The 2012 "First Debate" thread. Lets all try to keep this to one thread.

[pspr]

I not only expect Paul Ryan to do a similar job on Biden next week but the next (and last) presidential debate will be on foreign policy. I think Romney will hit Obama's middle east failures even harder than he hit his economy failure and will win the election running away.

But, like Palin, I think 'team Obama' is going to pull something to shake us all up. About the only thing he has is a presidential maneuver like responding aggressively to another attack on American interests. He might even think about faking an attack or inviting one so he can try to rally the country behind him. He blew making the Libya Embassy attack into that moment by responding agressivly.

It's coming - something - watch for it.

 

[Ricter]

Romney did well, he had the poise and energy of a man with nothing on his desk. Obama looked tired. But Romney's walkbacks were shameful, will the public recall what he said about tax breaks for the wealthy just two months ago? The desperate salesman. Loved the bit about regulations, he's a strong supporter, thinks they're essential for free enterprise, did you catch that part, Max? Lol.

 

[Max E.]

Quote from Ricter:

the bit about regulations, he's a strong supporter, thinks they're essential for free enterprise, did you catch that part, Max? Lol.

When did i ever say differently? Im all for some regulations, but very limited regulations.

 

[TGregg]

Quote from Max E. Pad:

When did i ever say differently? Im all for some regulations, but very limited regulations.

`Specially since we have TBTF Version 2.0 now, with even bigger banks. I'd much prefer regulation that let us wind down a giant but failed bank. Make a solid framework that sets it up. And if it is too strong to just impose on banks right off the bat, then tell them the next time you need a bailout, you're going in the program and you never will get out until you close your doors.

 

[Yannis]

Most important, imo, was that Obama for the first time in many years was successfully challenged and looked small. This AA president of ours has been given way too many passes in his career and as a result he's endangering the country's future. Now, Romney is taking him back a few notches, showing what an empty suit he really is. Compared to a real competent leader and tough decision maker who made hundreds of millions for himself and then devoted his life to public service, Obama didn't project anything but inferiority and out-of-placedness, desperately alone without his liberal-media-lackeys. Oh well, let's see what the Chicago street-gang machine will fablicate now against their opponent, I wouldn't anything past those thugs.

 

[pspr]

Quote from Yannis:

Most important, imo, was that Obama for the first time in many years was successfully challenged and looked small. This AA president of ours has been given way too many passes in his career and as a result he's endangering the country's future. Now, Romney is taking him back a few notches, showing what an empty suit he really is. Compared to a real competent leader and tough decision maker who made hundreds of millions for himself and then devoted his life to public service, Obama didn't project anything but inferiority and out-of-placedness. Oh well, let's see what the Chicago street-gang machine will fablicate now against their opponent, I wouldn't anything past those thugs.

Exactly. Obama hasn't been challenged for many years like this. He has always had his spin doctors ready to refute and lie about anything and everything. They couldn't help him in the debate, although Lehrer tried to coach him just a little early on.

I think Obama will be much more agressive in the next debate but he is just as vulnerable with the facts on his foreign policy and could wind up with the same result.

 

[tradingjournals]

Quote from BSAM:

Mitt did not get a knockout.
He needed one.
Obama got in some good punches in pointing out that Mitt couldn't explain any details in a few areas.

You are right!

 

[Grandluxe]

There have only been three times in history that debates have been the decisive turning point in presidential elections, so it's highly possible that no matter what Romney does, he's doomed anyway.

 

[tradingjournals]

Why didn't the president go after Romney's taxes and the 47%? Was it by design, and if so why?

I thought that maybe the President wanted to let Romney do his dance and define Romney by Romney's words, and knock him out in the second debate. This would have other benefits: a lower profile might elect more democrats, and avoid an after debate discussion centered on the president if he were aggressive or harsh. Now if he is aggressive in the second round, there would be upside and "no" downside as that is what some people want him to do.

Romney's 45 minutes of fame has passed. Will he run in 2016?

 

[pspr]

Quote from Grandluxe:

There have only been three times in history that debates have been the decisive turning point in presidential elections, so it's highly possible that no matter what Romney does, he's doomed anyway.

Since he was leading with independents, even in swing states, before the debate, I don't see where he is doomed. I personally think, like in the Jimmy Carter election, more voters will break for Romney as we get closer to Nov. 6th just because of the bad economy. The debate wins are a bonus for Romney.