Presidential Debate Live Thread

By Big Tent Democrat, Section Elections 2012
Posted on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:36:13 PM EST
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Live Thread. Live Blogging to Commence as Soon as Possible. (Added (TL): I'll fill in till BTD arrives and then add my thoughts in comments.

90 minutes about domestic issues. 6 15 min segments. 2 minute answers for first question with remainder of time open. Lehrer picked the questions. There will be 3 on the economy, 1 each on health care, role of government and role of governing. They will focus on differences, specifics and choices. (Good luck with that.)

The audience will be silent. [More...]

First question is how they would create jobs. Mitt talks about trickle down, Lehrer asks Obama about trickle down, he deflects and responds with what he wants to talk about.

BTD - I'm here. Listend to the first minutes on the radio. Both sounded nervous. Watching now/

I think the President effectively manuevered the issue to Romney's crazy tax plan. Romney simply has no answer.

I though Romney was smart to tell a "human story" to start his presentation.

But I think he is on weak ground on his tax plan. I like the reference to arithmetic by Obama.

Second half of first segment going well for Obama.

Donald Trump is a "small business" according to Romney. Good line.

Finally!! We've tried both approaches. Romney = Bush! I am Bill Clinton! This is a winner!!!

Romney sounds a little frantic and frazzled now. He started better.

By contrast, the President seems to have found his groove. This is turning the President's way imo.

President is in command of this debate now.

Again, Romney simply seems frantic to me.

President Obama missed a put right down the middle - Romney says you "can't balance the budget by raising taxes." The President should have said ; "That's what Republicans aid to Bill Clinton." I can not believe he missed that. Just a terrible miss by the President. Instead some blather.

What a missed opportunity.

Romney - "an accounting treatment." Ugh. This part of the segment, both candidate have simply not been good.

Romney messing this part up imo. Saving Obama who missed a home run pitch. Again, Romney much too frantic. A lot of word salads being offered.

A practice answer that is obviously practiced by Obama on "the values" of Social Security nd Medicare. Really don't like it but probably plays well in Florida, etc.

Still don't understand how Obama missed the fat pitch Romney threw him.

One theme I've seen in the comments strikes me as bizarre - you think Romney;s frantic approach is effective? When you are running for President? No, a thousand times no. Even when you deliver shivs, you have to do it with calm and presence. Romney may have made some points, but the presentation was awful.

President banging on Medicare. Romney's not you seniors, President says well I guess if you are 54 you better listen. Nice line.

Good spot for the President imo.

No denial of the voucher system by Romney. Touting of the private insurance system is a winner! NOT!

President killing Romney on Medicare. Just killing him.

Banks are overregulated says Romney. This is a winner. Oy.

In the President's wheelhouse. Tough reforms on Wall Street is popular. Romney is against that.

Boom!

The funniest part of your comments is the notion that Romney is monopolizing the time. Obama has spoken more folks.

Whatever folks think about ObamaCare by now, nothing anyone is going to say will change that now.

Likeable Obama.

Good segment on smart care from Obama.

That statement was rather incoherent by the President. It started well on how Romney does not explain his plans, but then petered into incoherence.

The Tenth Amendment? Really

BTW, officially bored now.

best 2 minutes for Romney right there. Why he did not basically take that tack the whole debate is not clear to me.

This is a bore. I think they both have run out of steam.

Ugh. That's a zinger? President is losing steam and is boring now, but Romney, yeesh.

Lehrer was terrible no doubt.

Obama a little better on this answer but last 10 to 15 minutes was not stellar from either.

I think this was a pretty crappy debate performance wise by all 3, but I think the President did what he needed to do and Romney struck me as frantic and on the defensive for too much of this debate. Romney seemed to forget his theme should have been jobs jobs jobs. He spent way too much time defending his cockamamie "plans" instead of laying out how the President had failed.

Romney listened to too many people telling him he needed to "lay out a vision." He needed to criticize the President's vision.

In my view, Romney failed, and frankly, the opening was there because the President missed many opportunities.

Neither distinguished himself and Jim Lehrer was particularly bad.

But the President made this about Romney's phony plans and that was not what Romney should have allowed the debate to be about.

He spent too much time on defense.

A lousy debate substantively. No change in the race.

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Presidential Debate Live Thread | 202 comments (202 topical)

I know I don't like Romney on my TV (5.00 / 1) (#2)
by lilburro on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:52:58 PM EST

and I know who I'm voting for so...I'm out! Free glass night at the local pub is too inviting. My only regret is that I'm going to miss the live thread but I am excited to catch up. Keep it real and enjoy everybody!!!

If body language matters (5.00 / 1) (#3)
by Towanda on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:54:18 PM EST

at least as an excuse to take another swig in the debate drinking game, here is an analysis in the NYTimes today of why, so it says, Romney projects better body language.

I have no idea whether this is credible or cr*p. I don't tend to look at the guy, for fear that he will be fake-tan orangey again or will look back at with me those cyborg eyes. <shudder>

Unbelievable! (none / 0) (#9)
by sallywally on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:02:08 PM EST

Romney walks as though he is wearing that underwear and talks in an equally wooden way, as far as arm waving, head movements, voice usage, facial expressions, etc.

