thegradstudent

I missed much of the debate tonight due to school work, so now I’m trying to catch up by watching the commentary and various soundbites.  The fact checking is often the most interesting and important aspect anyway, and the spinning is often as entertaining as it is infuriating.  I’ll offer just a few observations about what I’ve seen so far:

I can’t believe Obama claimed that 100% of McCain’s ads were negative.  What an idiotic pronouncement.  One of the first things you learn about debating (or advertising or writing persuasive papers) is to avoid “always” and “never” statements because they are so easy to disprove and will thus return to haunt you.  Gah!  (In case you’re curious, NBC fact checkers found that 73% of McCain’s ads have been negative, as have 61% of Obama’s.)

The content was often unsatisfying and always repetitive (which helped assuage any regrets I had about missing most of the event) but we expected that.  At least these debates and especially the more scripted final speeches prove that both candidates can appear very presidential.  This is of course no guarantee that they can act presidential, or more importantly that they can act like the president that America needs.  There is, however, something to be said about the assurance that such a demeanor and delivery brings.  Imagine, for example, if Palin had been the one delivering ‘President’ FDR’s  comforting ‘television’ speeches.  (Note to both presidential candidates: please do not die in office.)

There was a subtly telling and sad moment when Hillary gave NBC her feedback and said “Being here tonight, sitting in the audience…was a great experience.”  Those ellipses tell quite a story.  I was never a Hillary supporter but I do feel bad that after losing a hard fought race for the presidential candidacy she had to watch idiotic Palin be plucked out of nowhere and given the chance to be the first female vice president.  When she was asked tonight if Palin is prepared to be the VP Hillary demurred and said only “that’s for voters to decide,” showing perhaps the most impressive restraint I have ever seen.

And finally I’m a little sad that I missed all of the Joe Plumber hullabaloo, though I’m sure I won’t regret it when people are still chattering about him weeks from now.

Tomorrow I fill out my absentee ballot, and soon it will be time for everyone to vote.

So VOTE, America!  Vote like you’ve never voted before!  Vote like your life depends on it, because much of it truly does!

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