“Cavalier Activity” October 16, 2008

The final face-off for presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain took place last night at Hofstra University in NY.  I think most of us would agree it was an emotionally and politically charged debate that offered voters a last glimpse into the policies, but more importantly the personas of these two candidates.  

Both debaters abandoned the comfort of their political groomers and teleprompters, forced to engage in political combat, facing one another, seated at a desk, before a live audience of American viewers.  The economy was the overarching theme of the evening and a key element of that theme, which I am reluctant but cannot resist to mention, is McCain’s proverbial “Joe Six Pack,” “Joe the Plumber.”  

“Joe the Plumber,” Joe Wurzelbacher of Ohio, is the now notorious economic ploy of what McCain implied to be Obama’s flawed economic proposal.  Senator Obama met Joe at a rally earlier this week; Joe questioned the senator on his tax policy and how Joe’s tax rate would increase while he is trying purchase a small business, a plumbing business– go figure.  

• Obama’s tax policy would impose taxes on the ~20% who make $250K +/yr.  (this includes Joe) and cut taxes for the 81.3% (according to Tax Policy Center– Obama says 95% fall under this category) below
• McCain’s tax policy keeps taxes low for people in this income bracket and would reduce capital gains tax for ‘09 and ‘10 (strange as there isn’t too much capital being gained right now) 

All of that is very confusing to me, but what isn’t confusing is body language, tone of voice and facial expression.  And there was a whole lot of that going on… 

The Maverick:  John McCain’s handlers have done a great job prepping him for these debates.  He is no longer the unrelateable seasoned politico of months passed.  He now cracks jokes, mentions the Cardinal’s game, looks into the camera and appeals to his base.  Now, we all know Senator McCain is a hard-ass, the man spent 5 years in the Hanoi Hilton for Christ’s sake; but, show a little respect.  Yes, Obama is 25 years his junior, but rolling the eyes? interrupting?  Come on, the man puffed up like a school boy who nailed the target with his sling shot after he finished a rebuttal.  Grow up.

The Liberal:  Yes, I realize that is not a nickname… does Obama have a nickname???  Please share if you have any ideas.  Obama kept it cool.  Okay, the occasional snide smile, but he maintained a matter-of-fact, I can handle this, mentality.  Many times he was provoked and stayed on message, stayed mature.  Bravo.  What he didn’t do?  Sleep.  He looked exhausted!  We can’t have another Nixon-Kennedy debate situation on our hands– give the man some make up and a Red Bull!  Look alive!

The debate went on to cover such comprehensive topics as energy, healthcare, the auto industry, Roe v. Wade (Obama, thanks for the guidance on avoiding “cavalier activity”– way to relate to the kids, I think, “keep your snake in it’s cage” would have worked just as well) judicial appointments and education.  

Of these, the responses were typical, repeated policy we’ve heard dozens of times before, but one response struck me strange from both candidates, that was energy.  When asked how each candidate would handle energy issues in the FIRST TERM, neither was able to answer within the “FIRST TERM.”  That’s one thing; another, McCain made no mention of offshore drilling in this initial response; however, Obama was quick to say he would “look at” offshore drilling, while still acknowledging the limitations of that option.  Both candidates mentioned the use of alternatives: McCain mentioned nuclear power, Obama geothermal, among others.  They used energy to appeal to the opposite camp– I didn’t see it coming.  

Of course, McCain couldn’t resist an opportunity to sing his favorite (besides “my friends,” which I didn’t hear a single time this go round) catch phrase: Drill Here! Drill Now!  That little song reminded me of something McCain mentioned at the opening of the debate, something called a “spending freeze.”  Now, maybe it’s just me, but I don’t know how in two kinds of hell we’re going to achieve a spending freeze if we start building pipelines and oil rigs across the Gulf Coast.  Oh yeah, that and our little side project, the $1B/month war in Iraq.  I digress.  

Overall, the debate was far more comprehensive than the previous and adhered to the time constraints far better.  Judge them how you like, we are In the final tares of the election, 19 days until November 4.  Exercise your right to vote and do it early– EARLY VOTING IS OPEN!!! I bid adieu in the word’s of last night’s moderator, Bob Schieffer’s, mother:  

“Go vote now, it will make you feel big and strong”