Boring Debate: Is Obama Playing "Ball Control" Offense and "Prevent Defense?"

[kennetha]

While I thought Obama won the debate, I have to admit I found the debate less than scintillating. Actually, at times it was downright boring. Obama was mostly articulate, calm, forceful. All good qualities. But there wasn't much that was truly gripping. I guess I find Obama too cool, too dispassionate at times - -though he did have a few emotionally gripping moments. But in general, one doesn't get the sense that his viscerally angry or disgusted by the policies of the last 8 years and what they have done to our beloved country. He says mostly all the right things. But often the emotional tone is too flat -- at least for my taste. I wish presented himself as more of the righteous avenger, kind of thing, on a mission to clean up the horrible mess, to sweep DC clean of the cronyism and corruption of the last eight years.

Some people say he's afraid of coming across as the angry black man. I don't think that's it. I think he's just really a dispassionate, thoughtful guy at his core. I admire that a lot. But I think that's not all you want in a politician. He needs a little Clintonesque ability to feel your pain and a little Trumanesque ability to "give 'em hell."

I say this because the Obama campaign kind of reminds me of a football team that's ahead going into the fourth quarter that has decided to play it safe and sit on its lead. They stop throwing the daring passes and taking the chances that got them ahead in the first place on offense and then they play prevent defense. But the other guy keeps on taking chances both on offense and defense and before you know it, sometimes, it's game on again.

I think Obama should stop trying to run out the clock, stop simply trying to make himself look like a safe and secure alternative who will look cool and calm in a crisis. He can do that still. But I think he still has to show more passion, more visceral urgency. He has to let himself be angry about the state of our economy and the state of our foreign policy.

Or so it seems to me. I'm sure others disagree. But hey, when did Democrats ever agree on everything?

[GrizzlyMan]

1. Ahhh the return of the concern trolls

Where's your profile?

[kennetha]

3. stupid, intellectually vapid remark.

[GrizzlyMan]

6. Sorry to offense your delicate sensibilities.

Concern troll.

[kennetha]

12. I'm not offended

I'd have to take you seriously to be offended. I don't.

[GrizzlyMan]

24. It would appear we take each other with the same level of seriousness

Although at least I don't get my talking points from Drudge.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

7. Fitting for such an OP.

[endthewar]

11. Well, you do have a bit of a reputation of this

Why do we have to keep reminding you that your horse lost in this race? Yes yes, we know, Hillary would have already closed the sale, blah blah blah. :eyes:

[Rainbowreflect]

39. I have to agree with you. It was a somewhat boring debate.

[mamameow]

77. talk or walk?

i would rather have someone who may not be as compassionate in their talk but they do the walk. talking compassion is not the same as being compassionate in their actions. obama is compassionate, he does the compassionate things.

[blogslut]

2. Sorry there was no blood

Perhaps people are tired of blood.

[Eric J in MN]

4. Obama is better off boring people at this point than taking risks. NT

NT

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

5. Not from where I'm standing.

If you watched the debate last night, you saw Obama relentlessly attacking McCain, or at least that's what I saw. What in the hell do you want Obama to do? Literally toss a molotov cocktail at McCain?

[SunsetDreams]

8. I don't think we watched the same debate

[Bicoastal]

9. Look the debate WAS boring--but that was BROKAW'S fault, not Obama's.

This was really awful moderating--adherence to "rules" as if someone would get a penalty for disobeying them by actually ANSWERING an opponent's bogus claims.

But I object to you saying that Obama is "running out the clock"--it's a slap in the face to everything myself and other GOTV and grassroots people have been doing for the last month. We wouldn't be inspired to keep going in not for BHO's example.

[Blue_Roses]

13. Brokaw definitely had a huge hand in the tone of the debate...

him and that damn "time" thing almost made me nuts! If he would have let Obama and McCain go at each other longer, I guarantee it would have been more fireworks. That became very evident closer to the end when Obama and McCain said they wanted to challenge each other (paraphrasing here)

This was Brokaw's fault. He's a bore anyway:eyes: A more livelier moderator would have set a different tone.

