Tuesday, October 07, 2008
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No Game-Changer Here
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Posted by:
Carol Platt Liebau at
10:48 PM
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The debate was a draw. It seems that both candidates are willing to play it safe -- surprising, at least, for McCain, given that he's behind. His answers were more solid, and better . . . but, for the most part, he allowed Barack to be his usual, glib self (although I'm not sure that Barack came off as likable as he has in the past). McCain was effective, but there were many missed opportunities and anyone hoping this debate would be a game-changer is bound to be disappointed.
1. It was surprising to me that Barack Obama had no real comeback to John McCain very effectively linking him to Fannie/Freddie debacle. Wow. Being the second largest recipient of Fannie/Freddie money "in history" is, I'll bet you, a fact that most of those watching the debate didn't know.
2. McCain's attack about "jello on the wall" and Obama's tax plans was, in my view, fairly effective. He had specifics about how he would cut taxes; Obama didn't. The mandates and fines for small business point that McCain made was also fairly effective. It struck a false note a little earlier when Barack started talking about doubling the Peace Corps and all that. Really, is that where we should be prioritizing at this point?
3. Talk about the audacity of hope -- Barack referenced his "first term" in discussing entitlement reform. Everyone should be that confident, no?
4. GREAT POINT. Barack promised a "middle tax class cut" when running for the Senate. Got to DC and did . . . nada. Why would that change now? It would be nice to see that in an ad (hint, hint).
5. Senator McCain needs to call Barack Obama "Barack Obama." I know he's trying to sound indirect and therefore not harsh, but, please, find another way. "That one" isn't how to do it. All of a sudden, "my friend" doesn't sound so bad. That being said, it's hardly the big deal that, no doubt, the Obama campaign will try to make of it.
6. Thank you, Senator McCain, for noting that Barack Obama would fine small businesses that don't cover their employees' health care. And for calling Obama on not telling how much the fines would be.
7. McCain's depth and understanding of foreign issues is obvious, if anyone stayed awake long enough to hear it. And his explicit invocation of America as a "force for good" is an implicit contrast to his opponent's "blame America first" mentality.
8. Barack seems willing to intervene to stop "cruelty" around the world where "we can." Except, I guess, when it's Iraq.
9. "You're a doing fine, job, Tom," Barack pats the moderator on the head. Geez. Reminds you of the "You're likable enough, Hillary," doesn't it?
10. McCain: "We can never allow a second Holocaust to take place." Barack's response to the question about Iranian nukes and Israel sounds shallow next to McCain. One guy is equivocal about protecting Israel; one isn't.
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I think what we are experiencing is a process gone horribly awry. Candidates are chosen through the blinding prism of the 24 hour news cycle, and for-profit news. Our country has allowed things to get this way, so we get the candidates we deserve. McCain's campaign appears to be always in total disarray because he's always chasing a poll among one or the other demographic and trying to seem presidential at the same time.
The Sarah Palin choice will turn out to be regarded as one of the most absurd selection of all History. Even Rove admitted this was a "political pick"; what a lame excuse! But, hey, McCain was behind in the polls and he wasn't connected with "the base" and who better to go door-to-door and make all those phone calls but exuberant Palin supporters.
How the Party of Ideas degenerated into the party that discourages the intellect, derides education, challenges science, complaining about the media, etc. I've seen some of the writings by prominent Conservatives that predicted the breaking up of the Republican Party due to the fact that the 'tent' was housing voter segments that don't seem to gel, AND THAT'S THE PROBLEM. If the evangelicals want to start a separate political party that stands against abortion, gays and Hollywood, then let them. The Republican Party can't get on message this election because it is impossible to have one. You can't let John McCain and Sarah Palin speak at rallies (only there to see Palin, let's be honest) to allow members of the audience ("the base") to shout out racial slurs and death threats to Obama in hopes of gaining the respect of Independent Voters. If we let Palin head the new party, the party of Life and the Hetero Ideal, then sure, there should be a whole lot of Glenn Beck and pitchforks and effigies, but please don't call it the Republican Party. This whole Joe Six Pack and End of Days crap is beneath us and has GOT TO GO! |
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American Viewers have their mind on sex. It has become a question of the better bed partner. Obama or McCain? Its not what you say but the way that you say it---youth always says it better. Obama will slip and slide into the #1 bedroom. Call it a landslide if you want to be discreet. |
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Yes I do.
Not teaching kids about history has it's benefits, I guess, especially if you are a demonRAT.
I'm thinking I just might keep teaching in the public school because I get a chance to tell kids the REAL story about the dems and civil rights and dems and the economy.
I just find it frustrating that there are so many out there who actually believe that the dems would be "better for the economy", or the party of "minorities". They have been the party of NEITHER, at any time, and they sure aren't now.
Yet so many will vote believing this. Too bad for all of us. |
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John Norton writes: "Don't just tell Americans "you are in favor or tax cuts, talk to them about why EVERY American is better off when ANY American pays fewer taxes."
Oh, really?
If we cut the taxes of the CEOs of Lehman Brothers and Bear Stearns, that's a good thing?
