Friday, September 26, 2008
Thoughts on the First Presidential Debate
So, the first debate between Obama and McCain just finished. I spent the entire time writing down my thoughts to what each of them said. I have no idea how much sense this transcript will make, but here it is, exchange by exchange, in order according to the question/issue.
THE FINANCIAL CRISIS:
Obama: A good overall plan, but nothing we haven't heard already. When will he get down to the specifics on how we're going to accomplish these steps?
McCain: We get it, Democrats and Republicans are coming up with a plan. But what is it? What about the fact that more than 90% of Americans oppose the bailout? You haven't even said anything about what the general solution needs to entail, let alone specifics.
THE PROPOSED PLAN:
Obama: Good philosophy, but you didn't answer the question. Will you vote for the bailout plan or not?
McCain: You're voting for it. You suck. Still, you're right about the need for accountability.
Obama: Correct. The current conservative economic philosophy leads to corruption and massive inequality. We can't just jump into action whenever there's a crisis.
McCain: Yay, more propaganda about how great America and American workers are. The workers may be fine, but that doesn't fix the problem at the corporate level.
WHAT THEY WOULD DO AS PRESIDENT TO FIX IT:
McCain: Yes, absolutely, we need to fix government spending. "We came to change government and government changed us" - I don't know if I necessarily agree with the first part, but you're right, the political system has been too manipulated and influenced by party politics. You'll veto every single spending bill? Firstly, I don't think that's true. Secondly, I don't know if I would be that general about it. Surely there are some things worth spending money on.
Obama: Yes, jump on the tax cuts for the rich. That's just a stupid idea, and I can't believe it's one we still practice. I'm not even sure if tax cuts for anyone is necessarily a good thing (the government needs all the money it can get right now to get out of debt), but if you're going to give them you might as well give them to the people who will benefit the most from them.
McCain: You say the system needs to be cleaned up, but on the whole you aren't arguing for radical change. The system needs more than janitorial work. Did I just hear you say that if anything we need to raise taxes? Holy crap, why did Obama have to interrupt you now? I was curious to see where you were going to go with that... I must have misheard you...
Obama: I get it. Tax cuts for the rich suck. Let him finish.
McCain: Interesting point about the business tax. I'm fine if you want to benefit businesses... my problem is when that extra money goes into the pockets of the richest 1% of people...
Obama: Yes! It's about the loopholes! I'm not an economist, but come on, you know they're there. The gap in wealth between the rich and poor has been increasing over the past few decades. The current plan is not helping the majority of Americans.
McCain: You're right, we need to look at the record of both candidates. Unfortunately, neither of you have perfect records, and Obama's seems better than yours.
Obama: You've denied the accusation about your voting record, as expected.
PRIORITIES YOU'LL GIVE UP TO FIX THE CRISIS:
Obama: Energy independence and alternative fuel development are priorities. Good. Health care is a priority. Good. Education is a priority. Good. I notice you didn't mention the war... that is disconcerting... especially since ending the war would probably do a lot to improve the economy...
McCain: Cutting spending is a priority. Good. Managing defense costs is a priority. Awesome, though the best way to do that is to not be so military-focused in all other aspects.
Obama: What are you going to cut? Answer the question! Be honest! HOLY CRAP. "GOOGLE FOR GOVERNMENT" SOUNDS AWESOME!
McCain: A spending freeze on everything except defense and veterans? NO! NO NO NO! Those are important, but there are way more important things out there!
Obama: Yes! Bring up the war and how it needs to end! Thank you!
McCain: That's right, ignore the war. You know if you talk about it you'll lose.
Obama: Bingo on the long-term priorities. Off-shore drilling isn't long-term, you should have pointed that out.
McCain: We get it. Cut spending. That's going to have to happen anyway because of the bailout. I still think you're wrong about veterans though (no offense to veterans). You're not getting as specific as Obama.
Obama: You called it an "orgy of spending." I like that. Thank you for pointing out McCain's hypocrisy - he agrees with Bush, who has spent a ton.
McCain: We know, you're a maverick. That's good. But are you enough of a maverick? That's the question.
THE LESSONS OF IRAQ:
McCain: You say it's a strategy problem. You're right, we do have a bad strategy. But what about the fact that going there to begin with was a bad strategy? Stop saying we're winning in Iraq! We're not! We will never win a war against an improper noun, because that's impossible! Might as well declare a war on tacos, or happiness.
Obama: Yes! Hammer it in. Going to war in Iraq to begin with was a bad decision. We hadn't caught bin Laden. Nearly a trillion dollars and 4,000 lives have been lost, and al-Qaeda is stronger than ever.
McCain: Good point about Obama not going to Iraq.
