Presidential Debate -- The Final Volley

In tonight's final Presidential debate, I will again be commenting on the progress of the debate, followed up by my own thoughts, and posting it after the debate ends.

• Senator McCain brings up the recent plumber who asked Obama about his tax increase in Ohio. He contrasts his tax plan with Obama's to show how his plan would be better for small businesses like that of Joe the Plumber.
• Obama continues to push his plan of tax breaks to 95% of Americans. A tax break that is not real. A "tax break" that leaves out other tax increases, like Social Security.
• Senator McCain comes back with the comment from Obama to Joe the Plumber that "we need to spread the wealth around," quoting Obama. Senator McCain has taken the gloves off tonight.
• Obama -- who is definitely NOT middle class -- says he doesn't mind paying more taxes. Senator McCain says we need to CUT taxes, NOT spread the wealth around.
• Senator McCain speaks of the $700 billion per year we send to countries that don't like us for energy. We need energy independence.
• Obama refers again to the presidency of George W. Bush and the surplus he had going into office. Senator McCain says "I'm not President Bush. If you wanted to run against George Bush you should have run four years ago." People in the audience actually broke the silence rule and clapped! Obama got visibly angry.
• Senator McCain rattles off several times he stood up to his party in response to Obama's "torte reform."
• Senator McCain charges Obama with not keeping his word when he said he would accept public financing, then backed out. He accuses him of the highest spending on negative ads of any time since Watergate. Obama said nothing to repudiate the charges made by Senator McCain.
• Senator McCain comes back with specific negative ads that are currently being run by the Obama campaign, ads that make false claims against Senator McCain.
• Senator McCain says, "I personally don't care about an old washed up terrorist, but we need to know the full details of that relationship. We need to know the details of his involvement with ACORN." Obama says he has condemned the attacks committed by Bill Ayers. He says Ayers has never been involved in his campaign and will not advise him in the White House. {the truth is that Obama's political career was kicked off with a party in Ayers living room before his successful run for his current Senate seat} Senator McCain returns by citing cash that Obama paid to ACORN and with the charge that Obama's political career was launced in Ayers living room. Obama says that isn't true.
• Moderator asks, "Why would the country be better off if your running mate became President than if his running mate." Obama replies that Biden has some of the best foreign policy credentials of everybody, that Biden has never forgotten where he came from, that his consistent pattern throughout his career has been to fight for the little guy. He then goes on to spout more of his talking points. He says Joe Biden has always been on the right side on the key issues that America faces.
  
• Moderator asks, "Why would the country be better off if your running mate became President than if his running mate." Senator McCain replies that Governor Palin is a role model to women, that she is a reformer who took on corruption in her state opposing big oil, prior government, and that she has given money back to the taxpayers. He mentions that she understands special needs families better than anyone he knows. He says that she has united the party and people all across America.
• Moderator asks Obama if he thinks Governor Palin is qualified to be President. He replies that he thinks that will be up to the American people, then mentions that autism research will require additional funding and attacks Senator McCain on his claim of an across the board spending freeze.
• Moderator asks McCain is Joe Biden is qualified to be President. He responds that Biden is qualified in many areas, but mentions several issues Biden was wrong on, including his idea to divide Iraq into three countries.
• Senator McCain says he believes we can eliminate our dependence on middle eastern oil and Venezuelen oil. Senator McCain speaks of clean coal technology, nuclear power, and hybrid energy, and says in 7 to 10 years with focus we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil.
• Obama says we can reduce our dependence on foreign oil in ten years.
• Obama says he believes in free trade, but not in the attitude that any trade agreement is a good trade agreement. He is strongly opposed to NAFTA.
• Senator McCain says, "I admire Senator Obama's eloquence, and you really have to listen to the words." Senator McCain mentioned that Obama said, "We can look at..." in response to a question, never actually stating his position on the issue, but making it sound like he did. He then charges that Obama has never traveled south of our border and doesn't understand NAFTA. He says that free trade with Columbia is a no-brainer, and if Obama would travel down there he might learn a better understanding of it.
• Moderator asks if either candidate would favor controlling health care costs over expanding health care coverage. Obama says, "We've gotta do both." Obama goes on to explain how he hopes to lower the average family's health care premium by about $2500 per year. Those who don't have health care coverage can buy into a health care pool like the US Senate has. He won't allow insurance companies to discriminate based on preexisting conditions. He says they will manage chronic illnesses like heart disease and diabetes that are preventable. He doesn't explain how he will manage those.
• Senator McCain on healthcare: but records online like the VA does, create more community health centers, more physical fitness programs in schools, employers rewarding employers who enroll in a health care program, $5000 tax credit to families for health care. He again mentions the fine that Obama plans to charge families who don't have health care. He asks Obama to tell how much that fine will be.
  
