Friday Night's Debate: How Obama Can Deliver the KO

Friday night will be given over to the McCain-Obama debate in our house. We have family in town, and one less chair as we make room for our baby to crawl around the living room. I may be standing for the entire debate, which is fine, because I'll be so anxious, I'll feel as if I'm the one in the debate. I know many of you will be on edge, too.

The Foreign Policy Debate is supposed to be right in McCain's sweet spot. But I believe foreign policy is McCain's weak spot, one that has not been exploited, but one that I believe Obama will pounce on on Friday night.

Here is where McCain is weak:

1. Iraq War - John McCain believed that we only needed 100,000 troops in Iraq. He thought the war would be quick. He even suggested, on the David Letterman Show, that it was Saddam Hussein who sent the anthrax-by-mail that terrified the nation a few years ago.

2. McCain, according to Sarah Palin, believes George should be in NATO. According to Palin, when asked if the U.S. would have to go to war with Russia to defend Georgia, Palin said, "Perhaps so."

3. McCain sang about bombing Iran. It was a joke, but considering his other statements about war, it's a little frightening.

4. So McCain would now be at war in Georgia; he's been belligerent on Iran; and he wants us in Iraq, according to his own statements, for 100 years.

Here is where McCain is strong:

1. The surge. He keeps saying he was right, and he's putting Obama on the defensive.

2. His personal history. We all know the story. It's very effective.

3. His years of experience. People may feel better with an experienced hand in the White House.

Here is how Obama must hit back on all three of McCain's strong points:

1. The surge - If we left Iraq today, there still may be a civil war between the Shiites and the Sunnis. The point of the surge was to reduce violence and create a way for the Sunnis and Shiites to come together. That has not happened. If we left today, Senator McCain, would there be peace in Iraq? Of course not. I don't know whether there would be a civil war, but right now, the Sunnis and the Shiites are bolstered by our enormous troop presence. We can't stay forever. We went there because of WMDs that did not exist. We are now a 140,000 strong police force. The cost to us is in the billions, and we cannot afford to stay there forever. We've given the Iraqis every chance to reconcile. They have done some great things, with our help. The Sunni Awakening is one of them. They essentially forced Al-Qaeda out.

The surge also prevents us from fighting against the people who attacked us on 9/11 - those terrorists are in Afghanistan and Pakistan. According to the National Intelligence Estimate, Al Qaeda is as strong as it was on 9/11, and the leader of Al Qaeda, Osama bin-Laden, is still at large.

We need to build up democratic institutions in Pakistan. We wasted millions on Musharraf. That money should have gone to build up schools and foment democracy (Sen. Obama: please do not use the word "foment" - I'm not sure what it means).

2. Personal history - John McCain is a war hero, we all know that, and there is no need to mention it again. Sen. Obama is awfully deferential in mentioning this point. It needs not be restated, unless Sen. Obama thinks that mentioning it will piss of McCain and cause him to lose his cool. McCain may see it as condescending. But otherwise, Sen. Obama, let it go.

3. Year of Experience - Donald Rumsfeld and Dick Cheney had years of experience. We all thought - many Democrats included - that their wisdom would serve this country well. In turns out that all it did was make them stubborn and they refused to see that we are in a new era, which means we have to fight in new ways. It's not enough to go out and kill terrorists, which must be done. We are in a war with Terrorists. Killing them is one part of our strategy. The other part is that we must promote democracy and democratic institutions. In many parts of the world, economies are in the tank, and desperate young kids are looking for an answer as to why their lives are so awful. Schools teach them that it is the fault of the great democracies, and as the greatest democracy, they are taught that we are the Great Satan. Well, we have to fight that message by bringing democratic institutions to the Middle East. We have to tie foreign aid to the creation of these institutions. We have to do a better job of telling the world what the United States is all about, because in these last eight years, our reputation has taken a hit, and there are parts of the world where Bin-Laden is more liked than the U.S. Now, we can dismiss those parts of the world and say they are foolish, but the fact is, this is where terrorism breeds. We have to fight back with the stick and the carrot. All the Rumsfeld and Cheney experience is not going to help, and while Sen. McCain says he wanted Rumsfeld out, the fact is - and it's an absolute fact - he agreed with Rumsfeld's initial plans for Iraq.

Sen. McCain will also fight back on Obama's statement that he'd meet with the leaders of Iran, Venezuela and Cuba. Don't back down on this one, either, Sen. Obama. Ronald Reagan met with Gorbachev, Nixon went to China, and the reason they did so is because they had something to promote - the United States, freedom and democracy. The best person to promote what we have is the President. You are our best messenger of hope and freedom. You think that Iran is going to benefit if Obama meets with their leaders? Sen. Obama has the power of the United States behind him - and it is in this country that anyone - even a kid with a single mom who grew up on food stamps - anyone can grow up to be anything. Can that happen in Iran? In Venezuela?

