Presidential Debate

[bjl584]

Did anyone watch last night? Anyone have any thoughts?

I don't think that it changes much. It's only one debate, and it probably won't sway anyone's opinion too much. But, it did seem like Romney was better prepared than Obama was last night.

I think that Obama is going to have to work a little harder this time around than he had to in 2008. His base doesn't seem as enthusiastic this time around. But on the other hand, Romney doesn't seem to be lighting any fires either. I guess that's whay the polls are so close.

[laurend1985]

Interesting debate to say the least, but the I don't think the debate change anyone one's mind, IMO.

[Jwilliamson22]

I dont think the debate changed any minds, but it was clearly a victory for Romney. I think he caught the president on his heels. He hasn't taken shots for a long time.

Romney definitely had a good showing...

[disneysteve]

I didn't see the whole thing - I never do. I'm not in the undecided camp. I also can't stand politics. So watching any of the debate is more of a chance to see how many ridiculous promises each side will make. Last night's debate was filled with them. I really wonder what people are smoking if they believe anything that either side says.

It is also comparing apples and oranges when an incumbent is debating a challenger. One person has actually been doing the job. The other just thinks they could do it better for a zillion reasons, few if any of which are probably true.

[kork13]

I watched the debate with a very different perspective.... I found it to be a highly entertaining comedy routine. Poor Jim Lehrer was totally unable to control the pace or spectrum of the debate -- both candidates just steamrolled over him in spite of any and all objections. Romney (yes, noticeably well-prepared) nearly stumbled over himself trying to get all of his numerous points out fast enough, and Obama just couldn't manage to make many points at all (except to contest what Romney said).

Seriously, I just don't like politics, and I'm passive enough to see through the comments on both sides, but still understand and agree with both to varying extents (I mostly consider myself a "moderate", but side one way or the other on various issues). But during political elections, "facts" are almost always relative terms. You can skew data in any which way you like, so to facts and figures, I say "whatever".

I've actually already voted (absentee ballot), but I think the most beneficial thing that came out of last night was a clearly stated view of the role that each feels the government should have...mostly on the side of Romney, simply because he's not clearly explained his thoughts previously (Obama's opinions on that were already more clear, having had him as President for the last 3+ years).

Otherwise, I was actually impressed at the level of depth that both men covered on the various issues they discussed. Admittedly, they probably went over the heads of some (many?) Americans, but it was nice to see intelligent and (mostly) original thought out of them both, as opposed to petty quips and personal attacks that political campaigns so frequently default to.