« We Made It! The Astros Did Too! | Main | Critical Markup : The Vice Presidential Debate »
October 06, 2004
Critical Markup : Presidential Debate #1
I have decided to try and do a critical review, or 'markup' of the first Presidential Debate that took place on Thursday, September 30th. I had the privilege of watching the entire debate at my Aunt's house, and it was quite an event. I even got to see the flaming liberals on every news and TV station trumpet the praises of John Kerry. They did have their reasons I suppose, because after all, he did a lot better job than Al Gore did back in 2000. So, let's get started.
Sit Still!
One thing I did not enjoy was the wiggle worms that both candidates seemed to be infected with. Both President Bush and John Kerry were constantly moving, whether they were shifting their weight, biting their lips, wringing their hands, smirking, snorting in sarcastic mockery, or just looking plain agitated. I have no idea what they were writing on their notes every now and then. Perhaps when the other candidate said something they really didn't like, they'd write "I hate you" on their notes to prevent from saying it out loud. They did an admirable job of not moving from their podiums or getting completely out of hand, but I would have liked them to stand quietly and passive, either looking respectfully at the moderator or the candidate speaking, or making notes. They were both guilty of too much movement, but hey, that's just me. This is the political election that the entire world watches, not the Smirk and Grin Polka Convention.
Civility is a Plus.
Both candidates were remarkably civil to each other. More so than 2000, when they strutted around like two puffed up roosters. I was happy to see that personal attacks were for the most part absent in the debate, and that the candidates focused on the questions and issues of the evening. Many people are saying that President Bush attacked John Kerry personally many times. However, I do not believe that they have a clear definition of a personal attack. Moreover, in a political debate, there is a certain type of personal attack, or "dissection" that is permissible, and healthy. Let me explain myself. In a political debate, the candidates should stick to politics, and leave personal matters out. The candidates personal feelings and convictions should not be attacked, and neither their motives. However, in a political debate, the political and public record of any candidate should be open to the highest scrutiny and examination. President Bush did not once, not even once, attack Senator Kerry's personal life or convictions. President Bush stayed solely on Kerry's political and public record, as well as his voting record and policies thus far. President Bush said he does not think Senator Kerry is fit to lead this country, and he based that opinion solely on Kerry's public record. He did not once mention the Vietnam scandal, or Kerry's ties with communists, or his devote pro-abortion stance. He stayed on Kerry's ability to lead and what he has done thus far. President Bush's fortitude and strong performance to stay on track and not run into personal attacks, along with his respectful and honorable comments about Kerry's war record and his wife and daughters, were well played. To be fair, I will say that Kerry was also respectful and conducted himself well throughout the debate.
Who Won?
In the minds of the public, Kerry had a slight winning edge over President Bush because of what people called President Bush's "ill concealed agitation and anger". However, in my mind, if I were to judge statistically, I'd say it was a tie. Statistically, they both made mistakes, the chief being that they repeated themselves a lot and evaded questions. They were more inclined to use new question time to harp on previous topics, just to get their point across. I'd say that's because the format is just not very conducive to smart and intelligent debating. Let's make the question answer time 4 minutes and the rejoinder time 2 minutes.
Personally, I think President Bush did a splendid job. You have to look back at 2000 to see how much he has improved. He really has, and I can understand why he might be agitated and make all these faces. It's hard to keep track of the debate when your opponent can't keep a topic focused. Kerry contradicted himself so many times that it wasn't funny anymore, despite all the RNC's attempts to make it so with their videos and cartoons. It's just plain disgusting. It's one thing to get new information and change your mind and admit there's a better way of doing it, but it's another thing to do it every other week. Yes, President Bush doesn't have all the answers. Yes, he isn't perfect, but no man is. Yes, he has made a few mistakes, and Iraq wasn't one of them. At least President Bush is willing to finish the job!
Senator Kerry is being held up as a prime example of rhetoric and great debating while people mock and ridicule the President for being a slovenly grouch. However, you've got to look past the rhetoric at the heart. Zell Miller appropriately said "Campaign talk tells people who you want them to think you are. How you vote tells people who you really are deep inside." Senator Kerry is a man who is ardently pro-abortion, a man who brags about his service record, and a man who would not defend America unless it passes the "global test". He may be a good debater, and in my mind he is not, but that does not count in the end. Being able to debate well and cover up what you really believe doesn't count, and neither do your fake smiles and fishy waves to the crowd. Being articulate isn't going to cut it.
Hitler was articulate. So were Lenin and Hussein.
Americans, quit running America by your emotions, and focus on reality!
Posted by Grant at October 6, 2004 11:29 AM
Comments
Yes and Amen
Posted by: Jesse at October 6, 2004 06:59 PM
Thank you, Grant. This is the best review I have read or heard! It is very fair, with an eye for the facts and what matters in God's eyes.
Mom said to tell you that she really liked this thought, because 1. It's what she would have been doing during Senator Kerry's turns. ;) and 2. We thought the constant scribbling was just plain weird: "Perhaps when the other candidate said something they really didn't like, they'd write 'I hate you' on their notes to prevent from saying it out loud."
"I can understand why he might be agitated and make all these faces." Me too. I would not have wanted to see myself in a mirror while we were watching. :o Honestly, I was hard pressed to sit still either. (Used to be that Josh would get up and pace and pound the air, and I was able to vicariously enjoy the agitation but keep calm myself. ;D ) But of course, that is not the most statesmanlike attitude.
"Yes, he has made a few mistakes, and Iraq wasn't one of them." Amen. And thank you again. Specially for that.
Posted by: Sarah at October 7, 2004 11:55 AM
Thank you, Jesse and Sarah! :)
Posted by: Grant at October 7, 2004 12:44 PM
"At least President Bush is willing to finish the job!"
So is Kerry... he's said many times that he will not pull us out of Iraq. And if Bush wasn't willing to "finish the job" he ought to be impeached. You don't take a country into a war you didn't think out and not finish the job.
As for Kerry's "flip-flops"... he doesn't change his mind from day to day. Personally, I changed my entire system of political beliefs in one semester. That's what, three months, four at most? I guess I flip-flop too. *shrugs* I'd rather have a President who is willing to weigh all the options and take the best course of action, than one who acts like the proverbial two-year-old, fingers stuck in his ears, chanting, "I can't hear you, I can't hear you!" to any one who suggests he made a mistake.
There's so much more I'd like to say... but I've said it so many times it's just not important anymore. But I do find it laughable that Kerry is criticised for not staying on topic. Very laughable.
Posted by: Willow at October 7, 2004 06:25 PM
Do you have broadband internet speed?
Watch this (Copy and paste into your browser): http://media1.streamtoyou.com/rnc/100104v1.wmv
Posted by: Grant at October 8, 2004 11:14 AM