Obama's Dismal Debate Showing
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H ow in the world did President Obama manage to turn what should have been a slam dunk into an air ball? Political historians will debate that question for decades.
The Democratic president's surprisingly dismal showing against Republican challenger Mitt Romney Wednesday night deserves to rank on a level with - or above - the great presidential debate debacles of all time. Such as the one in 1976, when Ronald Reagan walked all over incumbent Jimmy Carter. Or the one in 1992, at which President George H.W. Bush looked longingly at his watch while Bill Clinton ate his lunch.
Actually, there may be a pattern here. All three of the above-mentioned debate losers were weary incumbents, facing energetic upstarts who had few heavy loads to carry around and therefore enjoyed the freedom to second-guess and run circles around the care-worn current occupant of the Oval Office.
Many Lost Opportunities
Ironically, though, it was Romney who appeared to be carrying the most baggage into the ring.
It was he who was the spoiled rich kid out of touch with everyday folks, he who had made so many missteps and misstatements as to become the butt of endless late-night TV jokes. It was he whose running mate wanted to abolish Medicare as we know it - he whose amazingly insensitive speech about the "47 percent" was thought to have been a fatal self-inflicted wound. And so on.
All Obama had to do was act presidental, maintain that normally breezy, articulate manner of his, and take advantage of every opportunity to poke his opponent in a weak place.
But none of that happened Wednesday night in Denver. The president - who normally warms to crowds and is capable of turning on a disarming charm, and who, like Romney, had supposedly spent days or weeks rehearsing for this all-important event - suddenly seemed unprepared and uncomfortable.
Romney, on the other hand, came across from the first minute as poised, raring to go and in charge - even if he blinked too much and many of his specific claims failed to hold water.
Bad Body Language
Obama did get in a few good lines. But all in all, his was a sorry showing. And you can't blame all - or even most - of it on a rather lame performance by the moderator, retired PBS broadcaster Jim Lehrer, who pretty much let things get out of hand.
Unaccountably, the president passed up any number of chances to zing his vulnerable opponent. He seemed unable, or unwilling, to maintain eye contact. And he kept signaling, with every subtlety of demeanor and body language, that he wished to be somewhere else.
One couldn't escape the impression that he would have rather been back in that White House bubble, where seldom does anyone have the temerity to get in your face and fling disrespectable accusations at you.
It seems a safe bet that Obama has negated his previously impressive lead in all the polls. And now, to mix sports metaphors, it's a horse race again.
Republicans can't be blamed for crowing. Democrats can only lick their wounds and take comfort from the fact that there are still two more debates before the people speak - two more chances to reverse this rather stunning setback.
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Comments
Middleman522 7 months, 2 weeks ago
You call what Barry has to bragg about a slam dunk. Really? Name something that even sniffs at a slam dunk. I mean that's good for the whole country, not just a little group. The next 2 debates will be worse because Romney knows he can call Barry's lying bluffs. The media has ruined Barry with the slow pitch, and it showed! Clean your rose colored glasses.
skylinefirepest 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Jeez, six trillion in new debt, twice lowered credit ratings, an un-secure border, and NO JOBS. Really sounds like some slam dunk to me!!
nothingspecial 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Actually Barry blinked more
http://www.thedaily.com/article/2012/10/04/100412-news-debate-blinking-folo/
fugitiveguy 7 months, 2 weeks ago
So...The Pilots in the tank for Obama? If you could see my shocked face right now!
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Our own paper apologizing and trying to prop up Obama. I couldn't believe this editorial. How in the world is Obama's dismal economic record, his growing apparent failure in foreign policy slam dunk material for any president or debate?
I thought the media hand holding of Obama was more prevalent in national papers and media. Guess not. Moore Countians have been slam dunked alright. They've been slam dunked by Obama, and now their own paper. Fourth estate schilling for the Democratic party after a horrendous debate by the president. Lovely.
fatboy 7 months, 2 weeks ago
The fact is that for the first time in his political life, he was challenged by someone many times more capable that he is. NObama thought that he could stroll into this debate and take over. He underestimated his opponent. Romney acted like the professor giving a student a lesson in economics while the student hung his head in shame.
fugitiveguy 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Has there ever been a president with a thinner resume? I have asked this many times now. No one seems to be able to come up with a less qualified President. Imagine my shock and disbelief.
fugitiveguy 7 months, 2 weeks ago
http://economistsforromney.com/
Up to 660 economists endorsing Romney/Ryan including 6 nobel laureates. Romney/Ryan are holding on to a slim lead of 660 to 0. But Obama is a slam dunk. I cannot believe the silliness bestowed upon us by Obama's press pep club.
