win a debate on the issues with an encyclopedia! Again he blasted America as being a country that is hated by the world as isn't the country it once was. Who is he preaching to? Jeremiah Wright already agrees with him, but most Americans don't. America is still the only place where you can get a free education, get your college paid for, work any job you want, buy a home that fits your life style, marry whomever will say yes, and have as many babies as you want. Just because Barry thinks the Germans, the French and the Russians hate us doesn't mean that America isn't the same country that it use to be. This is what Obama doesn't get. Michelle has said similar things about not loving her country, and they both mock middle class America and their value system. My goodness it's in his own memoir about his hatred of the middle class. He learned it in his church and he wrote it in his book. It's in chapter 14 if you don't believe me. Did Obama win the debate? NO! Will he win the election? Maybe. And with winning the election he will drive this country into a worse mess than the MSM thinks we're in today.
i agree with jonathan! hehe, cool.
RE: Obama won the debate.
Let me be clear. I'm not saying that Obama was right on the issues. I'm just saying that the debate benefitted him more than it benefitted McCain. Obviously I agree with McCain in most of what he said, but in presentation, style, demeanor, and connectivity with the American people, Obama performed better. I'm just trying to give an unbiased view of the debate as a whole without commenting on the particular issues (I've done that a lot and will again, just not here).
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