I'm not surprised that they are coming up with this though. I'll bet the lame-stream media give this debate to Romney regardless.


: OMG (5.00 / 1) (#13)
by lilburro on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:05:18 PM EST

I have it on on my way out the door and I just cannot stand Romney. Cyborg eyes indeed. And his campaign has been simply gross with the racialized attacks.

Just put on my eye black and chest butted my wife (5.00 / 2) (#4)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:54:35 PM EST

... ready to go!!!

I'm going to watch (5.00 / 1) (#8)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:02:02 PM EST

PBS I think. I can't stand the talking heads, and we don't get C-span in HD. But I have a live stream going on the computer to take screen shots.

: "...and we don't get C-span in HD" (none / 0) (#28)
by unitron on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:17:42 PM EST

I'll take my Romney pictures with as little detail and as much gauzy-ness as possible, please.

Romney looks disdainful already... (5.00 / 2) (#14)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:06:07 PM EST

Flag pins (5.00 / 1) (#15)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:06:27 PM EST

Check.

Economic patriotism (5.00 / 1) (#16)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:06:49 PM EST

Like that line

Romney is doing well so far... (5.00 / 1) (#22)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:14:32 PM EST

Obama needs to engage Romney and not just talk to the camera.

: Yes (none / 0) (#24)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:15:48 PM EST

He's lying through his teeth, but he does it well.

: .... and Obama just did. Good. (none / 0) (#25)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:15:58 PM EST

: I fear that's so (none / 0) (#29)
by Towanda on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:18:36 PM EST

because Romney is such a believable liar.

I wish Obama could counter (5.00 / 1) (#31)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:19:52 PM EST

Romney's assertion that he's not lowering the rate the high-income people pay, by explaining that the wealthy will get the run up the brackets and benefit by lower rates at the lower income levels.

Romney's plan does not add up - but Romney's going to keep telling everyone it does in the hope they believe it.

Did Mitt just call his sons liars? (5.00 / 1) (#32)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:20:02 PM EST

He said he has five sons and he's used to people not telling the truth. Odd analogy.

: Yeah, that was a "huh?" (none / 0) (#35)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:21:53 PM EST

: I'm sure it won't be the last one... (none / 0) (#37)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:22:58 PM EST

Jim Lehrer really doesn't have control of this debate format; it's almost like there is no moderator.
And if Obama doesn't start meeting Romney's wonkiness head-on, he's going to lose control of it, too.

Pretty good knock by O (5.00 / 1) (#38)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:23:01 PM EST

on "small businessman" Donald Trump -- but curiously didn't evoke much audience reaction. Where are the partisan Ds in the audience ...

: Audience not allowed to react (none / 0) (#43)
by Big Tent Democrat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:25:26 PM EST

Jim (5.00 / 1) (#41)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:24:56 PM EST

is not handling it well

Romney unbelievable (5.00 / 1) (#44)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:26:03 PM EST

talking about people suffering
oh ick

Sending things to states? (5.00 / 1) (#48)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:28:45 PM EST

This is the worst spending cut scheme I have ever heard.

Mitt's litmus test (5.00 / 1) (#52)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:29:56 PM EST

Is the program so critical it's worth borrowing money from China to pay for it?

He's going to cut PBS and says "Sorry, Jim."

That's just a dumb test.

: Dumb, yes, but it will play well (none / 0) (#198)
by Towanda on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 10:00:30 PM EST

with a lot of people where I live, still in the downward economic spiral, still losing jobs -- a lot of them already overseas.
Those ads some months ago (can't recall the product) about Chinese laughing at us? People still talk about those ads.

Just turned off CNN (5.00 / 1) (#54)
by the capstan on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:30:28 PM EST

Romney's tax plan seems to be in direct opposition to everything I have heard previously. Obama stammers. Don't like the way this is going. Tell the big lie and tell it often enough. Where did I learn about this technique, do you think?

Where's Krugman (5.00 / 2) (#55)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:30:32 PM EST

when you need him--and now Obama is touting his cuts..we have to do more...sh*t Simpson Bowles here we come

Paging Anne (5.00 / 1) (#56)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:30:47 PM EST

Paging Anne: Obama is doing what you said NOT to do. Obama is saying that he agrees with Romney about cuts.

: Obama believes it, that's the problem. (5.00 / 4) (#63)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:32:58 PM EST

This is going to be a pissing contest about which one of them would be a better cutter.
I hate this.

: Way agree with that (none / 0) (#60)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:32:18 PM EST

don't tout SB Obama ...obama seems on the ropes

Romney looks like (5.00 / 2) (#58)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:31:22 PM EST

a funeral home greeter - that fake smile is creeping me out.

Lehrer (5.00 / 2) (#66)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:33:31 PM EST

is a terrible moderator. He never should have let Romney get away with that lengthy extension.

Romney's just running over Lehrer.

: but he's coming off as a bully (5.00 / 3) (#70)
by DFLer on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:35:33 PM EST

or at least a member of the ruling class who expects to have his way....and deference

corporate welfare!!! (5.00 / 2) (#69)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:34:58 PM EST

YESSSS!

jobs going overseas (5.00 / 2) (#71)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:35:58 PM EST

Yesssss!

I'm wondering if the strategy (5.00 / 4) (#77)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:39:32 PM EST

was to make no mistakes.

