This is an interesting article. In it the writer asserts that it’s Romney’s ability to be a LIAR that makes him a formidable debater. On that I agree.
Problem is, he’s on record with multiple conflicting positions on almost any issue you can think of, and what there is of his record is in conflict with most of his current rhetoric. Obama is likely to have some dismissive comments prepared about each of the main ones. And yes, he cannot be flustered, and has a thick skin. Romney, not so much, not by a long shot.
I was thinking it would be stupidity actually.
Obama can’t be flustered, but he certainly can get irritated, which is when the “You’re likeable enough”-type comments come out. I wonder if Romney will get Obama to reveal just how much he personally dislikes Mitt?
One way that Reagan beat Carter was by bringing out his nasty side. The public’s view of Carter went from nice, honest man who was in over his head to nasty, negative politician who was in over his head. Carter led as long as people still liked him. The debates showed just how petty he could be.
It’s possible. Of course, the public personally dislikes Mitt too, so that might be a wash.
I really can’t remember a single other Obama debate mis-step besides the “You’re likable enough” comment. Any other illustrations of him getting irritated in a debate? He’s gotten irritated in other forums, of course. Dressing down the Ryan plan with Ryan in the audience is an admitted mistake that I think stemmed from irritation in the way the debt-ceiling negotiations ended.
In the end I’ll go on record saying that the debates will have the same impact they always do - little to none. Minds are made up at this point and there are three things that might change them: (1) economic collapse, (2) extreme unrest in the Middle East that ensnares America, or (3) some other “unknown unknown” of a war/Lehman Bros/terrorist attack magnitude.
Yes, the stupid factor is certainly there, and Obama can exploit that. It would be nice to see a takedown of that empty suit the way he made mincemeat of a puffed up Trump at the Correspondent’s dinner. That is classic stuff.
I’m thinking that Mitt has to go on the attack, whereas Obama wins by playing it cool and remaining presidential. Mitt will probably set himself up, leaving Obama to pounce.
I doubt that Obama will break character and get flustered in what is probably the biggest public performance of his lifetime. Stranger things have happened, of course, but Obama’s gaffes usually happen in the day to day events, not crises.
My Gods! Romney had like 50 debates with his fellow republicans. If he doesn’t know how to debate by now he never will.
I foresee Obama having many opportunities to use the line “There you go again.” Wonder if he’ll use any.
But it’s in his programming.
I thought it was awesome, not a mistake.
Mitt is looking more and more exasperated at his stump speech appearances. His over-the-top demonizing of Obama by accusing him of sympathizing with terrorists seems transparently desperate. If that side of Mitt comes out in the debates, it’s lights out,
Unfortunately the only time the debates matter is when a candidate does incredibly poorly or has that one bad moment. Or gets hit with a big zinger. And in every debate, each candidate has a zinger planned, and it’s usually stupid. But every once in awhile…
So if we make a drinking game where you drink every time Romney says the words “apology” or “apologize” will I die before the end of the debate?
No, I don’t think so. He can get away with that lie in an environment where he’s not going to be challenged on it - a commercial, a convention speech, a rally with pre-screened attendees, a Fox interview. But not in a debate with the very guy he’s accusing of it.
Now, if you had to take a shot every time he says “Economy” or “Are you better off?”, then you’re in trouble.
That didn’t teach him how to debate anyone with an IQ above room temperature.
He didn’t beat his opponents, they beat themselves.
“Appeaser” is the current right wing talking point, because not bombing all countries not the USA shows a distinct lack of leadership.
Well, if it’s an ally, one merely has to insult the populace and slap their leader to qualify as a foreign policy hawk.
Obama already addressed the appeaser BS “Ask Osama bin Laden” he said. Romney tries that stuff with the big dog, Mittens is going to get torn up.
The Republican debates are really just an exercise in bitching about things without saying anything too offensive. The trick there was for Romney to move as far right as possible, especially since he was perceived as one of the more centrist candidates.
He’s not going to score any points in the actual debates by throwing out more extreme ways to get rid of illegal immigrants. It’s a whole new ball game. That doesn’t mean, of course, that some of the skills won’t translate; Romney’s ability to not look smug and unlikeable has improved immeasurably.
His ability to look and sound believeable has not, but you can’t have everything.