On October 3rd the gloves came off for the first presidential debate between the candidates President Barack Obama and his republican contender former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. Moderated by Jim Lehrer at the University of Denver, the debate covered the candidates’ views on domestic policy. An important moment for the electorate for this was the first time that many Americans were able to see the two candidates side by side and judge their proposed policies.
Lehrer asked question regarding job creation, the deficit, social security, federal regulation and the federal government, as well as the
Affordable Care Act more commonly know as Obamacare. When all was said and done it was obvious that Romney dominated the debate from beginning to end. He was aggressive, confident, and well prepared in the ninety minute encounter with President Obama. On the other hand the president seemed as if he didn’t ‘show up’ for this debate. Romney roundly criticized the policies of Obama particularly that of taxes, healthcare, the economy and the unemployment rate. The primary focus of Romney’s attacks on Obama were the middle class and the sluggish recovery of the economy. President Obama tried his best to defend his polices but the seemed as if he preferred to be elsewhere, neither his tone or body language appeared to be confident. His calm and cool demeanor that worked for him in the 2008 elections was unsuccessful in this debate as Romney chastised the policies of Obama’s first term.
Even more disappointing than Obama’s performance was the inability of the moderator Jim Lehrer to control the debate. He was either unable or unwilling to control the candidates who on many occasions took over the proceedings. Sad to see that most likely the last debate he’ll moderate ended on a bad note for a journalist who has moderated twelve presidential candidate debates. There were light moments that provided some laughs most infamously the ‘Big Bird’ moment which has spawned thousands of memes as a result of Romney’s stance on cutting federal subsidies to PBS.
Next up on the debate schedule is the Vice-Presidential debates on October 11 focusing on foreign and domestic policy at the Centre College. President Barack Obama and Willard ‘Mitt’ Romney will square off again on October 16 at Hofstra University in a town meeting style domestic and foreign policy debate. Lynn University will host the final presidential debate on October 22 between the two candidates and will test their foreign policy stances. Hopefully the President will show up mentally and Romney stays on top of his game.