Obama: Bringing up Biden's foreign policy experience is good. YES. Keep focusing on McCain's mistaken attitude about the war. He's right that you need to talk more about what specifically you're going to do in Iraq now, though...
McCain: No. We are not winning in Iraq. Waiting until we "win" to bring the troops back means we're going to be there a very long time. Whoa, did you just imply you're definitely going to do the same thing in Afghanistan? Slow down there, buddy, one war at a time!
Obama: I'm disappointed you're also talking about Afghanistan. You're right that we need to focus more there, but I hope you don't want to stop one war just to start another...
McCain: Please. Just shut up now.
AFGHANISTAN:
Obama: More troops in Afghanistan? Is that a good idea? How about we replace every soldier with a humanitarian aid worker. Try to patch up the wound instead of making it worse. Pakistan too? Look, I know that's where al-Quaeda resides, but we should have acted against them years ago instead of Iraq. To go after them now might be too much, too late. Send in special agents to track down bin Laden.
McCain: I'm glad you're not prepared to threaten Pakistan. Maybe Iraq has taught you more than you let on. Why are you willing to work with the Pakistani government but not the Iraqi government, which wants us out? I don't know if the same strategy we used in Iraq will work in Afghanistan and Pakistan...
Obama: History facts. Meh.
McCain: Yes, you supported all these military measures throughout history. But that doesn't mean you're right about this one... Wow, a sob story about a mother who lost a son in the war and still supports you. You're right, nobody wants defeat. But sometimes to be a good leader you have to accept it.
Obama: Good, counter with another personal story from a grieving mother. Two can play that game. You're right, we have to use good judgment.
McCain: We've already had a "calamitous effect" on Afghanistan and the region! That's going to continue no matter what! We can at least get out of Iraq!
IRAN:
McCain: Your idea about a league of democracies and imposing strict sanctions is a good idea. But please, stop using fear tactics about Iran getting nukes. Isn't that exactly what they said about Iraq?
Obama: Good point about the war in Iraq helping to strengthen Iran. Once again, McCain's foreign policy ideas seem wrong. I'm glad you're talking about trying to cooperate with Russia and China - just being a democracy doesn't automatically make you above everyone else.
McCain: Why is sitting down and talking with foreign leaders without pre-conditions a bad thing? That does not legitimize them! Wow, you're making huge leaps in logic here...
Obama: You're exactly right, you can meet with whoever you want if you're president. Using pre-conditions is a form of manipulation and control that comes across as arrogant. Good example of how cutting off ties with North Korea backfired.
McCain: You're coming off a bit too pro-Israel for my tastes. Did you just mention how tall South Koreans are compared to North Koreans? What does that have to do with anything?
Obama: You're right, preparations and pre-conditions are too different things.
McCain: Wow, you're totally mis-characterizing Obama here. That was an unfair jab.
RUSSIA:
Obama: You're holding your ground against Russia. Okay... I don't know enough about the situation to have an opinion on it...
McCain: Wow. You're even more anti-Russia than Obama. Perhaps for good reason. Still, let's not jump to conclusions or be too militaristic in our response before we consider the long-term situation.
Obama: Defend yourself, of course. But you're right, you and McCain seem to agree on Russia overall. You're right, we can't drill our way out of the energy problem.
LIKELIHOOD OF ANOTHER TERRORIST ATTACK:
McCain: I don't have any issue with what you're saying, for once. I'm glad you didn't resort to fear-mongering and are maintaining your anti-torture stance.
Obama: You sound more focused on the terrorist threat than McCain... would it kill you to be a little optimistic? Good point about needing to regain America's respectability.
McCain: Shut up about Iraq! Al-qaeda won't put a base there if we make sure to work with the Iraqi government properly on the way out.
Obama: Once again, putting the focus back on bin Laden. I'm okay with this, just don't go too far. You're correct, Iraq is an unnecessary distraction from bigger issues.
McCain: You're correct, you have more experience in national security than Obama. I will grant you that. However, you say Obama is clinging to wrong ideas... but aren't you doing the same in regards to whether or not we're winning the war?
Obama: You're right in saying we need to change how the world looks at us.
McCain: You say you know how to heal the wounds of war. Why can't you see that that's what we need to do with Iraq?
MY OVERALL FEELINGS:
Neither candidate is perfect. Obama started out strong, but when it got down to issues of foreign policy McCain really started to gain confidence. In terms of the economic crisis, neither presented a detailed plan on how to fix it, but Obama came closer. However, Obama did say some things that concern me, especially in regards to how he'll respond to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Overall, though, I still think it's clear that McCain in many regards is the more naive of the two candidates, especially in regards to domestic issues. He's too militaristic and too Bush-friendly for me, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
I can't wait to see the Biden/Palin debate. Five bucks says she gets pwned.