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
"NObama thought that he could stroll into this debate and take over. He underestimated his opponent." fatboy
So did the media. Hence this piece.
Courseaire 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Obama failed as President and you are surprised he failed in the debate? Well I'm surprised.
DaveyNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Can somebody tell me which of Romney's claims "failed to hold water"?
Maybe Jon Stewart, that stalwart of the right, had it right. Maybe 0bama really isn't that smart. Of course, some of us have thought so all along but have been shouted down if we say it.
Personally, I think he is a smart man but with little practical knowledge. It has been painful for him and for the country for him to finally be confronted with having to deal with the real world and learn to cope with it. So far, he's not up to the task. Things were sure easier for him in the faculty and the Oval Office where everybody thinks like him and tells him how brilliant he is. The guy's been in a bubble all his adult life, never really vetting his ideas against other people and against reality.
JRowerdink 7 months, 2 weeks ago
The Pilot may have been surprised by the debate outcome but I wasn’t.
The Democrats have all kinds of theories about why President Obama did so poorly, including Al Gore’s explanation that it was the high altitude in Denver. The explanation is actually very simple….he was outgunned by a more capable man. Anyone who has seen top level business executives in action wasn’t surprised. Mitt Romney did what they normally do. He came in to the room and took charge. He communicated well and had total command of his facts and figures.
Obama may seem good when he has his teleprompter or when he’s in front of an audience that can’t challenge him. Unfortunately for him, that wasn’t the case on Wednesday night. Bottom line, he got his butt kicked.
John Rowerdink
RKatrin 7 months, 2 weeks ago
"Dismal" is off the mark. "Infuriating is more like it. How Barry didn't simply gob-slap this Boyscout in Gucci loafers is hard to fathom. Dunking the bloated Romney would be as easy as catching fish in a barrel yet our boy (no offense intended) just makes me mad. To have so much ammunition to use against this cut-out plutocrat and not use it is unbelievable. I hope he wakes up in the next debate or we'll get another George W. Bush idiot in the White House.
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Bottom line is Romney took President Obama to task and schooled him thoroughly. The same scenario will play out two more times as Obama can not be prepared on a record that is dismal, cannot possibly work for the betterment of ALL of America and his only plan is to provide us more of the same. Pesident Obama might try to be more direct, loud and in the face next time....but if he has no facts and figures; he will only make himself look foolish. The American people will not tolerate this abuse when they make choices on election day. It's a shame, but our President and the cabinet he chose to "govern with" did it all to themselves...Mike
by MikeNC
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey Bob, tell us what you really think. "gob-slap this boyscout in Gucci loafers?" Are you mad, Bob? You sound mad. Your (boy), as you called him, has been seen for what he is. An empty suit. Don't know what kind of shoes he wears, but the rest of him was laid bare Wednesday night.
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
And another thing, Bob, "another George W. Bush idiot?" Have a little respect, would you? You don't have to agree with either man's politics, but there's no reason to call either an idiot. Obama is very intelligent, it's his politics and policies that so many disagree with.
And were you to meet W. you'd probably like him very much. Debate him, and you'd find out just how wrong your assessment is. Bet you wouldn't call him an idiot to his face.
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Obama's dismal empty chair after being schooled by Mitt.....Mike
by MikeNC
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
I agree that Gov Romney schooled the President Wednesday night, but l am also sure that it will be more difficult next time. Even if he schools him in ALL the debates, and then goes on to win the election, do you know what we are electing? Personally, I do not care what religion someone is, nor should his religion ever show itself when he is President, but he belongs to a weird cult. I would just as soon to have voted for David Koresh of the Branch Davidians as to vote for Mitt Romney and the Mormons. I work with many Mormons and they are a different bunch. Their core beliefs say that they should aspire to do good and someday, if they have been good enough, they will inherit a planet!! If one wants to see some of what they believe, just check out this site, there are many websites that describe these things, and if one does not believe it, find some LDS member and ask.
http://www.artipot.com/articles/531629/10-of-the-most-crazy-and-bizarre-mormon-beliefs-mormon-church-lds-beliefs.htm
AFCHIEF 7 months, 2 weeks ago
This goes right along with Obama saying "you didn't build that"
http://www.weeklystandard.com/blogs/obama-we-dont-believe-anybody-entitled-success-country_653749.html
RonCoffmanJr 7 months, 2 weeks ago
The Reagan-Carter debate was in 1980..... 1976 was Carter vs. Ford.
