Presidential Debate Deja Vu: Thread From 2008

Politics & Elections
1

While I was watching last night’s debate with Obama and Romney, about half way through, I suddenly had a deja vu.

I remembered the thread from four years ago, with Obama and McCain. Here is the link to that 2008 thread.

Back then, I was complaining that Obama didn’t go on the attack…he was far too nice and reserved. Why didn’t he go for the jugular? He could have pounced on McCain!

Thankfully, Obama is NOT like me. He is not someone who will throw the obvious punches - like last night he could have slammed the 47% comment, or made fun of the “ask your parents for a loan” comment - but he didn’t.

Unlike me, Obama is a calm, level-headed man who will not take the cheap shot for a short-term win. He doesn’t go for the sound bites, he doesn’t play to his eager-to-attack supporters (like me) who want to see a dog fight. He feels the public wants to hear the facts and will be more interested in that than having a quick headline in the news the next day, chock full of zingers that make his opponent look stupid.

So yeah, even as a die-hard Obama supporter, I think last night was Romeny’s night to shine…still no substance, still no plans, still vague promises and ideas I strongly disagree with, but Romney did not put his foot in his mouth and make any huge mistakes.

But Obama did exactly what he did four years ago…he stuck to his plans, stated his case and is leaving it up to the voters to decide who is better. And although I so much would have loved to have seen at least a bit of blood spilled, it is probably better to have a President who will not do that.

I would have gone out and kicked some ass, but then again, you probably wouldn’t want me to have my finger over some red button in the White House when a crisis erupts. I think you would be far better served with someone who isn’t swept up in the heat of the moment and do something that just feels good.

Four years ago, I was nervous and upset that that first debate, and even the subsequent debates, did not have that KO punch I was hoping for. But in the end, I think those who watched figured out who had the best ideas and vision for the future. The voters got it right then, and I think they will get it right again.

Still, this old thread reminded me that Obama does not rile easily, and will not fight dirty. Damned level-headedness…it might make for a great President, but it just ain’t good TV.

2

Hear hear.

3

Kudoes to DMark for the OP, and to Frylock for spelling/using the expression “hear! hear!” correctly.

4

here, here. there, there.

a calm and thoughtful president has value.

5

Even though I agree with the OP, just a point of clarification. The President did try to go after the “ask your parents for a loan” angle:

" But when he tells a student that, you know, you should borrow money from your parents to go to college, you know, that indicates the degree to which, you know, there may not be as much of a focus on the fact that folks like myself, folks like Michelle, kids probably who attend University of Denver just don’t have that option."

6

He’s not a great president by any stretch of the imagination.

7

I started that thread 4 years ago, and I started the one from yesterday’s debate. I AM THE DEBATE THREAD QUEEN!!!

8

Obama had different goals. But yes, this last debate performance was pretty much how he debates. But as an incumbent who needs to tear down his challenger to win, he failed. Romney looked Presidential, he looked credible.