By: FDRsGHOST

FDRsGHOST — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:55:18 +0000

I score debates like they score prizefights. Unless there is a knockout (”I knew JFK. Senator, you’re no JFK”) you count punches landed. I scored it a narrow win for McCain on points. McCain was the aggressor throughout,
constantly interrupting and — at least twice — getting the last word in. McCain’s clear disdain of Obama, though overdone, established him as the man in charge. Obama’s lawlerly style does not serve him well in this format where sharp, punchy answers work best. His constant “I agree with John” is a classic blunder.
The worst thing Obama did was what he DIDN’T do. Obama should have come out of his corner challenging McCain on the whole campaign “suspension” hocus pocus. He would have put McCain immediately on the defensive forcing McCain to outline how he “saved the day” when it was obvious he did no such thing. It was an opportunity that Obama missed and one that will not return.
Though I think McCain barely “won” it, Obama did nothing wrong and should suffer very little. Hopefully, Obama will be more aggressive in their next encounter.
As for Palin, Biden should pretend she insn’t there. Let her self-destruct.

By: Dan Rozenson

Dan Rozenson — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:25:29 +0000

My sense of the first debate followed most of the CW among political pundits, which is that a tie goes to the runner, who in this case was Obama. But as you mentioned, the people have spoken and Obama won decisively.

I don’t really know what to expect from Biden-Palin. Will the media set such low expectations for Palin that she can get away with abstract blathering about freedom? I don’t think Biden will say anything all too dumb. He’s been ready for this debate for weeks, so I’ll bet the only thing they’ve been working on is mannerisms.

Comments on: Debate #1: Obama Wins!

By: FDRsGHOST

By: Dan Rozenson