"That one"
[Since my blog host was down for a couple of days, I didn't get to post this...but dang it, I spent time writing it...besides, I want it in my archives]
John McCain's YouTube Moment:
No, I don't think it was racist, but it *was* arrogant and disrespectful.
The CNN focus group, especially Independents, didn't like it either. Even the Republican talking heads in the CNN newsroom said McCain was "condescending."
His extreme derisiveness towards Barack Obama, unwilling to call him by name, seriously undercuts the notion that McCain can be a cool operator on the world stage.
YooHoo John McCain -- you are soon going to call That One "Mr. President."
The early polls say Barack Obama came out on top in this debate...that makes it three zip for the Democrats.
But we didn't learn anything new. A blah debate, really...mostly stump speeches from both of them.
We were promised an interactive "town hall"...where audience member could quiz the candidates live, and Brokaw would channel the questions asked by citizens online. It could've been exciting, with Obama and McCain freed from podiums and mixing it up a bit.
Yet, Brokaw complained about time and chided the Senators if they attempted to do something interesting. Odd contrast to the last debate when Lehrer practically begged them to engage with each other.
The dozens of town hall "real people" were just TV props, not allowed to make a peep except to ask their questions, let alone a follow-up or reaction shot.
So, the debate organizers failed. Considering our national crisis and record voter registration, we voters are paying more attention to this political process than ever before, and we deserved something better...like seeing our candidates put on the spot, to free fall or defend their positions.
Too, it must be said that both campaigns negotiated debate rules so that their candidate would not make a mistake.
Obama did well, he not only once again spoke directly to the viewers AND the group in the room, repeatedly referring to them as "You"... he also answered the questions thoroughly, with fully formed thoughts, a beginning, middle and an end.
McCain was all over the map, shifting focus. I thought he took a hit when he denied the "Bomb Iran" song. I mean, who hasn't seen the tape?
Obama is simply outclassing McCain on substance, and also style...both in this debate and the first one. Even a Republican in CNN's newsroom said Obama displayed stature, presidential stature, when McCain attacked him. He sat on that stool and he smiled...proving that he can handle tough moments.
One of the debate highlights was when Obama turned McCain's condescending "Senator Obama doesn't understand" against him. Notice how the approval lines go up:
For me, getting us out of that Iraq mess is the best reason to vote for Barack Obama. Period.
McCain has to be the first ever presidential candidate to talk about his need for hair plugs in a debate...and while Obama was speaking, McCain sometimes wandered all over the stage like he was lost. I feel a couple of good SNL debate skits coming on...
One thing Barack Obama seems to have learned from Clinton - to hang around after the debate to work the crowd. Maybe McCain walked off the stage and left the hall early because he thought he did poorly in the debate...
BTW--I did finally find something that I agree with John McCain on -- that we need a steady hand at the helm, but that hand is Barack Obama's.
Don't worry John...you'll soon have time to get that hair transplant. James Carville says you can call the dogs in and wet the fire, this hunt's over.
Barring unforeseen circumstances, that is...
