So the truth is this: when I realized the last debate was to take place on a Wednesday I grimaced. Wednesdays are hands down my “can’t do anything in the evening” days due to my local assembly meeting and dance rehearsals. And even on a rotating schedule, the lot fell on me to teach our budding youth the lesson for the evening. So there was absolutely no sneaking away a little earlier to get home to watch it. Wednesday responsibilities calling, I was concerned that I wouldn’t get to hear/see any of last night’s final debate between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain. And to my utter disdain, the radio station that carried the last debate was not covering this one and I was greeted by the sounds of baseball commentators for last night’s Philadelphia Phillies versus the Los Angeles Dodgers game. “Oh my goodness,” I thought to myself, “I can’t miss the last debate.” My need to hear the last debate as I drove in my car to try to get to a tv led me to call a friend’s house phone, ask them to prop it up to the television, and let me listen via my cell phone Bluetooth to the debate. Ingenious! I listened intently in one ear from 8:35 to 9:00 to the debate going on in NY. Boy was I thankful.
I missed hearing the 1st 30 minutes of the debate so consequently I didn’t bear witness to the sharp aggressive offensive John “Malapert” McCain (my new nickname for him) launched at the onset. When I have an opportunity, I’d like to hear it…. But you did and I know you were glued to the tv and shushed your kids to bed early so you could enjoy. Tell me what you heard, what you saw, and what you think…
Can’t wait to hear from you…
I missed hearing the 1st 30 minutes of the debate so consequently I didn’t bear witness to the sharp aggressive offensive John “Malapert” McCain (my new nickname for him) launched at the onset. When I have an opportunity, I’d like to hear it…. But you did and I know you were glued to the tv and shushed your kids to bed early so you could enjoy. Tell me what you heard, what you saw, and what you think…
Can’t wait to hear from you…
15 comments:
First off, CNN broadcasted it again at the next hour so you didn't have to rush. :) It appeared to me that Repubs realized that they couldn't gain ground by attacking the issues but instead their gameplan for that debate was to attack Obama's character by associating him with some bad people and groups. "We need to invistigate his association with these people who could harm the US," says McCain. Obama's response in my words of course, "Let me save you the trouble, This is so and so, this is what they did wrong, this is how I know them, they have absolutely nothing to do with my campaign.... anymore questions?" Totally took the wind out McCain's sail for that attack approach. Now lets try to see if we can convince our uneducated voters that Obama's will cut healthcare and raise taxes. Obama's response translated by Nick, "John, I've explained my plan in detail four times tonight sitting right next to you in plain english and heard you explain how your policy is better 0 times."
I will now introduce myself as Joe "the six pack" Plumber. Nice to meet you.
Let's start my response with some adjectives about each candidate based on my observations of tone, tenor and body language which stood out to me as I watched the debate.
Obama - poised, presidential, cool under pressure, thoughtful and measured responses, confident & convicted.
McCain - passionate but inconsistent, gruff, condescending, short, temperamental, intolerant, annoyed
As I reflected on the debate and how I felt emotionally and intellectually at the time, I realized that I was very frustrated. For the first time, the the debate moderator asked some tough questions in a setting that allowed both candidates the opportunity to address the issues and engaged each other. For the most part, Sen. Obama was consistent and clear in his message. He didn't seem to distracted by the "attacks" levied by Sen. McCain. He stayed on point delivering his message (like, love it or hate it) and laying out his vision while addressing any concerns raised by his opponents in a very forthright, succinct, and matter-of-fact manner. I think it played out perfectly for Sen. Obama in terms maybe swaying the hearts and minds of those who may still question his judgment or temperament to be our President (there is no help for those who question his skin color).
