Tonight's Presidential Debate: Victory for Obama, More of the Same from McCain
by musician, and I emphasize "musician," and not political expert, Sheryl Crow
I am not exactly sure how to begin this blog.
I am still slightly dumbfounded by what I feel was an out and out victory for Senator Obama. Anyone who knows me knows I am an Obama supporter but knowing I would be blogging for the Huffington Post tonight, I tried to watch this debate with complete objectivity. However, if I were to grade this debate on clarity, leadership qualities, values, a vast understanding of foreign affairs, I would have to give Senator Obama a far higher grade. I think I feel the same as most Americans when I say I am beyond tired of hearing John McCain sell this war and passing it off as great leadership. Even on the issue of Russia, McCain tried to paint Obama as being unknowledgeable on foreign issues. It is clear that John McCain is well traveled outside of the United States and has a vast understanding of foreign affairs, however, Obama did not give an inch.
On every question, I felt Senator Obama answered with clarity and thoughtfulness. I felt Senator McCain gave us a lot of his stump quotes when talking about the war and the failing economy. Quotes like, "I'm not known as Miss Congeniality," and the two letters Eisenhower wrote illustrating accountability, his reminding us that he is known as the "Maverick."
Obama clearly illustrated his in-depth understanding of foreign affairs. While McCain has an immense amount of experience in the military, there was never a moment that I perceived him as a levelheaded peacekeeper but instead looked like the same kind of defensive leader we've had for the last eight years. While Obama was talking about Afghanistan, Senator McCain was still selling the surge and the idea of "winning the war," a war that no one feels can be won. John McCain's entire message revolved around Iraq. He seemed to be in complete denial that our country is in a much less secure status than before 9/11, when it is clear that we have thrown a rock into a beehive.
I never once heard John McCain mention our failing educational system. He kept his mantra that Obama does not understand, which I felt only showed that he simply doesn't understand. McCain tried to wrap up the debate with simply saying Obama doesn't have the experience that he has or what it takes to lead this country. At which point McCain talked about how we cannot have another leader who is not flexible; he completely disqualified himself. It was a cry of desperation from a man who has been historically linked to the failing policies of George W. Bush.
I think while both candidates successfully argued their positions on sitting down with leaders of rogue nations, I felt that Obama proved his point that the policies of the past have not served us. McCain seemed to promise more of the same, which continued to illustrate his "stubbornness and inflexibility," which were the words he later warned the nation about in choosing Barack Obama as president. To me, McCain proved himself as the stubborn one. It felt like he was simply stuck in the past.
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As an aside, I had a debate party tonight and these are the quotes I took down after the debate:
On McCain: "repetitive," "stuck," "defensive," "loopy and non-linear," "completely defeated," "snarky...we cannot have another condescending leader," "confused," "McCain doesn't listen, Obama does"
On Obama: "constructively critical," "thinks on his feet," "how nice to hear someone answer a question and not just keep going back to the stump"
All agreed that the final stage of this campaign should be that each candidate should have to debate Bono.
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sheryl -- love the bono idea. it's so crazy, it could work! i too am an obama supporter and thought he did very well, especially in the first half when the subject was the economy and financial crisis. but you know what was the weirdest part for me -- and so far i haven't heard anyone else mention it -- but did anyone notice that john mccain never looked obama in the eye? obama was speaking directly to him most of the night, looking straight at him, and mccain -- mr. straight talk, mr. war hero patriot, mr. embodiment of all that is honorable -- couldn't even look his opponent in the eye!
Really good relevant observations and comments. You can sing what you feel, and you can write what you feel.. Wish more media people would report in a balanced way the way you wrote here. I felt that Obama did hold his own very well and I would give the edge to Obama as doing better in the debate than McCain. In consideration of that, since this was supposed to be the debate where McCain should have been at his best, then I would definitely have to say Obama did extremely well.
I am SO in love with Sheryl Crow I'm mostly thankful she didn't favor McCain. Excellent Blog Ms. Crow. I think we would all like to hear your perspective on next Thursday's debate....
Love your music, feel the words, know your pain, and wish you all the best and more. Your assessment of the debate is spot-on! McCain looked like a grumpy old man spewing nothing but negativity. Enough of the senseless sparring and silly stories, let’s talk about reality. Further, why couldn’t he look Obama in the eye? Maybe it was a camera angle issue?! But, it didn’t look right. Obama, on the other hand, was engaged; listened; provided comprehensive, thoughtful answers; and talked about the issues that matter to you and me in a global context. It was clear that McCain doesn’t “understand” what many Americans are coping with right now. He’s stuck on his stump msgs. How sad. But, enough about Grumpy Humpty Dumpty. In my humble opinion, Obama won!!! Great Blog, Sheryl! Thank you for your thoughts.
I’m listening to “Peace be upon us” right now … love that song! I work for and am friends with many Muslims from around the world … they are wonderful people! As-Salam-u-Alaikum.