• Obama answers, "Here's your fine: zero." He goes on to say that he exempts small businesses from having to pay into a "kitty" but that large businesses that can afford it either provide health insurance to their employees, or somebody has to. He doesn't explain what happens to those who work for a large company that end up with no health care. He then attacks Senator McCain on his $5000 tax credit, claiming that older Americans won't be able to afford health care under Senator McCain's plan.
• Obama thins that the average cost for health care in America is $12,000. Sentor McCain says it is $5800. They both can't be right. A recent Towers Perrin Health Care survey says that the average cost of health care in 2009 will be $9600.
• On the Supreme Court, Senator McCain says he would not impose a litmus test on his nominees based upon abortion. Obama says he believes that Roe v. Wade was rightly decided. If he said anything about whether he would nominate someone who disagrees with him -- which is what the moderator asked -- I didn't hear it.
• Senator McCain charges back that Obama voted against a law in Illinois that would provide immediate treatment for babies born alive during an abortion. Obama voted against a band on partial birth abortion.
• Obama says it isn't true that he voted against a bill that would provide life-saving treatment for infants. He says there was already a law on the books in Illinois that would require life-saving treatment for babies, so he voted against the new one. So it isn't untrue. He did vote against it. He just thinks it was okay. He says he is completely opposed to partial birth abortion as long as there's an exception for the mother's life.
• Senator McCain charges that "health of the mother" has been stretched to mean almost anything.
• Obama says we have to get our education system right. He says there has been a debate between more money and reform, but he thinks we need both. Senator McCain says it's the civil rights issue of the 21st century. He says that choice and competition among schools is one of the key elements. Have charter schools, reward and promote good teachers, find other teachers another line of work, give parents the choice to send their kids to the school of their choice. Senator McCain says that throwing money at the problem is not the answer. "You will find that some of the worst schools in the country get the most money per student." Make student loans available, give them a repayment plan they can meet, adjust student loan eligibility to inflation. Senator McCain replies that he's surprised that Obama didn't pay more attention to the voucher system in Washington, DC.
• Obama comes back to talk about the condition of the DC school system to try to demonstrate that he does know what's going on in DC. He says he disagrees with Senator McCain about vouchers because "the data doesn't show that it solves the problem." Senator McCain sums up Obama's point to say that we shouldn't have vouchers because there aren't enough of them, even though it's working.
• In closing statements, Senator McCain talks of his long record of being a careful steward of tax dollars, of making health care affordable, of making quality education available, of stopping the spending. He asks voters to examine his record and to examine his proposals for this country. He says he has been proud to serve his country his entire life.
  
• In closing statements, Obama says America is going through tough times right now. He mentions the Bush Presidency again and it's "same failed policies and same failed politics." He says we need fundamental change in this country. He talks of policies that will life wages and grow the middle class. He says it won't be easy and it won't be quick. He calls on everyone to renew a spirit of sacrifice and service and responsibility.
  

From the very opening of tonight's debate, Senator McCain had Obama on the run, constantly playing defense while in no way actually repudiating the very real charges from McCain. Moreso tonight than in any of the prior two debates, Obama was stuttering and stammering and trying to form his thoughts on the fly, rather unsuccessfully.

Once again, Obama referred to Senator frequently as "John," while Senator McCain consistently referred to Obama by title and name. Why is it that Obama insists on so blatantly disrespecting Senator McCain?

Again, I'm sure that the media will spin tonight's debate in favor of Obama. I do not know how anyone can possibly think Obama even placed in tonight's debate. Senator McCain went to the debate tonight with victory in mind. He took off the gloves and kicked Obama's tail!


Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

The Joe Show 86 - Politics, Politics, Politics

Average Joe Radio
presents

The Joe Show
featuring
Average Joe American

Episode Eighty-Six: Politics, Politics, Politics

This episode contains a great deal of political content. My opinion on things such as the Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates, economic bailout, and even an election prediction. Also, some great political music, a sample of the Jason Gray / Rush of Fools / Big Daddy Weave concert my wife and I went to, and new music from doublePark, AM and Rick Paul.

No show notes for this one, as you just have to hear it to believe it.

Phone: (317) 644-6129
Email Feedback: joe@averagejoeamerican.us

| SUBSCRIBE | | Add to Zune

Your comments?

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Presidential Debate #2

It's time for the second Presidential debate, and I'll be recording my observations during the debate, and posting them with my comments immediately afterward.

• Tonight's debate is a town hall style debate, Senator McCain's favorite format. A group of voters get to ask their questions directly of the candidates. Obama's first question is about the current economic situation, and not surprisingly, he starts off blaming it on President Bush and Senator McCain. Unsure of who is really at fault? See here.
  
• Senator McCain replies to the same question with an opening of "Senator Obama, it's good to be with you at a town hall meeting." Clearly a jab at Obama's reluctance to participate in a town hall style debate all summer. Moderator Tom Brokaw asks Senator McCain who he would appoint to replace Treasury Secretary Paulson. McCain replies, "Not you, Tom." Then goes on to mention Obama supporter Warren Buffett and former eBay CEO Meg Whitman. Obama replies that Warren Buffett would be a good choice, but that there are others out there.
• Drinking game term tonight: middle-class. Obama has already thrown the term out when the question had nothing to do with taxes. Moderator Brokaw reminds the candidates of the debate rules that they both signed off on.
• Senator McCain answers a question about the bailout by referring to it as a "rescue." McCain has referred to Obama's cronyism twice already. McCain points out that Obama is the second largest recipient of support from FannieMae and FreddieMac in history. Obama has a pained smirk on his face. Obama takes the stage and also refers to the bailout as a "rescue package."
• Obama says "this is not the end of the process. This is the beginning of the process." Brokaw asks Obama if he's saying that the American economy is going to get much worse before it gets better. Obama says "No."
• Senator McCain answers the same question by saying, "I think it depends on what we do," then goes on to give some examples of things that we can do to keep the economy from getting worse. He mentions a letter that he and other Senators wrote to Secretary Paulson warning of this crisis, and points out that Senator Obama's name was not on that letter.
• A voter asks Obama how we can trust either candidate when both parties got us into this economic crisis. Obama stalls with some stammers, then says she is right, there's a lot of blame to go around. He then proceeds to say that President Bush came into office with a surplus, and now has a deficit. He points out that Senator McCain voted for four out of five of President Bush's budget plans that created the deficit. Obama goes on to say that he will cut more than he adds to the spending bill, but he fails to detail any of those cuts.
• Senator McCain agrees that the system in Washington is broken. He then explains how he has consistently been a reformer in Washington, mentions his bipartisan record in contrast to Obama's. Suggests we look at records instead of rhetoric (Obama has no record, but lots of rhetoric).
• On entitlements: Senator McCain says that we aren't going to be able to provide present-day workers the same entitlements (Social Security and Medicaid) that we give today's retirees. Clearly not a popular statement, but undeniable honesty! Obama says he would prioritize energy over healthcare and entitlement reform (and throws education into the mix, as well) while Senator McCain said he believes that we can and must focus on all three at once. Obama says we can be free of foreign oil dependence in ten years, comparing it to JFK's plan to go to the moon. Brokaw reminds the candidates again of time limits, saying they are going to have a bigger deficit on time than the country has in the budget.
• Senator McCain recommends a spending freeze across the board, except for defense and some other vital programs. He says that with the participation of all Americans that we can work on energy, healthcare, and entitlement reform all at once. He will not tell that family concerned about healthcare that they have to wait because he's busy working on something more important.
• Obama takes to the stage again referring to President Bush. I, for one, am very annoyed with the Democrats constant references to the Bush administration. Senator McCain differs from President Bush enough that his administration would not be another four years of the Bush administration. Why can't Obama just run against Senator McCain?
• I'd like to comment on the question Obama is currently answering, but he has stalled, stammered, talked long enough, and changed the subject enough times that I don't even remember what the question was.
• McCain: Obama's tax increases will increase taxes on 50% of small business revenue. Those taxes would be passed on to the consumers and employees of small business owners. The general feeling tonight is that Senator McCain doesn't want to increase taxes on anyone while Obama wants to tax the rich.
• Brokaw shuts Obama down on his request to reply to Senator McCain's answer on taxes.
• Obama says, "The Straight Talk Express lost a wheel" on entitlement reform. Says he wants to cut taxes for 95% of American's. Income over $250,000 will see tax increases. $200,000 and lower would see a tax cut. He says only "a small percent" of small business owners make more than $250,000 per year, so they would see a tax cut. In talking about money, he can't seem to keep his thousands, millions, and billions straight.
• Senator McCain: "We'll get our economy going again, and our best days are ahead of us."
• Senator McCain: The best way to fix the negative effects on the economy is nuclear power. Obama calls "green jobs" one of the biggest challenges of our times. He goes on to compare green energy initiatives with the computer. What?
  