As for Sen. McCain, there were moments, as it relates to policy issues, where he seemed focused and resolute which resonated with me for the first time. I didn't agree with him on a lot of his specifics; but, again for the first time, I felt that there were specifics and substance. However, here is where my frustration arises with McCain personally and with his campaign. As soon as he began to string a collection of coherent thoughts together, he would find it necessary to attack his opponent which may or, in most cases, may not have had anything to do with the original question. Quite frankly, Sen. McCain's tone came across as very disrespectful at times. Comments such as "there he goes with his eloquence" (WTH! Is this an uppity ni**er code phrase)or intimating (while hand motioning quotation marks) that concerns about a full-term pregnancy endangering the life of an expectant mother is in some way a frivolous pro-choice justification for supporting Roe v Wade (WTH!, again).
With all of his experience and wisdom that he so often says Sen. Obama lacks, I expected so much more from this war veteran and American hero than what I perceived which was a spoiled, immature old man with a sense of entitlement who seems to show disdain for this young man who just so happens to be black and refuses to "understand his place" in all his naivete`. He, Sen. McCain in fact, struck me as the one not having the temperament, maturity, depth of thought nor, dare I say, intellect for the Office of Presidency of the United States. Again, with all his wisdom and experience, I would expect Sen. McCain to show a "consistent" conviction and purpose on that stage last night.
So, even though I was frustrated with Sen. McCain's unwillingness to stay on point or answer the questions directly, I shouldn't have been surprised. He promised to run a respectable campaign; he hasn't (it was Sen. Obama's fault for not agreeing to 12 townhall meetings and not accepting federal campaign funding as promised). He wasn't allowed to choose ANY of his choices for a VP running mate (and that's the truth) regardless of your impressions of Gov. Palin. It's funny that he accused Sen. Obama of being a superstar not worthy of the oval office and your trust then creates just that in Gov. Palin, the unethical hockey mom (wink, wink), abuse of power, diva-conservative, in a shallow attempt to woo women voters. In one breath Sen. McCain criticizes big government programs and handouts but supports educational vouchers (which is great as part of reform measures) which he doesn't explain how he would fund in the wake of his proposed spending freeze on all things non-essential. He is quick to bring up a fabricated "Obama-Ayers friendship" but is reluctant to expound upon a very real McCain-G.Gordon Liddy relationship amongst other questionable associations.
He has allowed his campaign and the far-right influence to use the politics of fear, distrust, hypocrisy, distortion, and, in some cases, outright lies and hatred in an effort to retain power at all cost. There is a saying that "perception is reality"; well, maybe in this case reality is the thing being perceived. And, from where is sit, we, as a country, cannot afford a Presidential puppet without the conviction, focus, tolerance, purpose or the judgment and temperament to lead and inspire a diverse and, what may be a divided, nation in time when the world is complicated and volatile. Just my dollar for what it's worth in these economic times.
When I consider a president, especially in this time of war, I have to consider how will our president be perceived by the rest of the world. McCain's temperament seems weak and easily stirred up, and I can only picture McCain insulting our remaining allies (like Bush started) while he smiles into the camera - and wonder why people want to smack suicide planes into our financial and government institutions. I agree with McCain on one thing, McCain should NEVER talk to one of our enemies without pre-condition. Can you imagine him talking to the president of N. Korea like that?! Man, they would be warming up missiles just for us.
Obama said in the first debate that we are losing our luster as a super power to the rest of the world. I agree. I feel like our government borrows (and steals) from other countries and gives it to our oil dealers - and watches as our own families suffer and go broke in crisis. That doesn't sound like a super-power, that sounds like a crack head. In my own words, we have to stop allowing our government to be economic crack heads. Barack talks about clean energy, McCain's laughing like, "drill now!". Well, he can keep "hitting the pipeline" if he wants to. We need to shake this addiction. McCain also talks about building Nuclear power plants like he's opening up Burger Kings. He's not talking about the 10+ years and 300+ million dollars it takes to build each one! And who is going to pay for that during his spending freeze?!
I felt upset for Obama though, I admit. He was attacked and I felt angry that he was not fighting back. I wanted Barack to say something to put him in check. But in the end I believe that he made the right decision and handled himself... like a president. He was a much better man than me. My first debate would have ended up on Pay-Per-View, and the second on Fox News. I have MUCH more respect for Barack now (after seeing him stand in the fire against McCain) than before. I felt more confident about him being a leader in the times our country faces now.