[Beacool]

10. It WAS a boring debate.

I watched it with my neighbor and at one point I turned to her and asked her if she thought that it was as boring as I thought it was and she agreed. Well, lo and behold, the one word heading on Drudge this morning is: BORING.

I guess that I wasn't the only one who felt that way......

[last1standing]

27. So you, kennetha and Drudge are all on the same page. What a surprise. n/t

[Beacool]

33. Oh, please.................

I actually saw the heading not on Drudge, but on the AP. It seems that several sources thought that it was boring. Nothing new uttered by either candidate (other than the $300M McCain proposal).

[kennetha]

34. Do you think finding the debate boring

was some secret act of political betrayal or something? As if only a PUMA or DINO could find that debate boring? Is that what you really think?

[last1standing]

49. I think you haven't posted a single positive item about Obama - ever.

And Beacool is the same. I think you're both hoping for Obama to lose.

Does that clear it up for you?

[kennetha]

52. Foolish nonesense.

[last1standing]

58. Versus wise nonsense?

Or is that the best rebuttal you have when you know I'm correct?

You are trying to demoralize the Democratic party to keep them from voting for Obama just like you say at Capitolhill. Some would say that makes you a troll but I'm just going to state facts.

[kennetha]

61. huh??

"just like you say at Capitolhill" What's that referring to? I have no idea.

[last1standing]

72. LOL! "I do not understand this thing you call 'homework', stranger"

Did that excuse work for you in grade school? If not, then I don't think it'll fly here. :rofl:

[DevonRex]

40. So you agree with Drudge? That pretty much says it all right there.

I visited a few sites today, just to test the water temperature. The anti-Obama sites said it was boring. The independent and pro-Obama sites thought the debate was fantastic.

The anti-Obama sites wanted McCain to get down and dirty, using Palin-style attacks. He didn't, so they thought it was boring. Their opinions had nothing to do with Obama's performance. It was all about McCain and wishing he had gone nuclear with a bunch of batshit crazy stuff, which I will NOT detail here.

[kennetha]

64. Wow. So anybody who found it boring

is some sort of rightwing nut? Is that the inference one should draw?

[DevonRex]

70. Nope. Just reporting on what I read on representative websites

this morning, freeperish and nonpartisan.

I can tell you that we DUers were all thrilled last night as we chatted on the IRC site during the debate. And Chris Matthews laughed so hard at McCain after the debate that his face was red and his eyes were all watery.

I will say that IMO anyone who found it boring was looking for some blood to be drawn, rather than at the issues. And it certainly was NOT boring to see Obama score so many points on McCain last night. My favorite was the "bomb bomb" moment which caught John McCain clowning around just as Barack was making the point about needing a serious demeanor and sound judgment regarding confronting nations like Iran. It couldn't have been more perfect.

[Barrymores Ghost]

85. If the foo shits, wear it.

[27inCali]

110. what's boring about watch our guy win?

I was totally stoked.

and hr and a half of two guys talking about very serious and complicated issues can be boring if you are looking for soap opera-like bravado and dramatic flourishes.

maybe wrestling is more your speed?

Obama coming with the "bomb Iran" stuff was priceless and they will be playing it for decades to come as a smack down practically on par with Dan Quale getting smacked down for comparing himself to JFK.

maybe if Obama had gotten a tattoo of Hillary on his face just before the debate you would have found it more exciting?

[gravity]

14. Obama stopped McCain from getting ahead

while remaining calm and poised. I don't see the problem.

[kennetha]

18. That's the philosophy behind ball control and prevent defense.

stop the other guy from getting ahead. But if that's all you do, and if the other guy is taking big gambles, one of his gambles may pay off. You want to strip the ball from the other guy, drive him back deep into his own territory, not let him keep taking shots from the 45 yard line.

As long as McCain is still standing at the 45, one of his long passes (like his pledge to reconfigure actual mortgages) has a chance of making it game on again.

[gravity]

28. Its a good thing McCain has a terrible throw

Obama has a solid ground game while McCain is just being erratic throwing hail mary passes. This has been working for Obama, so there is no need to change it.

