McCain = Threaten before diplomacy, or diplomacy with enemies is to threaten use of force first.
Obama = Diplomacy before threaten, or diplomacy is more than threatening an enemy to submit to terms first.
Question: McCain sounded like he would continue the Bush foreign policy as it stands (eg. maintain "axis of evil", talks with enemies is a legitimation of their policy, etc.). If not what was really different? If so, is that what you want more of and why?
Discuss!
That's the important stuff. However, that's not the branding that will determine a vote. Branding is about rhetoric not issues.
On a rhetorical level, McCain was clearly patronizing with two phrases: 1) "What Senator Obama does not seem to understand…" and 2) The consistent use of Reagan White House constituents. McCain wanted us to see him as the next Reagan and the current President Bush as the current Carter.
Obama wanted to continue using "the last eight years" but did not do so forcefully enough. He was "presidential" and rational. He was rather old school. He spoke a bit of the differences between a 20th century world (linked to McCain's experience as something outdated) and the need for 21st century measures. In short, McCain is old school. But Obama was the old school debater. So it is hard to see how his message will connect well with undecided voters.
The problem is this: Democrats have a commoners message with an elitist delivery, and the Republicans have an elitist message with a commoners delivery. The delivery always wins out.
With that, McCain made points tonight and even got a chuckle out of the audience. Not sure if Obama made points other than with his current constituency to shore them up around what they wanted already.
I know that I want an elite American to be President because only the elites in our society can handle the job and have the personality to do it. All who run and are as successful as these two candidates are elitists. You have to be in Washington. But the packaging has to be a beer in a bar with hot wings. Obama was a little bit too filet mignon. We would all love it, but it's a bit too expensive for most of our tastes.
No related posts.
I would give Obama 8 points and McCain 6 points.
Really? Why?
I agree that McCain seems to embrace the axis of evil rhetoric.
I thought that Obama looked a bit more composed in his presentation and had several moments when he seemed to be on the attack in a way that did not seem angry.
McCain looked a bit less comfortable.. no wonder he likes the town hall forum. He came across to me a bit patronizing at times saying things like "he just doesn't understand".
I did not see a knock out punch for either candidate but thought that Obama benefitted most because he held his own with someone who has more foreign policy experience.
I think these debates are less about substance and more about presentation style. Undecided folks like me, generally speaking, know the candidates' positions on the issues.. we are watching the debates looking to see which candidate can present those issues effectively.. and which candidate looks more 'presidential'.
Really? Why?
I agree that McCain seems to embrace the axis of evil rhetoric.
I thought that Obama looked a bit more composed in his presentation and had several moments when he seemed to be on the attack in a way that did not seem angry.
McCain looked a bit less comfortable.. no wonder he likes the town hall forum. He came across to me a bit patronizing at times saying things like "he just doesn't understand".
I did not see a knock out punch for either candidate but thought that Obama benefitted most because he held his own with someone who has more foreign policy experience.
I think these debates are less about substance and more about presentation style. Undecided folks like me, generally speaking, know the candidates' positions on the issues.. we are watching the debates looking to see which candidate can present those issues effectively.. and which candidate looks more 'presidential'.