1) Not a game changer. Barack Obama more than handled his own. He dunked on his opponent multiple times and got him back for the "You don't understand" comment and murdered him with incriminations. John McCain was good, but not good enough to take out his opponent in his "so-called" best format. Once again, bad for McCain.
2) The format was terrible and Tom Brokaw came off rather snippy. It seemed unfair that candidates often were given the chance to respond to what the other said. I think that made both Obama and John McCain testy and rightful so.
3) Obama's answer to "what don't you know" was an adorable dodge, saying Michelle could tell all the things Barack doesn't know. She looked gorgeous by the way. More on her in another thread.
4) Obama was even better on the foreign policy side this time. Better than McCain who seemed to become more and more frustrated in lackluster as the debate went on.
5) All McCain's jokes bombed.
6) McCain called Barack "that one" which discuss who voted for what. It doesn't matter. It's rather patronizing to refer to black people as things rather than people. I don't think he did it on purpose, but it was poor form.
7) As I though, McCain didn't go kamikaze on Barack in the way his running mate has. I don't think McCain is fully committed to the dirt he has to do to win and that's an interesting conflict. Politico discussed it Wednesday.
8) After the debate, Barack and Michelle lingered around for more than 15 minutes, shaking hands, making small talk and posing for pictures with the voters. John and Cindy McCain bolted as soon as the debate was over with. Also, if anyone noticed, Cindy shook Barack's hand, but not McCain who barely acknowledged him and patted his shoulder. I think John was really frustrated, knowing that he didn't do anything to change the campaign in his favor. He's really struggling. If it weren't for the fact that I'm rooting for the other guy, I'd feel sorry for him.
9) Obama won the debate, handidly, because McCain was so dull.
More later on this, but what did you think?
PS. More updates later today in the afternoon. I have to go to work. Also, it's my birthday today. I'm 31.
71 comments:
Bappy Birthday, Snob!
Give them hell on that job. And and always, thoughtful, easy to read, and concise commentary.
Enjoy your day!
Did you notice how Cindy McCain kept her hands behind her back and avoided the crowd as much as possible?
Happy Birthday Snobinista ! I also am 31.... (soon to be double sweet sixteen)I hope this is your best year ever!
The format didn't do McCain any favors. He appeared uncomfortable and sounded ultra creepy as he grimaced and whispered "my friends" the whole night.
Happy Birthday Snob - have a wonderful day!
The town hall format made McCain look like the old man that he is. He scuttled around and looked hunched over. He reminded me of Mr. Burns from the Simpsons. Last night's debate was a slam dunk for Barack.
Happy Birthday SNOB .. I love your blog!
The format definitely didn't do McCain any favors. And Cindy looked like she thought everyone had cooties. She's a real snob! lol
Blessed EarthStrong, Snob. Hope your bday is full of good cheer!
I think Cindy McCain kept her hands behind her back because she had a wrist injury from shaking hands before. She was in a wrist cast, it might've been a good idea to keep wearing it. As someone who suffers from carpal tunnel, I can tell you that shaking hands can be agonizing.
Not that I'm a McCain supporter but from what I hear, that wasnt a true "townhall" format. A townhall format is supposed to be taking questions from the crowd. I hear those questions were prepared by Brokaw and given to Obama/McCain ahead of time. If thats true, it might have contributed to McCain's being annoyed. Still doesnt excuse "That One" tho. That could be a critical mistake.
Happy Birthday! Enjoy!!
Happy Birthday!
Good rundown. I had to stop watching halfway through.. There's just so much repetition and not enough fire.
I don't think either one are great debaters and think it's unlikely that undecided voters got swayed towards either side last night. Remember the showmanship Bill Clinton would demonstrate in debates? The old Razzle Dazzle. Empty as the performance can sometimes be (even emptier with someone like Palin who seems to be going through the motions instead of believing the part), a good performance wins over undecideds. I saw someone say on Twitter that both candidates are really bad at explaining problems and take it for granted that everyone already is comfy with the issue and ready to debate solutions. I think that's very true and again something Clinton excelled at. Before you rush into your talking point solutions, break down the problem for the people and let that be a bridge to the solution...
On the bright side, perhaps some of McCain's personality flaws showing will sway some voters away from him.
And happy birthday. I turned 31 in February and the economy (globally and personally) has been tanking ever since. Hopefully your 31st year goes better. I'm kind of missing the salad days of 30.
