Who Is The Master Debater?

I am watching and writing during the debate and there is a question I wish I could ask John McCain. Are you snoring, or snorting? In my opinion it is the mark of a lesser intelligence to begin every criticism with an insult. This is a very poor debating technique.

At this time and facing this crisis that I haven't particularly felt, the nation is not looking for another belligerent cowboy. Someone on McCain's staff should advise him of this. Or perhaps he is just incapable of changing. I am of an age where the desire to change begins to fade. A person just gets comfortable. But if I need to change, I can. So I tend to think that what John is exhibiting is just plain old bullheadedness.

And I happen to be watching CNN because, o.k. I'll admit it, I like the lines at the bottom of the screen. When I watch one of these, I'm always afraid that my predisposition for the left side, clouds my vision. So I find a vicarious pleasure when the lines agree with my impressions. And we all seem to be resenting McCain's belligerent style as much or more than his positions. Particularly when he untruthfully attacks Obama's character or intelligence, the lines dip dramatically. I have observed this during all three debates with the reactions getting more severe in each succeeding debate. Why has McCain not changed? He just called Obama, Senator Government. Slick.

What I am seeing by observing these lines is that on policy, though very different from each other's, there are slight linear movements. But when attacks begin, McCain's lines go down. And when Obama responds, the lines go up. And one reason is very apparent. These folks do not like a negative debate.

The fact that John McCain has not adjusted to this easily observable phenomena only illustrates my correct judgment in voting for Barack Obama. Every time McCain has one of his knee jerk somewhat radical reactions such as suspending his campaign, or freezing all but defense spending, he only reinforces my opinion. And apparently the "line people" as well. So I suppose I must award to John McCain the "Master Debater Award.' Because he clearly is playing to himself.