That's my take on the first presidential debate for the upcoming 2008 election. I'm not big into the political hubbub and don't get all worked up about the candidates like a lot of people do. Truth be told, I don't really care all that much. I have too many more important things going on in my life to waste my time, effort and energy on all this horse pucky. I've looked into what ALL of those running for the office of president of the United States stand for. (Yes, there are more than two people running for the office.) Let it be known I am not voting for the Republican or the Democrat, so I am not endorsing either of those candidates. 
I took the time to watch the first debate aired nationwide just to see how the two men involved did. I find it quite odd that only the two major party candidates participated. What about the others? Are the Republicans and the Democrats afraid if the lesser party candidates were allowed to speak as well, they'd take votes away and give the American people a real choice other than the 'two party system'? Some say we have no alternative and to cast our ballot for anyone else would be a wasted vote. I must disagree. If I take the time to go to the polls and express my opinion as for whom I'd like to lead our nation, I don't consider that to be wasting my time. At least I got out and voted, rather than sit at home and be complacent and say, 'What the heck?'...since the person I've selected doesn't stand a chance, why bother. It's common knowledge that New York State has a majority of voters who are registered as Democrats...meaning the electoral votes here will go to Barack Obama. Does that mean all Republicans should just say the heck with it and not even bother voting? Are their votes being wasted here?
Back to the debate. Both gentlemen allowed to participate had valid points and ideas that will will benefit our nation and the 'little people'; the every day man and woman and their families. Some of what they want to bring to the Oval Office is a bunch of baloney. Hey, I don't care what they want to eat for lunch. Just don't shove something down our throats that doesn't leave a good taste in our mouths. Neither man was totally wrong, nor totally right, based on what my beliefs are. We're all going to have to live with whomever of the two comes out the victor and put up with it. We may not like it. Too bad. That's just the way it is. We can whine and complain, but once the contest is over, we'll have to accept the decision for four years. The only thing one can do is denounce their citizenship and move elsewhere. That will just prove you're even more dumb than you were before the election.
I've read some of the comment threads to other posts regarding the debate and the candidates. By the looks of things, not many minds were swayed by what either man had to say. The staunch McCain and Obama supporters adamandtly proclaim their choice was the clear winner. While one or the other may have 'won' the debate, there was clearly no loser. Statistics from various polls have been given. Some say McCain came out on top while others say it was Obama coming out ahead. There were even a few that declared the debate a draw. I say, 'Blah, blah, blah.' I give no credence to those polls. The only poll I want to hear about is the one where the people of this country go to cast their vote at.
I saw the two men appear and heard them speak. Both smiled. Both frowned. Both looked confident at times and frustrated at others. One was older. One was younger. One spoke of past experiences. One didn't have as much of a background to speak on. Not once did I hear John McCain refer to his opponent as 'Barry', instead, addressing him as Senator Obama. Barack Obama didn't show as much respect, as he sounded like he was 'buddying up' to Senator McCain, calling him by his first name, John, all the time. Senator McCain made it quite clear several times that he's not running for 'Miss Congeniality'. He's running for president. I'm with him on that. Would you rather be known as the 'nice guy' who didn't win the 'pageant'...or the one who holds the crown by being a bit more realistic? Many more times than I heard the 'Miss Congeniality' line, I heard Senator Obama state, 'You're right, John.' "You're right, John.' 'You're right, John.' It seems to me Barry agrees that John has more valid points going on than he, himself, does. I didn't really hear Senator Obama state, 'You're wrong, John'...'You're way off base, John.' It's almost sounded like, at times, Obama is going to cast his vote for McCain when he enters the booth on Election Day.
As I've already stated, I'm not voting for either of these two men on Novemeber 4th. I didn't write this piece trying to get anyone to change their mind as to whom they're going to cast their ballot for, just as I don't expect any of your comments to change my mind. Let the campaign go the route it will take. There will be issues discussed, along with more mud slung, right up until the very end. That's just the way politics is today. My life will go on and I won't be paying much attention to any of it as I've done in the past. Just as many of you have done already; I've made my decision. I am backing a man who has spent his life battling for the people as a consumer advocate; one who had looked out for the 'little man' to make sure they get a fair shake. There are many more of them in this country than the rich and powerful. Wouldn't it be something to actually have a person in charge who had the best interests of the majority of the citizens of this nation at heart while leading us? Many will say I'm only 'wasting' my vote. It may only be a dream of mine, but my vote is going to Independent candidate, Ralph Nader...again.