I didn't agree with Pro-Choice. But I respected the fact that Obama didn't side-step the question. He was honest, he stated his point, and he didn't make any excuse about how he felt. Even after McCain's reference to him being a "murderer" and "extremist" I still felt Obama had enough poise to make his point and allow me to understand that "we are not going to agree on everything, but we will work on the best solution together. no one is pro-abortion. "
Unfortunately, McCain's answer seemed very fake to me. If you are trying to reverse Roe VS Wade why would you NOT pick the justices to do so? Be honest. He called Barak a "murderer" for the bills he didn't support, but if he was given the chance to do something about it - he wouldn't??? Did he lose voters for that?
I KNOW people were counting on him to stand up on that issue. But McCain was more focused on attacking Obama than taking any type of stand on his own campaign.
With a $700+ billion bailout package for the finance industry, $25bil that went to our auto makers, (who knows how much went to the airline industry when they were going bankrupt), and the $12+ billion/month we put in Iraq and Afghanistan... Our taxes are going to be raised, I don't care who is president. Don't believe any man that tells you the next president won't raise taxes. It doesn't matter how much government spending we cut, we have to account for what has been spent. The question is, "Who is going to pay for the bulk of it?" Middle income families and small businesses have been flipping the bill up to this point. Time for a change...
t
octavaisw@aol.com [mailto:octavaisw@aol.com]
Man! I'm loving yall views. I wish it was a way these conversations could be made public. I want to hear from the Republicans though. What are your thoughts? I'm in total agreeance with the statements so far, but I'm definitely open to a discussion on this. To me, I find it hard for someone to watch that debate and not come away with the same conclusion as the previous emails, but we may all be being bias. I would love to hear a different perspective. If u have Republican friends, forward this to them and ask them to respond so we can see what they think about it.
To be honest with you, Republicans don't talk, they vote. Of the 200+ coworkers I have around me no one talks about the debates or tries to figure out who has better economic policies. But judging by the line of "McCain/Palin" bumper stickers I see in the parking lot - I know what time it is.
My wife asked me Monday to turn the radio on the Michael Basin show to hear what he was talking about. On accident, I had the radio on 107 AM (instead of 107.7 FM) I listened for the next 15 minutes as people called in and bashed Obama. The announcer laughed and agreed. One caller though summed it up nicely, he said...
"There is no Republican candidate this year - Just Pro-Obama and Anti-Obama." Even McCain is campaigning AGAINST Republicans. He criticizes his own party, blames them for excessive spending, and distances himself from Bush. McCain's would be better suited as an independent than a "maverick" Republican.
I wanted to give McCain a chance; I watched the Republican Convention; I listened to Palin; I ignored her crazy interviews, I even tried to Google McCain's policies on economy, US security, energy, and immigration (which they never talked about). I wanted BOTH parties to make sense so I could make the best decision. But if you Google "McCain Policies" you will see that he really doesn't take a stand on anything, he just says that everything that Obama says is wrong, and everything that went wrong the last 8 years he tried to warn his Republicans and they didn't listen. If you go to his site, his policies for the future IS the same as Bush's.
We won't hear from Republicans. Especially not to defend McCain. Just like we didn't when Bush ran. Everyone seemed to hate Bush - until he won.
But I realized (when I accidentally turned it on the wrong radio station) everyone has there own channels to get their message out. This just happens to be the Obama channels. CNN, Newsweek, even Fox you hear "Obama is doing great!". Turn to the AM stations though and hit scan. You will find plenty of Republicans talking to other Republicans. Just make sure you are sitting down, it won't be nice. I haven't found a place yet where both parties can talk openly. If you find one, let us know.
