Campaign conflicts and smug smiles take center stage at presidential debate
An unforgettable last presidential debate, complete with joe the plumber stories, planetarium telescopes comments, and surprisingly no “my friend” introductions. But, while the semantics were fun to watch overall I thought it lacked straight answers from both candidates on the important questions we all tuned in to see.
Angry rhetoric and smug smiles from McCain was the tone of most of the debate and comments like; “if you were listening” seemed to trump both of their answers.
Similar to the last debate McCain’s answers and his constant tag on Obama’s remarks, diverted our attention from his inability to answer the questions directly. And for the sake of not sounding like another pundit, in my opinion McCain again took the defensive while Obama played it cool and was on offensive.
One issue that proved this point was the Roe v.Wade debate. When McCain said, “We have to change the culture of America” in regards to his decision against it thus giving us another vague response.
But, when Obama answered he took into account all aspects of the issue and recognized the complexity and responded in a well though-out way saying he would not overturn the Roe v. Wade because of the importance of choice for women in the U.S.
Those very complex questions on issues regarding abortion, the economy, off-shore oil drilling, and Iraq war etc., were answered by McCain in either a negative contradictory way or with one phrase answers or anecdotes, i.e. Joe the plumber.
One of McCain’s most memorable comments was when he said, “I am not President Bush, if you want to debate him, you should have done so four years ago,” and many political pundits say this was McCains shining moment.
But, while we obviously know McCain is not President Bush, McCain has not done a lot in the last eight years to differentiate himself, especially since he has not voted once against Bush in the last eight years, according to Obama’s speech.
So in McCain’s words; “If you only look at my record” obviously we will then see McCain and Bush are one in the same, and that is some scary business!!!
3 years ago