I don't like the idea of trying to avoid losing. Obama should have been aggressive. He should have come out swinging for the fences.

I don't think people will pay much attention to the fact checkers and Romney knows it.

Oh god make him stop talking (5.00 / 2) (#78)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:39:44 PM EST

Damn it (5.00 / 1) (#80)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:41:03 PM EST

Show some passion, O, don't try to lecture us.
uh uh uh

Why does Lehrer ask them what the (5.00 / 1) (#81)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:41:31 PM EST

Differences are in their plans? Too lazy to ask a real question?

Romney's energy is running all over (5.00 / 1) (#83)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:42:24 PM EST

Obama, and Lehrer. Is Lehrer even still there - did he go off to the men's room?

To me, the more manic Romney gets, the more Obama dials down his own energy, and he's coming across flat.

I can't stand Romney, but I think he's scoring points just on enthusiasm level.

I agree. (5.00 / 1) (#109)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:54:03 PM EST

Obama the lecturing professor showed up and Lehrer is just plain AWFUL as a moderator so Romney's mania actually LIVENS this dull deadly sleep inducing event.


I think the talking time statistics will go to (none / 0) (#85)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:44:35 PM EST

Romney for sure.


Obama has been ahead (none / 0) (#91)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:46:48 PM EST

by more than a minute for a while.


: Wow, surprises me (none / 0) (#93)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:47:54 PM EST

Anne must be right about the energy effect- a lot more words per minute

: make that 3 minutes more (none / 0) (#95)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:48:40 PM EST

talking time for Obama.
18:33 to 21:35 right now.

Dd Obama just say that Medicare (5.00 / 3) (#84)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:42:38 PM EST

is a big driver of the deficit? Did I hear that right? What a crock.

Two wars and the Bush tax cuts are the big drivers of the deficit. Oh, and the Great Recession and its attendant bailouts. Not Medicare.

I guess Romney doesn't know that his (5.00 / 1) (#87)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:45:27 PM EST

running mate's budget cuts that same $700 billion from Medicare that he's ragging on Obama about.

Obama says if youre' 54 or 55 you (5.00 / 2) (#88)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:45:48 PM EST

want to listen. Mitt's changes will affect you.

My favorite moment so far (none / 0) (#92)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:46:48 PM EST

: Mitt flailing here IMO (none / 0) (#94)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:48:23 PM EST

Thank you Obama for calling out the BS (5.00 / 1) (#90)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:46:23 PM EST

On the'future plan' line. My pet peeve.

Mitt is losing steam (5.00 / 1) (#103)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:51:54 PM EST

He's on the defensive about medicare and medicaid and not as articulate as he was on his jobs speech.

He's a one trick pony, jobs/taxes. It's all he cares about and being President is about so much more.

Mitt runs over Lehrer and gets a little belligerant. He's bossy and I don't think that goes over well. Obama is much more like a steady Eddie.

yes it was just on wall street (5.00 / 1) (#106)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:53:26 PM EST

darn it O quit being bipartisan

Well, I guess when Romney loses, he (5.00 / 2) (#108)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:53:30 PM EST

can get an endorsement deal from Red Bull...he's so manic I just want to scream.

Lehrer is incompetent (5.00 / 1) (#112)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:55:05 PM EST

He should never let Romney over extend. He's allowing Romney to get in the last word and that word is nothing more than discredited right-wing talking points.

I see Romney's strategy is to just hog the stage by running over Lehrer.

it's working for Romney (5.00 / 1) (#113)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:55:15 PM EST

he's getting a lot of mileage overtalking JIm and O--o needs to fight

: Typical Republican strategy (none / 0) (#121)
by sallywally on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:01:17 PM EST

Talking over everyone else, preventing order and clarity.

on the overtalking bit (5.00 / 1) (#120)
by CST on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:00:41 PM EST

Me: wow, romney sounds like an @sshole.

My sister: that's what I thought at first too but Obama has more talking time so he's gotta get in somehow.

My dad: f*ck him.

Amen. Yes, presidential debates are what counts as "family time" around here.

God that smirk is aweful.

I'm actually (none / 0) (#126)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:05:01 PM EST

shocked that Romney is doing as well as he is considering how bad he has been on the campaign trail.


: i am not an unbiased observer (none / 0) (#146)
by CST on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:17:08 PM EST

I can't stand that guy, and in that vein I will always think he's terrible. He could be standing there saying nothing and I'd feel that way.

Obama needs (5.00 / 1) (#123)
by ZtoA on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:02:28 PM EST

visual debate coaches. Grimaces and pouts, not looking at Romney. Sneers too. and seeming testy. I so wish Romney would be bombing, but.... and Obama needs to not drop his 'g's all the time. Hope it gets better, at least visually. Sigh.

Watching with sound off (5.00 / 2) (#127)
by sallywally on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:05:17 PM EST

Romney looks like a bully, a lecturing domineering father(Republican) who sharply punctuates with his hands and head, then he turns on that revolting smirk.

: Yes, (none / 0) (#139)
by ZtoA on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:13:51 PM EST

But Obama looks disengaged and won't look at Romney. and smirks too much.

I never have liked the debates (5.00 / 3) (#128)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:06:01 PM EST

If the debates are to be continued the format should be changed into a formal debate format.

