Barack: Don't Pull Your Punches in This Debate

by: Mike Lux

Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:59



Obama was very solid, very steady in the last debate. He reassured people about his knowledge and judgment, which is great. Unlike some folks, I didn't even mind all of the nice talk towards McCain (although I thought he did too much of it), as I think it made him look like a nice Midwestern boy who was kind to his crazy uncle. But he also pulled his punches at a couple of key times.

In this debate, he can pretty much end this race. McCain is teetering right now, Obama has the chance to end this thing right now. Classic example from very early in the first debate: when McCain was talking about the need to hold people accountable on the economy, Obama's follow-up was soft and non-specific. What he should have done was nail him right there: "John, if we need to hold people accountable, why not you? You helped your economic adviser Phil Gramm de-regulate the banks. You helped confirm all these awful appointees. Where's the accountability for you?"

Another example: the format in that debate allowed you to be aggressive. When he was explaining his policy to take out Osama even if it pissed off the Pakistanis, he should have just done that simple explanation, and turned to McCain and said: "John, you don't believe we should take Osama out if we have the chance?"

Do not be cautious, do not hold back in this debate because you are ahead. Democrats have a history of getting cautious when they get ahead, but coasting and playing prevent defense is going to endanger your lead. Finish him off. Take it to him. Do not let him up off the mat. His record on economics is horrendous, nail him with it. Whenever he tries to distract people with the Ayers stuff or the Jeremiah Wright stuff, push back hard and make him defend a sleazy campaign while the economy is going down the tubes. Your momentum allows you to finish him off: just do it.
Mike Lux :: Barack: Don't Pull Your Punches in This Debate
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Barack: Don't Pull Your Punches in This Debate | 55 comments
A Prayer for Barack...... Beautiful (4.00 / 1)
There is a reason why McCain Adviser says that if we "talk about the Economy, we will lose!"  That is because they have no good ideas on the economy for the Middle Class.  Their ideas and solutions only benefit the rich, well-off and well-connected!

            A Prayer for Barack...........Beautiful!

http://vmm918.dailykos.com/
 

Will the format allow anything like that? (4.00 / 2)
This preview of the debate format makes it sound like it might be fairly dull:

Brokaw selects the questions to ask from written queries submitted prior to the debate, according to the "contract."

An audience member will not be allowed to switch questions. Under the deal, the moderator may not ask followups or make comments. The person who asks the question will not be allowed a follow-up either, and his or her microphone will be turned off after the question is read. A camera shot will only be shown of the person asking -- not reacting.

While there will be director's chairs (with backs and foot rests), McCain and Obama will be allowed to stand -- but they can't roam past their "designated area" to be marked on the stage. McCain and Obama are not supposed to ask each other direct questions.

The last point is an important one.  It's almost the exact opposite of the first debate, where Lehrer was doing everything he could to get the two of them to address each other.  They both generally preferred to stick to their talking points in that situation, so I don't think there's much chance of things getting any more aggressive tonight.

I guess there's a question of whether McCain will try to go all-in with Ayers.  It's generally pretty stupid to try to slime your opponent in the middle of a debate, but maybe they're desperate enough to try it.

He's solidly behind in a zero-sum game (4.00 / 4)
which means he's damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

It's very similar to 'the math' situation during the primaries -- 10% wins in Ohio  and PA weren't enough for Hillary.

It's not enough for McCain to hit him hard on Ayers because it'll turn some independents and swing voters off. It's not enough for him to go maverick and lay off the personal attacks because it gives other swing voters and independents no reason for them to choose him.

He has to find a way to turn people off of Obama AND attract them to himself.

He needs a miracle. He needs Obama to begin a sentence with "This reminds me of my times fighting Cracker with the Black Panthers..." or "But John -- our troops in Afghanistan ARE targeting civilians..."

[ Parent ]
"My BFF Ayers got a raw deal from The Man" (4.00 / 1)
I almost think McCain is figuring, "That's what Obama REALLY believes, so if I can just get him to admit that he ordered the Code Red..."
[ Parent ]
Great reference! (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
ha! (0.00 / 0)
But I don't exactly see Obama as the Col. Jessup figure in this race.
[ Parent ]
Precisely why... (4.00 / 2)
Obama cannot come off as the "angry Black man."