I've been following your blog for a few weeks now and I think you are quite insightful.
Happy Birthday!
The McCains left early cause nobody wanted to take their picture; clearly Barack is a rock star and everyone wanted his pic. McCain's ego cannot handle that.
And didn't he really look like a dryed up ole raisin? Dang that man is old! The shuffling, the fake right hand holding the mike, and that turkey neck...
Happy Birthday Snob. I was very please with Barack's Performance...I hate his hammering from time to time but no one's perfect. He seemed to be much more presidential...kinda like a boss.
GT
The McCains left early cause nobody wanted to take their picture; clearly Barack is a rock star and everyone wanted his pic. McCain's ego cannot handle that.
And didn't he really look like a dryed up ole raisin? Dang that man is old! The shuffling, the fake right hand holding the mike, and that turkey neck...
Happy Birthday Snob. I was very please with Barack's Performance...I hate his hammering from time to time but no one's perfect. He seemed to be much more presidential...kinda like a boss.
GT
happy birthday. i'm loving all your commentary on this election and debates.
1) these debate formats are worked out ahead of time by both campaigns. i think they're doing everyone a disservice by not allowing followups. they did it in the vp debate and they did it last night. one minute just does not seem like enough time to address how you're going to fix social security. i think the candidates need to grow a pair and have one real debate with real issues and time to go back and forth. this debate and the vp debate have been essentially infomercials. no one is pushing them on the issue's and it's a shame that we're going to elect a president at this most crucial juncture without that happening. the press has totally dropped the ball this election season and americans who want to be informed are the ones who suffer. but the campaigns also need to allow their candidates out there in potentially hostile territory, not these pre-screened debate setups.
2) i think it was really significant that michelle and obama hung around post-debate to shake hands and take pics. i hope other networks broadcasted this. i think it speaks volumes about personal character. where were the mccains? long gone.
FIRST..........Happy Birthday Baby Snob. :)
SECOND...........did anyone notice that Cindy did NOT shake hands nor acknowledge Michelle? TRAMP!
THIRD....David Gurgin (Republican) said last night in the wrap up on CNN although he too though Barack did a good job, "Let's be honest people, Senator Obama is a BLACK man". Right! He didn't say African American, but BLACK. Now I'm not sure why everyone on the panel was speechless because he is telling like it is. The best response to that statement was from James Carville. He said, "If Barack wins the popular vote and looses this election it will be a sad reflection on this country". But I have to say I can appreciate the honesty from the republican on the panel.That's how they view Barack......a BLACK man. It's about time someone said it like it was for them.They cold car eless that he's trying to do what's right for America or that he's an intelligent man..HE'S BLACK!!!! Very sad but true.
Happy B-day Snob.
Love your posts.
I am so surprised at how dull the whole thing was. I am not a McLame supporter but, I thought that he would have come out a little "Sarah Palin" to rally the base just a little; considering we are what 28 days out?
Hmmmm makes me wonder what that side is working on for the next few weeks.....
Happy B-day Snob.
Love your posts.
I am so surprised at how dull the whole thing was. I am not a McLame supporter but, I thought that he would have come out a little "Sarah Palin" to rally the base just a little; considering we are what 28 days out?
Hmmmm makes me wonder what that side is working on for the next few weeks.....
Happy Birthday SNOB!!!!
As for the debate, your right if I wasn't a Barackaholic, I could feel bad for Uncle John. I dont know why he kept calling us all friends, "my friend this, friends that" now I understand that he has to call us something, but "friends" isn't what he wants to call any of us and we all know it!!!
Happy Birthday Snob...Love the blog as usual. You hit on some great points..
-MeanRose
Happy Birthday Snob!!!!
Keep up the great work. And you dont look a day over 22.
Happy Birthday Snob!
Can't even comment on the debate other than to say it was a snooze fest.