This is just ridiculous.

But I'm not at all surprised by any of this.

Obama's really not handling the defense (5.00 / 3) (#129)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:06:25 PM EST

of his own plan well at all - I've heard Romney say one thing after another that Obama could have refuted, rebutted, debunked, but Obama's in professor-mode, stumbling over the facts, and boring people to death.

This is painful to watch.

Who elects the boards at your insurance company, (5.00 / 1) (#130)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:08:09 PM EST

mitt?

Exactly (none / 0) (#133)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:09:29 PM EST

Maybe you should debate Gov. Romney.


: Nah, I'm a more stumbly speaker than Obama (none / 0) (#136)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:12:57 PM EST

: I'm willing to bet (none / 0) (#138)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:13:34 PM EST

that 90% of the posters around here are more attune with issues and could probably debate circles around Romney.

This (5.00 / 2) (#131)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:08:44 PM EST

is unbearable. Truly unbearable. I miss Bill Clinton

Can we, please, make it a law that Lehrer (5.00 / 2) (#140)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:15:06 PM EST

cannot come within 1,000 yards of a presidential debate ever again? Some sort of debate restraining order?

Obama should have done a better job (5.00 / 1) (#143)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:16:07 PM EST

of refuting that doctors will be limited in the number of tests they can do. Good thing Romney missed the chance to rehit that point with his silly response about the 10th Amendment.

: Tenth Amendment reference (none / 0) (#158)
by Peter G on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:24:06 PM EST

is a Tea Party dog whistle.

Mitt lecturing us on the (5.00 / 2) (#147)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:17:24 PM EST

Declaration of Independence and Constitution? Please.

: Yeah, that was something (none / 0) (#150)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:19:24 PM EST

Don't tell me about god .

I had to cut it off. (5.00 / 1) (#152)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:20:01 PM EST

Obama is doing a terrible job.

Why is Obama incapable of saying that (5.00 / 3) (#161)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:24:57 PM EST

the government is NOT TAKING OVER HEALTH CARE???

Romney's said it over and over and over, and Obama's just let him.

Jim Lehrer has done a TERRIBLE job "moderating" this debate.

: I'll let that mistake pass (none / 0) (#167)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:27:38 PM EST

That is such an old line it goes right past. People that believe it aren't going to change their mind now.

this is awful (5.00 / 2) (#163)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:26:03 PM EST

Obama brought the professor. Hope his debate advisers took note.

I think he did ok (none / 0) (#166)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:27:32 PM EST

Not great, but he is not going to become Bill Clinton at this point in his career.


: Yeah, I don't think he was awful (none / 0) (#171)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:29:52 PM EST

Pretty much like I expected. He is sitting on a lead and doesn't want to get too aggressive.

Line of the night, tweet from Michael Moore (5.00 / 6) (#177)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:32:13 PM EST

"@MMFlint: This is what happens when u pick John Kerry as your debate coach."

: and live in a bubble (5.00 / 3) (#187)
by NYShooter on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:41:37 PM EST

of yes-men for four years.

NBC giving the win to Romney. (5.00 / 1) (#181)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:36:23 PM EST

Calling him animated and aggressive and knowledgable. Obama, too laid back.

Not a word about the substance of their remarks. Naturally.

: I guess all of NBC is filled with nitwits. (5.00 / 1) (#182)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:36:58 PM EST

It's not just Brokaw.

: Current too giving him an edge (none / 0) (#185)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:38:43 PM EST

Not on substance but in attitude

No time to read the previous comments yet (5.00 / 1) (#184)
by shoephone on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:38:08 PM EST

si I will just say this:

Jim Lehrer was awful. A pathetic excuse for debate moderator. He let Romney (who came on like an attack dog) run the whole show. Lehrer did not have any control over the format once the debate began. Romney lied and mislead the entire way through, and never got called on it by either Lehrer or Obama. Romney was really strong, but obnoxious and dishonest. Didn't even answer the questions he was asked.

OBama sucked. Meandering, not prepared, slow on the uptake, did not refure Romney's b.s. at all, too many "uh"s, he got too wonky and arcane, and did not make the case for his policies!

How thoroughly disappointing.

Obama lost this debate.

Clue Romney dominated this one: (5.00 / 2) (#188)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:41:46 PM EST

Msnbc analysts Ed and Tweety: Where was Obama tonight?

Is anyone (5.00 / 4) (#189)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:42:14 PM EST

going to make fun of me anymore for saying that Obama is a terrible debater? This is the SAME Obama who showed up in the primaries back in '08. He did not look the least bit prepared and just let Romney hit him with lies and let them pass. Maybe Obama is not worried about winning reelection or maybe he really does not want another term. Who knows? But these debates certainly do not help him much. I would think if these debates start hurting his reelection number, someone will need to have a "come to Jesus" talk with Obama.

: You know I've always agreed with you (5.00 / 2) (#192)
by andgarden on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:45:40 PM EST

about Obama's delivery.
The country has mostly disagreed.
This one made me want to scream
UGH.

Tweety and Ed livid (5.00 / 1) (#196)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:55:08 PM EST

at Obama's soft performance. Rev Al angry out of frustration.

Chris Hayes saying it's like 2008 O debate strategy of not going aggressive, but being calm and adult.

