I think it's conceivable, and there are arguments that the debate was indeed significant in Kennedy v Nixon and Carter v Reagan.
This.
But not now.
I just think that when Romney failed to look like a total idiot and had new and halfway cogent talking points, I was personally surprised.
And it wasn't Obama's best night. He didn't fail anything though.
My vote doesn't change. I don't think a lot of votes change on this debate. It was just different than I expected.
My reaction here is not what I'd even express to the more enthusiastic of Romney supporters that I know. It's just, it's us. Here's what I really think.
Obama didn't do as well as I think he could have at his best. Romney surprised me but I still think the guy is lying his ass off or doesn't have a single actual conviction.
Edit: I think Romney came across better, as long as you weren't particularly concerned with the truth value of what he said. Obama didn't do badly, he just didn't do as well. He looked distracted and a bit uninterested.
Until further notice, What Burrell Said. Because she said it quicker and better.
Ah Cass, we are one. Again. More fun when it's nails however.
The next debate is on foreign policy, I believe. It's easier for an incumbent to come off as more Presidential, because he's hopefully got some foreign policy chops to work with. The Syria-Turkey situation gives Obama a chance to show whatever foreign policy chops he's got and to walk on the big stage Romney doesn't have access to. It's not quite as ballsy as a humorous speech while Bin Ladin was being taken out, but it looks a lot better to be able to say "Sorry, I wasn't as prepared for the debate as I'd like, I was busy actually doing the job of President."
I am looking for this: [link] but cheaper. The high-necked one. Anyone know where I could? And no, shelf bras don't cut the mustard.
Sunday night I was at a concert, and looking around from the balcony I realized I was the oldest person in the whole huge crowded room, with the possible exception of the silver-haired but spry guy down by the rail. He could have been a little older than me.
Beats being the youngest person at home.
Sullivan also tweeted something incredibly ill-advised if not racist at the beginning of the debate: said that Romney looked most like a President. Which is really and truly fucked up.
He should know better than to play the racist card. The next logical step is that since all black people look alike ALL BLACK PEOPLE LOOK LIKE A PRESIDENT.
hey, check out this link (Romney & Big Bird):
[link]
The Syria-Turkey situation gives Obama a chance to show whatever foreign policy chops he's got and to walk on the big stage Romney doesn't have access to.
Plus, Obama can drop the nugget that he'd been in a NATO meeting the day of the last debate. Something like "I almost wish that the subjects of the debates had been switched. The day of the last debate, I spent the day meeting with NATO about the Syria-Turkey situation. I would have been able to work on the debate like my opponent did that day."
there are arguments that the debate was indeed significant in Kennedy v Nixon and Carter v Reagan.
Both of those took place before intensive debate prep was a standard part of the campaign process, though. (And in the case of Kennedy/Nixon, before people really understood how important it was to look good on television.)
I think these days, debates matter much less because there aren't going to be any surprises. Which is why I skipped last night's and watched Survivor instead.
