Town Hall Debate
I'm watching the town hall debate between McCain and Obama right now on the New York Times, though my curiously fluctuating internet connection has made this experience more frustrating than it ought to be. With five minutes left and my internet pretty much kaput, I'll make it as much of an informed comment as possible.
Both candidates predictably used the debate to rephrase and expound upon their campaign stump speeches. If this meant ignoring or sidestepping audience questions, then so be it. I can't blame either candidate for this, as a format that discourages candidates from exceeding 90 seconds in their responses doesn't allow for much thoughtful conversation. Or any conversation, at all. The most frustrating moment that I saw was when moderator Tom Brokaw admonished the candidates for actually engaging each other in a back-and-forth rather than sticking to the colored lights that indicate time.
Obama didn't stumble during this debate, and at first blush I would say that he acquitted himself rather well. My favorite Obama line: "countries in economic decline have never, in history, maintained military superiority". From a political standpoint, his blunt declaration that he will kill Osama Bin Laden and "crush" al-Qaeda was unusually bold for a Democrat.
McCain didn't stumble, either, and he wisely allowed his sense of humor to shine through. On matters of substance, he really tried to position himself again as a maverick Republican, repeatedly stressing his deviations from Bush-Cheney policy and reminding voters that he hasn't always been very "popular". However, McCain failed to win this debate decisively, which is what he had to do in order to change the momentum of the race.
Also, I don't think the townhall format did the aging Senator much of a service. When approaching voters, he appeared hunched-over and doddering, in sharp contrast to the tall and graceful-seeming Obama. His poor posture, pale skin, thinning white hair, and reedy speaking voice are all drawbacks, particularly on a subconscious level. The last two septuagenarian presidential candidates, Bob Dole and Ronald Reagan, were robust and youthful-looking for their age. McCain isn't.
In any event, let me re-state my caveat; I didn't watch the entire debate, so I could have missed something quite relevant. However, my gut reaction is that this debate won't change the election dynamic. Good news for Obama.
UPDATE: Having watched more video clips and read more analysis of the debate, I believe the exchange between Obama and McCain over Iran and Pakistan was very deftly handled by Obama. McCain, known as a hawk, oddly criticized Obama for his mildly bellicose comments regarding Pakistan. He cited his political hero, Theodore Roosevelt, and admonished Obama for not "speaking softly and carrying a big stick". Obama instantly turned these words against McCain, citing the latter's embarrassing "Bomb bomb bomb Iran" comment as well as serious statements regarding North Korea and Iraq. McCain, sitting on his stool, looked chastened and mustered only an uneasy smile. A good moment for Obama.
October 8th, 2008 - 21:20
Yeah, I also think it is good news for Obama. The media highlighted McCain’s outright disdain for “that one”, especially showing him refuse a handshake at the end. For people on the fence, I don’t think that looks good.
I’m still scared about the Ayers thing though. They are still doing a good job of making Obama look radical and different from the average Joe.
October 9th, 2008 - 09:47
I’m not too concerned about Ayers. With the economy as it is, I suspect few Americans really care much about Obama’s fleeting connections to a 60s radical. Were Obama himself a 60s radical who sympathized with Ayers, then sure. But this is small potatoes and there are more pressing issues on the mind of the electorate.
I actually think the Jeremiah Wright issue might resurface, as that association is potentially far more damaging than Obama’s relationship with Ayers. Obama and Wright clearly had a close relationship, and Wright has said some pretty provocative things. As McCain gets more desperate I wouldn’t be surprised if he tries to tar Obama with Wright again. I’m surprised he hasn’t already.
October 10th, 2008 - 00:43
If they emphasize the Jeramiah Wright matter, Obama needs to counter with the extreme views of McCain’s minister friend in Texas (can’t remember the name) and the laying of hands and driving out the witches video with Palin and her minister in Alaska. Maybe that is why they prefer to emphasize the Ayers item.