The Debate: The All-Important Grumpiness Factor-Eugene Robinson

[susanbanks44]

Here’s the politically incorrect way of phrasing one of the central questions about tonight’s presidential debate: Did John McCain come across as too much of a grumpy old man?

That might not be a nice question, but it’s an important one. Americans like to vote for the nice guy, not the grumbling prophet of doom. Throughout the 90-minute debate, McCain seemed contemptuous of Obama. He wouldn’t look at him. He tried to belittle him whenever possible -- how many times did he work “Senator Obama just doesn’t understand” into his answers? His body language was closed, defensive, tense. McCain certainly succeeded in proving that he can be aggressive, but the aggression came with a smirk and a sneer.

In terms of substance, there were no knockout blows. (I hate using the prizefight metaphor, which is the oldest cliché in the world, but unfortunately it’s the only metaphor approved for journalistic use in connection with a presidential debate. I don’t write the rules.) Both candidates got in numerous good lines and a couple of real zingers. McCain managed to cross the dangerous terrain of economic policy without suffering grievous harm, and Obama managed to surmount the foreign-policy toughness threshold. Voters who were leaning toward one or the other but wanted reassurance probably found it.

More:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/postpartisan/2008/09/the_debate_the_all-important_g.html?hpid=opinionsbox1

[blondie58]

1. great read, Susan- and yes, we have to be careful of any

'ageism'. i honestly feel that he is too old, he has already had many public 'senior moments'. Now, my guy always gets on me when I state that, but he is a gerontologist, so he has a lot of empathy for older folk. I am sorry, though- I feel that he needs to release his medical records, at least. And welcome to DU, btw!

[susanbanks44]

2. Thanks for the welcome. I posted this only b/c I am a Eugene Robinson groupie! lol