We the people

2 responses so far ↓

• 1    Caroline Farmer // Oct 3, 2008 at 12:05 am

  This debate ran very smoothly and professionally between the two candidates. They were civil and patient towards each other. You could tell the debate got more tense towards the ending of the debate by the tone of the candidates’ voices and their body language. The most heavily debated issues were related to foreign policy and the economy. After the debate was over, the debate analyst said that this did debate did not have a declared winner. McCain was viewed as having the better debate when foreign policy was being reviewed. His personal experience in the army and having an emotional tie to war backs opinions of the soldiers fighting. Obama spoke clearly about his foreign policy stand but presented his party better in the economy section. Both candidates were more on the vague side about the economy due to how significant of a crisis it is. No one is sure what exactly will happen. Another analyst credited Obama with making a smart move by saying “John is right about…” It made him seem approachable and showed the public that he could work with the other parties.

• 2    Dhruv Sharma // Nov 5, 2008 at 8:55 pm

  The debate between John McCain and Barack Obama on Oct. 7th, 2008 was very interesting in the sense that both candidates were asked questions directly from the audience. This question-answer setting was fun and interactive for those involved, and did help force the candidates to answer some trying questions of the people. Its only real drawback was that the time constraint was difficult to manage, and the debate ended up lasting far longer than anticipated. I thought both candidates, again, were very strong and well-spoken in their answers to the questions posed. Both faced tough questions about the economy and health-care, and handled them very well (or at least dodged them very well). The debate was definitely heated, and some mud was thrown by each candidate, but the most important topic of discussion was obvious: the bailout, and its potential for success/failure. With the economic crisis leading up to the debate, everyone knew this would be the focus for candidates and the public, and so Obama and McCain were ready for the questions regarding their beliefs on the economic stimulus package, and how America should go about handling situations for the future. This crisis does not bode well for the incumbent party’s McCain who will be partially blamed for this crisis due to his affiliation with the incumbent Republican party. Obama meanwhile, was able to use this as an “I told you so” base and really tried to connect with the people of America. The debate had no fatal blows to either candidate, but I feel as though Obama did emerge from this debate victorious because of his ability to speak and rally support through his words.

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