If we cut Franklin Raines' taxes, that's a good thing?
THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE SAYING. Not everyone is DESERVING of a break from the Government. Not everyone is DESERVING of a break from anyone.
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I am puzzled somewhat by your writing. You called it a draw, then proceeded to ennumerate many of the ways in which McCain triumphed, and conversely, Obama floundered. Incidently, I agree with everything you said, only I drew the logical conclusion--McCain won! Maybe it wasn't an "exciting" debate, but it was clear that McCain was the victor. Obama appeared uninformed at times, and even juvenile at others. (I loved it when Obama begged Brokaw to have the last word!) McCain came off as the superior man and the superior candidate--because he is most certainly that. |
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It is hilarious that McCain is stumping in Pennsylvania right now and claiming that he won the debate. It just shows you how delusional he is. I gotta give it to him, it must be hard to wake up every morning and face his impending failure. |
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You know if you "real conservatives" want to whine and complain that you don't like McCain and the only saving grace is Sarah in 2012, you might want to get off your butts and start really supporting McCain. Because Sarah NEEDS to become VP before she has much of a chance of becoming President. No matter how aweful an Obama presidency will be (and I think it will be plenty aweful), the left and their comrades in the media will continue to praise Obama and do everything possible to portray Sarah Palin as an idiot. You will have 8 years of Obama - times have changed and sitting back and hoping for a Carter/Reagan in 2012 effect is foolish and dangerous. |
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McCain has got to call Obama on the carpet as a great divider he is not a uniter. Obama defines fairness by creating animosity and resentment between every American that thinks they ought have more and that someone elses success is taking it away from them.
Don't just tell Americans you are in favor or tax cuts, talk to them about why EVERY American is better off when ANY American pays fewer taxes.
Tie low taxes to LIBERTY for every American, that's the best thing our country has going for it. The opportunity to excel un-hindered by the Federal government redistributing resources in some grand social experiment. |
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McCain has got to call Obama on the carpet as a great divider he is not a uniter. Obama defines fairness by creating animosity and resentment between every American that thinks they ought have more and that someone elses success is taking it away from them.
Don't just tell Americans you are in favor or tax cuts, talk to them about why EVERY American is better off when ANY American pays fewer taxes.
Tie low taxes to LIBERTY for every American, that's the best thing our country has going for it. The opportunity to excel un-hindered by the Federal government redistributing resources in some grand social experiment. |
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I turned it off right after the first question and Obama's telling answer, "the Bush administration." It was apparent that nothing new was coming from him and I already know what McCain stands for, so why waste my time? By letting Brokaw filter the questions in advance, I thought that nothing of any substance would be asked of the candidates. The problem is that both candidates want to skate to the finish and not really lead. Obama has skated all his life and McCain skates because he's tired. What a disaster for our Country. At least with Bush we've not been attacked by terrorists again, but I feel we're being attacked by the Democrat party and this party is turning into the largest socialist organization in America.
Personal responsibility - damned
Accountability - damned
Patriotism - damned
Honesty - damned
Military - damned
Good Character - damned
Creation of Wealth - damned
Capitalism - damned
Christianity and Judaism - damned
Reward for merit - damned
This is Obama and the Democrat party. A person can look at this list and pretty much recite speeches, platforms (present and past), conduct by Congress (present and past) that relate directly to this. We are looking into the abyss and 50% plus of Americans don't even know it.
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McCain needed a home run and didn't even get a single. This from a devout McCain/Palin fan, but an honest one.
I desperately wanted to see McCain body slam oblama with ACORN and all of his other radical associates, but I got Mr. Rogers instead.
McCain was pleading, but not convincing. oblama was full of sh!t, but calm and confident.
Don C
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he said he would buyout the bad loans-- I think this is brilliant-- check out why
http://ghettoconservative.blogtownhall.com/ |
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Those of us on the west coast have no problem staying awake and paying attention to the details of the debate. |
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This debate was a huge disappointment. I think Tom Brokaw did a terrible job of selecting the questions, and a good job of scolding.
I wouldn't have asked one of those questions. I can only remember maybe three of them, the one about helping retirees, Isreal, and what you don't know.
McCain C , Obama D (I think he lacks very much depth in American history, possibly world also and it upsets me.)
We need a do over or our money back. Shame on the parties that brought us this waste of time. |
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I thought the penalty that Obama would charge to families that do not insure the children was a good point. One Obams did not answer! |
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I cannot recognize my country any more. I do not even recognize what it means to be a conservative.
I guess McCain wants to get the vote of the irresponsible home buyer (10% of mortgage holders?) at the expense of the responsible home buyer (90% of mortgage holders and 100% of home owners) along with losing the vote of the people who eventually want to own a home someday, and that would be people like me.
House prices went up over 100% and have fallen 25% or so. They need to drop another 25% from highs or 35% from current prices to be in the range of affordable, which is about 12% higher than they were in 1998. John McCain continues to isolate himself from his base, and while Palin may give some level of benifit, McCain is tossing all of that benifit out the window. The only thing we have left is that he at least put Palin into the national spotlight so we know we have someone to look forward to in 4 to 8 years.
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