Presidential Debates 2008 Round 1
Width and depth
After viewing the debate and before listening to pundits, I saw U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) provide significant depth and width to issues of foreign policy and national security. U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) also provide width but lacked depth.
Style vs. substanceSen. Obama presented his marquee style while Sen. McCain displayed seriousness, though both were relevant and sober about the issues. McCain showed substance, reflecting his 26 years of congressional experience and knowledge of foreign policy and national security.
Score: McCain 67 vs. Obama 33
Based on a 100 scale, I saw Obama garner 33 points with his style and limited grasp of the national/international issues. McCain significantly overcame Obama's effort with personal experiences, personal details and a wealth of understanding of leaders and foreign policy and national security issues.
Obama lost an opportunity but still has a chance--later
Obama has another opportunity later when the issues focus on domestic as well as economic issues. Obama was very competitive with McCain early in this first debate when the discussion concentrated on domestic and economic issues, but his lack of a substantive platform and bold details prevented him from taking an early lead. As the debate left the domestic context, McCain left Obama feeling the waves as McCain left with his Navy ship sailing around the Seven Seas with a strong grasp of the issues.
What are your thoughts, not the pundits thoughts, yours?
A Drudgereport.com poll of over 168,000 voters: 68% McCain, 31% Obama, 2% neither won (Sep. 27, 2008 at 1:ooam). Again, what do you think after seeing the debate with your own eyes?
No comments:
Post a Comment