More reflections on Friday's debate
Herb Smith, political science professor at McDaniel College and one of our most astute observers of politics and political polling, had time to reflect on his initial comments on Friday nights debate. Smith thought Obama had been too nice-nice with McCain, agreeing with his opponent's points more than any presidential debater, Republican or Democrat, since Richard Nixon in 1960. But apparently this didn't bother independent voters, the majority of whom said they prefered Obama's answers in the debate, according to surveys and polls. Here are Smith's Sunday morning reflections:
"Why instant analysis is often wrong: My initial reaction to the Friday debate was that Obama had been excessively deferential to McCain with numerous "John is right"'s or variations thereof. But we must always remember that the amount of spontaneity in these staged confrontations is minimal. Obama knew precisely what he was doing -- he was targeting his message to the only group that counts in these closing weeks, the undecided voters. As a group, they are predominately of independent partisan affiliation or very weak Democrats and Republicans (probably in that order). I suspect that this group dislikes rhetorical negatives and wants the candidates to play nice. That's precisely what Obama did. McCain played to his base ("What Senator Obama doesn't understand . . . ") and Republicans like their meat raw.
"Although I've read that the McCain campaign is already broadcasting a "John is right" commercial in the battleground states, that's not a mind-changer. Most political communications these days only reinforce existing attitudes. Obama voters like Obama TV spots and McCain voters like his. But again, this election hinges on the undecideds, an ever dwindling target group. Again, in the debate, Obama focused on the folks he has to win. McCain sang to his already established choir.
"It's ironic that McCain belittled Obama on the difference between strategy and tactics. Obama appears to have a much firmer grasp on both in the presidential campaign context. Of course, given his history, that's no surprise. This is the guy who beat Hillary, the odds-on favorite. Remember, McCain's primary opposition were two one-term governors. . . ."
Comments
McCain was unable make eye contact with Obama which makes him look weak and cowardly. He seemed edgy and uncomfortable throughout. Obama became relaxed and in charge. McCain has been having a tough time zeroing in on a clear message. In part this is because he has changed his message so often - he often reverses position and parrots what Obama says. Earmarks - are his one-trick pony for the economy - he had nothing else to offer except a continuation of disastrous Bush policies. McCain’s failed theatrical ploy of canceling the debate, his failure to dominate Obama on foreign policy and failure to separate himself from the last eight years of the Bush nightmare proved McCain’s undoing. Obama clearly emerged as the winner.
Posted by: jefflz | September 28, 2008 12:16 PM
By his own admission, McCain is a maverick who is willing to gamble on making personal decisions. That he got lucky and came out ahead in the past is not indicative of how things will turn out in the future. We cannot gamble our nation’s future on gambling instincts. We need someone who can reason and plan ahead of time. If the decision to name Mrs. Palin as his vice president is any indication, his luck ran out. Had she been a man, she would have been asked to resign a long time ago. Mrs. Palin may be a good governor for Alaska, but in the lower 48 states, she is an embarrassment for McCain and the Republican Party. If she is a reflection of McCain's ability to appoint quality people in his future administration, we as a nation are in for many surprises. It also speaks volumes why being a maverick is not a good qualification to be president of the United States.
Posted by: Eddie Zalez | September 28, 2008 12:42 PM
DIGNITY
1. The quality or state of being worthy of esteem or respect.
2. Inherent nobility and worth.
3. Serenely self-possessed and free from agitation especially in times of stress,
4. Poise and self-respect.
5. Stateliness and formality in manner and appearance.
6. Serious, calm, and controlled behaviour or manner
7. The quality of being worthy of honour
4. The respect and honor associated with an important position.
Even though one would think this would be a requirement for the office of POTUS, its been a long time since we have had a president worthy of being called DIGNIFIED. Call me old fashioned but I believe that the cool, calm and steady Obama has it and the hot headed drama queen McCain doesn't.
Posted by: birdonawire | September 28, 2008 9:22 PM
My fear with Obama's agreeable attitude with his debate opponent is simply this, "Will he have the same agreeable-ness with our Country's opponents?" Do we really want someone in the Whitehouse who agrees with our enemies?
Posted by: David | October 1, 2008 7:23 AM