I took the time to watch the first debate aired nationwide just to see how the two men involved did. I find it quite odd that only the two major party candidates participated. What about the others? Are the Republicans and the Democrats afraid if the lesser party candidates were allowed to speak as well, they'd take votes away and give the American people a real choice other than the 'two party system'? Some say we have no alternative and to cast our ballot for anyone else would be a wasted vote. I must disagree. If I take the time to go to the polls and express my opinion as for whom I'd like to lead our nation, I don't consider that to be wasting my time. At least I got out and voted, rather than sit at home and be complacent and say, 'What the heck?'...since the person I've selected doesn't stand a chance, why bother. It's common knowledge that New York State has a majority of voters who are registered as Democrats...meaning the electoral votes here will go to Barack Obama. Does that mean all Republicans should just say the heck with it and not even bother voting? Are their votes being wasted here?
Back to the debate. Both gentlemen allowed to participate had valid points and ideas that will will benefit our nation and the 'little people'; the every day man and woman and their families. Some of what they want to bring to the Oval Office is a bunch of baloney. Hey, I don't care what they want to eat for lunch. Just don't shove something down our throats that doesn't leave a good taste in our mouths. Neither man was totally wrong, nor totally right, based on what my beliefs are. We're all going to have to live with whomever of the two comes out the victor and put up with it. We may not like it. Too bad. That's just the way it is. We can whine and complain, but once the contest is over, we'll have to accept the decision for four years. The only thing one can do is denounce their citizenship and move elsewhere. That will just prove you're even more dumb than you were before the election.
I've read some of the comment threads to other posts regarding the debate and the candidates. By the looks of things, not many minds were swayed by what either man had to say. The staunch McCain and Obama supporters adamandtly proclaim their choice was the clear winner. While one or the other may have 'won' the debate, there was clearly no loser. Statistics from various polls have been given. Some say McCain came out on top while others say it was Obama coming out ahead. There were even a few that declared the debate a draw. I say, 'Blah, blah, blah.' I give no credence to those polls. The only poll I want to hear about is the one where the people of this country go to cast their vote at.
I saw the two men appear and heard them speak. Both smiled. Both frowned. Both looked confident at times and frustrated at others. One was older. One was younger. One spoke of past experiences. One didn't have as much of a background to speak on. Not once did I hear John McCain refer to his opponent as 'Barry', instead, addressing him as Senator Obama. Barack Obama didn't show as much respect, as he sounded like he was 'buddying up' to Senator McCain, calling him by his first name, John, all the time. Senator McCain made it quite clear several times that he's not running for 'Miss Congeniality'. He's running for president. I'm with him on that. Would you rather be known as the 'nice guy' who didn't win the 'pageant'...or the one who holds the crown by being a bit more realistic? Many more times than I heard the 'Miss Congeniality' line, I heard Senator Obama state, 'You're right, John.' "You're right, John.' 'You're right, John.' It seems to me Barry agrees that John has more valid points going on than he, himself, does. I didn't really hear Senator Obama state, 'You're wrong, John'...'You're way off base, John.' It's almost sounded like, at times, Obama is going to cast his vote for McCain when he enters the booth on Election Day.
As I've already stated, I'm not voting for either of these two men on Novemeber 4th. I didn't write this piece trying to get anyone to change their mind as to whom they're going to cast their ballot for, just as I don't expect any of your comments to change my mind. Let the campaign go the route it will take. There will be issues discussed, along with more mud slung, right up until the very end. That's just the way politics is today. My life will go on and I won't be paying much attention to any of it as I've done in the past. Just as many of you have done already; I've made my decision. I am backing a man who has spent his life battling for the people as a consumer advocate; one who had looked out for the 'little man' to make sure they get a fair shake. There are many more of them in this country than the rich and powerful. Wouldn't it be something to actually have a person in charge who had the best interests of the majority of the citizens of this nation at heart while leading us? Many will say I'm only 'wasting' my vote. It may only be a dream of mine, but my vote is going to Independent candidate, Ralph Nader...again.
