Tedious Debate #2

Last night was the 2nd of 3 debates. I didn't really learn anything new from either candidate and neither seemed to have changed or refocused any energy on the financial crisis that blew up since they last met. It was still the same old stuff and it came across as being a little bit out of touch with what's really going on for Americans like myself.

McCain looked uncomfortable in HIS setting, pacing around and making odd jokes that didn't really connect to me at home - it was like he forgot that he was in a room filled with undecided voters.
McCain was at his best in his final two statements of the debate. When he answered the question regarding what you don't know and how you'll learn it, he was kind of vague but became stronger. His closing was the strongest of all his statements.
Other than that, he was childish and petty in his remarks toward Obama. To me the super negative for McCain was the general disrespect and even disdain for Obama in referring to Obama as "that one" and "him" and he still avoided looking at Obama in the eye. Again, it lead me to wonder what kind of "maverick" doesn't look at his enemy and fight?

Obama started off looking like he was a bit uncomfortable and I was nervous for him because this ISN'T his setting traditionally. I was surprised at how fast he became comfortable and began connecting to people. I think he could have been stronger, but I thought he did very well.
I think he missed the boat with his answer to the question: What don't you know and how will you learn it (I don't have the exact question).
I think he started to allude to the fact you can't really know everything - he should have finished it with something like "you surround yourself with a strong cabinet and Vice President like Joe Biden." Something to bring it around to the fact that it's not JUST him but an entire team and together they have the knowledge.

MSNBC summarized the debate with this video showing a few of the higher moments.


Overall I found the debate less than exciting and kind of boring. I swapped over to the Food Network and enjoyed Ace of Cake a couple of times.

Post Veep Debate

I joined millions of Americans in watching the Vice President debate.

#1: Sarah Palin - was charming at times and resurrected the strong looking character from the Republican Convention. In recent weeks, she has lowered her bar so low that her mediocre performance shined and shocked people into thinking she had done a spectacular job. She's a terrible debater and changed the topic back to energy multiple times rather than answering the question at hand. While watching, I kept feeling like she'd been given specific phrases that she'd memorized and she stuck to those few facts she could remember. And really, that winking, tick thing she has, was driving me crazy.

#2: Joe Biden - is an experienced debater and started out fairly slow but when it came time to really hit hard, he did...but he did it well. He stuck to the theme that it's John McCain and Governor Palin - he didn't attack and came out shining like a diamond - and not because he'd lowered the bar of expectation. He got personal and really showed the public WHO he is. I didn't know much about him and was pleased and moved to see something about his family.

factcheck.org has the candidates true facts laid out

I will soon tackle each candidate's health care plan because McCain has a terrible plan that, if enacted, will not serve you or me or anybody you know.

In this time of financial crisis, let's get real about the people who are losing their homes. Indeed, I hope this bailout, rescue plan really gets things back on course because any one of us could be in this place:


To end this, I want to share a good laugh with you.
The Daily Show gives me get a good laugh:

Thursday Veep Debates

Are you ready? Tonight is the big VP Debate!
Local time: 7:00 p.m. and I'll be glued to my TV with a ton of other Americans.


AFTER that circus, Eric and I will be glued to another anticipated show: Supernatural. We LOVE this show and we're into season 4. Here's the preview of the Season Premier from a few weeks ago.


In preparation for the final weeks of the election, Eric and I ordered this T-Shirt:


This is the T-Shirt I've wanted forever!
So onto the debates! I hope that Palin is let off her leash so we can see the REAL her. I hope Biden is appropriate and on his game.

Presidential Debate #1

Many around the United States and around the world watched as Barack Obama and John McCain had their first true squaring off moment on Friday night. I won't go into all the details of my thoughts as I watched because if you want to know what was said, you can go and watch it and form your own opinions.
I do, however, want to share my thoughts on one thing that stood out for me (as it did for many): What was John McCain doing?
I was shocked at his general demeanor and truly disappointed by his obvious lack of respect, not only for his opponent, but for the millions of AMERICAN supporters - both his own supporters and Obama's. About ten minutes into watching the debates I became enraged by his body language. He didn't look at Barack Obama EVEN ONCE - even when shaking his hand! In fact on a couple of occasions, he turned his back on him.
I thought: How can he claim to be this maverick who stands up to his opposition and then stand at this debate and not look his opponent in the eyes!? Is this how he'll lead, if God forbid, he gets elected? Of course it is. He's already made multiple statements that he plans on keeping this war alive - he doesn't have to sit down AND TALK with the opposition if he's bombing them and sending other people's kids into needless battles. THIS IS HOW HE WANTS TO LEAD!
Even when shaking his hand, McCain didn't look at Obama

Here are the results of a CNN poll conducted on Friday night immediately following the debate:
Who did the best job tonight?
Barack: 51
McCain: 38

Who would better handle Iraq?
Barack: 52
McCain: 47

Who would better handle the economy?
Barack: 58
McCain: 37

For a GOOD summary of the debate go to Time Magazine’s summary

As to the "facts" thrown out by each candidate, you can look for yourself on a couple of sites:
As the debates were playing out, the NY Times kept the true facts up and running. As a candidate made a statement, they would post the facts about it.
OR
Another great resource to help keep the facts straight is Fact Checker

For my fellow Utah residents, if you want to know what's on the ballot, Utah.gov will allow you to enter your name and zip code and you will see your polling station AND your ballot. In addition, it will allow you to see the statements made by candidates and their web sites. I encourage all voters to do their homework before heading to the polls.
Here’s the ballot I’ll see in November