By the way, check out http://sunstretching.blogspot.com/
Crystal, your blog is great.
terrell.prothow
I'm a Republican and to a certain extent you're right. Most Republicans don't do much talking. Their minds are made up before the debates ever start. Not all, but most of us vote for the party and not the person. I'm sure most of you disagree with that but that's the way it is. To many voters debates are pointless. Usually, debates are for those individuals who change party lines based on who's running for office. In many cases Republicans feel that their party fits their lifestyle so they will continue to vote for the party despite whoever is running. What's funny to me is this. Most celebs push for Democrats to get into office. But a bet once they get into that voting booth "if they go" they vote Republican. Why? Republicans want to save the rich money and Democrats would like to tax them more. So for PR they say Rock the Vote.... Vote for the Democrat. That's funny to me. California is the most Liberal state... Or maybe New York is.... They both have Republican Governors. Wow..... To celebs the common folk are their customers, so of course they want to look good in the eyes of the public. They adopt kids from overseas when their are American kids starving. But that is their choice and I'm not mad at them. But when a black person doesn't vote for the Bi-racial candidate ... You're looked at as if you are turning you back on your Race. And that is not the case for me. I do my best not to see color. So to me it doesn't matter the color or race of the candidate. Only the content of his character and his relationship with God. I think Barack is a great guy, but my mind is made up. There are many things that I can go into detail about why I wouldn't vote for him but I'm at work and not really able to go too deep into the subject. But I do enjoy reading what you all feel about the debates and the state of our country.
C Sims
Griffin, Trent H.
LOL, I see Colin Powell (republican) jumped ship it doesn't suprise me though, he is a learned, rational intelligent man. I would have enjoyed seeing how the republicans would be torn if Barack had reached across the aisle chosen him as a running mate. Craig I hate to bust part of your bubble.... but New York actually has a democratic Governor and California waivers frequently between democratic and Republican governors (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_California_Governors). , which seems to be contrary with your sweeping indictment.....it seems prove they are not liberal or conservative ....They seem to vote their interest not a party, unlike some states/people. It's a sign of intelligence which needs to be interjected into this political process more often. I am an independent.....I cross the line all the time depending on my interest and the interest of society and while I am intrigued by this election in particular ....
Interestingly enough to me The statement that has resonated with my beliefs about Barack was just made recently by a republican.....
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell announced Sunday that he will be voting for Sen. Barack Obama, citing the Democrat's "ability to inspire" and the "inclusive nature of his campaign."
Former Secretary of State Colin Powell says he is voting for Barack Obama.
"I think he is a transformational figure, he is a new generation coming onto the world stage, onto the American stage......
I like inclusion, for many years I have felt left out, out of coffee pot discussions, out of decisions about "our" future, out of the loan approval proccess LOL , out of out community developement....out of everything this candidate includes me in..... I don't want to point out the obvious.... but when you look at the candidates crowds for one candidate ....the crowd is almost homogenious ...a sea of salt with a few well placed grains of pepper placed strategically for the camera.... When I look at the other candidates crowd I see the kind of diversity coming together in unity that overwhelms me with a sense of pride about what America is supposed to be. I feel included in the things that I have been not. Because of this I will never again side myself with one party I will only align myself with the issues. I will not align myself with personal attacks ....I will align myself with qualifications, I will not align myself with just what's good for me....I will align myself with what's better for the nation.
New York does have a Democratic Governor at this time. I was thinking of their Mayor. But you have your opinion and I have mine. Those are the two most liberal states in this country. I'm not surprised to see Collin jump ship. I'm sure many Black Republicans will. But as far as how people vote really isn't based on their intelligence its based on what they feel is best in their life. When it comes to voting there is no right or wrong way. It only matters that you vote and your voice will be heard.
Eliot Spitzer was the last elected Governor of New York. We remember the Bang Up Job he did in Office. Reminds me of Clinton a bit. Anyway back to my point. George Pataki (Republican) was in office before Spitzer.
# Name Took Office Left Office Party Lt. Governor Terms 53 George Pataki January 1, 1995 December 31, 2006 Republican Betsy McCaughey Ross 3
Mary O. Donohue
54 Eliot Spitzer January 1, 2007 March 17, 2008 Democratic David Paterson ½[22]
55 David Paterson March 17, 2008 Incumbent Democratic Joseph Bruno
(Acting) ½[11][23]
c sims
Tish Johnson
We need to do more research before we start spreading the WRONG information. Let's do some fact checking here......check out these links:
http://truthfightsback.com/smear/281/
http://www.factcheck.org/askfactcheck/are_three_former_fannie_mae_executives_economic.html
Best Wishes,
Tish
truthfightsback is the website run by the Obama campaign, correct? Is this the unbiased research solely listed here?