• Brokaw again points out the time limits, mentioning the lights that indicate time is up. Senator McCain tell him to wave his arm and he'll be watching for that to know when to stop.
• After Obama mentioned our lack of enough oil to make an impact by drilling at home, Senator McCain points out that foreign oil is a national security issue, as well as an energy issue.
• Obama on healthcare again refers to the Bush administration. Obama will invest in prevention, computerized records, etc., to reduce health care costs to our employers (which he says will reduce our costs and improve our coverage). He also says that he if you don't have insurance, you can buy the same type of coverage they have in the Senate.
• Senator McCain calls for online health records to reduce errors. He calls for walk-in health care centers. He points out that Obama keeps using the term "government" and that he will impose mandates. He points out that if you're a parent struggling to get healthcare coverage for your children, Obama's plan will fine you for not having coverage. Pay the coverage or pay the fine.
• Is healthcare in America a privelege, a right, or a responsiblity? Senator McCain: a responsibility. Obama: I think it should be a right for every American. Obama says "it's true that you are going to have to make sure that your children has healthcare." Having been challenged by Senator McCain to tell us how much of a fine we would have to pay for not providing healthcare to our children, Obama avoiding addressing the topic. Senator McCain jumps in before the next question to ask if we heard the size of Obama's healthcare fine.
• Senator McCain: "America is the greatest force for good in the history of the world," in response to how America can be a peacemaker in the world. "Senator Obama was wrong about Iraq and the surge. He was wrong about Russia. ... We don't have time for on the job training."
• Obama says we made a bad judgement going into Iraq when we hadn't finished the job shutting down bin Laden and al Qaeda. He talks like he knows where bin Laden is and we should do something about it. Get more troops in Afghanistan, eliminate drug trafficking, change our policies with Pakistan.
• Obama says that if Pakistan is unable or unwilling to hunt down bin Laden and take him out, then we should. He points out that Senator McCain is the one who sang, "Bomb Bomb Bomb Iran."
• Obama: Make the Iraqi government take more responsibility, withdraw our troops in a responsibile way. Our military leader sin Afghanistan are desperate for more help.
• McCain: We have to double the size of the Afghan Army, have a streamlined NATO, work much more closely with Pakistan. We will bring our troops home with honor and victory, and not in defeat.
• McCain: I don't think we're going to have another cold war. ... Long ago I warned about Putin. I looked into his eyes and saw three letters: K G B. Ukraine right now is in the sights of Putin. We've got to show moral support for Georgia and Ukraine, advocate for their membership in NATO. Make Russia understand that there are consequences for this type of behavior.
• Obama comes to stage after strong response from Senator McCain and says: We can't just provide moral support. We've also got to provide them with financial support and concrete assistance to help them build their economies. He then goes on to blah blah blah his way through another non-answer. "Energy is going to be key to dealing with Russia."
• [At this point, I got more invovled with the LiveBlog at Hoosier Access and was unable to keep up with my notes about the debate.]

In my opinion, Senator McCain did a much better job in this debate than Obama did. Of course, I felt that he destroyed Obama in the first debate, so I'm sure the media will spin this thing totally differently. While Senator McCain frequently pointed out the facts of Obama's record, Obama continued to spout the same rhetoric without content that he has been vomiting at us throughout the campaign.