I don't think it's 2008 any more, Chris.

: Right (5.00 / 1) (#199)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 10:02:05 PM EST

but I took it that Hayes felt the 2008 tactic was inappropriate for 2012.
I agree completely with Mathews, Obama stood there like a punching bag and he still hasn't gotten past the umming and ahhing.

This is Obama (5.00 / 3) (#200)
by koshembos on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 10:10:24 PM EST

Obama today is the Obama of the primaries in 2008. It's one and the same. I didn't think much of him in 2008 and it got much worse with time.

Democrats should wake up to protect the country and its people. We do have more Bill Clintons. Those that bad mouthed Big Dawg the last 20 years should go to confession or talk to their rabbi. (Have no idea what Muslims do; they surely have all the tools others have.)

O hits the right notes on Medicare (3.00 / 1) (#98)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:50:31 PM EST

Versus private insurance. good job.

Watching NBC's pre-debate coverage. Tom (none / 0) (#1)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:43:57 PM EST

Brokaw just did a segment with a few likely voters talking about what they want the winner to do on day 1 of his administration. A lot of the usual everybody-join-hands-and-work-together nonsense. Which, of course, Brokaw was eating up.

Help me out here, please. Was Tom Brokaw always such a nitwit? I had this memory of him during the '70s as a pretty decent journalist. Is my memory too rosy?

Yes too rosy (5.00 / 2) (#6)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:00:12 PM EST

Brokaw -- the Jay Leno of network anchors (inoffensive, corporate boss-friendly, career keeps going forever) -- has been around since the sixties, not ruffling feathers or upsetting TPTB.


Question: Was Tom Brokaw always a nitwit. (5.00 / 1) (#19)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:12:46 PM EST

Answer: YES.

He was a player in the false equivalence - balance media policies that have kept the public uninformed.


I always thought that (none / 0) (#5)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 07:56:14 PM EST

Roger Mudd was better (at least, I liked him better) and that NBC made a mistake choosing Brokaw over Mudd as sole anchor of the Nightly News in 1983. But I don't recall that Brokaw was quite this bad.


Mudd worked for CBS (none / 0) (#10)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:02:19 PM EST

Black Rock picked Rather over Mudd ca 1981. Not aware of his stint with NBC, if any.


That was earlier (none / 0) (#40)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:23:28 PM EST

When CBS chose Dan Rather, Mudd left and went to NBC to co-anchor with Brokaw. Then NBC decided to go with a single anchor and chose Brokaw over Mudd. So Mudd got shafted again.
I liked Roger Mudd better than Dan Rather, too.


Mudd was too prone to go (none / 0) (#57)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:31:08 PM EST

off script, ask tough or unwelcome Qs as he did at CBS. BRock and GE preferred the safe corporate guy (relatively vs Rather). Brokaw about as safe as you can get.


Yes, that's why (none / 0) (#64)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:33:14 PM EST

I preferred him.


: Preferred Roger Mudd, that is (none / 0) (#68)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:34:49 PM EST

n/t

Not to mention that Brokaw's (none / 0) (#7)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:01:02 PM EST

speech problems, particularly with the letter "l," are so much more pronounced now, to the point where I can't stand to listen to him. I saw part of his pre-debate coverage on the network news broadcast, and had to stop when he referred to one of the people he was talking to as a "waw-yer;" what? he couldn't say "attorney?"

I'm sticking with CSPAN tonight.


: I'm really kind of thinking (none / 0) (#59)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:31:34 PM EST

that Brokaw is losing it. Mini-strokes? Onset of dementia?

Hearing that.... (none / 0) (#11)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:03:00 PM EST

poor MIttens was up all night, kept up by trains running by his hotel. Probably some early morning protesting at a near by PP clinic too from what I'm hearing.

Why was he staying at the Renaissance on 38th and Quebec (aside from it being a Marriot) anyway?.

Yes (none / 0) (#21)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:14:22 PM EST

Because it was a Marriot

His brother Morman.


: We've got plenty of them... (5.00 / 1) (#39)
by MileHi Hawkeye on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:23:04 PM EST

including a very nice ones downtown and in the Tech Center. This one is out by the old airport in a less than desirable neighborhood. Doesn't exactly say "presidential" to me.

Lehrer sounds old (none / 0) (#12)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:03:41 PM EST

Will he ask the tough but obvious follow up Qs? Doubt it.

Luuuuulz (none / 0) (#17)
by lilburro on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:09:01 PM EST

he is sticking with his 5 point "plan."

I guess I'll give him credit for coming up with one more step than this plan. Which still makes more sense.

PROFIT!!!!

Romney has the smirk going (none / 0) (#18)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:11:23 PM EST

Oh great, more drilling on public land (none / 0) (#20)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:13:56 PM EST

Is Romney changing his tax policy on the fly? (none / 0) (#23)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:15:03 PM EST

: Nah (5.00 / 1) (#33)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:20:13 PM EST

He just wants you to believe he's changing it.

obama (none / 0) (#26)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:16:06 PM EST

is not listening well. Romney as he listens has the Reagan smirk going.

This is where the fact checkers come in .... (none / 0) (#27)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:17:30 PM EST

Obama said it (none / 0) (#30)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:19:47 PM EST

he said "arithmatic"!

