Winning the debate
It’s too busy a day today for me to post much, but I just wanted to comment on the debate last night—the one I didn’t watch.
Others did, and from the variety of their responses I’m reminded that beauty—and Presidential debate winners—is very much in the eye of the beholder.
These early “debates” are little more than introductions, anyway. Who looks tired? Whose forehead is too shiny? Who seems most “Presidential,” that hard-to-define-but-we-know-it-when-we-see-it quality?
I’ve never been keen even on the later Presidential debates. I think they tap into a skill that may or may not have anything to do with being a good President, which is the ability to be glib, seem relaxed, and keep from making a major faux pas (look at your wristwatch, anyone?).
The consensus here seems to have been that Fred Thompson did himself a favor by not showing up. Winner by default?
Test
The 2008 campaign is starting way too early, absorbing too much money, and is excessively hyped by the media, both MSM and blogosphere. This is like politics on crack. It would be nice to see some degree of deliberation restored to the process, which is starting to resemble a TV series like Survivor or Lost.
Yeah, a two-year long campaign is too long.
By the way, I haven’t been “disappeared”, just don’t have the internet access I used to. I’m still watching.
Campaign managers and political advisors, who get paid by the hour, have decided the candidates should campaign longer?
Color me surprised.
Given the amount of candidates, the “debates” almost by necessity are question and answer sessions.
I like them, and generally like what I’m seeing. I share the consensus that Romney excelled last night, and I say this as a Giuliani supporter.
As for Thompson, you can’t score touchdowns if you’re not on the field.
Dafault is in da moderator. Interesting though, isn’t it, that the Democrats would refuse Fox, quaking in fear, and the Republicans would accept a liberal activist jackass of the first order without comment. But not suprising.
This was no debate. This was a bumper sticker. 30 seconds to answer a question? A 30 second answer is basically a slogan or an ad, not a position.
My summary: Romney spoke well and gave a good account of himself. People noticed. (But remember he belongs to that “sect” that believes in polygamy.)
McCain was energized and on his game. Very positive sounding and some good humor. (Will conservatives forgive him for McCain-Feingold?)
Ron Paul presented a nice counter-balance. (He’s basically against everything Bush has done.)
Giuliani, my favorite, did not come off too well. It seemed that the MSNBC crew ignored him and gave him off beat questions – difficult to handle. Or maybe Rudy was just nervous and off his feed. I’ve seen him give many speeches where he was more self assured and on his game. (His enemies are attacking his “pro choice” attitude.)
The three governors – Huckabee, Thompson, and Gilmore had some good moments. These men are top notch Republican pols. I’m less impressed by Brownback and Tancredo, they are more one issue candidates.
I’m still looking to see which of these men are smart enough and, most of all, tough enough to lead us in a time of continuing war.
Right now, I would say it is best to not enter the fray. While as someone above me said – you can’t hit a home run without playing you also can not strike out. In politics one out and you loose – no matter how many “wins” you make.
Hillary is already shifting around like mad based on Obama’s polls, *two years* of that is going to be really bad for her even if it is just against the “number two” candidate. If, like the republican candidates so far, you are dry and boring then 2 years of it will tank your popularity.
As for the debate, Giuliani came off like Kerry did – does he support abortion or not? Gun control or not? Who knows – he said he did both. Even with the amount of Bush hate out there trying to play both sides didn’t get Kerry elected, it will not Giuliani either. If you have the charisma and the political ability of Bill Clinton you can do it – but he is pretty much the only politician in the last 50 years who has been able too. Giuliani isn’t close.
And no, conservatives will not forgive McCain for many things.
I can’t believe the Sarko man won, Neo.
How the hell can the Frenchies do this to us?
It’s way too early and Christine Matthews is the wrong moderator. He didn’t bring anything to the discussion that the electorate in the Republican primary has an interest. Just the usual “what do you hate about America?” BS, for which the answer is, of course, you, Chrissie.
At least the Republicans didn’t wet their diapers and refuse the venue, but nothing will be added until there’s questions of more interest to the primary voters.