That's a powerful message, and it's a message that the world has not heard enough of for eight years, as we've sat back and tried to bludgeon our enemies into submission. Well, I'll tell you something. Ronald Reagan sold the message of the United States with his belief in this country and with his optimism. He was not afraid to stand toe-to-toe with Gorbachev. Barack Obama will not be afraid, either.

And let me remind us all of something: when the world needs a friend, it is the United States that is called upon. We are the world's essential nation. And we're proud of it. An example: Who among us is not proud when we airlift supplies into a typhoon-devastated region?
The people of this world still call upon us, they still have faith, they just want the United States back, because this world - the world of terrorism - needs us to stand tall, and stand as a beacon of light like that Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor.

These are my suggestions for how Obama can counteract McCain on foreign policy. Be tough. Never say "Carrot and stick." You're a Democrat - people will view you as soft and hear "carrot" and stop there. Emphasize "stick" - say it first - "Stick and carrot." It reads insignificant, but when Teddy Roosevelt said it, he was already viewed as a tough guy and he needed to emphasize "carrot." You don't. Trust me on this, and remember that on the issues, you are right and McCain is wrong.

McCain needs to win Friday night's debate. Sen. Obama needs to tie. That's the way it works in boxing - the champ needs to tie, the contender needs a knock out. But Obama's not the champ yet, and so he must go for the KO, too. Don't play it safe, Sen. Obama. Deliver the KO.

Comments

[Jabo22]

on the surge: Obama should say, Ok John , you got the tactic of the surge right, but I got the strategy of not starting the war correct. John , you have a place in my army as a soldier, but not as a leader that defines strategy.

on Iraq overall against any argument: "that's fine John but Afghanistan is the central front to the war and you don't even want to admit that.

on experience: go back to strategy vs. tactics, leadership to protect america vs. gut feel to protect America
make the point George Bush = gut feel gut feel =McCain. Obama = judgment and leadership.

on talking with leaders of hostile countries: Obama just needs to mention that 1) first you have to know the names of the leaders and whcih countries they come from, 2) McCain's diplomacy=Bush's diplomacy. How are you different than Bush John? Mak ehim answer that. His answer will sound like its the same apporach as Bush.

on John the war hero: say nothing, Barack, we know you respect that, but dont say it for the 1000th time. It's in every speech sentence when you attack McCain. You don't have to recognize that aS permission to attack.

[foxfan]

Just a thought. If Obama wasn't a senator to vote on the war, does he really want to say he got it right? It's easy to look right in hindsight when there is no record of any vote.

The rest of your argument is pretty much on the mark.

[boing007]

And Palin doesn't blink either.

She doesn't blink because she has no clue what anybody's talking about. She's dumbfounded.

[rcfoot]

The Surge: a tactical adjustment to a stategic blunder. If Obama keeps his wits about him, he may well eat McCain alive.

[foxfan]

This is the nature of war. It should have been done sooner to correct the blunder, but it was finally done and it was successful. Just ask John McCain. Barack Obama didn't think it would work.

[rcfoot]

As I recall, there were two keys to "victory". The brave men and women of our military did thier jobs to provide increased stability, but have the Iraqi gov't? Just ask John McCain. Oh, I forgot, he and the mighty moose hunter are on self-imposed media lockdown.

[bailerted]

The Republicans and Democrats who will be voting for McCain, have seen and heard enough of this frightening and pathetic excuse for a presidential candidate. No matter what McCain or Palin have done throughout their lives, does not even compare to 1/100th of a percentage to what Obama has done. McCain and Palin are politicians. There's always going to be fishyness, when it comes to politics. But Obama? He is a disgrace to what America was built on.

The only way Obama would make it to the White House, is through voter fraud. He's good at it, and I wouldn't put it past him to rig another one of his elections. He doesn't want to win for the people. He wants to win for the power.

[ziggystardust]

This can't be serious.

[foxfan]

Your house is full of fumes, isn't it? If you cited some actual examples of why Obama is a disgrace or what some of he things are that he has done then you might have some credibility. Instead it's a rant without purpose except to make yourself look foolish.

[Bowiemom]

What election did Obama rig? Or are you talking about what George Bush did in 2000?

[maggie lou]

McCain and the repugs are the disgrace. They have let down the American People again and again.

[PT6]

TALKING POINTS:

SO to SUMMARIZE TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS and how it works for THE MIDDLE CLASS:

WAR = High Corporate Profits We pay $75 for every breakfast in IRAQ!