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Comments: 74
Ok Rob. Back it up. Show me ONE poll, not internet poll, that shows McCain on top.
There was no loser and no defining moment and they can spin all they want in either camp, it was a good debate, which showed which direction they want to take the country.
I thought that they both did very well. Your point about the other candidates is a good one.
Obama's criticism of McCain on Iraq. "You said it was going to be quick and easy," Obama said. "You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong. You said that we were going to be greeted as liberators. You were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between Shiite and Sunni. And you were wrong." It was assertive, and it weakened McCain's claim to superior judgment.
But he did tell McCain he was right way too often - I'm sure there will be plenty of clips aired from it!
That being said, I vote issues, not party. It just happens that Democrats hold more of the beliefs I have (pro choice and pro environment, for example) and the Republicans do not (anti choice, anti environment, anti gay, pro wealthy/big oil).
It bothers me the way this country blocks third parties from being heard.
Independents don't even make it onto the ballot in Mississippi but I will still cast my vote for the candidate that I agree with most on the issues. (In this case, Obama). To not cast your vote at all is to give away your power.
Rob, please vote.
http://www.votenader.org/index.html
Interesting points here.
I hope you have a great Saturday.
I'm voting for Ralph Nader too.
I watched some of the debate last night. I felt every time Senator Obama addressed Senator McCain as John just showed a complete lack of respect. I noticed after awhile he addressed him as Senator McCain. One of his advisors must have said something. They were both guilty for interrupting and talking over each other.
I must admit I don't know a lot of Ralph Nader. I need to do my homework and learn more about all candidates before casting my vote in November. I know who plan to vote for today but is it set in stone? For the most part, yes but doesn't mean I won't change my mind before then.
Frankly, I wasn't crazy about any of the candidates during the never ending primary season. The two I liked the most dropped out before the primary took place in my state.
On the issues that are #1 to me, McCain nor Obama represents my views. But, Obama comes closest. So. There, I've said it. ;)
I thought both candidates did a pretty good job. Both seemed nervous. Both spoke pretty well. Eh.
Regarding the debates. Who cares? We know the talking points. We just watch to see if someone gaffes out big time. Nobody did last night. If no one does, it's a tie. I can't remember a single line from the debate. That's how yesterday it is.
Combine all that with the mentality of the "wasted vote" - voting for somebody who is seen as not having a chance to win as "wasted", is another self-fulfilling prophecy. Call me naieve, but I always thought voting was about having your voice heard, speaking your mind. To me, the only "wasted" vote is the one that's not cast. Only slightly LESS insidious is feeling forced to choose between the lesser of two evils.
As for myself, I'm writing in Ron Paul. I hope others do likewise.
Besides, if you credit Nader for getting Bush 2 in, you have to credit Perot for getting Bush 1 out.
Always vote for the person who represents you, and don't let those 2-party apologists tell you otherwise. "The lesser of two evils" is what's gotten us into this mess over the last 75 years.
Nader did a great job last night raising hell on Real Time with Bill Maher. He knows how to rally an audience and he isn't afraid to speak the truth in plain language. I wish he'd spent the last 8 years convincing the US we need to open up and forget the two party system. I believe he'd be a more viable candidate if he got out there in off years and pushed hard for an Independent party.
Good to stop in here, and like your thoughts. I did watch the debate as well and got the same impressions as you did - nobody won. I'll vote and make my choice after I see the rest of the debates - who knows what'll happen or be said?
Mark
I feel McCain did much better, and got under Obama's skin right from the beginning, it was easily visible. But I still will not vote for either of these two either. I just do not feel either sees the big Picture. I am not a fan of Nader, but respect the fact you are looking at more than what the twop parties want you to see. I am still voting for Barr, and will support him fully for the same reasons you have said.
=)