Do You Want to Win the Battle or the War?

[Doctor Jack]

I find it interesting that so many here can say that because Obama didn't share Romney's meth addict level of energy tonight that he got his ass kicked. What is he thinking, right?

Well, lets answer a question with a question: When have you ever seen Obama has a shoot from the hip, knee jerk reaction kind of person? I think it makes sense that it is so difficult for his supporters, in the moment, to watch Romney yell over Obama and lie through his teeth, while Obama stays calm and focused on what he wants to say. The thing is, the knee jerk reaction isn't going to win the election. Obama could have come out swinging and called Romney on his bullshit at every turn but what would that have accomplished? Would it have won over any voters to get into a shouting match with a man that is drowning before our eyes? Did everything that has happened over the past many months, like the sharp contrast in the conventions, the 47% comment, Romney's tanking polls, his campaign being in total disarray, and Obama's large advantage in early voting, have those all gone away because a focus group of a few "undecided voters" liked Romney's "energy"?

It is tough to think about things in the long term while watching an event that is supposedly important (not that the debates actually matter) but if you take a step back and just think for a moment, you can see what Obama is trying to do. He is running out the clock because that is all he has to do. He didn't need a big win tonight. The election is a few weeks away and everything is in place for a big Obama win. Why did he need to come out swinging? All he had to do was not fuck up in front of a national audience and that is what he did. No "gaffes", no lies that he can be called on, no scandals, just another day closer to the election.

So let Romney have his little dance tonight. Let him celebrate the focus group decision that he "won". It won't change the dynamics of the race, we have seen many analysis showing these things make no difference, and it certainly won't undo all of the damage he has done to himself and it won't win him the election.

Bottom line, don't put yourself through the mental anguish over something that didn't matter. Did Obama win, did he lose? Who gives fuck? It literally does not matter. Trust that team Obama knows what they are doing, just as they always know what they are doing. Think about what you want to see long term, as opposed to what you wanted to see tonight.

[madaboutharry]

1. The republicans want to see this night

as a start over, as if tomorrow is the first day of the campaign. I think you are right and tomorrow everyone is going to be talking about how Romney just made crap up.

[Doctor Jack]

2. Fortunately you can't start over with a few days left in the election

Forget the last 18 months. Do over!

[Gregorian]

3. Obama's restraint has served him very well. I'd say especially in the undecided voter category.

He was up against a morphing, lying, disingenuous man. It's hard to play against a cheater.

I'd love to see Mitt's ass handed to him. I'd have loved to see Kucinich as president. But there is a mature mass of people who span the spectrum of voters. I think Romney came across as extreme. That's a losing way to appear to voters.

[Doctor Jack]

4. That is what he did during the debates with Clinton

Once it became clear he was going to win the primaries, he didn't do much during the debates. How many of those debates did clinton "win" because Obama gave a "lackluster performance" while Clinton had "a ton of energy".

If you are ahead by two touchdowns with two minutes left, you don't throw deep passes looking for more chances to score. It is foolish because you don't have to do that. All you do is spike the ball and run out the clock.

Again, Obama's job right now is to plan for the long term and win the election. Most of us are too focused on what is happening right here, right now, attack attack attack, and that is why most of us aren't political advisers or politicians. Being smart wins elections, being a dick doesn't get you anywhere.

[Katstayton]

5. Yep!

I agree 100%. As long as Obama doesn't screw up royally or some sort of disaster happens he will win. I am proud of how he managed to maintain his composure and keep his eye on the ball. That is proof to me why he is an awesome POTUS

[desertduck]

6. No offense, but i completely disagree with where this thread is going. Clearly, we want to win

And in a high stakes contest as such, there is no room for much error. Every election year we hear the chess argument dragged out. Kerry lost playing this "chess". Obama is ahead in swing states but we aren't voting today (most of us, anyways) so all more the reason to come out swinging. Face it...romney was fighting for his political life tonight. Andit shows. Obama was near comotosed for 1/2 of the debate b/c he didn't feel the urgency.

[synapticwave]

7. I agree with most of this

And I'll add to it, that Obama vs Romney is also only 1 battle in the war. If Obama wipes the floor with Romney tonight, many of Romney's donors likely shift all remaining money to competitive senate and house races and the Dems win the presidency but lose races down ticket.

Not that it was an intentional loss, but this could be a blessing in disguise. Romney's donors will still be plowing their money into his campaign now instead of down ticket races AND Obama is still in the lead. So, a poor Obama debate tonight may actually lead to a stronger democratic senate and house in November without changing the presidential election.