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yukon...If Romney gets us out of this quagmire and restores strong growth for America...He can inherit two or three planets for all I care. I have noticed that one of the popular 'religions' on these boards is atheism. I have noticed nothing but strong character and doing nothing but lots of good for unfortunate Americans from Romney. I also notice strong growth of most businesses he has been involved with along with a strong performance as Governor. Looks like a strong President of the United States who will look out after everyone as far as I'm concerned...Mike
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Mike, I hope you are absolutely correct that his religion would make no difference. Heck, we are as close to having an Islamic President right now as we could ever be....lol, and I know Mitt Romney could certainly do no worse than what we have. Hopefully it would be in a completely different direction than where we have headed for the last almost dozen years!!
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yukon: Right now, I could care less if Mitt is a Mormon, Baptist, Catholic or a Hindu Monk. As long as he gets the job done and gets this Country back on track. Diane
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yukon, I'm surprised you bring up the Mormon thing? Who cares?
skylinefirepest 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Close to having an Islamic president?? I know he claims to be a Christian but I have seen several videos and read his own writing where both he and Mickie claim to be Islamic...."my Muslim roots" you hear from him quite often. 'Course he's a liar so maybe he really is a Christian...can't really believe much of anything he says now can we???
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Geoff, You know, you are right. I really try and not have stupid prejudices like that come into my thought process, but after a career of working closely with so many LDS folks, and don't get me wrong, they are a fantastic group of people that take care of their own, but, to me, they are a cult. Not that there is anything wrong with being in a cult, but l do not want one as the President of our country. For all the LDS members that might read this, l know it sounds prejudice, but l do not mean it that way. l think Mitt Romney is probably a good, decent, honest man, but l do not believe l can vote for him.
skylinefirepest 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yukon...as I've said before, with the current state of affairs in this country, I believe a vote for anyone but Romney to be un-patriotic. Don't like Romney? Fine, but we hate what this obama has done to the country and just think what damage he can do with another four. A vote for anyone but Romney is a vote for obama.
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Skyline, You might be right, but l know my love for my country, and l know how badly l disagree with the President and all of the Congress, but l know what l feel inside, and how l will most likely go "with my gut" when l darken the circle on our ballot. I don't know what is worse though, possibly 8 yrs of Romney, the devil we don't know, or only 4 more of what we have. Saying that knowing that our precious Country the we love so much might perish. It is a terrible predictament for me and one that l am struggling mightily over.
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Just so your gut says Romney you can stop struggling. What our country can no longer survive is having an electorate that will vote a President of the United States of America back into office after demonstrating what we have seen the last four years. Color, religion, ethnicity, gender, race has nothing to do with it. When you perform badly on a job and refuse to change your behavior you are let go. I understand how historic President Obama's election was all about. And he campaigned very well because he did not have a political track record to run on. He had no record to run on. I hoped he would move to the center and work with congress as Bill Clinton had done and do great things. But when he started choosing his cabinet and those names became recognized for their own political direction; my gut said we were in trouble. President Obama promises MORE of the same to fundamentally change America...finish the job as he puts it. If that's what your looking for Yukon; not only for you but for the entire country and kids and grandkids....then darken in that circle when you vote...Mike
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Mike, I am not sure how l will vote yet. I will not be voting for the President, for sure. I sure wished the Republicans had turned from their ways and embraced a more libertarian stance in their platform. Many Americans are very unhappy about that. Am far as l can see, the Republicans have become the party of the far, far religious right, led by a LDS leader, how bizarre? I am still undecided now, I wish it were different.
moonchild7 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Maybe I can help you Yukonjohn, as far as making a RESPONSIBLE choice for our country goes in electing our next President and Vice President. Mitt Romneys' "Plans for America" offer NO SPECIFICS". Right there everyone should be suspicious. Religions and Cults are successful because they know that the majority of people out there want to BE LEAD instead of to be LEADERS. Meaning that those "members" who for whatever reason have decided to join will accept without question the beliefs set forth....whatever they may be. And so there you have Mitt as Mormon, former Governor, Businessman, Father, and Husband telling his Republican followers "Trust Me" I know whats best and you don't. SO, don't question, just follow. He's supposed to be going along with the Republican Platform that was established last summer but he obviously won't. At least if he did follow it a person would know what a SEXIST, HOMOPHOBIC, IGNORANT, WAR MONGER he was. He seems to want to embrace his actual MODERATE beliefs but really can't. President Obama did not have a great sylistic performance last Wendesday but he TOOK OVER by NOT TAKING OVER. He answered the questions and didn't berate Mitt but that will change at the next debate. It seemed like Mitt had drunk his first Coac-Cola and was over-caffinated. This morning on Sunday TV James Carville said: "What we have now is "ECONOMIC BIRTHERISM", by the Republicans, when discussing the economic unemployment numbers. No one has said it better. You guys out there obviously can not see the improvements since you are just incapable of seeing. In the last three months I have traveled between S.C. and NYC. I've been to Philadelphia, D.C, Waldorf and Annapolis MD, South Jersey, and Myrtle Beach. I've talked with people who have succesful business careers, are employed, are self-employed are unemployed, etc. and here's what I see. A MORE POSITIVE OUTLOOK than even just 6 months ago. Almost everyone sees improvements. Not major ones but still improvements. So, here's what I would say Yukonjohn, of course vote for whoever you want but I feel a vote for Gary Johnson would be less of a waste than a vote for Mitt. Of course I'd rather you cast that vote for the President but.....And lastly to the pest, you really said it right, didn't you? "....we hate what this obama has done to the country". I KNEW YOU WERE HATERS!