TRICK MORTGAGES = High Corporate Profits

UNCLOTHED SHORTS = High Corporate Profits

LEVERAGED OIL = High Corporate Profits'

JOBS SHIPPED OVERSEAS - High Corporate Profits

HUGE BONUSES and SEVERANCE PAY = High .1% Profits

BAILOUT = High Corporate Profits

What is left for the Middle Class. DUST!

[PT6]

SO to SUMMARIZE TRICKLE DOWN ECONOMICS and how it works for THE MIDDLE CLASS:

WAR = High Corporate Profits We pay $75 for every breakfast in IRAQ!

TRICK MORTGAGES = High Corporate Profits

UNCLOTHED SHORTS = High Corporate Profits

LEVERAGED OIL = High Corporate Profits'

JOBS SHIPPED OVERSEAS - High Corporate Profits

HUGE BONUSES and SEVERANCE PAY = High .1% Profits

BAILOUT = High Corporate Profits

What is left for the Middle Class. DUST!

[GaryinToronto]

The surge only shows that McCain might have been partially right about a tactic - he was woefully wrong on strategy and what America needs right now is a strategic thinker. (although after Bush, almost any kind of thinker would be an improvement)

My fear for the debate is that Obama will give answers that are too nuanced. I like that he can see the shades of gray but it won't go down that well with people who are looking for certainty.

I really wish he'd hit back hard at McCain's attacks that he didn't respond quickly enough on the financial melt down. If I were him I'd say: "I delayed commenting in detail until I had more information. It's a big problem and it deserves some careful attention. I thought this would be better than blurting out a number of things which were incorrect as my opponent chose to do."

[pgurlatl]

The problem really is that Obama's intelligence is translated as aloofness. His mannerisms which is like a university professer seem condescending to the average American. He's incredibly pragmatic. When Obama wants to "talk things out in a sensible fashion" Mccain's answer is "drill baby drill" and "bomb, bomb, bomb" and that is what the simple minded can understand.

And those are the voters that are going to count.

Sadly.

[swampscrapper]

I'm afraid. My Dad told me that the most vocal, white-haired republicans gang up on anyone who tries to vocalize support for Obama, at his New Jersey country club. This demographic is probably going the way of McCain anyway, but the point is that the extreme right wing has inroads to a lot of the undecideds and indpendents.

It seems so hard to try and sway the independents with the smearing of Obama that is already heavily pronounced. sigh.

[mike42nola]

I think that both candidates are being smeared to no end. This serves no purpose and should be stopped. We must concentrate on the issues that are and will continue to be the biggest challenges to the well being of our country for many years to come.
I respect everyone's right to vote for whatever candidate that they view will be able to meet these challenges head on and be successful for the good of the country.
My personal view is that I believe that person is not on either ticket. I don't think that either McCain or Obama can get the job done and whichever one wins the opposition party will do everything they can to undermine and defeat programs brought by the successful candidate.
This has been going on for way too long in American politics and must be stopped if we are to remain strong and secure.

[LilHark]

Tell your dad to stay strong and vote his conscience!! I have the same problem with my father - he's completely undecided, yet he has to listen to my mother rave about "Sarah!" every waking moment in his new life as a retiree.

It looks to me like a lot of Independents and crossover voters have become terrified of the Palinistas. My friend's mom was undecided and doesn't really care for Barack, but with Palin bursting onto the scene she ran squarely back into the Democratic camp. I have some faith that there are quite a few voters like that in these so-called swing states.

[Atlantavet]

I would like to understand how we stay in Iraq. The UN resolution expires on December 31. After that our only basis for staying would be an agreement with the elected government of Iraq. Until now, no deal has been set. Based on the first draft of the financial bail-out deal this administration does little to look out for the interests of Americans.

If our troops are there with no treaty or international basis, I believe their status will be unacceptable.

[mike42nola]

The UN mandate was renewed last night until the end of 2009. Even if there is no UN mandate our military could stay without having a UN resolution condemning us if the duly elected government wants us there, which it does.
Also, we originally went into Iraq because of their non compliance with dozens of UN resolutions and countless years of them playing cat and mouse with UN and nuclear inspectors which would have made anybody suspicious of their activities.

[Tobiasism]

Stop with the 100 year in Iraq thing.
It doesn't hold up well to scrutiny.
THere are plenty of other issues to exploit.
Like Iraq will be easy, and cheap.

[darker]

Experience matters??????
HOW ABOUT CRAPPY, IRRESPONSIBLE, STUPID, INCOMPETENT, CORRUPT EXPERIENCE???
does THAT matter?

People better wake up.
Because CORRUPT EXPERIENCE will come back and BITE THEIR ASS!