Derrick Williams
There's another link listed....check CNN....check the newspapers......most of the claims made below are MISLEADING and NOT TRUE.....All I'm saying is check out ALL sources before spreading the word.
Just wondering...Holly, where did your information come from? I don't see a source listed.
Best Wishes,
Tish
Tish,
You are so right about sources.... anyone can (and does sometimes) shape some truth out of a pack of lies....but I'm from Missouri....you're gonna have to show me. This is a sight I reference in peeling the layers of untruth's..... In addition to pointing out the lies it, details the complete history of how it got to be one..... Same for the truth... It s kind of interesting to see which party/supporters have told more lies and the magnitude of them. Both parties/supporters have told some.....but one of these parties clearly has a long growing wooden nose....and a devout following...LOL
http://politifact.com/truth-o-meter/
Griffin, Trent H.
Comments from CDW..... I'm not sure if everyone got this. But here it is.
I'm new to this conversation but after reading the last email I've decided to weigh in, it appears that there is some widespread misconception over who exactly makes up the Republican Party. The generalized face of the party depicts high income, low moral executives, such as the Enron and AIG people. This would be the same type of stereotyping that says all Democrats are fringe-based, cross dressing lunatics that are trying to erase the Constitution. Both images are cultivated from extreme viewpoints of fundamental beliefs of each party. The average Republican voter is so because of three main criteria:
1) Fiscally conservative (lower taxes, spending in more controlled areas such as state programs and military funding)
2) Morally conservative (opposition to same sex marriage, abortion, gun control)
3) Smaller government promoting state's rights.
As for 'big business' Republicans, the reason that they have such a bad rep is that you actually need a working knowledge of economics to understand the process. Let's begin with the highly controversial proposed tax cuts for large companies, specifically oil companies. Now everyone knows that oil companies have posted obscene profits for years, and on the surface it would seem fair to 'get a piece' or make them 'share the wealth'. In reality what happens is that investors in other areas of business see government intervention and penalty over high profits. Real estate investors, Commercial developers see that high profits are being met with higher taxes, and slow down the amount they invest in new business. The argument is "no wait, they are only taxing the oil companies! And they make soooo much money!!" but the reality is once government is allowed to high tax one area of industry, it is not long before they are reaching into pockets of every other revenue they can find. A great example of this is the structured "buy in" to major banks, the 5% preferred stock interest alone is said to rival projected tax dollars in the same amount of time. Smart investors will pull out, eventually sending the country further into recession.
But wait, Republicans not only want to NOT give higher taxes, they want to CUT business tax!!!1 omg!!
Look, the reason for this is ugly but simple: it costs a lot of money to work in America. Foreign emerging markets are thriving at a fraction of the cost of stateside business; commercial development costs, union wages, competitive salary and most of all, healthcare coverage are forcing more businesses to consider overseas presence than ever before. And it's simple: the US currently has a 35% business tax, second highest in the world. Ireland has a 12% tax. Suddenly long walks on the Irish countryside seem inviting.
US businesses need an incentive to stay home and employ American workers.
What this comes down to is that we live in a capitalist society. We get what we work for, we make ourselves into what we want, and the success or failure in life comes from what we put into it. We've proven that this works better than communism and socialism, because in human nature, if everyone is treated equal regardless of effort, then ambition will fail.
Most Democrats forgot to read Animal Farm in lit class, and skipped Economics altogether.
Yes we did see that, you can check the names list next to "Cc:" to see if people got it next time so you don't belabor the same mistatements redundantly LOL .....Just a clue.
Griffin, Trent H.
There are point in there CDW that I can understad.....if this were still a free market society
J Slater
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