Lack of pizzaz with debates…
Posted by Trent on October 8, 2008
I thought this since 2004, and I’m sure you have too: the presidential debates are getting more and more pointless. At this stage in the election, everyone has made up their minds. And if they haven’t, then those independents won’t change if the candidates continue to say and act the way they have explained for the last few months.
What really confuses me is how someone can justify who “wins” or “loses” these things. Both of them remained reserved and never pushed the boundaries. They said or didn’t say the same things they have been saying or not saying. I could have written a script for both of the candidates… I seem to think McCain has performed pretty well in these things (much the same way that if Dubua can deliver a speech without making up a word or two we would say he “won”) but the public continues to think Obama won. I mean, I love that, but I hope that translates into votes in November. I would argue that it didn’t really in 2004 where I thought Kerry seemed to “win” those debates but no one seemed to be affected on election day.
What KILLED me about this debate in particular was Tom Brokaw! He acted more like an angry parent than the moderator of a presidential debate. He tried to control the time but obviously it is not going to work with two gentlemen concerned with getting their ideas across directly to the American public. Just assume they are going to go over time and work with it. He didn’t need need to get cute and call them out for not noticing the warning lights. We’re not watching you Tom, just let them talk.
I hope the final debate is more exciting. Maybe get the candidates to talk about social issues like gay rights and abortion so no matter which side they take it would be fun to watch them try and wiggle around it with political savvy. One of these two men (or their vice presidential candidates) will be the next president of the United States. These are the men that their parties chose. Pay attention in the coming weeks, make an informed decision, and exercise the greatest right afforded to Americans. They might not be the best candidates, but they are the ones running. It’s up to us to choose the best for America right now.
JMcD said
Since all I do now is work on papers and watch political t.v., I have been shocked by how angry McCain-Palin’s crowds have gotten. I think there are several reasons for this. First, they are getting nervous that they are going to lose the election. This is enough for McCain to look the other way while party leaders stir up fear and racial/ethnic tensions. This is something that rural and older voters in Pennsylvania, Florida, and Ohio are struggling with, and they are trying to stir up a mob mentality that can overshadow the economic crisis. Secondly, this teeming mob is getting angrier because a mixed race, middle-eastern named democrat is going to be the next president, and it is as much the mob bringing up the racial tensions as the campaign. This could backfire in two ways. One, the economy continues to struggle and McCain loses more votes for not focusing on important issues. Two, the mob is DEMANDING that McCain take on Obama about Prof. Ayers and Rev. Wright–to his face–in the next debate. Obama and Biden are demanding the same thing, but McCain isn’t so inclined because he knows that he is hyping up fluff, which has already been parsed through earlier this year, and that it will be nothing for Obama to dismiss these claims. McCain will just be giving Obama another opportunity to look presidential.
I’ll have to take your word about the second presidential debate. I fell asleep.
JMcD said
Right now I am watching John McCain speak in Iowa, and I am reminded of the right-wing radicals who have called Obama the anitchrist. The crowd is loud and angry, and the room is dark and shadowy. The mood is less enthusiastic and more like a lynch mob. If this is what right-wing radicals experience every day, then I can see how they would think Obama’s rallies are like hippy free-love concerts. Any way, in the mood of October I have begun watching scary movies (last night was Final Destination and Stir of Echos), and I got the same chills watching this crowd that I got when Kevin Bacon “needs to dig.” With McCain smiling his creepy smile, I am thoroughly unnerved.