This close presidential election just got a lot closer. I thought Romney did so well last night that I considered changing my vote. Heck, he did so well, even the Obama campaign admitted Romney looked good.
Both candidates got too detailed with numbers last night. I know this debate focused on the economy, but it’s hard for voters to relate and not feel being talked down to when you hear nothing but numbers, numbers, numbers.
I thought Romney looked extremely pale when he came on stage and the debate started, but as things got going, his color came back.
In Obama’s closing arguments, he failed to look at the camera and instead focused on the moderator. He also looked down way too much as he took notes.
Romney had a spot on his American flag lapel pin. A Washington Post reporter states is a Secret Service star logo, which was a gift from his Secret Service agents.
I actually thought it was nice to see both candidates and families chit-chat for what I thought was a lengthy time after the debate. Perhaps the Obamas wanted to get to know the family that will be moving into their house in January just to make the transition easier.
Maybe I should tap the brakes a little. In 2004, President GW Bush didn’t perform too well against Kerry in their first debate, and like Obama, people noticed he scowled and looked annoyed too much. (Source and Source)
Perhaps another similarity to 2004, the war on terror. Incumbent President GW Bush captured Saddam Hussein, while Osama bin Laden was captured under President Obama’s watch.
Romney spoke a lot about being able to reach across the isle, compromise and negotiate. But I don’t think that’s what a lot of his party wants, I think they want no compromise.
A lot of folks were peeved at moderator Jim Lehrer last night for not controlling the debate, but then again he actually let the candidates engage each other. The moderator is a lot like being a referee in sports, there will never be 100% agreement in how you handle things.
I like and respect Jim Lehrer, but he totally dropped the ball and lost control of the debate. It was dueling press conferences.
I scored it a high "Meh" for both candidates on the Aunt Linda scale. Neither seized the moment.