THE FINANCIAL CRISIS:
Obama: A good overall plan, but nothing we haven't heard already. When will he get down to the specifics on how we're going to accomplish these steps?
McCain: We get it, Democrats and Republicans are coming up with a plan. But what is it? What about the fact that more than 90% of Americans oppose the bailout? You haven't even said anything about what the general solution needs to entail, let alone specifics.
THE PROPOSED PLAN:
Obama: Good philosophy, but you didn't answer the question. Will you vote for the bailout plan or not?
McCain: You're voting for it. You suck. Still, you're right about the need for accountability.
Obama: Correct. The current conservative economic philosophy leads to corruption and massive inequality. We can't just jump into action whenever there's a crisis.
McCain: Yay, more propaganda about how great America and American workers are. The workers may be fine, but that doesn't fix the problem at the corporate level.
WHAT THEY WOULD DO AS PRESIDENT TO FIX IT:
McCain: Yes, absolutely, we need to fix government spending. "We came to change government and government changed us" - I don't know if I necessarily agree with the first part, but you're right, the political system has been too manipulated and influenced by party politics. You'll veto every single spending bill? Firstly, I don't think that's true. Secondly, I don't know if I would be that general about it. Surely there are some things worth spending money on.
Obama: Yes, jump on the tax cuts for the rich. That's just a stupid idea, and I can't believe it's one we still practice. I'm not even sure if tax cuts for anyone is necessarily a good thing (the government needs all the money it can get right now to get out of debt), but if you're going to give them you might as well give them to the people who will benefit the most from them.
McCain: You say the system needs to be cleaned up, but on the whole you aren't arguing for radical change. The system needs more than janitorial work. Did I just hear you say that if anything we need to raise taxes? Holy crap, why did Obama have to interrupt you now? I was curious to see where you were going to go with that... I must have misheard you...
Obama: I get it. Tax cuts for the rich suck. Let him finish.
McCain: Interesting point about the business tax. I'm fine if you want to benefit businesses... my problem is when that extra money goes into the pockets of the richest 1% of people...
Obama: Yes! It's about the loopholes! I'm not an economist, but come on, you know they're there. The gap in wealth between the rich and poor has been increasing over the past few decades. The current plan is not helping the majority of Americans.
McCain: You're right, we need to look at the record of both candidates. Unfortunately, neither of you have perfect records, and Obama's seems better than yours.
Obama: You've denied the accusation about your voting record, as expected.
PRIORITIES YOU'LL GIVE UP TO FIX THE CRISIS:
Obama: Energy independence and alternative fuel development are priorities. Good. Health care is a priority. Good. Education is a priority. Good. I notice you didn't mention the war... that is disconcerting... especially since ending the war would probably do a lot to improve the economy...
McCain: Cutting spending is a priority. Good. Managing defense costs is a priority. Awesome, though the best way to do that is to not be so military-focused in all other aspects.
Obama: What are you going to cut? Answer the question! Be honest! HOLY CRAP. "GOOGLE FOR GOVERNMENT" SOUNDS AWESOME!
McCain: A spending freeze on everything except defense and veterans? NO! NO NO NO! Those are important, but there are way more important things out there!
Obama: Yes! Bring up the war and how it needs to end! Thank you!
McCain: That's right, ignore the war. You know if you talk about it you'll lose.
Obama: Bingo on the long-term priorities. Off-shore drilling isn't long-term, you should have pointed that out.
McCain: We get it. Cut spending. That's going to have to happen anyway because of the bailout. I still think you're wrong about veterans though (no offense to veterans). You're not getting as specific as Obama.
Obama: You called it an "orgy of spending." I like that. Thank you for pointing out McCain's hypocrisy - he agrees with Bush, who has spent a ton.
McCain: We know, you're a maverick. That's good. But are you enough of a maverick? That's the question.
THE LESSONS OF IRAQ:
McCain: You say it's a strategy problem. You're right, we do have a bad strategy. But what about the fact that going there to begin with was a bad strategy? Stop saying we're winning in Iraq! We're not! We will never win a war against an improper noun, because that's impossible! Might as well declare a war on tacos, or happiness.
Obama: Yes! Hammer it in. Going to war in Iraq to begin with was a bad decision. We hadn't caught bin Laden. Nearly a trillion dollars and 4,000 lives have been lost, and al-Qaeda is stronger than ever.
McCain: Good point about Obama not going to Iraq.
Obama: Bringing up Biden's foreign policy experience is good. YES. Keep focusing on McCain's mistaken attitude about the war. He's right that you need to talk more about what specifically you're going to do in Iraq now, though...