[GrizzlyMan]

29. Or at least that's what you're hoping for, eh?

[AzNick]

15. Debating before 100s of millions is stressful

100s of millions around the world will listen and look at you debating. It is a stressful position to be in and the idea is to bring your point across without committing any big gaffes which could kill your campaign (or even your carreer).

Someone brought up a football analogy. Yes, it's about keeping the ball and making safe passes, while holding the point advantage.

We are in the 4th quarter, 2 minutes to go, back after this commercial break.

[WI_DEM]

16. Let's see a month ago McCain was five points up and now Obama through a great campaign

and conistently strong debates (including Biden) is anwhere from 5-10 points ahead and is getting stronger in key states, and you think he's not doing enough.

[writes3000]

17. Ummm, it's not a movie. Sorry you weren't "entertained" enough.

I really dislike this expectation that we need to entertained like children while they discuss and debate the future our country.

[kennetha]

23. Politics isn't only about scoring intellectual debating points on policy issues

It's about making people care that you rather than the other guy wins the election. And that's about your establishing a visceral connection with them and them establishing a visceral connection you. Obama has done that quite well with large swaths of the electorate.

But I doubt that anybody sitting on the fence watching that debate was terribly moved in their gut by anything they heard. At least I wasn't. Of course, my mind is already made up. So it doesn't matter really if I was bored. But I bet lots of fence sitters were even more bored than I was.

[writes3000]

30. Take a look at the CNN scientific polls after the debate.

Obama absolutely connected with those fence-sitters.

He told them why he understood and related to their struggles. He told them how he planned to fix things. He told them how he was going to need us to sacrifice. And he showed them what his demeanor is like as a leader.

If you want exciting rhetoric, watch his rallies.

If you want detailed info, do some research.

But the decideds usually complain about "boring" because they want bloodshed on stage.

And the candidate who usually gives that to them, LOSES.

Once again, I think "boring" is a shallow way to judge these debates.

[Zodiak]

47. I agree

We have to get off of the notion that we should be "entertained" by these debates. This isn't the latest episode of "Jackass"...it's the future of our country.

Boring...it's what I called the news when I was 8. Then I grew up.

[elocs]

19. Let's be real here people. This is like a boxing match that is nearing its end

and Obama is leading in rounds. Why on earth would he ever want to risk getting into a slugfest with his opponent just to make it more interesting? :shrug: You want excitement and not to be bored--watch a movie!

[bowens43]

20. I didn't find it boring at all n/t

[rucky]

21. The debates aren't intended for us.

That's what the stump speeches are for.

He's presenting a certain image to undecided, independent and swing voters. I'm not even going to pretend to know what they want to see, but whatever Obama's doing, it seems to be working.

[torbird]

38. Exactly right. Thank you for finally pointing this out.

And, for the record, I was also a Hillary Clinton voter (in the primary, anyway). I found plenty to like in last night's debate and am proud of the job Obama has done so far. He's already got my vote, and most partisans' votes and now must keep the middle on his side until the election. You don't convince the unconvinced with harsh attacks and angry rhetoric; you do it with a smile, a calm wit, and a serious presentation of facts.

Anyone who thinks the debate was boring is under a false impression that politics is entertainment.

[Max_powers94]

22. 1000+ posts troll

[kennetha]

25. member since 2001

troll because I found one debate boring?

[leftynyc]

41. We only have your word

about your membership. For some reason, your profile is hidden. Perhaps you've overlooked that.

[kennetha]

44. Why on earth should you care?

Can't stand the thought that somebody -- apparently I'm not the only one -- found list night's debate boring at times? What on earth should that reaction offend anyone? I just don't get it. I really don't? Are people in such an cocoon of self-justification that anything that even pierces the cocoon a teeny-tiny little bit is the occasion for recriminations and attacks?

[Barrymores Ghost]

57. He's not the only one who finds it strange...

...that you hide your profile -- and don't donate to DU -- despite your claim to have been around since 2001. That's a real interesting claim, since a response to a February top-post of yours (in which you were lauding Bill "The Bloody" Kristol because he said that Obama has a "messianic complex") indicated that you were brand-new to the forum.

