I watched the debate last night, though not as closely as I’ve watched the others. I thought it was basically a draw. People that agree with McCain still agree with him and likewise for Obama. The debates are, after all, really for the “undecideds.” A few observations:
- Tom Brokaw really thinks a lot of himself.
- Obama had a smug grin on his face throughout the debate. I imagine knowing you’re in the lead (and pulling away) a month before the election can do a lot for your confidence.
- Several people have commented on how Obama pronounces Pakistan. Does he say it that way in an attempt to sound better informed? It’s not the preferred American pronunciation, and I seriously doubt that’s how the Pakistanis pronounce it either.
- A draw is really a win for Obama. He is currently winning, so he can afford to put things on cruise control to some degree. McCain needs a “game changer” of some sort, and this debate didn’t do that for him. It didn’t even get close.
I thought it was pretty close to a draw, but the polls indicate otherwise. The polls show that Obama won overwhelmingly. CNN’s poll was 54/30 Obama/McCain.
As for Obama’s “smug grin”, I think that was him trying to hide his frustration with McCain. I think he and McCain have gone back and forth on a lot of stuff enough times that both of them are sick of hearing the other’s talking points. Obama’s smile is his cover for thinking “God, not this again”, while McCain’s cover is a slight scowl (or occasionally his huge fake-looking smile).
Obama met with Pakistan’s PM, I believe. It wouldn’t surprise me if he’s mimicking the pronunciation he got from that (or some similar) meeting. I agree it sounds odd, but for all I know it might be pretty close to correct.
Thanks for the comment, Derek.
Yes, I’ve seen the polls. I’m not sure how to explain that. Most of the “experts” seem to agree it was essentially a draw. For one, I would venture to guess that the average person can’t separate their feelings on the issues from the candidates’ performance in the debate. Of course no one can completely, but the average person probably doesn’t even know they’re supposed to when determining the “winner” of the debate.
Yes, McCain’s smile could use some work. :)
Obama is a smart guy, I’m sure he has his reasons for saying “Pakistan” the way he does. I’m just a little surprised his advisers haven’t told him to use the colloquial pronunciation.
On the subject of Pakistan:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/08/right-wingers-mock-obamas_n_133111.html
Yes, I saw a video of General Petraeus using Obama’s pronunciation.