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Objectively determining the "winner" of the
first presidential debate held on Sept. 26 seems all
but impossible. Despite the inevitable cries from pundits
of both parties, who easily found ways to justify a
McCain or an Obama victory, the general consensus of
political analysts appears to conclude that the debate
was - at the very least - extremely close. In the absence
of a definitive post-debate media spin, a rare opportunity
to examine the argumentative and stylistic components
of the debate emerges.
Although both candidates employed concise, eloquent,
and intelligent arguments, Senator Obama and Senator
McCain exhibited strikingly different argumentative
styles. While McCain came off as an assertive-yet-aloof
veteran, Obama came off as a firm and polite intellectual.
In a debate which revolved almost exclusively around
detailed policy issues, there were very few ideological
outbursts or serious confrontations. And yet, while
most presidential debates remain limited to repetitive
and carefully edited stump speeches, there were significant
clashes between the two candidates.
Obama connects on the economy
In the first topic of discussion, the economy, Obama seemed
to hold a slight upper hand. This was not that surprising,
given that the current economic crisis coincides with
the eighth year of a Republican administration. Obama's
relative success could be seen in his strategic decision
to connect with both the past and the voter. By continually
articulating our economic woes as a "final verdict
on eight years," and a testament to the failure of
"trickle-down" economics, Senator Obama indicted
the ideological basis of McCain's free market conservatism.
Likewise, Obama captivated the audience with his appeal
to the average American. Although McCain forcefully invoked
the "strength of the American worker," Obama
discussed economics in less abstract terms. By asking
the simple question which millions of Americans are asking
- "how's it going to affect me?" - Obama framed
the economic situation less about Washington and more
about what ordinary people can relate to - their jobs,
their families, their retirement funds, their ability
to send children to college. From a purely emotional standpoint,
Senator Obama seemed most connected with the audience,
as he drew sharp parallels between the dismal economic
climate, the failure of the current Republican administration,
and the harsh reality most Americans face.
McCain goes on the offensive
Yet, Senator Obama appeared to lose a lot of his charm
when the discussion turned to foreign policy, where McCain's
extensive experience as a Senator for over two decades
inevitably gave him the upper hand. Both Obama and McCain
showed a deep knowledge of foreign affairs, and matched
each other blow for blow on crucial international issues.
However, Senator McCain's numerous anecdotes made his
talking points far more personal, and thus easier to connect
with, than Obama's many facts.
From a stylistic viewpoint, as the debate continued, McCain
became increasingly more assertive, while Obama remained
oddly defensive. Some even commented that McCain was somewhat
patronizing towards Obama. Rather than referring to his
opponent by his first name, Senator McCain referred to
him almost exclusively as "Senator Obama," and
chose not look at him once throughout the course of the
debate. McCain gave off the persona of a hardened veteran
to contrast himself against Obama's limited experience.
As the debate progressed, McCain's phrasing became increasingly
combative, referring at least seven times to Obama's seeming
"lack of understanding" about foreign relations.
This combativeness was evident when the two debaters disagreed
about a comment made by former Secretary of State Henry
Kissinger. Senator McCain finally dismissed Obama's remarks
with a biting "oh please," and he memorably
lambasted Obama for failing to understand what he termed
the "difference between tactics and strategy."
And yet, at times McCain appeared visibly uncomfortable,
and as his strained grins attest, Obama certainly held
his own.
Debate unlikely to change minds
As the debate drew to a close, the two candidates consolidated
their defining characteristics. Since both competitors
are extremely knowledgeable, the distinction that will
become crucial is their personality. McCain was most
personable when he tapped into his legacy in the Senate
and his time during the Vietnam War. In contrast, Obama
emphasized his ability to restore America's influence
with a "broader strategic vision," sharing
a personal story about his father's dream to attend
college in the United States.
It is difficult to draw any one, unified, objective
conclusion from the first presidential debate, considering
the talent of both competitors. Where for many people,
McCain's frosty demeanor inspires trust and respect,
for others it sparks resentment and distaste. Likewise,
Obama's conciliatory nature has been embraced by supporters
as intelligent pragmatism, even wisdom, but by detractors
as inexperienced indecision. Ultimately, the debate
merely re-entrenched the existing views of already-decided
voters, rather than radically shifting the polls as
it did for JFK in 1960 and Reagan in 1980. All things
considered, the argumentative skills and intelligence
of both leaders give promise that the next leader America
chooses is bound to be a wise one.
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After H1N1-related school closures in the last flu season, local schools have lowered the severity of their response and are focusing on preventative action that does not interrupt education.