Let McCain be the nasty, angry, hateful candidate.

Obama just needs to maintain his Presidential demeanor, exhibit a command of the issues and the wisdom to lead our country through this economic crisis.

This isn't a mud wrestling match and Obama is in the lead.

Obama won his first debate against McCain by wide margins. No need to get loose and risky with this one by getting too aggressive.

Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.

[ Parent ]
true... and Barack can get under McCain's skin (4.00 / 1)
without delivering truly low blows.

Obama is skilled enough as a speaker to be able to push McCain's buttons by barraging him with facts that will make McCain squirm.

I'm betting that tonight, McCain tries to come out like Mr. Nice Guy, but then he starts hurling feces with a grin on his face. You know he'll go to the "dangerous" and "naive" route, with much more emphasis on "dangerous" because that emphasizes Black Man is Scary Terrorist meme. If Barack plays it cool, pushing back with reasoning with class and just a little poke at McCain, he could get the old man's temper flaring.

Personally, I'd probably go with something like this:
"This is precisely the kind of nasty politics that America is tired of, John. America wants change. They want a focus on what we will do to fix the problems at our feet and potential problems coming down the road. 77% of people say the country is on the wrong track, John! I'm talking about solutions to our problems, meanwhile, you're hurling unsubstantiated and false accusations to demean my character and my patriotism. You and your running mate are trying to paint me as un-American, as a friend of terrorists. You KNOW these things are not true, but YOU do it, and you allow your running mate and campaign surrogates to do it, time and again. That kind of behavior is unbecoming of you, and unbecoming of the office you seek. I will not sink to that level. I would never question your patriotism because I disagree with your policies. Instead, I'm going to focus on the issues and propose solutions that the American people need."

Basically, call McCain out as desperate and lacking integrity. Have the surrogates say how sad it is that McCain has abandoned all of his principals in his desperate attempt to win the Presidency. Pretend McCain used to be a good guy with integrity (although he was not), and that his erratic and desperate behavior makes people question how he's not putting "Country First" anymore.

I think that would make McCain go ballistic (not that it takes much to get his temper flaring). McCain would be angry because he knows that this is true - he's sold out whatever soul he had in order to be President, and the Presidency is slipping away from him as a result.


[ Parent ]
Apparently Brokaw (4.00 / 1)
will ask follow ups:

Lynn Sweet reported yesterday that the two campaigns had reached an agreement under which, among other things, moderator Tom Brokaw wouldn't ask follow-up questions tonight.

But Brokaw wasn't a party to the deal, I'm told, and hasn't agreed to it, so the campaigns are expecting follow-up questions, a senior campaign official said.

There's a good chance that Brokaw--who has already agreed that the Keating 5 scandal is ancient history--will try to help McCain.

[ Parent ]
Yeah, I just noticed that too (4.00 / 1)
Here's the link to Politico.
[ Parent ]
Thanks for that clarification n/t (0.00 / 0)

[ Parent ]
Mike, I agree...he needs to put him away (4.00 / 3)
It is now 28 days to go.  People are early voting in many states. Obama can reinforce the stark differences between him and McCain and put this thing out of reach.  He needs to continue to reinforce how McCain and Palin will be more of the same (de-regulation, more tax breaks for big oil, and big companies, and more war).  This has been the message and it has worked.  Now it is time to finish him off.  I was encouraged yesterday with the Keating 5 information. Instead of lying down and accepting McCains new meme, Obama shifted the conversation to a substantive difference that is pertinent to what is going on right now, the banking crisis.  This is not dirty politics, it is politics.  The American people need to know 28 days before the election what McCain/Palin policies would bring us...Go for the jugular, but do it with a smile...:)

I agree with you (4.00 / 3)
but then again, Obama has held his punches on numerous occassions dating back to the primaries (sometimes throwing them later), and he's now on the verge of winning.  So, who am I to give advice?

