Presidential debate round one: a draw

[illusionofjoy]

John McCain is wrong on the issues, while Barack Obama is correct. The problem is that where they disagree is in the nuances that will ultimately be hammered out in Congress. In fact, these two were agreeing so often, I began to wonder who was in which party...well, almost.

I decided to go to the debate watching party being held by the South Hills Obama supporters. It's good to get out of the house. I'm a bit tipsy, as this was held at a bar and if one lives in Pittsburgh, one must consume alcohol when one goes to a bar (I'm also supporting the Port Authority, what with the drink tax). In any case, in watching the debate Obama kept almost scoring a touchdown, but...just...not...quite! It was very frustrating, because I am dying for him to give a me a hallelujah moment where I can say, "okay, you've redeemed yourself! I can confidentially vote for you!" Hell, I'd settle for tepid redemption and a nose-holding right now.

Anyway, I reserve the right to flip-flop all I want about my vote until November. Obama did not shine on the foreign policy issue - he may be right about Iraq (presently), but he, like so many others is still just not getting it about Afghanistan: it's another unnecessary war and we shouldn't have troops there. The so-called "war on terror" should be fought with intelligence, not military force.

Obama needs to ramp up the rhetoric and get into the nuts and bolts of domestic issues. This means the economy - now more than ever. Start studying Bill Clinton's Presidency, Barack, because that's the road map you'll need to be following.

At least it was only McCain praising Reagan and not Obama in this debate. Obama should have never praised Reagan during his campaign and should never do it again.