With John McCain's opening stab at Obama-welcoming him to a town meeting-the tone of the debate was set. McCain was in his element on the town hall setting, but Obama held his own. McCain tried to connect with the audience. He stood close to the questioners, called them by name and thanked them for their questions. He had a great line to a former Navy CPO saying "Everything I learned about leadership I learned from a Chief Petty Officer." I know the CPO's at the squadron will be talking about that this morning!
However, McCain seemed sporadic and grumpy when answering questions. He uncomfortably stalked the stage, and for the first time I really noticed his age. He appeared to be dismissive and condescending, and his few attempts at humor ran dry. His "that one" comment is difficult even to discuss, and he used "my friends" at least 20 times.
Obama came across smooth and composed. He calmly countered McCain's attacks with firm, concise rebuttals. Obama was stronger on the topic of the economy and stronger on foreign policy. He successfully connected McCain with President Bush.
On a personal level I admire McCain more than Obama (I've read Faith of My Fathers twice but have read neither The Audacity of Hope or Dreams From My Father). Nevertheless, McCain's campaign has not equaled his story. This was a "must win" debate for the McCain campaign, and they just didn't get it done. Obama walked in as the front runner and walked out as the front runner.
However, McCain seemed sporadic and grumpy when answering questions. He uncomfortably stalked the stage, and for the first time I really noticed his age. He appeared to be dismissive and condescending, and his few attempts at humor ran dry. His "that one" comment is difficult even to discuss, and he used "my friends" at least 20 times.
Obama came across smooth and composed. He calmly countered McCain's attacks with firm, concise rebuttals. Obama was stronger on the topic of the economy and stronger on foreign policy. He successfully connected McCain with President Bush.
On a personal level I admire McCain more than Obama (I've read Faith of My Fathers twice but have read neither The Audacity of Hope or Dreams From My Father). Nevertheless, McCain's campaign has not equaled his story. This was a "must win" debate for the McCain campaign, and they just didn't get it done. Obama walked in as the front runner and walked out as the front runner.
1 comment:
I admire Senator McCain not only for his service to his country in the armed forces but also his service in the Congress. I am finding it increasingly difficult for me to keep that admiration. His grab for power has changed him and not for the better. His campaign is negative and ugly and becoming increasingly so with each passing day and bad poll results.
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