skylinefirepest 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Moonie, I don't hide it...I hate obama for what he has done to this country in four short years...six trillion in new debt, no jobs, handouts for a large percentage of the population, spending money that we don't have, borrowing forty cents on the dollar of what we spend....you can't run your household like that and we can't run the country like that. You have to admit it. He said spending four trillion in eight years was unpatriotic....somehow spending six trillion in four years is just fine with him. His vision for the United States is to turn us into a "non-exceptional" third world country. Jeez, girl, I'd take four years of Dusty R over this idiot!! With pleasure!
MikeNC 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Yea...That logic and LYING from above will work for one thing....Plus a vote for Gary Johnson; you mide as well not vote; and the left would like that just as well...Mike
by MikeNC
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Sorry Moonchild, I totally disagree with what the President has done over his first term. In my experience, one cannot "buy" their way out of a recession. I sincerely dislike/hate what he is doing to try and reverse the course of the economy. I do not like his foreign/lack of policy as far as our position in the world. I am more of a Monroe Doctrine type of person. I think we should get out of all these countries and secure our borders. No candidate is nearly as radical as l on the border issue. I would station troops along our borders and shoot all crossers. The President will not get my vote.
Yukonjohn 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Hey MC7, quick question....what are your thoughts on our Constitution? Do you believe it "word for word"? Do you believe that its founders intended for revolutions to occur if it were not followed? Do you believe it is worth dying for?
geoffcutler 7 months, 2 weeks ago
I asked her that one already. Can't remember the response because like most of what the woman says, it's usually unintelligible for all the hate and spew against those with whom she disagrees. Not worth the effort.
moonchild7 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Do I believe the Constitution "word for word?" Yes, do you? Now here's the Test for those of you who also say YES but don't mean it. What is your opinion of Roe v. Wade? Are you in favor of it or opposed? The answer to this ONE question will test a persons ability to first UNDERSTAND the Constitution and second to either BELIEVE it or NOT BELIEVE it "word for word." I support Roe v Wade, TOTALLY and here's why. In Roe v Wade, 410 U.S 113 (1973) in Section VIII of the decision the Justices stated: "The Constitution does not explicitly mention any right of privacy. In a line of decisions, however,...the court has recognized that a right of privacy, or a guarantee of certain areas or zones of privacy, does exist under the Constitution...the court or individual justices have, indeed, found at least the roots of that right in the First Amendment...the Fourth Amendment and Fifth Amendment...in the prenumbras of the Bill of Rights...the Ninth Amendment,...Fourteenth Amendment." Why then Yukonjohn are there "certain people" out there who constantly say they are supporters of the Constitution and are yet trying to have Roe V Wade overturned? Do you believe if a person wants to smoke a joint in the privacy of their own home they should be able to do so? I do, but those same sort of people want those people arrested. Should I be able to have/own a gun and keep it in my home? Yes, I should. So you see. I am a GREATER BELIEVER in and SUPPORTER of our Constitution than most of the people who spout their LIES on this blog. Also, Yukonjohn this morning on tv James Carville said that the Republicans are touting statements of "ECONOMIC BIRTHERISM" when it comes to the Presidents Economic Policies. You might need to do a little more research about who's being truthful and who's not. Is everyone telling the TRUTH? No, of course not but those Republicans have made it their GAME iof CHOICE. Geoff, sorry you don't/can't understand me. I'm not a regular kinda person that just anyone can figure out; meaning you're a regular guy, with regular thoughts. You just can't think outside the box and I definately LIVE THERE.
moonchild7 7 months, 2 weeks ago
Oh, forgot about the, "is the constitution worth dying for?" I marched IN THE STREETS against the war in Vietnam in 1971 and 1972. I put my life on the line for the FREEDOMS that our Constuitution guaranteed. So, yes. Absolutely.
fugitiveguy 7 months, 2 weeks ago
http://economistsforromney.com/
experts have spoken