One quick mouse-click might go a long way in alleviating the doubts of others.

Just sayin'...

[leftynyc]

63. I don't care what you think

Whatever gave you the idea that I or anyone else did? I, too, found the debate lagging at times. I'm just pointing out that since you hide your profile, anything you say about your start up date is meaningless.

[Barrymores Ghost]

65. His first posts were back in February...when he was quoting Bill Kristol.

This creep is pegging the needle on my Lying Fucking Bullshit Detector.

[leftynyc]

66. That explains everything

Did he/she think nobody would notice a hidden profile? Thanks for the info.

[kennetha]

67. I'm a creep for finding a debate boring?

WOuld you like to make a wager about my membership date, since you are so convinced I'm a lying fucking troll? You tell me how much you are willing to risk, and I'll unhide my profile.

Okay?

[Barrymores Ghost]

73. I've seen creeps open up shop here and lay around lurking for years before making their first post.

Someone was welcoming you on board the second week of February. You're telling everyone you waited seven years to start your run-up to 1,000+ posts.

Sure, it's possible. But it doesn't make you any less of what you are....which is a disruptor who, regardless of whether your loyalties lay with McFailin or with Hillary Clinton, wants nothing more than to see Obama and Biden lose.

In either case, you're a low-life.

[kennetha]

91. You didn't answer

what's your wager?

[Barrymores Ghost]

103. You're apparently not quite bright enough to get the point.

Next time, I'll use a big crayon and write really slowly so you can follow along.

Your "membership" date doesn't mean shit. Even IF, in fact, you DID sign on back in 2001, you apparently had pretty much nothing at all to say for six to seven years; then, you explode onto the scene just in time to push Rush's Operation Chaos talking points just like all the good little bridge-dwellers. Oh, and nice touch, quoting Kristol and Drudge. 'Cuz that what every progressive with a legitimate point does, ya know...

Why don't you give to DU, since you're such a long-time, upstanding member of the community? Just curious.

[kennetha]

105. did you read this post of mine from way back in 2004?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=996938&mesg_id=997455"> I feel a landslide coming

Unfortunately, I turned out to be wrong.

Or what about this one

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=105&topic_id=1785001&mesg_id=1785127">Went to Shrub's


Ot this one -- my 50th post, I gather -- from way back in 2002;

http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=13731&forum=DCForumID5&archive=yes">Bush changes his tune

And this one from Nov of 2001:


http://www.democraticunderground.com/cgi-bin/duforum/duboard.cgi?az=show_thread&om=859&forum=DCForumID22&archive=yes">Check out: Count Down: Why the Recount isn't Good News for Bush

[Barrymores Ghost]

106. The last two have the same 50 post count...

...four months apart. Interesting.

And it would seem that someone's been fed the granite cookie once before, and made a reappearance:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4753636&mesg_id=4753925

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=4753636&mesg_id=4753911

Finally, I'll say it again (and try to pay attention)--I've seen creeps in here lay low, posting little nicities every so often, and then ooze out of the woodwork when it's time to go to work driving wedges between DUers.

Sounds just like your M.O., chickpea.

[Barrymores Ghost]

107. P.S. Donated to DU yet?

[Forkboy]

109. Respectfully, please don't use that argument.

One, it has nothing to do with the content of the poster's posts, and two, a lot of people just can't do it. I was able to donate to DU for the first time just this year, and I've been here for seven. In that time others donated for me, thankfully.

Your other post is good though. ;)

Peace.

[Barrymores Ghost]

111. ...

Not an argument, my right honorable friend...just a dig. I don't confuse the two. But your observation is well-met, otherwise.

[damonm]

26. As I recall, the 1972 Miami Dolphins...

LIVED on ball control offense, and were about as exciting as a dirt sandwich.

The also went 17-0, and WON the Big Prize.

Don't underestimate ball control.

[leftynyc]

42. Same thing got the NY Giants

Superbowl rings in 1986 and 1992 (I think those years are correct). Slow and steady.