Did anyone other than myself get the sense that its time to send McCain to the retirement home?
http://singularvoice.wordpress.com/2008/10/08/round-two-of-debates-obama-emerges-the-man-of-the-future/
happy berfday snob! i'll have an alcoholic beverage with my lunch today in honor of your bday!
as for the debate:the most disturbing part of the debate was tom brokaw's overly botoxed face....ick...
i agree the debate was not a game changer, obama held his own and then some...
i honestly think mccain needs extra absorbing depends and a higher dose of meds...he's getting crankier and feeble looking by the second...
meanwhile, obama looked fresh as a daisy...it's clear mccain sees "that one" as the future and it can't be stoppped...besides mccain's time to be president was in 2000, but he let his good pal gwb swiftboat his ass...
and speaking of "that one", i'm not offended by mccain's usage of the this term, because "that one" is going to win in november...
also observed how mccain couldn't be bothered to shake hands with barack or michelle and it was barack who went to shake his hand and mccain pointed barack towards his wife's hand...
and it's bs about folks that are claiming to still be uncommitted on who to vote for...i think they like the attention being place on them and they sure loved staying around and posing for pictures and such with obama...
and nope..i cannot even muster an almost feel sorry for mccain...i remember him as my senator in arizona and the only thing i can recall him actually being personally involved was when he voted to NOT have a mlk holiday in arizona...but quickly changed his mind when the superbowl and other tourists threatened to boycott the state...
Happy happy birthday, Snob!
HAPPY BLESSED BIRTHDAY!
http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc84/paisleystars/TheBoss_BlackSnob.jpg
Happy birthday
happy b'day snob! i'm an october baby too (oct. 12). i'll be 33. anywho, this whole to-do about "that one" could have been avoided if mccain would have just said "sen. obama" instead. obviously he learned nothing from the last debate. being condescending didn't work then and it didn't work last night. big dummy.
Happy Birthday Girl!! We are the same age.I turned 31 in September and Libras...:)
I noticed Cindy McCain didn't shake hands either but she might have a bad hand but she got a good hand left and she could have atleast spoke to people...damn...and her hair looked longer, did she get some extentions?
Michelle was so down to earth, beautiful...I got a serious girl crush on her!
I LOVED how Barack didn't take his eyes off him nor did he take one note. His brain is fresher than Uncle J-Mac's. It was past his bedtime anyway. Was I only one that thought J-Mac might pass out from all that back and forth walking?
Great post!
McCain reminded me of Mr. Tudball from the Carol Burnett show from back in the day. All he needed was a crocheted blanket wrapped around his shoulders.
Happy Birthday!
And I didn't catch the "that one" comment until today. Incredibly poor form for someone running.
I've never heard of someone getting carpal tunnel or a wrist injury from giving the types of limp-wristed handshakes that Cindy McCain does. Is this really possible?
Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!
I only caught the last 30 minutes of the debate last night but I have it on TiVo. Don't really think I will go back and watch it. I'll let keith Olbermann show me the viedo of interest!
I really feel sorry for McCain! Like Team Obama says, he's out of touch! Hillary had more of a chance at becoming prez than McCain and she lost! She went repub on Barack in the primary and still lost! Jeremiah's greatest hits were on repeat and she still lost! Like they said on 23/6 McCain is mad because he can't believe a black man with a name as Arabic as Mohammed Atta would end up beating a white war hero, he's in utter denial!
McCain paraded his 96 yr old mom out around Mother's day to prove he ain't close to death! But this loss is gonna have him muttering in a wheelchair in a corner someday soon!
happy birthday Danielle! i've got a few years on you...just turned 36. loving your blog. the daily dose of Obamas - esp Mrs O - goes well with my morning coffee...
Good points on the debate, Snob. Yeah, I agree not a game changer but Obama showed he could still keep up w/ McCain on his own home court ("town hall" debates were supposedly his specialty).
My observations/interpretations:
1)McCain came off as patronizing more than a few times during the debate. His long-winded history lessons of stuff most of us already knew about or how he treated the young brotha who asked the question were things I didn't particularly like. I bet that brotha was thinking, "I know who Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae is, dumbass! Now get to the point and answer my question."
2)I grew tired of McCain's constant pandering and name-dropping. I'm sure there were a lot of rolled eyes when he got real chummy w/ the ex-military questioner. Republicans and the MSM would've had a field day had Obama gave every black person in the audience some dap and went into some ebonics after they asked a question. ("Wassup, brotha, how your mama doin'? Tell yo cousin he still owe me dem 20 dollas, aight? Anyway, to answer you question...")
3)I'm sure Kodak made boatloads by overcharging for those disposable cameras.
Happy B-Day.
A very snobbish Happy Birthday to you!!!!!!
And yes...That one...he meant it!
Happy birthday! 31 is still 3 months away for me.
31 is the new 21, you know. At least, that's what I keep telling everyone so they don't judge me this year.
Happy Birthday, Snob!
