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For all of the drama and uncertainty, the first presidential
debate of the 2008 election season went off without
a hitch. However, those expecting to see sparks fly
no doubt left the University of Mississippi's Gertrude
C. Ford Center with twinges of disappointment. Both
candidates debated with a dispassionate, businesslike
approach.
Still, even in the absence of an inspired knock-out-punch
or an embarrassing sound bite, this first contest is
worth a second look.
No big blunders in first showing
Politically, neither candidate will gain much in momentum
from the first debate. The pundits, by and large, have
called the exchange a draw while recent polls give a slight
edge to Illinois Senator Barack Obama. If anything, the
biggest outcome of the first debate is the enhanced importance
of the debates still to come.
Arizona Senator John McCain performed fairly well, starting
slowly and improving as the night went on. While relatively
sound in verbalizing his arguments, McCain left a little
to be desired in his physical presentation. He made an
odd, possibly damaging choice in not looking at Obama
during the debate. McCain came off as mildly condescending
and disconnected with the discussion as a result.
Obama showed unexpected poise, given his history of underperforming
in earlier debates during the Democratic primaries. He
stuck to a very articulate, methodical style in his delivery
and kept his answers clear. However, Obama needs to avoid
beginning his responses with variations of the phrase
"You're right, John," in future debates. Concessions,
even when followed with a sound rebuttal, detract from
the overall strength of a response.
The economy
Though foreign policy was the intended topic, moderator
Jim Lehrer devoted the first 30 minutes of the debate
to the economy. Both candidates stuck to talking points
and generalities. Obama spoke comfortably on a broad range
of issues, the bulk of his focus being on a middle-class-friendly
tax plan.
McCain seemed rather tentative, choosing to hone in on
government spending with his minutes. He rarely ventured
outside of this area, hurting his net credibility. The
Arizona senator did score some points when Obama neglected
to acknowledge the accusation that his economic policy
means $800 million in new government spending. Overall,
Obama was the more convincing of the two on the economy,
but no blood was drawn.
Foreign policy gives McCain edge
The exchange heated up when the debate shifted to foreign
policy. McCain attempted to attack Obama's foreign policy
experience, but the Illinois senator largely held his
ground. Obama barbed McCain on the Bush Administration's
policies regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, calling out
McCain for siding with the president. The candidates
rarely strayed from the party lines on Iraq which, given
public opinion, is a plus for Obama. Iraq will not be
a winning issue for the GOP in this election.
Undoubtedly the fiercest argument came when the topic
of Iran was broached. The candidates grilled each other
on how to diplomatically approach Iran. Interestingly,
both McCain and Obama claimed that their methods had
the full endorsement of former Secretary of State Henry
Kissinger. The next day, Kissinger released a statement
indicating staunch support for McCain's diplomatic strategy
over Obama's. This news damages Obama's credibility
on foreign policy and may come back to haunt him as
the race begins to wind down.
McCain's experience on this front was obvious. The
Arizona senator listed a litany of countries that he'd
actually been to, underscoring Obama's inexperience
in international politics. He showed a more impressive
command of the issues and gave solid, pragmatic answers.
Obama, given his limited experience in comparison to
McCain, performed well under the circumstances. McCain
ultimately edged him out on foreign policy, but that
does not necessarily translate into a loss for the Obama
camp. Indeed, Obama's ability to hold his ground on
McCain's marquee issue plays quite well for the Illinois
Senator.
Ultimately, the contest ended in a draw. With the usual
punditry and campaign spin, both sides are, of course,
claiming overwhelming victory. Such is partisan politics
in America. But, ultimately, neither candidate left
Mississippi with a decisive advantage. With the lack
of a decisive result on Friday night, both campaigns
will look to get into the driver's seat in the following
debates.
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This [teen] is an immigrant from Mexico, and he works long hours at a local farm milking dairy cows, five hours per milking, twice a day.