McCain's TOTALLY been given a FREE RIDE by Republican-OWNED MEDIA.
Mccain has "lots of experience". THE BAD KIND. McCain definitely was in the middle of the last great financial scandal in our country--the Keating mess.

McCain plays KISS-UP with LOBBYISTS "forever".
McCain's been a MIDDLE MAN between LOBBYISTS and TAXPAYER MONEY THEY WANT TO STEAL! That's been his MAIN JOB IN WASH,DC.

NO MORE YEARS for corrupt Republican LIARS. They cannot govern and are DESTROYING AMERICA.
Vote for COMMON SENSE, LEADERSHIP: Obama-Biden.

[mike42nola]

You have got to be kidding, right? Why was CNN called the Clinton News Network for so long that their viewership has declined to about 1/100th of what it used to be?
If you have common sense you would realize that both parties have foresaken the true duties that they were elected to uphold and have abandonded the American public.
You cannot place this blame on one person or one party. Both of them share this blame equally.

[psychmaj323]

oooh wow 1/100, .01, lol...

[justobserve]

Obama has to:
1. Look at the camera. I found it's strange that he usually turns his head to left and right but rarely straight ahead which projects more authority. He has to ask for a position that he can do this.
2. Short reply. No "uh..ah..". Against McCain 's short reply, his sounded indicisive.
3. Raise his voice one octave. Why is this when he talked one-to-one, his voice was VERY low and it's hard to hear. This doesn't project confidence.
4. Don't raise his head up so he has to look down, it projects arrogance. Keep it straight at eye level.
McCAIN-PALIN: COUNTRY LAST, RECKLESS JUDGMENT, LIES, SECRECY, CRONYISM.

[PT6]

These are very good ideas! But he should primarily be himself.

He has come this far!

[allonfla]

He looks to the left and right because there is an audience with people sitting to the left and right. This is something everyone learns in speech class. It is a way of engaging people. I agree with the uh thing and I am sure he is working on that as it is obviously annoying. I don't know about the voice level, he can't always talk like he is giving a stump speech. And that don't raise his head up is a seed that has been planted in your head by his opponents. I've known people who do that and it is only a sign that they are thinking or trying to filter what the other person is saying. Like myself, when I am really engaged and listening to someone, I frown and squint my eyes. I'm not mad, I'm just really listening.

[pgurlatl]

I agree with everything you said except for the "um ahs". EVERYBODY does it. Even the most gifted of orators. Often its done on purpose for pause.

It's better than McCain's sneering and Palin's screeching.

[psychmaj323]

I agree

[LilHark]

I can buy that he's looking to the audience to engage it, but he's got an enormous audience coming in through that camera lens. In debates he seems to be thinking out loud so often it can be aggravating. His team needs to encourage him to keep his attention squarely on the camera, level face, speaking with sharpened answers. He can knock McCain out of the park on any of these issues, but he's got to develop a relationship with the camera if he wants to win these debates.

[PT6]

Obama should BE HIMSELF!

McC has a hard time since his true IDEOLOGY is what he believes!

He has a hard time remembering the new ideas his staff keeps feeding him.

[Phate]

As someone who has competed in debate (my partner and I were semi-finalists at our state tournament), I can tell you being yourself isn't a high priority when you're dealing with facts. Sure, you need to dazzle your judge (in this case, the whole country) but looking pretty and being personable will only carry you so far. You need to look strong and be FIRM in what you are saying.
Political debates remind me of Policy debates (the kind I competed in)- you know what your topic is, but you don't know how specific it's going to be. (Mister Future President) Obama should be prepared for anything, not just the blatantly obvious stones that will surely be thrown.
--Phate

[LilHark]

I agree with that - and in order to appear strong and firm in what you're saying has a lot to do with concision, which is well-known to be an Obama weakness. I have some faith that he can tackle a lot of the issues that will be thrown at him (he certainly won't fall victim to a Bush Doctrine stumper) but he tends too often to be thinking about his answers as he's delivering them. That doesn't inspire confidence in a debate setting, and that won't inspire the Undecideds (however they may still exist is beyond me) to vote his way.

[galinha]

On meeting some foreign leaders, which MCcain would refer to as 'enemies' , Obama should not hesitate to point out that bellicosity does not mean strength. Everybody supports him on diplomacy, even Bush is doing it. McCain as usual is the only one who has to be convinced that diplomacy is a good thing. That in itself is scary, never mind the fact that he could one day be in control of the nuclear arsenal.

[apoyo]

Enough with the carrot sticks. That is the most stupid metaphor ever. This is the 21st century. Did anybody have nuclear weapons when Teddy Roosevelt said that? Why should Democrats use the language handed out by the Republicans? We should be grateful that Obama doesn't talk down to us. He thinks we are all adults. We shall see if he is proved wrong.