Not Your Average Debate Recap

Before I jump right into it, I'd like to say that although each of the Presidential nominees have varying views on political topics, and when making a decision, one should consider those (obvi) - it's also very important to note the way the aforementioned running mates behave. I think that a man's character is extremely important. How someone carries themselves and shows there face is a direct reflection on their persona. That being said, I took careful notes during tonight's debate, and am going to give you my point assessment - CNN-HD TV style:
(NOTE: THESE ARE JUST THOUGHTS AND IN NO WAY REFLECT MY SUPPORT OR LACK THEREOF FOR EITHER CANDIDATE)

DEBATE #1 - Sept. 26th - Foreign Policy and National Security

Obama takes the first two minutes and looks directly into the camera and talks TO the American people (+1)

McCain not only makes no eye contact at ANY point with the front camera (-1), but I also noticed that there was not one instance where he looked at his opponent in the middle of this debate, a mannerism I translate as intimidation (-1), whereas Obama turned to his right each and every time to hear McCain's rebuttle (+1)

McCain did two things that I consider to be a sign of a weak man in any given situation: He laughed nervously during main points Obama made (-1) and he clentched his jaw frequently. Both of these actions, as I read them, again, are signs of intimidation.(-1)

McCain emphasized the pros of the war by explaining that we cannot accept defeat. Get over it. To me, this is not a pride issue -- and unfortunately, McCain came across as a fighter not necessarily for the good of our country, but for public face from outside nations. (-1)

As far as respect is concerned, I gave McCain a minus point before because he didn't look at Obama while he was speaking. Here, I must give Obama a slap on the wrists for acknowledging the Republican runner as "John." I found this insolent behavior unbecoming of Obama (-1)

If McCain had Facebook and added the Facebook application "Where Have I Been?," most of the world map would be covered in small pushpin circles (+1). McCain kept referring to all of the places he's been, which seemed very condescending (-1). Do you see what I did there? The points cancel each other out.

McCain kept treating Obama like he just came out of the womb. He always seemed as if he was lecturing or teaching Obama and pointing out what Obama "doesn't understand." (-1)

McCain has ADD (-1). On several occasions, he set the ball up for the spike, but didn't deliver. Meaning, he would appear to have two points, but only say one and run off in a tangent with a popular "by the way" segway.

Obama kept going back to the issues of healthcare and early education funding. Dude, those aren't the topics of tonight's debate. Stop going back to them. (-1)

Top Quotes of the Night:
"[Obama] doesn't understand" - McCain.

• This can be seen as John taking a stand as a leader, showing the American public his obvious strength of his background (+1)
  
• This can be seen as a bit patronizing (-1)
  

"John is right" - Obama.

• This can be seen as a reflection of Obama's ability to deliberate in a very rash manner, giving credit where credit is due -- a very positive quality to have when dealing with men in power in other countries around the world (+1)
  
• This can be seen as a big weakness; admitting your opponent's accuracy (-1)
  

Error of the Night:
The winner of this sad category goes to Obama. Unfortunately in the debates early on, he did say that he would speak with foreign leaders without precondition. (-1)

Cute Man Moment of the Night:
Obama walks towards his wife at the end of the debates and says "How did we do?" thereby taking the consideration of him and his wife as one whole. They also took the lead in crossing the stage to shake hands with the McCains. Classy. (+1)


Two Fun Thoughts:

1. If they ever decide to make a Ms. Congeniality 3, I nominate Senator John McCain for leading role.
2. Joe Biden is like, really cute to me.

If this debate happened when Obama and McCain were in grade school (pretending of course they weren't so far away in age):

McCain: I have a bracelet
Obama: Time out! NO FAIR!! I called time out!!! I have a bracelet, too, John, so THERE!
McCain: My bracelet's better than yours! Na ne na ne poo poo!
Obama: Well...er...hmm...I can say "Pakistan" in a "Paki-stany" accent, can you?
McCain: *admires his bracelet*

Over and Out.
Z.