Emma Niemeyer
October 24, 2012
Mr. Gierach-2
Extra Credit
These were the top five points that I clearly understood during the third and final presidential debate.
1. Heated, but measured disagreements
The level of animosity between the two candidates was apparent but unlike last week, it was capped due in a large part to the debate format and setting.
It is much more difficult to bring a level of personal anger to a boiling point while seated at a table. Sitting on high chairs with the ability to walk freely on the stage seems to help fuel rage, while sitting together at a table appears to have a cooling affect.
That's not to say there were not prickly exchanges -- OK, very prickly exchanges -- or talking over one another during points of contention, but it rarely rose to the level where it appeared the boxing gloves were going to come out.
From Libya to Iran and Syria to China -- and the economy -- the candidates opined about challenges facing the nation in this last chance to reach an audience of tens of millions of voters. A colleague turned to me several times unprompted during exchange and said, "I wish all of the debates were like this one."
2. it’s the economy, stupid
It was a debate about foreign policy, an important subject that plays second fiddle to the No. 1 issue on voter's minds this election: the economy, the economy and the economy -- OK, in addition to a handful of other domestic issues such as health care, taxes, education, and Social Security.
There was substantive discussion and disagreement on foreign policy during the face off, but as we noted earlier, the economy received a fair amount of air time.
Romney tried to convince voters the economy was a national security issue that has weakened America's standing in the world. And when presented the opportunity, the Republican presidential nominee seized it to again present his five-point plan to revive the sluggish economy that includes creating training programs for workers to helping small businesses grow and thus create more jobs.
In turn, Obama highlighted his administration's efforts at improving education, while criticizing Romney's record on education and small business as governor of Massachusetts.
Hardly topics that can be classified as foreign policy, yet issues that are paramount to voters.
3. Commander-in-chief card
At strategic points throughout the night, Obama played the commander-in-chief card as a way to show that he has had to make the difficult decisions that only a president faces.
At the top of the debate: "Well, my first job as commander in chief, Bob, is to keep the American people safe. And that's what we've done over the last four years." During a contentious exchange on foreign policy: "Here's one thing I've learned as commander in chief." And the closer: "As commander in chief, I will maintain the strongest military in the world keep faith with our troops and go after those who would do us harm. But after a decade of war, I think we all recognize we've got to do some nation-building here at home, rebuilding our roads, our bridges and especially caring for our veterans who sacrificed so much for our freedom."
But Romney also saw some benefit in not being commander in chief. He didn't have to defend a record and was able to talk about his vision for the country without having to answer for any shortcomings.
4. America's role in the world
My favorite topic of the night: It is a visionary question that allows a candidate to talk in big terms.
Of course, each candidate took the opportunity to use it to talk in political terms, but not before offering these words of hope -- Romney: "I absolutely believe that America has a responsibility and the privilege of helping defend freedom and promote the principles that make the world more peaceful." Obama: "America remains the one indispensable nation. And the world needs a strong America."
Enough said. It was a presidential question, appropriate for the final presidential
