One Undecided’s View Of The First Presidential Debate

First Presidential Debate 2008

I am not a Republican. I am not a Democrat. I am not an independent – I don’t even know what that means. I side with Democrats on many issues. I side with Republicans on many others. I still don’t know who I’m going to vote for in November.

I watched the first Presidential debate with a clarity and a sense of objectiveness that most people are unable to exert. Most Americans are already committed to their own political party’s candidate. I am not! I don’t belong to one particular party.

I am not going to evaluate any specific topics, points or responses. I’ll let others do the analysis and mudslinging. Here’s what I saw.

It’s not about who won the debate. It seems as though every news and program anchor asks the same question: who won the debate? who won the debate? That’s a childish view of the intent of these debates. It’s not about who won the debate. It’s about 2 entirely different ideas. First, it’s about better understanding each candidate’s position and plans. This mostly applies to undecided voters like me. If you’re an already committed voter, watching these debates are a complete waste of time for you. You’re not changing your mind. Fox News conducted a poll that gave McCain the winning edge by over 80% on the debate. MSNBC gave a smilier edge to Obama. Do you see what I mean? Second, it’s about how each candidate can perform under pressure. They were both well-rehearsed. They both had strong points and they both bended the truth to their side. Neither candidate committed any major blunders, although both missed great opportunities.

Body Language and demeanor of both candidates was very telling. I was impressed by Obama’s cool-under-pressure appearance and performance. He demonstrated substantial presence by looking at McCain, addressing him directly and calling him by name. I was disappointed that McCain did not do the same. He’s been around a long time and has much deeper debate expertise than Obama does.  I want my next President to look members of Congress, United Nations and foreign leaders in the eyes and address them – especially in adversarial situations. McCain appeared incapable of thinking on his feet, addressing an audience and debating his opponent at the same time. He only looked at the moderator while sporting smiles of disapproval at Obama. It looked uncomfortable.

Speaking of Obama addressing McCain directly by his first name, many Republicans mounted objections that doing so was an indication of disrespect. Seriously? Since when did you Republicans become so sensitive? Have you ever listened to Limbaugh, Hannity, Coulter, Liddy or Savage? Stop your adolescent whining. No one likes to see grown people cry and nag.

Giving Credit where it’s due was performed masterfully by Obama. Half a dozen or so times, Obama mentioned that McCain is correct or that he agrees with McCain. Obama would then proceed to outline the areas where they did not agree. I view that as an uncommon ability among politicians to give credit where credit is due. Republicans quickly produced a video of Obama saying to McCain that he’s right. They’re using it as proof that even Obama thinks McCain’s policies and plans are on the right path. Please! Republicans may be able to fool members of their own party, but don’t insult my intelligence. I saw the debate and I know the context in which Obama gave credit to McCain. For undecided voters, this Republican tactic is backfiring.

Experience v.s. opinion stood out as the theme of this debate. I view McCain as the tough guy who brings a lot of detail to the table and negotiates from a point of strength. I view Obama as a consensus-builder whose approach is the big picture philosophy. While watching the debate, it occurred to me that Obama really doesn’t have any specific mentionable experience in anything. He has opinions, objectives and plans. McCain, on the other hand, has been around a long time. He’s lived through it all. He can draw on experience. Again, I was profoundly disappointed that McCain did not draw more attention to his life experiences.

Obama may be the consensus-building negotiator, but McCain’s reach across the isle over the years is undeniable. He hasn’t always voted with his party. It’s unfortunate that he did not capitalize more on this strength. He lost a great opportunity.

After the debate, I flipped through Fox News, MSNBC and CNN. Rudy Giuliani analyzed the debate on Fox News. He was spot on. It is fairly clear to me that the Republican party nominated the wrong person. Rudy should have been their man. Is it too late to switch?

I remain undecided.