[bigwillq]

1991!

And 2008! :bounce:

[leftynyc]

87. Wasn't the Superbowl in 1992?

Although of course the majority of the season was 1991. Not important really. I didn't include last year because it was really a different team. I'm still in shock that for an entire year my team is/are SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS!!!!! Go Eli!!!

[bigwillq]

89. It was the 1990 season

but it was played in 1991, I believe.

[leftynyc]

90. That's cool

I used that avatar during the playoffs and for about a month after the big game. I don't think I've ever enjoyed a season like last year before. All so unexpected, counted out every week. It was very sweet. Usually I'm not happy that my father made me a sports fan (he didn't let the fact he didn't have sons stop him) but last year was a real treat. Now if only my Knicks could get their shit together.

[Jersey Devil]

101. 86 and 90 seasons

But yes, Joe Morris in 86 and OJ Anderson in 90 with Carthon leading the way.

[SurfingAtWork]

31. That is what he was going for.

He isn't trying to be dramatic, volatile, or abrupt. That is McCain, and he is trying to differentiate himself from him on those traits in particular. So sorry if he was cool, thoughtful, and well spoken and you thought it was sucky, but it was exactly what he was going for.

[elkston]

32. No "Angry Black Man", *is* a factor you are underestimating

Many of us don't have a problem with it here, but you'd be surprised at how it could really scare "borderline" white voters that we really need to win.

This is the FIRST time a black man is running for President. We will absolutely NOT know how big the "X" factor of race is until Nov 4. Until then, its best for Obama to play it safe and remain as calm and personable as possible.

Now, should Obama win big, it might give him some reassurance that he can open up more. If he has a stellar first term, then I bet he could be even more bold on the stump.

But UNTIL then ... you make your points in a firm, but respectful manner.

[jonestonesusa]

35. It wouldn't hurt to get a national perspective on this.

Personally, I enjoyed the debate, including the fact that Obama handed McCain his lunch.

I don't find last night's concrete step towards a Democratic win boring at all. I especially like the contrast that was evident between the candidates on tax policies (good exchange for Obama) and McCain's disastrous health care plans.

You might want to check out the Huffington Post reaction, which I'll post below, or the thread on DU today that has been started on the Free Republic reactions - they were underwhelmed by McCain, even the biased folks.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

Of course Democrats will disagree about many things, but I hope we all agree that effectiveness at policy is the main objective of all this. I can remember a few boring B-Clinton speeches myself.

BTW, I'm looking forward to ending the focus on personality and polite snark rather than winning the election, then going on to work on our common problems through governance. How about you?

[jonestonesusa]

36. One last point...

If you think this political debate was bad, rewatch the 1996 Clinton-Dole debates. I was disgusted enough to vote for Nader that year as we slouched toward a Republican political wilding over the next 10 years till 2006. Compared to that, this was must-watch political TV.

[WritingIsMyReligion]

37. Have you never watched an impassioned Obama speech?

:wtf:

[Sodan]

43. Watch his speech from today in Indianapolis - just AMAZING!

[wowimthere]

45. It was the format... but let's be clear... This isn't a basketball game...

If we want to see round houses let's go to a boxing match. You sound as if you wanted the bullshit before the debate to come up. Obama wants to run the country... Not everyone sees the presidencey as a game. 4000 men and women were killed needlessly under this adminstration.

These candidates can bore the pants off of me as long as Obama becomes president and puts this country back on the right track.

[Zodiak]

53. A LOT more than 4000 people were killed during this administration

There are people who live outside of the US with American bombs dropping on their heads, American guns poked into their backs, and American money paying their enemies to remove them from their neighborhoods by drilling holes in their family's skulls.

Not to mention the countless thousands in this country who have died of societal neglect....no one is standing around taking a tally of their quiet, lonely deaths.

4000 is definately a low-ball.

[wowimthere]

68. you're absolutely right but I was merely saying that the crooks had their day with our country

and that many lives were lost while they were in charge. Yes it is not an overstatement to say that an untold number of lives have been lost as a result of the last 8 years. No number at this point is accurate.

