The First Presidential Debate of 2012

I am a fan of all things political when it comes to the US election. The primary process, while tedious, weeds out the "wannabes" from the serious contenders. I watch both parties' conventions "gavel to gavel" even though I am all too aware of how "scripted" they have become. So, naturally, I was looking forward to the first Presidential debate last evening. But by the time the ninety minute contest was completed I wished I had taken my friend's offer to go out to dinner and share in some real conversation and fellowship.

It was clearly a good night for Mitt Romney. He was well prepared and looking, dare I say, "presidential". The Republican hopeful took the fight to the President and he clearly was the victor in the first of three televised debates. But one debate does not an election make for my democratic friends who are licking their wounds this morning. Alot can happen in thirty days. Let us not forget our presidential history when John Kerry took it to President Bush in their first debate. It appeared at that time to be an advantage for the Democrats only to be convincingly dismissed the following week when Dick Channey crushed John Edwards in their lone Vice-Presidential debate. 

What I did not like about Mr. Romney's performance was his seemingly misrepresentation of his party's platform. He said consistently last evening that he had no intention of cutting taxes that would add to the burdening deficit. Yet on the campaign trail leading up to the debate, Romney has unfailingly promised to restore the Bush tax cuts. Now, which one is it, Mr. Romney?

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Both gentlemen were short on details last evening. The economy is in a shambles and I did not believe that either candidate did a very good job on telling the American people how the country should move forward in solving the very tough financial problems that the country faces. Romney proposed no details on his big plans and the President offered little more than staying the current course. I am beginning to believe that neither Mr. Romney nor President Obama actually knows what to do in pulling the nation out of its uncontrolled fiscal spiral. In reality, the sacrifices that will have to be made by every American is perhaps too shocking to be actually shared in a public forum such as a debate. But, sooner or later, someone is going to have to stand up and lead acknowledging honestly that it will take both the raising of taxes and serious, detailed, cuts to the budget, to begin to attain fiscal health and well being for the nation's future.

I thought the President looked bored last night. His opening remarks about his wedding anniversary and the promise to Mrs. Obama that next year they would not share their anniversary with 60 million other Americans was telling. His facial reactions and frequent staring at the podium or floor (couldn't really tell) made it clear that the University of Denver was probably the last place he wished to be.

But, why didn't the President take the fight to his challenger? Where was the 47% argument? Where was the press on Romney to provide facts for his plans? Where was the fire in the belly to tell the American people why we should support another four years of an Obama administration? This was a debate, Mr. President - go after Mr. Romney the way he went after you. Take the fight to your challenger. Yes, it has been a difficult four years. Yes, you came into office with a myriad of challenging situations and circumstances. But, go after your opponent - engage and expose Mr. Romney for, as the New York Times put it this morning, "the hollowness" of his ideas.

The worst part of the evening's debate was the forum and the moderator. I have been a Jim Lehrer admirer since my teenage years. But, last evening, the long time PBS news anchor appeared out of control and aging. Both candidates were rude at several moments talking over Lehrer and refusing to play by the rules established for this debate.

Here is an idea for the next debate between these two candidates. Take a page out of the play-book used by the Academy Awards show for a nominee's acceptance speech. When you win, you have two minutes to say anything you wish. There will be a caution light warning you that there is one more minute to speak. When the music plays you will know that you have less than thirty seconds left. At the conclusion of two minutes, your  microphone will simply shut off and this will end your opportunity to speak. Play nice and by the rules, boys, or there will be consequences!! These debates need a moderator who will hold the candidates responsible to the directives and boundaries agreed upon by both political parties. Unfortunately, Mr. Lehrer lost control early on and never regained his authority.

There will be more twists and turns in this political season before we all go to the polls in early November. One debate does not an election make. The American people deserve better than what we got last night. So, does Big Bird!

Love One Another - Brian