What I saw on stage tonight was an experienced patriot who is prepared to lead this country and to lead the free world into the next decade, and a rock star wannabe who worked from a script and could only answer the questions if he had the answers prepared in advance.

What do you think? Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

Vice Presidential Debate -- In Case You Missed It -- UPDATED

The following comments were recorded as I watched the Vice Presidential debate live on Fox News. My comments on the debate as a whole follow at the end.

UPDATE: I should say that, other than allowing Biden to have the first and last word in almost every instance, Gwen Ifill did not appear to act in favor of the Obama campaign. And since Governor Palin seemed to dominate, even with Biden getting the first and last word, I don't think it made much difference having an Obama-phile as the Moderator tonight.

• Governor Palin asked Senator Biden, "Can I call you Joe?" He said she could, but then always referred to her as "Governor." Interestingly enough, every time he mentioned Senator McCain, he, like Obama, used the familiar "John." Have these Democrats no respect whatsoever?
• Gwen Ifill cut Governor Palin off in the middle of her response to a comment from Biden, saying "We're out of time on this one." Cut her off in mid-sentence. Clearly she has to keep control of the proceedings, but to cut her off in mid-sentence? It'll be interesting to see if she does the same to Biden at any point.
• Governor Palin refers to "Barack" on taxes. And, if I'm not mistaken, it sounded clearly like she was trying to make a statement by using his first name. Defending her running mate, for example, by showing that two can play the name game.
• Senator Biden, of course, sneaks in the "Bridge to Nowhere" tag that he has made his rally cry of late. If this were a drinking game, my bet is that "Bridge to Nowhere" would be the drinking cue.
• Having been told at the opening of the debate that she could call him "Joe," Governor Palin takes her cue from being referred to as "Governor" and opts not to use Biden's first name, but rather refers to him as "Senator Biden." Showing Biden the respect he shows her while showing Obama the lack of respect that he showed Senator McCain.
• "How long have I been at this, what, five weeks?" Governor Palin refers to her own lack of tenure in the campaign in responding to Ifill's question about what programs they might cut to pay for the economic bailout bill. By throwing in her supposed "lack of experience" before Biden could, she takes that issue off the table.
• Biden refers to investing in "clean coal," while earlier in the campaign he said "no coal in America." Suddenly he's in favor of every alternative energy source (except for Drill Here, Drill Now). Ifill called Biden on his support of such initiatives, saying he hasn't always been in support, and he said that he has. Somehow, I doubt that Ifill would call him on it if she wasn't sure what she was talking about.
• Ifill did indeed cut Biden off in the middle of an answer based on time restrictions.
• An Obama / Biden administration would have no differentiation between heterosexual and homosexual couples. He says, "That's what the Constitution calls for." I wonder how long it's been since he read the Constitution. Governor Palin says she would not support same sex unions if it goes in any way toward the redefinition of marriage. She says a McCain / Palin administration would not prevent things like hospital visitation and things of that nature, but that they clearly don't support gay marriage. Biden then claims that he and Obama do not support "redefining marriage from a civil side."
• Governor Palin refers to the surge and counter-insurgency measures in Iraq as a part of the plan to eventually withdraw troops from Iraq. She points out that Obama voted against funding for troops after saying that he wouldn't, then said, "Senator Biden, I respected you when you called him out on that. You said it was a political move..." Biden comes back and says "I didn't hear a plan." He calls Senator McCain the only odd man out on the plan to withdraw troops from Iraq. "We will end this war." Governor Palin charges, "Your plan is a white flag of surrender in Iraq." She also refers to Biden saying Obama wasn't ready to be Commander-In-Chief. Biden chuckles, then charges that Senator McCain voted against funding the troops. He points out that McCain said he voted against the bill because it included a timeline for withdrawal. Of course he voted against a timeline, but that's what he voted against, not the funding.
• Biden cannot say which is a greater threat, a nuclear Iran or an unstable Pakistan. His answer seems to say that Pakistan is more of a threat because they "already have nuclear weapons" and "Iran is nowhere near having a nuclear weapon." Biden says if an attack comes on the homeland it will come from Al Qaeda planning in the hills of Pakistan. Governor Palin comes back with General Petraeus' comments about the danger of a nuclear Iran, citing that he is there, in the region, and certainly knows better than Biden. She goes on to discuss the instability in Ahmadinijad's own mind. Biden claims that Obama "did not say he would sit down with Ahmadinijad."
• Governor Palin says a two-state solution (Israel and Palestine) is the solution in the Middle East. She goes on to say that we must make it clear that we will not let our allies (Israel) face attack from other nations. Biden comes back, "No one in the United States Senate has been a better friend to Israel than Joe Biden."
• Governor Palin says, "for a ticket that talks about change, there's too much finger pointing into the past." Biden replies, "Past is prologue."
  