McCain: No. We are not winning in Iraq. Waiting until we "win" to bring the troops back means we're going to be there a very long time. Whoa, did you just imply you're definitely going to do the same thing in Afghanistan? Slow down there, buddy, one war at a time!
Obama: I'm disappointed you're also talking about Afghanistan. You're right that we need to focus more there, but I hope you don't want to stop one war just to start another...
McCain: Please. Just shut up now.
AFGHANISTAN:
Obama: More troops in Afghanistan? Is that a good idea? How about we replace every soldier with a humanitarian aid worker. Try to patch up the wound instead of making it worse. Pakistan too? Look, I know that's where al-Quaeda resides, but we should have acted against them years ago instead of Iraq. To go after them now might be too much, too late. Send in special agents to track down bin Laden.
McCain: I'm glad you're not prepared to threaten Pakistan. Maybe Iraq has taught you more than you let on. Why are you willing to work with the Pakistani government but not the Iraqi government, which wants us out? I don't know if the same strategy we used in Iraq will work in Afghanistan and Pakistan...
Obama: History facts. Meh.
McCain: Yes, you supported all these military measures throughout history. But that doesn't mean you're right about this one... Wow, a sob story about a mother who lost a son in the war and still supports you. You're right, nobody wants defeat. But sometimes to be a good leader you have to accept it.
Obama: Good, counter with another personal story from a grieving mother. Two can play that game. You're right, we have to use good judgment.
McCain: We've already had a "calamitous effect" on Afghanistan and the region! That's going to continue no matter what! We can at least get out of Iraq!
IRAN:
McCain: Your idea about a league of democracies and imposing strict sanctions is a good idea. But please, stop using fear tactics about Iran getting nukes. Isn't that exactly what they said about Iraq?
Obama: Good point about the war in Iraq helping to strengthen Iran. Once again, McCain's foreign policy ideas seem wrong. I'm glad you're talking about trying to cooperate with Russia and China - just being a democracy doesn't automatically make you above everyone else.
McCain: Why is sitting down and talking with foreign leaders without pre-conditions a bad thing? That does not legitimize them! Wow, you're making huge leaps in logic here...
Obama: You're exactly right, you can meet with whoever you want if you're president. Using pre-conditions is a form of manipulation and control that comes across as arrogant. Good example of how cutting off ties with North Korea backfired.
McCain: You're coming off a bit too pro-Israel for my tastes. Did you just mention how tall South Koreans are compared to North Koreans? What does that have to do with anything?
Obama: You're right, preparations and pre-conditions are too different things.
McCain: Wow, you're totally mis-characterizing Obama here. That was an unfair jab.
RUSSIA:
Obama: You're holding your ground against Russia. Okay... I don't know enough about the situation to have an opinion on it...
McCain: Wow. You're even more anti-Russia than Obama. Perhaps for good reason. Still, let's not jump to conclusions or be too militaristic in our response before we consider the long-term situation.
Obama: Defend yourself, of course. But you're right, you and McCain seem to agree on Russia overall. You're right, we can't drill our way out of the energy problem.
LIKELIHOOD OF ANOTHER TERRORIST ATTACK:
McCain: I don't have any issue with what you're saying, for once. I'm glad you didn't resort to fear-mongering and are maintaining your anti-torture stance.
Obama: You sound more focused on the terrorist threat than McCain... would it kill you to be a little optimistic? Good point about needing to regain America's respectability.
McCain: Shut up about Iraq! Al-qaeda won't put a base there if we make sure to work with the Iraqi government properly on the way out.
Obama: Once again, putting the focus back on bin Laden. I'm okay with this, just don't go too far. You're correct, Iraq is an unnecessary distraction from bigger issues.
McCain: You're correct, you have more experience in national security than Obama. I will grant you that. However, you say Obama is clinging to wrong ideas... but aren't you doing the same in regards to whether or not we're winning the war?
Obama: You're right in saying we need to change how the world looks at us.
McCain: You say you know how to heal the wounds of war. Why can't you see that that's what we need to do with Iraq?
MY OVERALL FEELINGS:
Neither candidate is perfect. Obama started out strong, but when it got down to issues of foreign policy McCain really started to gain confidence. In terms of the economic crisis, neither presented a detailed plan on how to fix it, but Obama came closer. However, Obama did say some things that concern me, especially in regards to how he'll respond to Afghanistan and Pakistan. Overall, though, I still think it's clear that McCain in many regards is the more naive of the two candidates, especially in regards to domestic issues. He's too militaristic and too Bush-friendly for me, no matter how much he tries to deny it.
I can't wait to see the Biden/Palin debate. Five bucks says she gets pwned.
# posted by Andrew Johnson : 9/26/2008 09:05:00 PM 