John McCain won't insure children
very good point. (0.00 / 0)
I'm not sure Obama has to finish him off. I think McCain is finishing himself off.

My gut instinct is that because of the way Obama handled himself in the last debate, a lot of people who have never seen him speak probably saw him as very "Presidential". It was the first chance they had to really see how this man would handle himself as President. For some people who might have slight reservations about a dark-skinned man as our nation's leader, they were likely impressed that this man really looked like the President. They could see this man doing the job because he's so polished, so calm, thoughtful and knowledgeable, and also so human.

If McCain goes really nasty (which would not surprise me - he may very well spring the "you should be frightened of electing this dangerous man to the Presidency"), then it would be wise for Obama to show a bit of emotion. It wouldn't hurt Obama to show a flash of passion about the needs and concerns of the American people in these dire financial times, with jobs disappearing and incomes dropping and investments flailing. Channel a little bit of Bill Clinton here!

Just don't show actual anger. He could show a little disappointment or surprise that McCain is becoming McNasty, and point out how it is "unbecoming of the offices you and your running mate are seeking" to paint your opponent as un-American and "pallin around terrorists" just because you disagree on the issues (see my comment above).

[ Parent ]
Political Debates (4.00 / 9)
especially Presidential ones, are seldom won on the issues.

The closer we get to the election, the more the 1980 analogy seems to hold.  If you go back and read accounts of the last two weeks in 1980, you will find one theme that developed about Carter was that he appeared to be "mean".  This in part was because he was attacking Reagan hard - as he should have been.  But in the debate Reagan appeared both knowledgable AND friendly.  

This country does not elect presidents who appear mean. Think about likability and the recent Presidents.  Reagan, Bush, Clinton, Bush. All seemed more likable than their opponents.

This is the trap McCain is heading straight into.  His attacks threaten to highlight the least appealing aspect of his personality.   If Barack, by contrast, appears knowledge and friendly, the contrast will be start.

And he will win.

Can McCain do this? (4.00 / 1)
"But in the debate Reagan appeared both knowledgable AND friendly. "

No, on both counts.  

If Obama keeps demonstrating his thoughtful, rational, approach and pokes McCain with few barbs where appropriate, we'll see McCain as the anti-thesis of yout description of Reagan.

I agree that Americans don't like mean people - except when they do. At this point, I think that some folks might like to see a bit of fire from Obama, because another thing Americans don't like is people that don't fight back when they have been attacked.  

"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Besides We're Not Really Talking "Mean" Here (4.00 / 1)
We're talking about "tough" and "direct" at a time when lots of folks are downright angry.

"a bit of fire" captures this nicely.

"Senate passes expanded GI bill despite Bush, McCain opposition"

[ Parent ]
"lots of folks are angry" (4.00 / 3)
That's the key. Obama needs to channel that anger. That will help him a lot. But just being angry, say, about the attacks against himself, while being cool and detached about the economic crisis, would be a turn-off.

But I think Obama knows this.

[ Parent ]
The do not (4.00 / 1)
elect wallflowers as president, so obviously there is a need for some balance.

But the narrative that emerged from the bailout was that McCain's panicked.  This plays into the "hothead" theme that I think is lurking under the covers.  I used to wonder how Bush beat McCain, but after the last three weeks that now seems obvious.  


[ Parent ]
I have to disagree with part of this.... (0.00 / 0)
McCain is actually very good at acting like a nice, jovial guy with a good sense of humor, and as a guy who truly deeply cares about this country and his fellow citizens. (Because he's become pretty good at hiding his nasty temper in front of the cameras. He's been practicing it for more than 10 years, for this final moment... and yoobetcha he will be able to control himself from an outburst pretty well during these townhall-style debates).

So, I think he can appear both knowledgeable and friendly in short, mostly scripted bursts. Long enough for the debate, for sure.

Unless Obama pokes him with an uppercut (which could be a little risky), and McCain blows a gasket, he'll be able to seem nice and knowledgeable.

I doubt there will be a big shift in poll numbers one way or the other after this debate.

