Fave Thoughts on the First 2008 Presidential Debate
I believe Obama and McCain played to their strengths very well. The debate was close as the presidential race itself.
Barack Obama was strong in his rhetoric on managing the economy and demonstrating concern for the American people (regardless of race). He has a clear plan on decreasing our country's dependency on foreign oil while increasing usage of alternative fuels. Overall, his stance on how to take care of the homefront was concise, compelling and inspiring.
John McCain flexed his experience as a long-term senator with substantial knowledge in foreign policy and negotiations. I would imagine, as a POW who spent 2-years in solitary confinement, McCain has a myriad of thoughts regarding how to use diplomacy in foreign relations. His incessant name dropping and experience touting was credible; however, so is his penchant for voting for failed Bush policies 90% percent of the time.
They played their strengths and it was a close debate. It's a case of proven experience full of failures (McCain) and a new hope fueled with untested results (Obama). In the end, it came down to how each candidate presented themselves as a potential leader of the largest superpower on the planet (which also seems to be dwindling by the day). McCain was very impersonal, condescending and very indicative of the type of arrogance and ethnocentrism that has tainted America's reputation around the world. Someone get this guy a public speaking and debate course...he couldn't even make eye contact! Obama is known as being a great orator that not only speaks his mind, but reflects the views and concerns of the American people.
I believe McCain loves the concept of America. He loves his country and has made great sacrifices for it. I believe Obama loves the PEOPLE of America. He has dedicated his life to helping the people in it and improving upon the concept of America's internal health as well as its global perception. To me, that passion is the tie-breaker than made Obama the victor in this debate.
