With the second of three Presidential debates behind us, the intensity certainly picked up and largely stuck to my predictions. McCain came out swinging and largely had Obama clarifying his positions. Make no mistake, McCain had no real choice (since he is down in the polls) but to attempt to place doubt on Obama’s ability to be Commander and Chief.
Post-Poll results consistently show Obama with the win this round. The majority felt Obama was more in control and communicated his position better than McCain. Both continued to run over their allotted times despite moderator warnings. With all that actual extra pontification, did they stick to the facts? Come on…this is politics…
Fact Check…
Question: Did Obama vote to raise taxes 94 times?
Answer: Misleading. There is usually “extra stuff” in a bill that makes statements like this not entirely accurate. Among some of the Obama votes; Seven were for measures that would lower taxes form many, but also increase taxes on some corporations. Eleven of the votes were to raise taxes on people making in excess of $1 million a year. 23 were against proposed tax cuts and 53 were budget resolutions (which may or may not have resulted in tax cuts).
Question: Did McCain oppose sending (more) Marines to Lebanon in the 80’s?
Answer: Correct. Sending “more” was an important word to add and McCain better clarified his position this time (as oppose to his statement from the first debate).
Question: Did McCain lead on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reform?
Answer: Mixed. McCain was a participant although his warning came a year after the legislation was introduced. He was not a “sponsor” of the bill.
Question: Did Obama get the “second-most” money from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Answer: Misleading. No donations actually come from the companies. If you measure employee contribution, Obama was second overall. However for the current election McCain leads in receiving those donations.
Question: Is it true Obama wants to attack Pakistan?
Answer: False. This was repeated by McCain on multiple occurrences however Obama said he would target “terrorist” in the event Pakistan would not be “able or willing” to do so. He was not considering attacking the Pakistani people or country as a whole.
With only one debate remaining, expect the intensity (and divergence from the facts) to continue.
Perhaps more importantly, what was your opinion on the debate?
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I suppose this is where you look for some witty insights to my mind. A "bio" of sorts. Here is the deal... I ride motorcycles, smoke cigars, golf, kayak, fly, race my car through the mountains, write (a lot), and travel extensively. I am almost old enough not to care what other people think about me...almost. ~ Godfather
The last point should be “misleading,” not false. Obama repeatedly called for strikes within Pakistan, whether the Pakistani’s agreed to them or not and without the requirement for notifying the Pakistani government of such attacks beforehand.
While I approve of such methods, I acknowledge that such are direct violations of Pakistan’s sovereignty. Such violations are considered attacks by sovereign nations and are legitimate grounds for declaration of war.
I found the debate very informative and I think it showed that Obama has the capabilities to be the next Commander and Chief.
It will be interesting to see what impact this debate will have on the polls.
I think Obama will be even stronger!
I use a widget to keep track of the progression of polls.
I think you might like it:-)
http://www.youcalc.com/apps/1221747067033
… and its easy to put on your blog and fits in your sidebar!
Make a difference, keep on voting!
I felt like they should have stopped the debate and given them both boxing gloves before letting them continue. It felt like I was watching “The Breakup” all over again, like I was in the same room as an arguing couple. I was tempted to turn off the television so I could give them privacy to work out their differences.
McCain kept hitting below the belt. I kept expecting him to insult Obama’s mother or something. Obama was obviously frustrated at all the unfair accusations and misleading comments but handled it maturely.
LOL Rachel. Yea, they are getting a bit more into it now. McCain was certainly doing most of the attacking which I don’t think helped him in the polls.
Obama seemed to always have to be defending himself – to still “win” in that circumstance says a lot.
Thanks for the comment!