Let McCain go ahead and call Barack anything he wants to--anytime McCain screws up, it just puts him back even further and puts Obama ahead!
But let's get down to what's really important: Michelle's dress. The fit was great (per usual), but it looked a little, um, Christmas-y, at least on my TV.
I disagree with that Politico article you referenced, Snob. McCain isn't a grumpy old man because he's uncomfortable with the smear tactics his campaign is using. Au contraire, McCain is unhappy because he's losing to Obama, plain and simple. Although I'm empathetic to his physical challenges, I don't feel sorry that he's losing. Earlier this year, I could barely move my hands due to my MS, so I know how it feels to have a disability. Fortunately, I'm in remission but I get reminders that it can always come back. I wish McCain well, God bless him. And a shout-out to Danielle and my fellow Libras and a happy birthday! It's still a big deal to me even though I turn 48 on the 17th. Peace and light always.
hbdy Snob!!!
and yes they did shake hands at the end its just the cameras didnt show it.
Happy Birthday Danielle!! Hope your year is as fabulous as you are :D
During the course of the debate, I couldn't quite understand why this was McCain's best format. He seemed more like he was doling out a frustrated, at times sarcastic lecture while Obama was having an earnest conversation. As a friend observed, McCain also kept violating the audience members' personal space. At one point we thought McCain had accidentally clocked a woman in the head. While Sen. Obama maintained a polite, conversational distance, McCain was just too close most of the time.
As for the McCain's ducking out ASAP, not a surprise. I think Cheerleader-in-Chief would call that 'waving the white flag of defeat'.
Also, it looks like Obama and McCain did shake hands at the end of the debate, though I didn't see it either. http://andrewsullivan.theatlantic.com/the_daily_dish/2008/10/the-insta-polls.html#more
happy birthday MY FRIEND.
seriously. what was up with that? i was waiting for him to bust out the "my comrades" line.
here's my observations from the debate:
1. overall, it was a little dull to watch. the palin/biden debate was entertaining and fun because we half expected sarah to pull out her flute or tap dance at any given moment.
2. i was cringing every time i saw mccain try to sit on that little stool--he looked like he was in PAIN. like his knees couldn't bend (what else do you expect from a 98 year old man?)
3. barack did great with what he had to work with--bad setting, bad moderator, bad questions, and a horrible opponent.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY AGAIN!
Happy Birthday, Snob! Wish you many more.
I have to disagree on one thing though - feeling sorry for McLame if we weren't supporting Barack (because he probably isn't fully committed to the dirt). McSame is not a child; he went into this dirty phase with his eyes wide open, choosing to take the path that did him in in 2000. The fact that he still has not said anything against the inflammatory drivel that that running mate of is his spouting, proves that he is not against it at all. Don't even waste the thought of sympathy on him - do that for honorable people who are watching their dreams crash and burn, and not him who chose to get down, wallow with the pigs and only now is worried about the price of dry-cleaning!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Yep, Barack took it!
McCain was gaffe-tastic last night.
On the real, I am soooo debated/politiced out....I am going to vote within the next week....I can't wait for all this to be over!
Happy Birthday!!!
I hope "that one" will win the election !
Happy Birthday Danielle !
Happy Birthday, Snob.
1. THAT ONE?
THAT ONE?
2. Did I notice the handshake snub?
Yep.
God bless Youtube.
3. Love that the Obamas stayed behind.
Happy birthday, and as always, great post!
Happy bday mama!!
You've gotten very popular! That's a good thing; I hope you have a great b-day.
Deedlelee
It was rather boring, I thought, and McCain was dire IMO, esp. 'That one'
And Happy 31st!
Happy Birthday young Lady!
My best friend was saying how she didn't think McCain really means any insult to Obama, that he doesn't know better. I told her that he's an OLD white man, he DOES know what he's saying and he knows DAMN well what his running mate is doing. I could almost (but not really) feel sorry for how his age and his health are clearly affecting him, but then I remember he's an OLD white man who also calls his wife a c*. I have no sympathy. At all.
Let the young man, yeah "that one" step up and drive.
Congrats, Miss Snob!!
Snob on
p.s L.O.V.E your blog
Happy Birthday!!!
Great observations; Michelle I agree looked gorgeous as usual.
McCain came off as a grumpy, old, and bitter man that didn't want to share the stage with Barack.