[Zodiak]

69. True that....just giving credit where it is due. n/t

[Barrymores Ghost]

79. Hell, all of the "collateral damage" you mentioned aside...

...we can tack on an additional 3,000 dead from the Bush Administration's willfull and malicious negligence (and this is giving them the benefit of the doubt) leading up to and including the events of 9/11/2001.

[wowimthere]

46. It was the format... but let's be clear... This isn't a basketball game...

If we want to see round houses let's go to a boxing match. You sound as if you wanted the bullshit before the debate to come up. Obama wants to run the country... Not everyone sees the presidencey as a game. 4000 men and women were killed needlessly under this adminstration.

These candidates can bore the pants off of me as long as Obama becomes president and puts this country back on the right track.

[Cha]

48. I don't give a shit if you thought the debate

was boring or not..you'd complain if your ice cream was too cold.

[Ichingcarpenter]

50. Mika Mouse and Joe Scab both agree with Drudge and you

Of course Drudge and JOe though McCain won too.

[RoadRage]

51. Yes... but this is how he's been playing all season.. and he's winning.

[cottonseed]

54. I think this is EXACTLY why he is ahead.

We're in a mess right now, the likes of which no one living today has seen. Everyone KNOWS it's an issue, and everyone is angry and disgusted by the policies of the last 8 years. We don't need a candidate throwing tomatoes along with us. This country is looking for a candidate which looks to be a person who can coolly get us through this mess.

[wowimthere]

55. It's time to act like adults... or maybe you think we should act like the clowns we already have

in charge. Bore me as long as Obama is the president. If Obama was too passionate... people would tell him to pipe down. I think Obama has played this about as good as you can get and everything he's doing is working.

[scheming daemons]

56. When you're up by two touchdowns and getting 5 yards per carry.... why pass?

[Barrymores Ghost]

80. Apparently, the OP thinks Obama should spike the ball and do the Iggy Shuffle...

...20 yards before reaching the end-zone.

[Uzybone]

59. Yes it was boring

just like the VP debate was boring, and the 1st presidential debate was boring. This is what you get where candidates do not directly address each other, either due to the rules, the stupidity of a candidate (Palin) or the fact another candidate seems to have nothing but contempt for a US senator, his supporters and the media(McCain).

Obama has not changed, stop trying to say he is employing a different tactic. If anything he was more aggressive in this debate than the last one.

[nini]

60. did you notice how when McCain went negative the responses went low on CNN?

People are sick of that crap - at least the non 30% repuke loyalists.

There is a fine line to walk here. Obama has the added burden of not being perceived as an angry black man by the idiots who buy that crap. I think he had a good balance of countering McCain's BS and getting his own points across.


Obama is a brilliant campaigner and knows what he's doing.

[Barrymores Ghost]

81. The OP is not interested in Obama winning...and NEVER HAS been.

[Starry Messenger]

62. I really don't want a righteous avenger as President.

And I'm glad I don't follow sports. To me this was an opportunity to allow John McCain make a damaging impression of himself. I feel it worked. Personally I also did get the impression that he was viscerally disgusted by the policies of the last 8 years. But he stayed on message. I also got the impression that McCain was viscerally disgusted by his opponent. It made him small.

[nolabels]

71. Bored is an intellectual cop-out

I have got better things to do :hi:

[Barrymores Ghost]

76. It's the best one could expect from this lout. n/t

[RichardRay]

74. This is the same issue everyone had at the end of the primary season

We had a little discussion then about the chess strategy of simplifying from a won situation.

Once I've got an advantage that will win in the end game it makes no sense to risk anything to gain more advantage. Just keep trading pieces until it's down to the end game and then work through the win. If you try to win big or risk the advantage you've got to look good you may succeed, or you may blow a won game.

If the campaign feels they've got a winning advantage right now they may decide to play very safe in order not to give McCain/Palin any opportunities. Not very exciting, perhaps, but the idea is to win.

[No Elephants]

75. Yeah, because a Presidential debate is about being in a snit to entertain people. That's what I am

looking for in a President. Entertainment value. oh wait, we just 8 years of a clown.