: Even better (none / 0) (#42)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:25:10 PM EST

"math, common sense, and our history."

Obama shaky (none / 0) (#34)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:20:58 PM EST

where's no drama Obama

: Obama got better once they started engaging... (none / 0) (#36)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:22:22 PM EST

Romney (none / 0) (#45)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:26:48 PM EST

did a good job on the economy and talking about how people are suffering and using some numbers about how many people are suffering.

Oh, jeez...here we go on the deficit. (none / 0) (#46)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:27:41 PM EST

What will they debate here? Who will slash more?

Yeesh.

uh oh (none / 0) (#47)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:28:22 PM EST

what is this about china and big bird

: Yeah, he's going off the rails (none / 0) (#50)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:29:27 PM EST

The hyper Romney is coming out

2 wars on credit cards (none / 0) (#49)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:29:09 PM EST

I love it

Romney is acting like the spoiled bully that he (none / 0) (#51)
by DFLer on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:29:36 PM EST

always has been....talking over the moderator....thinks he's running the show...."it's still MY TURN

sheesh...what a knob

Does (none / 0) (#53)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:30:10 PM EST

Obama want to be releected? He does not seem to animated but of course this is talking about the deficit and issues which he really is not interested in.

Obama should not look down (none / 0) (#61)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:32:35 PM EST

Onthe split screen it looks like he is getting scolded

I noticed this problem (5.00 / 1) (#97)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:49:25 PM EST

four years ago. I'm surprised he's still doing that and someone had not called him out on it.


On the split screen, Romney looks like (4.00 / 2) (#67)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:34:00 PM EST

he's in love with Obama...or wants to eat him.


: Ha! True (none / 0) (#73)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:36:59 PM EST

next thing you know (none / 0) (#65)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:33:20 PM EST

uh oh Obama is getting mad


Romney (none / 0) (#62)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:32:40 PM EST

smells blood

how will Romney defend corporate (none / 0) (#72)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:36:47 PM EST

welfare?

: Job creators! (none / 0) (#74)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:37:24 PM EST

Romney just opened the door re: his tax returns... (none / 0) (#75)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:39:22 PM EST

hit him Obama. Hit him!!!

: Missed opportunity (none / 0) (#79)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:41:01 PM EST

uh oh (none / 0) (#76)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:39:27 PM EST

Romney getting a little rattled

I think I can't watch anymore (none / 0) (#82)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:42:15 PM EST

The professor is in full flower

Yes Obama said that (none / 0) (#86)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:44:56 PM EST

Mitt says no changes for retirees or near retirees
60 or older. Didn't he used to say 55?

: O just corrected him (none / 0) (#89)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:45:56 PM EST

Used the 54-55 figure.

: Maybe I am (none / 0) (#99)
by Zorba on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:50:36 PM EST

misremembering, but I thought 50 was used initially, then it crept up to 55. And now it's up to 60, I guess.
Or maybe it was Paul Ryan who used the age 50.

Sure Mitt, I'm sure you would love a private plan (none / 0) (#96)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:48:46 PM EST

: Ron Wyden is going to be so pissed (5.00 / 1) (#102)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:51:34 PM EST

that Romney brought his name into this Medicare discussion.
Wyden has spent a bit of time here denying that he supports Romney's Medicare plan. Too bad for Ron that the Romney/Ryan plan is the same as the Wyden/Ryan plan.
Wyden was such a fool to team up with Ryan.

geez jim (none / 0) (#100)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:50:48 PM EST

grab the reins

: Horrible job by Lehrer (5.00 / 2) (#105)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:52:15 PM EST

He has never had control of this debate.

: Lehrer needs to stop asking them (5.00 / 3) (#107)
by Peter G on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:53:28 PM EST

whether it's "ok" for him to ask them to follow the agreed rules. Rmoney is totally in charge of this proceeding, according to him, and Lehrer is allowing it.

oh hell (none / 0) (#101)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:51:20 PM EST

regulations sh*t jim

Romney has become the master of ... (none / 0) (#104)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:52:14 PM EST

... the glittering generality.

Mitt starting to come off too manic.... (none / 0) (#110)
by magster on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:54:03 PM EST

.... and kind of unpresidential. I'm biased but is anyone else seeing Mitt as getting to hyper.

If he gets any more manic, the guy standing (5.00 / 1) (#116)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:57:31 PM EST

off-stage with the tranquilizer dart might have to go into action.

Maybe someone didn't properly calibrate Romney's robotic settings.


I might (5.00 / 1) (#118)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:58:59 PM EST

be the lone voice here saying this but Mitt actually has done okay. He does not seem to have that wooden approach that he had at the GOP convention. The fact that he is actually animated is somewhat of a positive to me because Obama brought the lecturing professor to show up for a debate and then we have Lehrer who is just plain awful.


: GADem (none / 0) (#142)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:15:17 PM EST

I'm afraid you're right, and greetings from Atlanta.

Yeah, for a while (none / 0) (#114)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:55:58 PM EST

I don't think that most people (none / 0) (#111)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:54:47 PM EST

we're looking at Dodd-Frank as e example of regulation that kills jobs or hurts small businesses . Bad example Mitt.

: Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#124)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:02:57 PM EST

Romney's just making claims that are ridiculous. Like a stump speech.
And Lehrer's just letting him get away with anything he wants.

God, insurance rates were too high long before (none / 0) (#115)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:57:09 PM EST

Obamacare. Just stupid.

Less likely to hire with Obamacare.... (none / 0) (#117)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 08:58:43 PM EST

Horsepucky. If there was demand, they would be hiring.

This is what (5.00 / 1) (#122)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:01:57 PM EST

people who believe in the confidence fairy and voodoo economics think. And that's the problem: we're not arguing Keynesian vs. Voodoo. We're arguing how far down the Voodoo Trail we want to travel.


: amazing what a good job will do... (5.00 / 1) (#154)
by Dadler on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:21:05 PM EST

...to lift the confidence of an unemployed person.

Obama not (none / 0) (#119)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:00:03 PM EST

defending Obamacare well. Oh wait--ins. companies can't jerk you around--I like the sound of that.

Rmoney say for 5th or 6th time that Obamacare (none / 0) (#125)
by Peter G on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:04:24 PM EST

cuts $700B from Medicare. Not one word in response from Obama yet. That sounds like an admission. Pitiful. I'm sorry, but Rmoney is a much better speaker and debater. Much better.

and Romney just said (none / 0) (#132)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:09:27 PM EST

"personal responsibility" oh swing at that Obama.

Hey, Romney is now admitting he was a governor (none / 0) (#134)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:12:06 PM EST

That is more than he did at the convention.

Mitt's going to give us all ponies (none / 0) (#135)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:12:55 PM EST

If we just trust him.

Obama was 4 minutes ahead in (none / 0) (#137)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:13:14 PM EST

talking time until Romney just started again.

But he's saying less...Romney's (none / 0) (#141)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:15:13 PM EST

talking twice as fast as Obama, which means he's saying more.


: Yeah, I'd like to see a word count (none / 0) (#148)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:18:17 PM EST

Of course more of his words are BS.

Romney is feeling (none / 0) (#144)
by kmblue on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:16:27 PM EST

a win

Fact check please? (none / 0) (#145)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:16:36 PM EST

I thought I heard Mass schools ratings plummeted under Romney.

: Romney was disengaged as governor. (none / 0) (#172)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:30:21 PM EST

Marc Kenen, then head of the Massachusetts Charter School Association, noted that he was unable to get a single meeting with Gov. Romney during his entire four-year term: "We never had an opportunity to sit down with him, we never had a one-on-one conversation. He wasn't the most accessible guy." ("Opinion: Mitt Shoots Holes In His Credibility," The Boston Herald, April 11, 2007)
Further, although Romney in 2007 claimed that standardized testing in Massachusetts began on his watch, the fact is that such testing began a decade before Romney took office. In fact, during the 2002 gubernatorial campaign, he didn't even know what the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System was.

Oh, no! Romney's lecturing us on ... (none / 0) (#149)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:18:19 PM EST

... the provisions of the Declaration of Independence. Is he about to start singing "America the Beautiful" again?

: Either that or a hymn (none / 0) (#151)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:19:53 PM EST

mitt romney cannot (none / 0) (#153)
by CST on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:20:35 PM EST

Seriously be running as a republican candidate and use MA as an asset. Ugh what an @as. Yea MA does well in education. Because we are a BLUE STATE.

"Not your own facts." (none / 0) (#155)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:23:09 PM EST

Was that one of those Romney zingers we've been told will be flung tonight?

: No doubt. Really horrible as a zinger (none / 0) (#159)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:24:31 PM EST

coming from that source

: Well, while something was indeed flung, ... (none / 0) (#176)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:31:30 PM EST

... I don't think it would pass as a zinger.

Stop trying to make Mitt seem reasonable (none / 0) (#156)
by vicndabx on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:23:10 PM EST

too much of "I suspect the governor and I would agree on....."

and can someone please tell me who told me Mitt that that look on his face was one that would go over well w/the public?

Romney is verging into jerkitude (none / 0) (#157)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:23:47 PM EST

His 'zinger' about the house and plane was ridiculous.

yes that was his zinger (none / 0) (#160)
by Jeralyn on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:24:34 PM EST

it was contrived, like he was waiting all night to lob it.

You can have your own plane and your own house but not your own facts.

Obama is 5 minutes ahead in talking time.

3 minutes left, I'll start a post debate thread soon.

Obama may be 5 min ahead (5.00 / 2) (#164)
by Peter G on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:26:49 PM EST

but Romney is thousands of words ahead.


: Lots of words (none / 0) (#175)
by sallywally on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:31:28 PM EST

doesn't mean you're actually saying anything...

Romney of course would get cooperation from (none / 0) (#162)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:25:57 PM EST

Democrats. Idiots.

This may be one of the worst debates (none / 0) (#165)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:27:31 PM EST

I have ever seen.

Ninety minutes of my life I will never get back.

And the Orioles lost (5.00 / 1) (#168)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:28:16 PM EST

Bad night for you!


But Oakland won! (5.00 / 2) (#179)
by Donald from Hawaii on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:33:31 PM EST

How 'bout those A's! They came back from 13 games down to catch and pass the Rangers at the wire.


