During this campaign, pundits were often heard saying that Obama would not gain the support of the older white voter (50 plus) and especially the wealthy. That was not the case in West Los Angeles' beach communities. The Debate Party was watched by Manhattan Beach swing-voters, Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey bohemians, and Inglewood and Los Angeles professionals, who were as diverse as the city itself; Latinos, African-Americans, but mostly white, wealthy AARP group. Most of the attendees (about 35) were former Hillary Clinton supporters who made the switch during and after the Primaries, and only 4 (3 whites and 1 black) were with Obama from day one of the Primaries. The party was also visited by Manhattan Beach Councilman Jim Aldinger, promising to deliver Manhattan Beach to Obama!
As the candidates spoke, the party attendees gave nods and applause of approval to a few of Obama's statements, wit and objections to McCain. There were more sighs and moans of disapproval to McCain's red-scare rhetoric on Russia and USA protection of Georgia as pending NATO member, winning the Iraq War, frequent POW hype and reference to Palin as his great partner. One thing for sure, everyone was pleased with Obama's performance (esp. in light of his opposing candidate's claim to fame on foreign policy) and repeated that he looked and sounded Presidential!
After the debates, our host, Jan Belson, engaged us into a political discussion, in which I immediately asked, "whose prospectus or measuring stick are we using on winning the Iraq War? We entered on the false premise of Mass Weapons of Destruction, to capture tyrant Hussein, and assist the Iraqis with Reconstruction. Mission accomplished! Reconstruction can only succeed with the will of the Iraqis. So, what," and at this moment, the group said in unison, "What is there to win?!" Oil, Peace? Everyone agreed that we haven't seen low cost oil production and that global crude oil is predicted to be depleted in 100 to 150 years, and peace, long term peace, has never existed in this region of the world. Hence, there's nothing to win.
As for Obama's tax proposals on those earning more than $250,000, a Manhattan resident by the name of Janet expressed her concerns on whether Obama's proposal will consider the high cost of living in California as oppose to low cost living in other states, and whether gross or adjusted earnings will be the dollar stipulation. This was a valid concern as shared by many who send their children to private schools and day cares which are expensive in any per capita neighborhood. One gentleman named Dave explained that the average high end wage is $190,000, even for California, and that Obama buffered this amount with an additional $60,000 for the private schools and lifestyles and with itemized deductions, the tax increase shall have a minimal affect. Although his tax proposal is a concern, they still vowed to vote for him because they support everything else he represents.
Someone mentioned Obama's historic run and the overwhelming support, and as an African-American, I frankly admitted that prior to the Primaries, I and my mother never thought we would see an African-American President in our lifetime. I can only hope that majority of my fellow Americans will continue to prove me wrong.
The evening slowly ended with small talk on the global view and astonishment of Americans' support for McCain & Palin, McCain's long list of contradictions, autocratic personality and the need to be surrounded by attractive women, and on Palin's disastrous, incoherent interviews. Though we empathized with Palin on being in way over her head, we still look forward to the hard press questions from Moderator Gwen Ifill and the polite (does she realize she was just insulted) mockery of Biden, in next week's VP debate.