Posted on 10/08/2008 5:11:17 AM PDT by XR7
Neither presidential candidate was selling "morning in America." At times it seemed more like a competition to see who could paint the gloaming in the least unsettling hues.
Tuesday night's presidential debate was remarkable for the dourness of its mood...the frequently subdued demeanors of the candidates even as they tore into each other, which they did with somewhat less vigor and venom than expected, given how little time remains until Election Day, given how nasty the campaign had turned in recent days.
The debate — the second of three, and the only one to be conducted in a town-hall style — came on a day the stock market closed nearly 1,700 points lower than it had on the day of their first debate. Even then, Sen. Barack Obama already was talking of the country's worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
The situation now looks gloomier still, with markets in other continents tumbling — with a world of hurt at hand. And the sort of can-do, feel-good, rah-rah exuberance that candidates sometimes bring to forums like Tuesday night's was in conspicuously short supply.
"I'm going to ask the American people to understand that there are some programs we're going to have to eliminate," Sen. John McCain said at one point, and he said it not as a defiant assertion of waste but as a rueful acceptance of reality.
Obama, referring to rising oil prices and limited oil supplies, said moments later, "There is going to be the need for each and every one of us to start thinking about how we use energy."
There were echoes — almost — of Jimmy Carter in that sentence. When was the last time a candidate vying for the highest office in the land summoned a memory of him rather than Ronald Reagan?
(Excerpt) Read more at seattletimes.nwsource.com ...
There were echoes — almost — of Jimmy Carter in that sentence. When was the last time a candidate vying for the highest office in the land summoned a memory of him rather than Ronald Reagan?
And, we do not seem to be producing anymore Ronald Reagans, sadly.
The men of "The Greatest Generation" are quickly all passing into eternity.
[McCain] insisted as well that he alone had a record of bipartisanship — that Obama was too liberal to reach across party lines.
Is it just me, or have we all just about had it with all the wimpy "reaching across party lines" talk?
I didn’t watch the debate.
Did McCain even bother to mention the whole mortgage fiasco, ACORN, Freddie and Fannie, and the reason the country is even in this mess?
I’m guessing that he did not.
What the HELL is the matter with him?
It is MADDENING!
McCain needs this kind of attack:
“Where are Obama’s college transcripts and writings, that we might evaluate his formative years?”
“Where are Obamas’s executive qualifications, given that he gained office unopposed, and has initiated no meaningful legislation?”
“Should we place more confidence in his liberal voting record of raising taxes and undermining national defense, or should we believe his pandering campaign rhetoric?”
“Not a record to be trusted in these challenging times!”
McCain pointed the finger at the Democrats and Obama for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
McCain hit several zingers last night. Too many people are consumed with waiting for McCain to hit a home run out of the park. McCain, rather is on the mound, throwing some nasty pithes at Obama that is making Obama look very bad at the plate.
Voters are going to start doubting Obama's ability to lead when McCain finishes.
There was no place, IMO, where McCain could have logically moved it to character issues. This, of course, is a major issue.
Too bad the game is almost over.
Yes he mentioned it but there was no follow up and it didn’t seem to hit home. No one’s talking about it this morning. I’ll be listening to Rush today and I’m guessing he’s going to be really pissed McCain didn’t unload on Barry.
McCain is going to win.
It was boring because it was pretty much a rehash of the first debate. McCain got in some good hits but he didn’t do it well enough, IMO. I somehow doubt that voter fraud, Ayers, and other things that hurt 0bama will be in the last debate either. McCain talks a lot about freedom but didn’t bring up “truth squads” and other threats like that. Maybe he can do it in the last debate but by then I don’t think there will be enough time to change the game.
Will Schieffer be any better than the other two by asking about gun control, abortion, the fairness doctrine and other hot issues? I somehow doubt it but those are areas where McCain could score some points.
Whatever. Look at past polls from other elections. In the end, the people will vote on who can effectively step in to do the job. We are still coming off the economic crisis bump for Nobama. That is starting to fade.
I often wonder why these so-called conservative candidates don't have Rush coaching them, instead of their wussy handlers. Seems that Rush has pretty good success at feeling the pulse of the country. Why doesn't McCain, et al, pay attention?
Yeah.
Maybe.
But there is only one debate left.
And, McCain did a good job last night to make sure nobody watches the next one.
This is a rino problem, but for all it's worth McCain has actually done it! McCain can actually point out the fact he's reached across party lines and sided with DBM/dems. Obama is just a liberal, socialist, hack, who hasn't done jack!
I'm waiting for the October surprise, McCain better think about bringing it because he didn't score any points with the base last night!
Rush said the other day that if he got lost driving around and came within 5 miles of McCain election headquarters he would be arrested. There’s zero love lost between those two.
Four debates and all four moderators are liberal Democrats—perhaps Brokaw is the least partisan and Schieffer the most partisan of the four.
What about love of country, for cryin' out loud!
It’s over.
Obama wins.
If Mclame thought that acting like the rats was going to improve his election chances he is mistaken.
I felt like I was watching a sinking ship when he said that he wants to bail out home mortgages.
McLame helped me with getting to sleep though.
There are more of THEM [libs] than there are of US. IMHO, it is that simple.
I think it is safe to say the politicians that (at least) pretend to be conservative listen to Rush and other conservative commentary, and likely read on sites like Free Republic. In the case of Rush, he is so vilified by the left, I think politicians are better served to leave him in that role and take his advice by proxy.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.