I agree with the rest of what you've said, though.

[ Parent ]
I think you have been watching a different John Mccain (0.00 / 0)
The one I see and hear, moreso in the passed few days, is someone who doesn't have a clue about what is going on in the financial sector and would rather talk about Obama's "ties" to Bill Ayers, than any kind of issue that actual Americans are worried about.

His behavior in response to the bail out bill was anything but a a showing of "nice and knowledgeable". He was flustered and he blustered. To not point that out will be a mistake by Obama.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
I agree his recent response to economic issues (0.00 / 0)
has been dreadful for his campaign.

However, those moments were pretty unscripted (or uncontrolled by his handlers). I think he realizes that he's blown it quite a bit with some of his erratic behavior (dontcha love the new terminology - "erratic" is 2008's "flip flop").

I think he's likely polished a very slick narrative for tonight's debate regarding how to address economic issues. Of course, it'll be full of bullshit, with a garnish of Obama smears ("naive and dangerous") on the side.

McCain knows this is his last chance - he has to stick close to a carefully designed script and not wander off into mistakes like "fundamentals of the economy are strong" and "I don't know much about the economy". His chances of winning the Presidency are becoming slimmer by the moment. His only real hope tonight is to create a delicate balance of appearing charming and likeable while casting strong doubts on Obama's fitness to lead. I'm sure his campaign has carefully crafted this narrative.

If he comes off as a very angry and petulant prick, he loses any chance of winning the Presidency.

If he's aloof on economic issues, he loses any chance of winning the Presdiency. If he tries to change the topic too much away from the economic crisis, he will also lose - because Obama will keep going back to this crisis.

[ Parent ]
This is why Obama needs to slice him when given the chance (0.00 / 0)
"If he comes off as a very angry and petulant prick, he loses any chance of winning the Presidency."

Who is the real John McCain?


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Its not easy .... (4.00 / 2)

... I think Obama learned a long time ago that maybe there are lots of people who do not like to see the black guy being too superior.

He needs to keep that reserved, aloof manner because if he turns into the "angry black man", strident and hollering, then that's just meat for the Rush Lumbaughs of this world.

To keep that reserve requires an enormous effort of self-control and concentration. So much so, I wager he ignores the chances when he could score.

He knows that a rapier is his favorite weapon and it is much more effective than a bludgeon.

McCain has a way with audiences in town halls, of whipping them up and feeding off their acclamation. Obama will need to puncture McCain's balloons. Lets hope he has prepared well, remains calm and collected, while still landing his opponent on the canvas more than once.

Agree (0.00 / 0)
In fact, I wrote something similiar above before I read your post.

This is not the time to feed the "angry Black man" narrative. That is way too risky and the remotely possible payoff is not worth the gamble.  

[ Parent ]
town halls (4.00 / 1)
McCain has a way with audiences in town halls, of whipping them up and feeding off their acclamation.

But has McCain ever done a town hall with an audience that isn't predisposed to support him, or that isn't at least predominantly Republican? I've been wondering if this isn't a bit of a trap for McCain - if the game he usually brings to town halls won't translate well to this very different sort of environment, with a neutral audience and an antagonist right on the floor with him. I'm not counting on it, but I wouldn't be shocked if McCain comes to this debate overconfident, and pays a price for it.

[ Parent ]
Agreed... (0.00 / 0)

... Also Obama has the advantage that McCain is just reprising negative spin from the primary battles. Obama seemed to be caught out badly when asked about Wright in the debate with Hilary. I am sure his aides will have had several sessions firing random tough questions so he can field them with something approaching ease.

McCain, on the other hand, does not know what might come at him. A question on Keating? On Palin? On his links with Iran-Contra? On his campaign tactics? It might make him nervy and slip up.

Another point is that McCain's temperament IS suspect. He is far liklier to waffle under a tough question and maybe give Obama an opening. He is also far liklier to lose his cool and become an "angry white male". Dislikeable Presidents seldom get elected, Nixon being the only example I can think of.

