John McCain and Barak Obama squared off again last night in the second of three presidential debates.
The NY Post covers the debate and talks about Mccain's characterization of Obama as another Herbet Hoover, who could make the downturn in the economy far worse.
"My friends, the last president to raise taxes during tough economic times was Herbert Hoover."
Rich Lowry thinks McCain lost, calling Obama "unflappable."
The Daily News also gives extensive coverage.
"I believe this is a final verdict of the failed economic policies of the last eight years, strongly promoted by President Bush and supported by Sen. McCain," Obama said moments after the debate kicked off at Belmont University in Nashville, adding that the current economic spiral marked "the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression."
McCain fired back with both guns blazing - first by blaming the mortgage meltdown on Obama's "cronies" at federal housing giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, who have contributed sizable amounts to the Illinois Democrat; then by touting a massive $300 billion plan to bail out distressed American homeowners facing foreclosure.
However, in another story the DN says that McCain is just too far behind now with the credit crises dominating the election.
John McCain confronted a more daunting challenge Tuesday night than Barack Obama's expanding margins in key states - America's accelerating psychology of fear.
That was simply too high a hurdle for an underdog to overcome in a single debate.
What do Urban Elephants think? Can McCain overcome the current dynamics and pull off a victory?
I think he can but he will need to really sharpen his economic message. It won't enough fo rhim to be just good on this. He needs to be excellent, show a real understanding of the problems, where the blame lies (including the poorly conceived deregulation bill), and how to fix this problem not just for the markets but for the average "joe sixpack."
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written by Jay Golub , October 08, 2008
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10...132680.htm
Stick a fork in him, McCain's done.
He babbled. He couldn't stay on point. The "hoover" jab went over the head of everyone as he didn't connect the philosophical dots.
It seems clear that McCain CAN'T express any complicated view in a manner that can be digested by the voting public.
I personally think McCain is 100X more qualified and capable than Barack Obama. But one can't get to the White House on a resume. One needs to be able to get votes. McCain is just incapable of getting it done...
written by Reaganite , October 08, 2008
I'm not just saying this as a matter of partisan politics, but I thought McCain did very well last night. The only problem is that the meltdown in the credit market has become the dominant issue, and while most Americans have not felt the impact yet, they are worried about what will happen if it affects them.
With Bush in charge and not making anyone feel secure in their short-term future, the natural inclination is to blame the entire republican party, as Obama is trying hard to do. And it is resonating with people to some degree.
They are also looking for answers however and Obama does not provide those. When asked for solutions he just rambles and talks in circles. He loves to assign blame and claims to have solution, but they are never really forthcoming.
That I suspect is why Obama has a negligible lead in the polls. He just can't seal the deal.
McCain actually offers some ideas and ways to fix the problems, and that will make a difference over time as people listen more closely and use their BS meters to make a final decision.
McCain is still right in the running. Most polls still have Obama under 50% and only 3-5 points ahead. That is basically a tie.
McCain can close this deal with the voters over the next few weeks and have a solid win on Nov 4th.
written by Jay Golub , October 08, 2008
where did McCain do well? I must have missed that 3 second spot. Even when "right" he babbled himself into losing the point.
"With Bush in charge and not making anyone feel secure in their short-term future, the natural inclination is to blame the entire republican party, as Obama is trying hard to do."
What about the Congressional GOP before 2006? Are you saying they haven't hurt McCain's chances? Are you saying that voters aren't done with the GOP because of both Bush and Congress?
"They are also looking for answers however and Obama does not provide those."
Obama didn't have to give any "answers" last night. This is directly due to the fact that McCain was shooting himself in the foot all night.
McCain is more experienced, has better solutions for the country and has a record of "change," yet he's getting killed. BTW, i don't consider 6 or 7% in the polls "still in the running." Also, i'm sure by the end of the week that number will be closer to 10% and all the swing states will be solidly Obama territory.
I want to find silver linings, but there are none to speak of today...
written by Reaganite , October 08, 2008
I thought McCain did well through out the debate. Was on point, did not "babble" and made quite a bit of sense. You disagree, and that's fine. But I saw it as a solid performance. McCain held Obama's feet to the fire on his role in the subprime mess and Obama had to finally admit there was "enough blame to go around."
Obama on the other hand rambled and was all over the place. He hardly even atempted to answer the questions asked. It was a bad performance. But he didn;t make any major gaffs so I guess people give him a pass.
Obama's style of showing sympathy or understanding of people's troubles only goes so far. It's empty rhetoric - like gorging on chinese food. People will be hungry for more before long.
Lastly, McCain is NOT getting killed. The polls are close, most under 5 points. Obama is under 50% in almost all of them. That is not a strong position, especially for a dem.
Not to mention that we know that pollsters are oversampling dems and city dwellers by up to 10 points. That is why republicans are always behind in these polls and why the pollsters are always trying to explain why they were so wrong after the fact.
written by Jay Golub , October 08, 2008
http://video.aol.com/partner/h...KHkxeS91vR
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5Jbmaq4YHA
I hate to say it, but McCain wasn't far off from the infamous Admiral Stockdale in his presentation last night.
McCain is much better than all of this, but he seems incapable of demonstrating it. Time is not on his side to change course.
written by Jay Golub , October 09, 2008
http://www.nypost.com/seven/10...132772.htm
McCain's debate performance was a disaster...
written by Reaganite , October 10, 2008
That poll is by gallup and is way out of wack with all the other polls. Most have Obama with only a slight lead. They also don't screen for likely voters. It's just a general mood indicator, not an election indicator.
CBS News polls has O up 3. Zogby and Rasmussen have him up 5. That is essentially dead even. McCain can still easily win.
written by alice Lemos , October 10, 2008
Last I read, it was tightening. The Dinosaur Media wants to suppress the McCain vote. Don't let them do it!
written by Jay Golub , October 10, 2008
Hey Reaganite, wouldn't you be more secure if McCain had the pointless and meaningless 3 to 5 point lead?
Would you still be calling such a lead "dead even?"
doubtful...
written by Jay Golub , October 10, 2008
The media is not conspiring to defeat the Republicans and conservatives. The GOP needs to take responsibility for what has happened and change course.
Abandon the whims of social conservative politics and enter back into the core of the GOP - anti-federalism and the cause of individual liberty.
To blame the media is almost like blaming the people...
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