Political Blog #2

The first political debate between Barock Obama and John McCain progressed in the usual format. Both candidates managed to spend a significant amount of time reflecting on the concerns of the nation, bashing their opponent’s policies, and verbally tip-toeing around how they will personally make a difference in our nation. The hour and thirty-four minutes flew by. As expected, both candidates pulled their “trump card” at one point or another. McCain represented experience and referred to himself as a “maverick” due to his disagreement with the Republican Party on various issues. While Obama allowed himself to be seen as the voice of change, a candidate who understands the people.
Both Obama and McCain were victorious in different areas of the debate. The opening point questioned both candidates’ position on the current financial crisis. I feel Obama was better rehearsed on this issue. He drew attention to the everyday working American, "the nurse, the teacher, the police officer who, frankly, at the end of each month have got a little financial crisis going on" (Wills 2008). Many Americans feel politicians are very distant to middle class life. The Obama campaign ran with this approach when McCain was unable to recollect the amount of houses he owns, which is seven. I’m slightly surprised that this topic did not emerge while discussing homeowner concerns. At any point I half expected Obama to say something in the nature of, “how would you know the concerns of Americans who fear losing their homes? You have seven!” Obama instead remained professional and political.
Tax concerns were another debated issue. McCain stressed the importance of lowering taxes for large companies. His idea was that if companies can operate anywhere in the world why come or stay in America when the business tax is 35%? By lowering the business tax, fortune 500 companies will be enticed to operate in the states, increasing jobs and aiding the injured economy. Obama however, stressed the fact that only so many tax cuts are possible, and it is better to give them to the people that already need some relief. There are also many loop-holes that businesses find to avoid such taxes, therefore they are not suffering. This was a successful approach because the ratio of regular Americans to businessmen in fortune 500 companies could severely favor Obama on Nov 4th.
The foreign policy round went overall to McCain with small glimpses of hope for Obama. McCain’s many years of “experience” was emphasized as he reflected on the faults of Vietnam, which he was indeed part of. He stated that Obama was naïve, and went on to clarify terms such as “strategy” for his opponent. He also attacked Obama for not wanting to give President Bush funding for the Iraqi invasion. Obama’s response was that he did not oppose funding if there was a time constraint. He did not want to give a blank check to the president. This is where I felt Obama looked the strongest on the topic of foreign policy. Although both candidates continued to verbally punch each other I believe this was a point where Obama threw up a successful block. I feel McCain dominated the rest of the foreign policy issues.
My opinion of the debate was also shared by the general public and the author. “The polls gave Obama a modest lead and indicated he was viewed more favorably than his rival when it came to dealing with the economy. But the same surveys show McCain favored by far on foreign policy” (Wills 2008). If there had to be an overall winner I believe Obama was victorious. There were two different instances when Obama defended himself by clarifying the accusations made by McCain. This was seen in the area of taxation, pointing out the loopholes Fortune 500 companies jump through, as well as his position on funding the war in Iraq. Many people, including myself, believe politics to be a continuous battle of verbal manipulation. The fundamental approach for many campaigns is to twist the opponent’s words as to make them the ‘bad guy.” The only difference during the debate is that it allows the candidates to expose all the dirt they have created on the opponent in a little over and hour and a half. Obama’s defense to many attacks enabled the American people to understand a larger portion of the issue, opposed to just what is being questioned. McCain seemed to babble on in conventional political jargon, firing away accusations and contributing little.
I watched the debate coverage online, however the visual picture was really unnecessary. McCain and Obama have distinct differences that distinguish them from one another. Obama is a 47 year old, multiracial democrat, while McCain is a 72 year old white republican. Without a visual, it is easy to tell which candidate is speaking. If Obama wins he will be “among the youngest presidents in history,” while McCain would be, “the oldest to win the office” (Klein 2008). This age difference is reflected when the Obama campaign refers to this election as the vote between the past and the future. I believe both men were portrayed equally by the media throughout the debate. I’m unsure what channels aired the debate, however following its conclusion it was readily available online. I feel new technology will greatly increase the awareness of voters as to candidate’s policies. The unknowing voter has the means to research a candidate and instantly view important videos, such as the debate rerun. The next two debates will take place in Nashville, and New York on Oct 7th and Oct 15th (Wills 2008). On November 4th America will decide between the economy and change, or foreign policy and experience.




WORKS CITED:

Klein, Ezra. 2008. The Obama-McCain Age Gap That Matters. Los Angeles Times. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-op-klein1-2008jun01,0,2168608.story (accessed September 27th).


Wills, Christopher. 2008. Obama, McCain argue over war, taxes in 1st debate. Myway news. http://apnews.myway.com/article/20080927/D93F1KL01.html (accessed September 27th).