First Debate Thoughts

You're not politically engaged because you go to Huffington Post or Drudge Report following a debate to find the highlights; you're actually crippling yourself. These pundits, critics and other members of the media have a way of subjecting us with biased views in hopes of achieving some desired end and sadly we take the easy road and let them tell us what to think. We're better than that. From the far left to the far right, the media has an agenda they promote and if you refuse to believe such truths stop reading now. Political scientist background? Yes. Perfect in breaking debate’s down after watching once? No. American citizen with an opinion, that could be wrong in some eyes, could be right in some eyes? Yes.

The moderator, Jim Lehrer, did a terrible job moderating the debate. Both candidates walked all over him; while Governor Romney's disregard was blatant, President Obama went over his time by at least four minutes. Moderating a presidential debate is tough no doubt, but you've got to understand your role.

Superficial, but what's going on with Gov. Romney's hair? He looks like a shady used car salesman. The stress of the last four years is all over Pres. Obama's face. Stress will take a young (man) give him an old face. 

In terms of policy- what's true, what isn't- I pass the task to FactCheck.org and implore you to check the site out to find the "truth."

Gov. Romney was very strong and demonstrated a side of himself we have not seen. It was good to see him speak about his vision as opposed to hearing pundits go on-and-on about it. He dodges question a bit much for me, but the lack of details in his future plans, play into those dodges. The $90 Billion on green energy stuck out to me, and the jab "some of these business are owned by your supporters" was a definite zing. I thought his description of the role of government was weak and too traditional. I left the Hooka bar after watching somewhat impressed, as he was pegged the weaker of the two candidates but presented stronger arguments.

President Obama was presidential, in some ways this was a good thing, but in the midst of a debate over his "weakest" point, he needed to give us more. In some ways, I think he baited Romney, but such thoughts take away from Gov. Romney's performance. There were points in which he should have attacked Romney, such as the "You need a new accountant" jab, in which he could have brought up the 47% video or Gov. Romney's own percentage of taxes. Characterizing the privatization of healthcare as a voucher system, which it is, was a great move and spoke directly to seniors, and those who are close to being seniors. He looked a bit thrown off by Gov. Romney's attacks and could've responded with more vigor. He's looks into the camera appeared as straight talk and were a definite plus.

All in all, Gov. Romney stirred the pot and definitely proved critics wrong. I'm sure there were falsehoods on both sides, but that's politics. Not sure how this will affect voters, but I don't want to see a president win based off fuck ups, and poor execution from other candidates.  Winners and losers last night? Not my place to decide, but I think its important to give out a pure opinion to my peers as opposed to allowing the liberal or conservative media to cloud my views. These next two debates will indeed be interesting as the conversation shifts away from the economy.

Lets Get This Work.