Cheryl,
My reaction during, and immediately after the debate, was that as snooze-fests go, Obama was clearly putting more points on the board -- and the public-op polls immediately afterward backed that up -- and noting you cite your music credentials and not your political savvy -- I couldn't help but wonder at the pundits, some of whom I usually respect -- like Chris Matthews and Andrea Mitchell, coming out with the opposite tilt. Who would think the six-stringer would get it right? (don't sell your political prowess short -- your opinion is important)
I happen to know my way around the Constitution and a pentatonic scale -- and I thought if not un-entertaining -- last night was at least un-informative.
C+ to Barack. D- to the guy who used to be McCain.
My apologies for the C instead of S Sheryl -- no back button on this site eh?
Ms Cheryl Crow------love your music!
You stated that McCain "has an immense amount of experience in the military",
getting 'THAT EXPERIENCE" by 'OSMOSIS' doesn't count. AT ALL.
He sure was patting himself on the back a lot, selling his b.s. that he 'KNOWS'
this and that ----and them----THEM WHO?
If anything ---it's taken him 26+ years to learn 1/4 of what Obama knows NOW.
Let's all not forget----Obama has a law degree from THE MOST PRESTIGEOUS
UNIVERSITY. AT THE TOP OF HIS CLASS. And along with that hard work were many
semesters of debating classes THAT SERVED HIM WELL!
We all know McCain's sham of experience. Getting a diploma his father paid for
despite his bad grades was evident in his speaking skills.
Obama showed the world he can be 'COOPERATIVE' and 'THOUGHTFUL'.
Mccain at his age has shown how immature, belligerent and mean he can be
while selling b.s. like he has done all his life!
Best analysis that I've read or heard. Great job Sheryl.
You are correct. Like an old, fading General, McCain proudly took ownership of the fiasco and biggest blunders in US History, Iraq and Afghanistan. He proved that he is more like Cheney than Bush.
Nice blog. Looking forward to buying the new "Obama" cd. Thanks for being brave and speaking out.
Great post. There's the messenger and and then there's the message. Obama talked about initiatives and concerns that our hurting public can relate to. McCain talked a good deal about the surge and earmarks and his maverick ways. McCain focused on selling himself because he doesn't seem to have any good ideas. When one hears so much about earmarks and the surge, one is dragged into the Beltway mindset that seems to operate in an alternate universe, quite separate from reality. McCain is triumphant in the media netherworld that really doesn't serve the public interest, but I think that people now are trying harder to see through the smoke.
Talking about earmark I wish Obama had counterattack that his $930 mil worked out to be $66 for each of 14 millions people in Illinois compared to the anti-earmark crusader, Palin, his choice of VP, whose $450 mil for her 670,000 citizens meant $671 per Alaskan! That record is nothing to boast about by a maverick anti-earmark crusader who had earmarks ten times of other states', especially when Alaska's budgets are always surplus due to the oil money and they used it to bribe their citizen instead. Why did Palin have to apply for earmark from federal while other poorer states may need it?
McCAIN-PALIN: COUNTRY LAST, RECKLESS JUDGMENT, BIGOTRY, LIES, SECRECY, CRONYISM. Vote for OBAMA-BIDEN: INTEGRITY, KNOWLEDGE, GOOD JUDGMENT, BY PEOPLE & FOR PEOPLE.
Great post Sheryl. Love your music... and just ordered your album. :)
Sheryl,
Spot on observations. Rock on!
Love your music, Sheryl!
You may not be a political expert, but I think you stated your case for Obama very well.
I really believe Obama's that person history hands us in our most dire moments. When the fates just can't bear watching us screw up anymore, and decide to lend us a hand.
Oh, I've had my moments when I've posted my doubts about his political skills, but he's always ten steps ahead of the Republicans, and 100 steps ahead of me.
The post debate polls show he won the respect and confidence of the majority of independents tonight, and that was exactly what he had to do.
Obama's our next president. As surely as the sun will rise tomorrow.
RepugsOut08, a tear forced itself out...than
You're not imagining things--Obama did superbly. An easy A-plus.
Your analysis is spot-on. McCain was a talking tape loop--Obama was brilliant and utterly sincere. With McCain beside him, he looked ever more so. What a surreal contrast.
Sheryl - long time fan, first time blog listener..
I think a point that has been missed that is very important was the semi-altercation over "meeting with foreign leaders" - whether there should be pre-conditions or not.
McCain demonstrated the the Republican policy that they won't talk with anyone who doesn't already agree with them, and has already agreed to do what they're told. They hold "press conferences", but only allow questions from the script they've provided. If you don't agree with them, then your a "terrorist-aiding traitor", or some such.
Obama's point - that he WOULD sit down with world leaders (given proper preparations), shows that he is not afraid to take on people he disagrees with, nor is he afraid of tackling difficult challenges.
The republicans only wish to hold talks AFTER the issue is settled, and then only to provide a "photo-op".
Thanks for the many hours of enjoyment, and insight, your music has provided, and for the time you're taking to involve yourself in the Democratic process.
I like Sheryl's analysis; not once did McCain mention our education system or the middle class. NOT ONCE. And when he mentioned healthcare, it was to say he would expect everyone to pay for themselves.
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