Oh yeah unless I had the wrong angle Cindy didn't shake Michelle's hand either...
Happy Birthday! :) Hope you enjoy it and eat cake. <---weird thing to say but I can't help it because I LOVE cake!
I didn't watch. I didn't fall asleep at the controls, I just couldn't bring myself to watch it. I always watch the recaps and do the Youtube thing the next day. Obama did good.
They stayed behind and mingled because they genuinely want to mingle with the American people. The McCain's had to go because well, frankly, I don't think they give a rat's ass about us. I think John McCain cares more about not losing... especially to a black man. Yeah. I said it.
Hey Snob. Happy Birthday! It's my birthday too - 10/8/71. No wonder I like you so much. Again thanks for the great commentary. Just to be fair though, John Mc did shake Barack's hand right after the debate when they were standing in the center of the stage in the way of Tom Brokaw's teleprompter.
As for the debate, I think that was game, set and match and it's all over but for the trophy ceremony and touching speeches.
I watched the debate last night. Nobody scored a knock-out and no one gave any real specifics on questions asked.
That said, Obama was the winner. He was better versed on economy; the primary item on everyone's mind. He showed himself presidential, calm, and unflappable. McCain came across as a cranky and skeevy old man who didn't have the energy to walk from his chair to the audience and back. I didn't perceive his "that one" comment so much as racist as I did something a crotchety old guy would say.
Cindy McCain impresses me as a younger Nancy Reagan - she'd rather be emperoress, will settle for first lady, but she has to interact with the unwashed masses to accomplish it. She's probably pissed at John for missing Paris fashion week to pander to voters.
One more debate to go. Just how desperate will McCain's act get before then.
Bourgietopia
Damn, how could I forget??!! Happy Birthday, Snob!! I'll be in line and spreading the word when the book of your observations is published.
Bourgietopia
Happy b-day!
I thought Obama won the debate easily, but like you said, not a game-changer.
I'm still trippin over "that one".
Tom Brokaw did seem annoyed pretty much the whole time. & McCain really should stay away from jokes.
Tweety said McCain said "my friends" 22 times last night. Besides "maverick", that is the phrase I hate the most.
That part with Michelle (she's on Larry King Live and TDS tonight!) was cute. She looked very nice too. The McCain's were definitely ready to get out of there.
Happy Birthday Snob!
www.thatone08.com
Happy Birthday Snob!!
I was really getting annoyed at how people keep misspelling Obama's first name, so I decided to correct everybody. Then I found out that I was spelling it wrong all the time. I was writing "Barak" when it should be "Barack." It never occurred to me to add a "C." This spelling looks so doofus to me, whereas mine seems more Arabic. Anyway, my bad. I'll practice spelling it BARACK.
Hey All,
Here's actual video of the handshake between O and Mc at the end of the debate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3K_MKwVBZRY&eurl=http://talkingpointsmemo.com/
Great analysis! Even Leslie Sanchez had to (finally!)admit that McCain did not do what he was supposed to do last night. The more exposure Obama gets nationally, the more his popularity increases...McCain can't outdo Obama in elocution.
Happy Birthday!
As the O Man said during his campaign stop today - McCain can't confront him to his face. And Michelle O was on Larry King. Her graciousness, her poise, her intelligence really shines through. She is going to be an excellent First Lady!! I guess if they can speak to the Clintons they can deal with McLame, Barbie and the Rodeo Queen.
Even Castellanos thought Obama won it easy. Anderson Cooper gave him a bit of a hard time over that. He also picked at Carville for that random "whet the fire, call in the dogs" (or whatever it was) quote. Oh, pundit humor.
I found myself feeling bad for McCain, too, actually. I truly don't want that man anywhere near the White House but he looked so despondent towards the end of the debate that I felt real pity for him.
Happy Birthday (left you a comment on Facebook, too). And darn you for being younger than me! ;)
-nicole g
Adding on to the b-day wishes. '77 was a VERY good year. :)
Happy birthday! Thank you for the pictures and the journalism!
Snob's fan club, Oakland chapter
Happy belated Bday!!!
Happy birthday! Michelle looked great as always, but I have trouble with that all-red look as Nancy Reagan as First Wife really owns it. SInce Cindy wore that deep cold purplish blue, their outfits definitely seemed color-coordinated. However, I think Michelle would really rock that particular blue given how terrific she looked in the purple dress.
I'm a bit late but I hope your day was a blessed one!
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