Posted by
Armanius on Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:45:37 AM
I was disappointed with McCain's performance in the debate. Obama left openings in my mind that McCain could have used to make his case to the American people that he, John S. McCain, is the person that voters must choose to lead this nation. Overall, I thought McCain did slightly better than Obama, who as always refused to give definite answers in response to several questions. The most negative aspect of the debate yesterday was Obama constantly trying to interrupt McCain, which I thought was very unpresidential and disrespectful.
Here are some of my thoughts on how McCain could have made yesterday night HIS night, and I am paraphrasing here given that I don't have a transcript:
Economy
Obama said: I want to cut taxes for 95% of Americans.
McCain should have said: I want to cut taxes for ALL Americans. I will not play class warfare and penalize one class over another.
Obama said: McCain wants to cut taxes for businesses that are already paying low taxes because of corporate loop holes and which are not even asking for lower taxes.
McCain should have said: The Federal Government is already receiving record amounts of revenues from both business taxes and income taxes from individuals.
Obama said: Jobs are being taken overseas.
McCain should have said: Senator Obama, your plan will drive even more job overseas.
McCain did say: Ireland has 11% business tax versus the 35% business tax in U.S. Businesses will take their operations to places where it's cheaper to conduct business, which is sort of what I proposed above. But not as clear to the viewer at home.
Foreign Policy
Obama said: [On the success of the surge] There is still no political stability in Iraq.
McCain should have immediately asked Obama a rhetorical question: Senator Obama, do you believe that we must win in Iraq?
Obama would have probably said (after equivocating) that he wants to win in Iraq, and that his plan was for Iraq to assume responsibility for itself.
McCain should have then said: We need to have political stability in Iraq. There is only political stability, if there is security. There is only security, because of military victory. There is only military victory today, because of the surge. And you Senator Obama, opposed the surge in 2007, and you still oppose the surge today even though hindsight is 20/20. In short, you do not believe victory in Iraq is essential.