Debate #3

[_Bob Loblaw]

One more thing: Obama's reply to Romney's "apology tour" criticism was brilliant. He couldn't deny what Romney said, because it was true, so he changed the subject and talked about Romney's fundraising trip as opposed to Yad Vashem and the homes of people who had been attacked by Hamas. Whoever in the campaign came up with that response deserves a lot of credit.

[_bcspace]

Romney Wins CBS Focus Group In Ohio

[_cinepro]

Schooled? Harley. Obama did do better. But as an incumbent who has not made too many major blunders on the foreign policy as well as got us put of an unpopular war he had the upper hand. All Romney had to do was show he was not off his rocker and going to employ cowboy diplomacy. He also had to show he had a grasp of world affairs. He did both.

While it's interesting to see the short-term impact these debates can have on voter sentiment, it seems a little silly to argue over who "won". We'll know who "won" on November 6. Until then, it's just picking horses in a race. After all, no one cares how many debates John McCain or John Kerry "won".

You also point out that there are different strategies and factors involved; it would be possible for both Romney and Obama to be trying to accomplish different things in the debate and for both to feel like they were successful.

[_bcspace]

Romney Wins CBS Focus Group In Ohio

And lest you think I'm biased:

Charles Krauthammer: Romney Won Unequivocally, Obama's Responses Were Petty

[_Jason Bourne]

Jason he never said bayonets werent used. He said we have fewer. Did the point of his remark really escape you completely? It was purre genius as it clearly made Romney's complaint look foolish. He says we have fewer ships. So what? We also have the most advanced, superior Navy the world has ever seen, as Obama pointed out with reference to nuclear subs and aircraft carriers.

I understood his point. I though it came across as petty and foolish and he dodged the question. In fact Obama came across as petty and even angry quite a few times. Plus he glared most the time Romney spoke. Still he came off fairly well and likely won as far as one wins such a debate. But I think Bob summed it up fairly well.

Drifting, if Romney loses, no I don't think it will be due his religion. Surprisingly that issue has seemed to diminish since he got the nomination .

[_Bob Loblaw]

Here are some of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's comment after the debate:

What I was surprised about, Greta, during the entire section of the debate on the Middle East, Mitt Romney didn’t bring up Israel once and I think it just shows he isn’t committed to Israel as he says he is and has really only used the issue as a political opportunity.

Maybe this is what happens when you memorize your talking points before the debate.

[_bcspace]

Here are some of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz's comment after the debate:

What I was surprised about, Greta, during the entire section of the debate on the Middle East, Mitt Romney didn’t bring up Israel once and I think it just shows he isn’t committed to Israel as he says he is and has really only used the issue as a political opportunity.

Maybe this is what happens when you memorize your talking points before the debate.

Everyone seemed to recognized the left wing response was pre canned before the debate.

[_Drifting]

Drifting, if Romney loses, no I don't think it will be due his religion. Surprisingly that issue has seemed to diminish since he got the nomination .

Thanks Jason, what do you think will cost him the Whitehouse?

[_krose]

All Romney had to do was show he was not off his rocker and going to employ cowboy diplomacy. He also had to show he had a grasp of world affairs. He did both.

An incredibly low bar to set for hiring a commander in chief, don't you think?

By the way Obama's quip about the navy was rather foolish really. As one Marine pointed out Marines still use bayonets. Marines are part of the Navy. Perhaps the Commander on Cheif forgot about that.

You mean to say the US military does NOT use "fewer bayonets" than 80 years ago?

[_Kevin Graham]

One more thing: Obama's reply to Romney's "apology tour" criticism was brilliant. He couldn't deny what Romney said, because it was true, so he changed the subject and talked about Romney's fundraising trip as opposed to Yad Vashem and the homes of people who had been attacked by Hamas. Whoever in the campaign came up with that response deserves a lot of credit.

Bob, that is one of Romney's more embarrassing lies that always gets a "pants on fire" rating at politifact. Saying it is true with your backhanded compliment about diversion, makes you look silly, as there is not a single shred of evidence to support it.