[ Parent ]
"...finish him off: just do it." (4.00 / 1)
Now that would be change I could believe in!
Obama Needs To Be Presidential (4.00 / 7)
It worked in the first debate.  It worked for Biden.  Collectively they won the debates almost 3 to 1.

My strategy would be to give McCain all the rope he wants and watch him use it on himself.

From this point on, slow and steady will win the race.

I agree 90% of the way (4.00 / 1)
But, if McCain hits Obama with the Ayers or Wright issues, he has to return the jab. He's got plenty of ammunition.

If Mccain contiues the, "We don't know the real Obama", theme, then Obama has to point to his "big" speech during the Wright hubub - "I guess John missed my speech where I fully addressed my relationship to Rev. Wright, perhaps he was too busy securing the support of so-called christian preachers that have publically stated that New Orleans deserved to be hit by Katrina because they had the gall to bve tolerant of homosexuals. Now, I don't know what issues John might have with gays, but Americans need to know why Senator McCain sought support from these hate-mongerers."

What was Obama doing while McCain was before the Keating 5 congressional hearing?  "Senator McCain knows corruption from the indise out. While I was "      " he was being reprimanded for ethical lapses and most critically for this election: for poor judgement. Yes, we do know John, we know he is erractic and suffers from poor judgement skills, facts he is trying to divert attention from by raising questions about my past and my associations."


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
He can do that and remain above the fray... (4.00 / 1)
he can say...

"John, do you really think that the people that came tonight nad the people at home are tuning in so we can talk about something that happened 40 years ago...they want to know what are we going to do to help them keep their jobs, give them a tax cut, and blah blah blah..."  That is a winner...it make Obama look substantive and presidential.

And to someone above that says that debates typically are not judged on whom has the most substance...that had typically been the case...until this year...people are pissed and after the last 8 years of no substance and running us into the ditch they want a whole lotta substance...

You Betcha!!!

[ Parent ]
Yes, he can do that, and it may be effective (0.00 / 0)
But, the Rev. Wright issue was not 40 years ago.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."
[ Parent ]
No but the Ayers this was...remember (0.00 / 0)
Wright according to McSame was off limits about a month or so ago...which would only reinforce the negative, out of touch, do whatever it takes to win approach that voters don't seem to want this cycle...

If he goes down the Wright path, then Liddy, Palin's pastor, the political party in Alaska that Palin's husband belonged to and that board that MCCain sat on with Nazi ties are fair Game.  

It is encouraging to see that Obama is not going to be Swiftboated...if anything he will proactively respond...but character conversations will drive down both of their numbers...depends on how desperate McSame gets..If his firewall is AZ, AK and TX...then what...?

[ Parent ]
Wright is so far "off limits" that its been in the campaign (0.00 / 0)
right along.  

All that is "fair game", regardless of what Palin/McCain say about Obama.  Not that is is appropriate for this evenings festivities, but if Nacy Pelosi and Harry Reid have taught me anything its: do not disarm yourself by taking powerful weapons "off the table" before you even get a chance to use them.

The Palins' association with the seccessionist movement in Alaska is clearly fair game, once Saint Sarah raised the "anti-American" aspects of Bill Ayers relationship.  What's more anti-American than seeking secession?


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Barack needs to stay cool (4.00 / 5)
If that means that he pulls a punch or two -

or jabs instead of going for haymakers, then so be it.

Barack is getting an FDR-type of narrative in the media - and anything resembling a haymaker to try to "put McCain" away could ruin it.

However, another jab or two, in the same style as shown by Biden when accounting for the costs of McCain's health plan, would be excellent.

Properly chosen jabs applied at the proper moment (0.00 / 0)
and McCain may unleash a "haymaker" on himself.

Keep at the "thoughtlessly erractic and exercizing poor judgement" themes.  

Obama should be ready to release ALL of his own medical records and ask McCain why he will not release his.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
I certainly agree on that last point (0.00 / 0)
I think Obama should have released all his medical records earlier in the campaign.  It could have created a lot of pressure on McCain in the fairest way possible.

Although I don't think a debate is the right format for suddenly introducing that point (I'm not sure if that's what you're advocating here).