[chicagoexpat]

78. Yeah, I hate it when my side is winning... let's change strategy!!!!

[Bake]

82. It's tough to be "inspiring" when you have 60 seconds to speak.

And you're trying to actually answer questions.

Listen to his speeches (when you can find one in its entirety on the MSM). He's still the same guy.

And you know what? He may just BE The One.

Bake

[goodgd_yall]

83. I liked this debate

I know there are quite a few thinking it was boring or a lousy format, but I liked that the candidates were more engaged with the audience. And I thought Obama did an excellent job taking on McCAin. He was more on the attack than he was in the previous debate.

[Alter Ego]

84. I prefer to think of it as a West Coast offense--lots of dink and dunk, short yardage plays

but it keeps the other team on the field and gets their defense tired.

[krkaufman]

86. Ummm... the "boring debate" meme is a Republican spin to discount McCain's disastrous performance.

ALL debates are boring, I would hope. Or are we looking for more winking and shimmying from our candidates, rather than attempts to talk about policy?

People can't ask the candidates to talk about policy and issues and *also* demand excitement. Policy is boring. The issues are boring.

[MarjorieG]

88. favorability and trust are the issues now. Also hard to sound reasonable in 60 seconds.

Hopefully at the next debate, he can elaborate, follow-up, and be more magnetic. I like the non-ideological policy wonk-a much needed discipline again and really his best feature. Amongst all the extraordinary and humane qualities he brings.

[Danger Mouse]

92. Why do you post so many negative OP's about Obama?

[scheming daemons]

93. The OP is a hard-line Hillary supporter who is just NOW coming around... give 'em time...

The process takes longer with some folks than with others...

[Danger Mouse]

95. This is called 'coming around'?

Okay, if you say so. :shrug:

[msallied]

94. Because he was a die-hard Hillary fan.

[kennetha]

104. Did you read this one?

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7333255&mesg_id=7333255">Landslide Coming! I take humbly back all the bad things I ever thought about Obama!

[DuaneBidoux]

96. I don't care. His judgment so far is proving prescient. As long as he wins I don't care.

[Bill McBlueState]

97. Are you a fan of the Chiefs or Jets?

I could see where, if you're a fan of a Herm Edwards-coached team, you'd get really nervous in a situation where clock management skills are important.

But I think Obama's more of a Bill Cowher type. Don't worry.

[WI_DEM]

98. I suppose you'll still be complaining about Obama right up to the inauguration.

[FrenchieCat]

99. I think that Barack Obama should make sure that he wins this thing.....

Cause that is what I am counting on.

I don't need no big gamble or sudden change in strategy. Obama was the change candidate when he was up, and he was the change candidate when he was down.

I'm gonna have to say that I trust him at this point to get us to the finish line. After all, he is a Black man with a funny name who started with barely nothing, and it appears that he may be beating a genuine war hero.

So I'm giving him every single benefit of the doubt at this point, that he knows a whole lot better than I do....just based on pure result.

[Sewsojm]

100. It was boring & painful for republiCons ,

McLame's constant lies and poor jokes didn't work and without his Pitbull by his side he showed what a Coward he really is!

[Ikonoklast]

102. Doesn't matter what you think

Obama is going to be the next President of the United States.

Choke on it.

[EndElectoral]

108. Probably get flamed, but sometimes I feel Obama is more like Jackie Robinson than Muhammad Ali

I would just like to feel his outrage at times.

THey use the term cerebral, professorial, cool, calm, dispassionate, even Hamlet.

I think there's a fire there, an outrage. Would just like once in awhile to see it.

I kept thinking how Dennis Kuccinich would answer that health care question, or social security question and in comparision while Obama is measured, steady, cautious, and articulate, once in awhile I miss a little passion.

[Barrymores Ghost]

112. North Carolina is a tie, hoss...

Jackie's doing just fine.

[Every Man A King]

113. I guess you missed the Indiana rally

There is a time and place for everything... and there is also a reason Obama was the nominee and not Kucinich.