Oh, well - they still make the post season, (none / 0) (#173)
by Anne on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:30:36 PM EST

and who knows what will happen there?

Still an improbable season that's been tons of fun - can't complain.


Indeed (none / 0) (#178)
by Democratic Cat on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:32:19 PM EST

I'm down the road in DC, and I'm happy to be able to cheer for a local team!


: But they let Teddy win today (none / 0) (#190)
by CoralGables on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:42:33 PM EST

could that be the end of the Nats run?

Reading this, not watching! (5.00 / 1) (#183)
by the capstan on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:37:15 PM EST

But truthfully, i never did think O. was a good speaker, much less a good debater. (Can think of one primary opponent who did better!) What wowed the juveniles:: "We are the ones we have been waiting for"--or equally noxious words to that effect. Pure silliness (and pandering).


Ok O, you are not entitled to THAT fact (none / 0) (#169)
by ruffian on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:28:46 PM EST

This has NOT been a terrific debate.

my state (none / 0) (#170)
by CST on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:29:21 PM EST

f*ck you romney. It's MY state. You wouldn't have gotten reelected if your life depended on it.

Both of these guys sucked tonight. (none / 0) (#174)
by caseyOR on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:31:06 PM EST

My high school debate teacher would not have been happy with either performance.

Obama is so bad in this format. And Romney? Well, Romney is just bad.

And, please, somebody take out a debate TRO on Lehrer.

: Obama blew it (5.00 / 2) (#180)
by ZtoA on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:34:44 PM EST

and all Romney had to do was not be a complete disaster. Obama was a little better on substance but debates are about so much more. Where are Obama's debate advisors ?

One surprise: (none / 0) (#186)
by brodie on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:39:23 PM EST

O not succinct still takes too long to make his points. Thought he'd been practicing on that. Apparently not.

Advantage to the quick slick talking snake oil salesman, unfortunately. Total talking time is irrelevant. The Mittster got in much more in his time than the uh'ing and ah'ing Obama.

: You would think. (5.00 / 1) (#194)
by Ga6thDem on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:49:35 PM EST

A poster above had a tweet from Michael Moore saying this si what you get when you have John Kerry do debate prep. I distinctly remember Kerry NEVER answering any of the barbs that Bush threw his way.

Terrible format, terrible moderator. (none / 0) (#191)
by Angel on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:44:52 PM EST

We watched CNN with the squiggly lines going through for the Colorado undecideds. Men definitely for the Mittster, women definitely for Obama. Mittster got lots of high marks every time he went jingoistic. Obamacare was a winner for Obama. I'm calling it a tossup but mainly because it was so boring and there were no home-runs. Mittster lied a whole bunch and Obama missed several home-run opportunities, wonder if he's just tired, or worse, complacent. I thought it was boring as he!!. I hope the formats for the next two debates are more traditional with lots of questions. I think focusing on one or two issues is a loser for everyone.

My two cents (none / 0) (#193)
by vicndabx on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:48:37 PM EST

I wouldn't say the president lost, but he definitely could've hit knocked a few softballs right over the plate outta the park

Best thing the prez has going for him, facts out there to refute alot of Romney's BS.

I think Obama got his a$$ kicked tomight (none / 0) (#195)
by rdandrea on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:51:04 PM EST

I want my campaign contribution back.

He didn't work hard enough to deserve it.

This was a debacle (none / 0) (#197)
by cal1942 on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 09:55:53 PM EST

Where in hell was Obama? Was he trying to be bi-partisan or something. He just stood there and took it. Romney was overbearing and Lehrer let him get away with it.

This was really agonizing to watch.

What the hell did the Obama team prepare for anyway?

Now I wonder what will happen when Biden debates the teenager. The tactics sure as hell better improve.

The only hope is that the people saw Romney as overbearing and full of sh!t.

not much else he could make it about. (none / 0) (#201)
by cpinva on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 10:14:52 PM EST

romney couldn't talk about his business experience.

romney couldn't talk about "romneycare".

romney couldn't talk about his olympics mgmt. experience.

romney couldn't really talk about the republicans in congress blocking everything obama's attempted since jan. 2009.

not much left for him to talk about.

BTD, you still not able to understand how obama let that great opening go by? just thought i'd ask. lol

The debate questions were (none / 0) (#202)
by KeysDan on Wed Oct 03, 2012 at 10:24:47 PM EST

curious, such as asking each to assess the other's plan. It seems that it would be the reverse--let each describe their plan and the other question it. It became clear the moderator was going to duck out and let the debate be open-ended. Romney was quick to fill the vacuum and cared not about facts since he knew it was the here and now that was going to count.

If President Obama's strategy was to come across as the nice guy president who was amusing his challenger, he probably succeeded. From my perspective, I would have liked to see at least a feisty stance and, certainly, a calling out on obvious misrepresentations. The president did not seem to know how to handle the blatant untruths and changes in Romney's position. Moreover, President Obama seemed taken back by Romney's return to a moderate Republican for the debate, expecting that for Romney to do so he would get into trouble with his base. But, the base does not care, and will give him temporary permission to do so, just to win. President Obama's strategy may play well with the electorate, but they may feel he over did his "presidential stance." Fortunately, Romney did not present persuasive alternatives as needed by a challenger.

Presidential Debate Live Thread

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