[ Parent ]
I'm hoping the question comes from the audience and is directed at McCain (0.00 / 0)
I interact with a fairly politically diverse set of people and this question is on EVERYONE's mind. Given McCain's age and the Palin Factor, inquiring minds need to know.

I don't expect Obama to raise the issue. I want him to be ready in case it comes up.

Of course, you are correct, Obama should have done this sooner.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Don't count on Brokaw to let any questions like that get through (0.00 / 0)
He gets to choose the questions that have already been submitted.  "Why won't you release your medical records" is not one that I expect to hear.  
[ Parent ]
I always hold out for the best (0.00 / 0)
and spend most of the next day wondering why certain questions didn't get asked, or followed up.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."
[ Parent ]
Did you see my link to the format up-thread? (4.00 / 1)
No follow-ups allowed in the format for tonight, it appears.
[ Parent ]
yeah, but apparently Brokaw did not agree to that...see the link (0.00 / 0)

http://www.politico.com/blogs/...

since he started Shilling for the McCain early in this election cycle, I am glad to see that he did not just fully roll over and start chanting drill, baby drill.  Tim would hitting him over the head with the dry erase board if he was still around.  

Would have been nice to have him call bullshit on all the stuff that is going on...

[ Parent ]
Right no follow ups (0.00 / 0)
Which means the candidates are speaking only to the undecided voters who ask the questions (and the audience watching).

They are not speaking to one another, thus any overtly aggressive hits have to be directed carefully and with precision.

[ Parent ]
A good politician is not limited by the rules (0.00 / 0)
nor is any "journalist" worth their salt.

Will Brokaw call Obama on it if he asks McCain a question or two, indirectly?  Ifil didn't call Palin on it when she evaded questions.  

"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Tonight's Debate (4.00 / 3)
Don't expect Obama to confront McCain in such a forceful way.  Barack has spent his life as a black man in a white dominated world.  He is not going to be too confrontational with McCain in tonight's debate.  It would go against the lessons he has learned in his life that have molded his personality and character.  Personally, I like the way he deals with problems in this campaign.  I think steady wins the race.
To be frrank... (4.00 / 6)
I'm not sure many white males understand very well, the dynamic you note.

Women are generally more sensitive to it as it's common for women to be accused of being "bitches" if they are aggressive or competitive. Whereas white males are considered good fighters and winners!

White male privilege is still very much alive in our society.

[ Parent ]
Don't really agree (0.00 / 0)

On your second example, I think Obama did what you suggest, only he asked the question first. As I recall, he said something like: "this is what I said about going in Pakistan, and John, please let me know if you disagree." It was a perfect setup, because rather than being defensive, what followed was framed as an attack on McCain. But a polite one.

And it is for things like that that he beat McCain in the first debate, on McCain's strong suit - foreign policy. He being firm and thoughtful, and viewers liked that, because it was completely honest: Obama IS firm and thoughtful.

More generally, if Obama really means what he has been saying about a new politics, we shouldn't expect him to betray his beliefs.  

Did you happen to watch the PBS series on The Presidents? (0.00 / 0)
Its from American Experience.

Last night was about Jimmy Carter.

He also tried to practice "new politics" and he got chewed up and spit out by the DC crowd.  besides Obama came up in Chicago, and that town practices a very old form of politics, so it ain't like Obama hasn't had to swim with sharks.

"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
A sense of humor! (4.00 / 1)
Look, I think Obama's been great at showing poise and appearing presidential.  I have no doubt he'll continue to appear dignified.

But I personally would like to see him (at an appropriate time) let free his sense of humor, which only emerges occasionally. I think a well-placed, spontaneous joke - it HAS to be unplanned and natural - would directly answer the smears that he is dangerous or "different."  And a genuinely spontaneous joke helps show that a person is "real."

Or an unscripted moment (4.00 / 1)
I still believe that Biden's emotional response about his family was the turning point of the VP debate. The audience wants to see a candidate beyond the talking points - they want to witness an unexpected moment. (Think "reality" TV.)  