• On the use of nuclear weapons: Governor Palin says dangerous regimes cannot be allowed to acquire nuclear weapons. Our nuclear weapons are used as a deterrent, which is a safe use for nuclear weapons. Biden said Senator McCain voted against a comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. He says the first thing Obama did in the Senate was reach across the aisle to Senator Lugar. Again, the Obama campaign drops the only bipartisan name he can drop, even though Senator Lugar has clearly stated that he never endorsed Obama.
• Biden says he and Obama have constantly been calling for more money and more troops in Afghanistan. So, my question is, we want to end the war in Iraq and escalate it in Afghanistan? I can live with that, if we can end the war in Iraq with victory, but how can Obama / Biden talk about peace and bringing the troops home if they just want to redeploy them to Afghanistan.
• Governor Palin accuses Obama / Biden of being for the war before they were against it, and says "Americans are craving for straight talk. If you were for the war, just say you were for the war."
• Biden says we should draw the line on going into Darfur when we don't have the resources. He says he never supported Senator McCain's strategy on the war. Apparently, Biden knew everything that would happen before it happened, and actually predicted it all in advance of the war with 100% accuracy. Governor Palin replies, "Tomorrow morning the pundits will say who said what at what time and we'll know more about this." Touche!
• When asked about how a Biden administration would be different from an Obama administration if as VP he had to ascend to the Presidency, Biden said "God forbid if that were to happen, it would be a tragedy of catastrophic proportions." I wonder if he was referring to the rhetorical death of Obama, or to the resulting Presidency of Biden. He then went on to say that he would continue Obama's policies. Governor Palin, responding to the same question, referred to the fact that they are both Mavericks and don't agree on anything. She said that she would then pursue drilling in ANWR, which Senator McCain is opposed to. Good answer from the Governor, no answer from Biden.
• In response to more comparison between Obama / Biden and President Bush, Governor Palin says, "Say it ain't so, Joe. There you go pointing your finger back to the Bush administration again."
• As VP Palin would lead energy independence in America, working with children of special needs. As VP Biden would be to tell Obama when he disagrees with him. Biden says VP Cheney has been the most dangerous Vice President we've had in the history of America.
• Biden says that he is much better off than most Americans now. He then referred to his son in the military and "not knowing if he's going to make it," then choked up a bit. Or, pretended to. Don't know if it was genuine or not, but my wife is a pretty good judge of such things, and she laughed at his dramatic moment.
• Governor Palin refers to the fact that not much was accomplished in either the current Democrat led Congress or the past Republican led Congress. Biden says that McCain has not been a Maverick on many things, including the war. Really? As virtually the only Senator to speak out in favor of the surge, and still supporting victory in Iraq, there is no other accurate way to describe Senator McCain than "Maverick."
• After earlier saying he hasn't changed in 35 years in the Senate, Biden now talks about how he has changed by compromising. Governor Palin responds to say that they got things done in Alaska by not worrying about who got the credit.
• Biden claims to have been a great bi-partisan leader and reaching across the aisle. He says he has never questioned the motives of another Senator, and that's why he has the respect he has in the Senate. Governor Palin comes back to talk about how she appointed people in Alaska regardless of their party affiliation. She says you have to walk the walk not just talk the talk.
• Closing statement from Governor Palin: "I want to assure you, John McCain and I are going to fight for America. We're going to fight for the middle class families like mine. We also have to fight for our freedom." She quoted Ronald Reagan saying "We are just one generation away from extinction." She says "there is only one man in this race who has every really fought for you, and that's Senator John McCain."
• Closing statement from Senator Biden: talks again about the neighborhood he grew up in. So tired of hearing about Scranton, or Wilmington, or whereever it is politically convenient for him to be from at any given moment. "It is time for American to get up together. ... Barack Obama is ready to be the next President of the United States of America."
  

