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BitaTruble -> RE: The 2nd debate. (10/7/2008 8:35:00 PM)
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On the positive sides, I thought that the fact they stuck mostly to policy was quite different from what I was expecting and I was pleased to see real talk about real issues, so thumbs up to them both for sticking to things that really matter.
I liked what McCain said about helping lower rates on mortgages so homeowners can stay in their homes but without it's obvious handmate - how he's going to pay for it - it fell a bit flatter than I would have liked. It's a nice theory, but how do you work with banks to get that done when banks are already in major trouble. That sort of thing is a 'now' issue .. not a .. well, when the economy is stronger we can deal with it. When the economy is stronger, people won't need that sort of help. It sounded as if it was prep for another bailout .. er.. rescue. (What's the difference???) Too, I thought going after Obama's inexperience, record on spending and record on voting for tax increases was spot on and probably his strongest points in the debate tonight.
I thought Obama was strong on domestic policy and I really liked what he had to say about energy but thought he should have made it clearer that he's going to pay for his programs by creating jobs through funding things like biofuels, solar/wind energy and technologies, so have to take a few points away from him for that .. but over all, solid marks on domestic policy. I also liked what he had to say about going after Bin Laden. We still need to get that asshole and wipe him off the face of the Earth, so kudos and I don't give a shit if he uses a scalpel, a hatchet, a big stick or whatever .. just get him. It's way overdue. Points to Obama on foreign policy, diplomacy and needed aggression. I saw a leader there who was concerned about getting a job done and wasn't going to let anything stand in his way.. including personal vendetta which has mired us in Iraq for so long now.
On personality, I thought that Obama was calm but sometimes stiff although a bit warmer than I've seen in him similar venues in the past. He's getting better as he gets more experience in these formats, but can still use improvement. I think it can be looked at one of two ways.. slow and thoughtful .. or just plain slow. A little bit more passion, a bit more urgency (just a bit) and perhaps we could have had a few more questions than we got. Bringing up his background, speaking about his mom passing and equating that to the state of health care was a plus. I felt connected to him then more so than at any other time .. and perhaps at the end when he said Michelle probably would be better able to answer the question about what he doesn't know. That was real to me, human, homey. I also thought he looked good! Vital, healthy .. presidential.
On the negative side - first, McCain .. he didn't look healthy. In fact, there were a few times I was thinking, sit down, John.. ya look like you're tired! It immediately brought to me the question as to whether or not he's truly got the stamina for the job. I understand his medical record, his history as a POW, the broken bones and all that has effected his physical mobility and I don't hold it against him but neither does it instill a sense of power and leadership. I guess it's more like.. okay, thanks for your service, but it's time for you to get some rest. In a sense, I felt a bit maternal towards him because of it .. like I wanted to make him a cup of tea and bring him a blankie. I also thought he did not go nearly far enough to distance himself from Bush. He repeatedly brought up his record which reminds the voters of how often he's voted on the Bush policy's. I think that was a mistake. Whether or not the current state of the economy is the fault of Bush, Congress, Republicans or Democrats, most voters place blame on the current administration. It might not be fair, but it is the way of things. Big minus was not answering the question about sacrifice. Come on.. we're not stupid as a people. We know there's going to be some so just be honest, tell us what we'll have to do and we'll probably grumble, but we'll do it. Even if it was something simple like, recycle, turn your lights off, walk instead of drive, conservation. Doesn't matter to me what it is, just tell me. I don't need to be coddled.. this is my country and I'm willing to sweat for her when I have to.
Obama's biggest negative, as I stated, was not talking about his spending in terms of job creation to pay for all of it. Like McCain, all this talk about cutting my taxes in the middle of this downward economic turn smacks of disingenious, 'here's what I think you want to hear so that's what I'm going to say'. They both did it though, so I can't really put one over the other. It sucks no matter which side it comes from .. so spankings to them both for treating me like I'm 8 and just want cookies. I also didn't like Obama arguing with the moderator on a format that both sides agreed with. To that end, Tom Brokaw did an adequate job of keeping things somewhat on track, but could have been even stronger. I still think that each candidate should have an electrical probe up their butts and when they go over time, give them a little shot to keep things moving. [8D]
Overall, I give a slight edge to Obama. Nothing new, nothing Earth shattering, nothing I haven't heard before but he comes across as Presidential in a way that McCain does not to me. I don't know if I'll watch the third debate, but considering I'm a junkie I probably will.
One last thing.. just wanted to send my condolences to Senator Biden on the loss of his mother. May she rest in peace and hopefully, we will see him back on the stump very soon.
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