Many thought the moment was going to be a HUGE Palin gaffe. Instead, it was Biden cutting through with a very heartfelt response.

That said, if Obama puts this debate away, only the pundits will care (or even watch) the third debate. This is the moment.    

[ Parent ]
No, wrong (4.00 / 6)
The WORST thing Obama can do tonight is get all aggressive and snarky. That would allow the media -- and frankly, Obama's lead right now is due entirely to two things, the economy and the media's turn on McCain -- to declare a pox on both their houses and encourage another partisans-only turnout, which McCain can actually win. He needs to do exactly what he did in the first debate: Be presidential and calm, and handle McCain gently, as you say like a wise relative handling a slightly crazy uncle.

Liberals (I suppose conservatives too, I wouldn't know) have this blind spot for assuming swing voters want to see the same thing they do. Believe me, they don't. They want to make sure Obama is presidential, can handle a crisis calmly and thoughtfully, and can boost their spirits. As it turns out, those are exactly his strengths, what he can do without straining a muscle. On the other hand, he sounds off key when he goes hard negative.

Somewhat disagree (4.00 / 5)
Obama won the first debate and substantiated his lead by being calm, non-combative and sort of killing him softly.

We mocked him for always agreeing with McCain and going soft but it cemented Obama's calm cool demeanor and hammered his presidential stance, as opposed to McCain's erratic, tick-infested, grumpy disposition. The fact that McCain was so dismissive and wouldn't even make eye contact with Obama or the camera also damaged him.

All Obama needs to do, imho, is to do more of the same. I wouldn't mind a few subtle zingers from him here and there but I wouldn't advise to go for the kill.

Obama can finish off this campaign by simply being himself.

Go Meta (0.00 / 0)
Ignore McCain when possible. We are in the midst of a broad rejection of the basic governing philosophy of the last decades. Top down management doesn't work. We cant borrow money fast enough if we keep trying to push it down from the narrowing neck. The American people know this. Hook on to this and it will resonate.  
meanwhile, Bernacke's speech is beyond doom & gloom (0.00 / 0)
While I've been reading this thread and responding, Bernacke has been giving an incredibly negative speech about how this economic crisis is reaching everyone. He says the crisis goes far beyond the banking & mortgage industry. Isn't today's debate supposed to be on domestic issues & economy? I can't see how McCain can run away from the economy tonight. (Though I suppose he could give the same Palinesque statement at the beginning of the debate: "I'm not gonna answer the questions you ask, because I want to give a campaign speech, not have a debate.")

I think McCain will feel more pressure than ever to show how his economic plans are better than Obama's. Unfortunately for him, economists do not agree. (On Stephanie Miller's show today, they discussed a survey of economists - both Republicans and Democrats - that strongly agree that Obama's economic plans are far superior than McCain's.)

McCain has to pull a magic rabbit out of a hat tonight. Tonight is probably his last real chance to turn the momentum around. He'll probably have to paint Obama as naive, dangerous, inexperienced, and go to the "tax and spend" crap that the Republicans always use. I think Obama will be ready to respond to that, citing plenty of stats and drawing a clear difference between his tax plan versus McCain's - that McCain will cost you more in taxes unless you're making over 250,000 a year, and Obama will give all middle class taxpayers a significant tax break. Cite the independent websites so people go look for the answers themselves.

Obama doesn't have to take any big gambles tonight. McCain does. Obama has to be ready to respond to whatever McCain throws tonight. I think he's very, very ready.

I don't think any of us are suggesting that Obama "gamble" (0.00 / 0)
with an un-called for attack, but if and when McCain exposes his flank, Obama should not hesitate to slice him. Obama missed a number of opportunities in the first debate (which aws a better format for attacks) and I think he did that on purpose, just like Biden not jumping all over Palin for spewing BS and wrong names.

Tonight, given an opportunity, Obama should use a stilleto blade, sure, but cut McCain at every chance.


"It's real, but it ain't exactly there."

[ Parent ]
Barack: Don't Pull Your Punches in This Debate | 55 comments
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