It seemed that in most cases, Ifill let Biden have both the first and last word. She started most every question by allowing Biden to answer first, then allowing Governor Palin to respond, then allowing Biden to respond to the Governor's response. Clearly, Biden recieved more mic time than Governor Palin, and was given the opportunity to make both a first and last impression on almost every question, while Governor Palin's answers were allowed to be lost somewhere in between.

I would sure like to see the Obama / Biden campaign quit running against the Presidency of George W. Bush and start running against the Republican nominee and his running mate. It seems that every time the going gets tough, Obama / Biden start comparing themselves to President Bush.

Both candidates dropped the name of President Reagan during the debate.

Ifill gave Governor Palin the chance to make the first closing statement, which of course gives Biden the last word again. No surprise there.

Governor Palin delivered a very powerful closing statement, while Biden spouted more of the same rhetoric we've heard over and over and over.

My take? The McCain campaign clearly took the cuffs off Governor Palin and let her do her thing tonight, and she was very prepared to address the issues. She seemed very comfortable and confident and, in fact, at times took control of the debate away from the Moderator in order to address comments made by Biden.

In contrast, Biden seemed to be Obama's yes-man. Nearly every comment he made was either an attack against Senator McCain, an attack against President Bush, or praise for Barack Obama. Of course, he is expected to support his running mate, but it would have been nice to see Joe Biden out there, not Obama's yes-man.

Flipping through the channels to see what the media is saying, it seems that the majority of them have been saying Governor Palin did quite well. They referred to her as "Main Street, not Wall Street."

Just as last week when Senator McCain kept his cool and delivered a commanding performance while Obama interrupted, stammered, and got hot under the collar, Governor Palin was professional, cool, calm, and in control of the situation while Biden smirked, smiled, and chuckled. And just as last week when the media tried to call Obama the winner while McCain was the clear winner, I won't be surprised if the media tries to give this one to Biden when Governor Palin was the victor.

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

VP Debate A Predetermined Folly

This is a travesty! Sean Hannity and Glenn Beck have been saying frequently that journalism is dead. I'm sure that none of us want to believe that. None of us want to accept the fact that the so-called "journalists" who are "reporting" on events in the current financial crisis and the Presidential campaigns might actually have already decided upon whom they wish to see in the White House come January. I think this makes it painfully clear.

VP debate moderator Ifill releasing pro-Obama book

The moderator of Thursday's vice-presidential debate is writing a book to come out about the time the next president takes the oath of office that aims to "shed new light" on Democratic candidate Barack Obama and other "emerging young African American politicians" who are "forging a bold new path to political power."

Clearly, Gwen Ifill should be pulled from moderation of the upcoming Vice Presidential debate tomorrow evening. She has crossed the line from independent journalist to committed, supportive biographer. She clearly stands in support of Barack Obama and, if she is allowed to sit in moderation of tomorrow night's debate, will certainly deliver the tough questions to Governor Palin while coddling Joe Biden, in favor of her beloved Obama.

This kind of one-sided, partisan reporting should not be allowed in our society. Surely, she has freedom of speech and can speak her mind about whatever topic she chooses. But she should not be sponsored in doing so in a forum that is intended to help voters become more aware of the candidates. This is a travesty!

Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

One Very Telling Moment

A very telling moment from last night's debate. Senator McCain very articulately tells the story of how the mother of a lost soldier asks him to wear a bracelet in her son's honor and memory.

Direct video link.

In a weak "me too" moment, Barack Obama couldn't even remember the name of the soldier whose bracelet he wears.



Direct video link.


Your comments?

Joe

podsafe music network | ioda promonet | magnatune | airplay direct
ariel publicity | kennedy resource development | populuxe records | indie heaven
miles high productions | iris distribution | chavis records | after hours music

McCain Wins!

I don't care how you slice it, McCain took Obama to school tonight in the first Presidential debate. McCain dominated while Obama was constantly on the defense, stammering, as usual, and sometimes appeared to be trying to run out the clock.



Direct video link.

Posted by email from Average Joe American (posterous)