The Presidential Debate
Two Germans, a big pizza, an empty hotel room and the presidential debate.
It was early evening in America and we watched the first Presidential Debate on TV - with 70 Million others.
In Germany, these debates are "in fashion" since 2002. They are popular, but not as popular as this Presidential Debate here in America.Seeing John McCain and Barack Obama standing at their lectern in front of a dark blue wall on a red carpet, no visible audience and the only thing between them was the host - it was some kind of impressive.
It was a conflict of the generations: the old Senator McCain with his silver hair, lots of make up in his face and forced facial expressions, against the young, dynamic Senator Obama with his healthy tint, bright eyes and winning smile.
During the financial crisis, which shakes the country, the people might wish to have a healthy and strong president - optically, Obama would be the right choice.
But previousl to the debate McCain got much credit - people might want a president with experience, who can bring the ship home safely. McCain gambled away this credit soon.Two weeks ago he claimed America's economy as "healthy and strong", but needed to confess, that there is a "crisis" some hours later.
His reaction on the crisis starts with insults to the greedy "fat cats" on Wall Street (from the lips of a multi-Millionaire, who has got seven houses and thirteen cars) and on Tuesday of the last week, it turned out that McCain hadn't read the "Paulsen draft" which contains not more than three pages.
McCain demands to move the debate with Obama on to another date, after finding the rescue package for the nation.
Indirectly, this was an extortion. Critics were heard even from the Republicans. Even Mike Huckabee, his opponent from the primaries, called McCain's rejection a "huge mistake" and agreed with Barack Obama in his presidential ridicule about multi-tasking: "You can not just say: 'Stop the world - I cancel everything!'"
Doesn't he have an over-view about the economy or doesn't he have any answers on the questions which arise from that crisis? His final solution: The stock exchange supervision boss will be fired - a priviledge that even the President does not have.
McCain's lack of serenity during a crisis and his ability to find a solution soon, was alarmingly. Barack Obama remained calm. So calm, that the Republicans accused that he does not care about the United States.
But new polls show that most of the Americans think that Obama has more competence in the economy than his opponent McCain.
These differences of experiences were not visible during the debate. Both knew the names of important leaders - a stumbling block for previous candidates. Though McCain tried three times to pronunce the name of Iran's leader Achmadinejad correctly.
You could hear some laughter from the audience.
McCain tried to underline his age and experience. Many times he said: "Senator Obama doesn't understand..." - Obama's reaction was an indulgent smile.
What was very irritating and frustrating to hear: the candidates did not speak about the financial crisis, which is the worst crisis since 1929. The host, Jim Lehrer, tried to worm out some details about changes in their political program, when the economy needs to be rescued with 700 billion US-Dollars. The candidates did not want to speak about the new indebtedness, no matter how hard and desperately Lehrer asked.
Often, while Obama was speaking, McCain signaled with a painful and sarcastic distorted face, that he just doesn't like the guy standing next to him. "Good job, John" said Obama smiling at the end with a handshake. McCain, in silence, looked through him and pulls away his hand.
Obama's gesture will bring him much more credit points than the obvious dis-like that can be seen in McCain's face.We enjoyed the Presidential Debate - most of the political experts said that there was no obvious winner - this will bring even more tension in the election campaign.I think that such a debate can show much about the candidate. It can show much more about a candidate than speeches in front of his peers from the party.
During this debate is has become obvious that Barack Obama is much more likeable than McCain. While McCain tries to attack Obama's reputed knowledge and lack of experience, Obama stayed on a friendly level.
This behavior, some sub-intellectual and emotional ignorant people called it "inferior position", showed that Obama is much more sensitive and intelligent than his rude opponent McCain - being a nice guy in front of your hardest contender is a skill which only a few people have and which is, I think, of a fundamental importance for a president.
Two Germans, a big pizza, an empty hotel room and the presidential debate.
It was early evening in America and we watched the first Presidential Debate on TV - with 70 Million others.
In Germany, these debates are "in fashion" since 2002. They are popular, but not as popular as this Presidential Debate here in America.Seeing John McCain and Barack Obama standing at their lectern in front of a dark blue wall on a red carpet, no visible audience and the only thing between them was the host - it was some kind of impressive.
It was a conflict of the generations: the old Senator McCain with his silver hair, lots of make up in his face and forced facial expressions, against the young, dynamic Senator Obama with his healthy tint, bright eyes and winning smile.
During the financial crisis, which shakes the country, the people might wish to have a healthy and strong president - optically, Obama would be the right choice.
But previousl to the debate McCain got much credit - people might want a president with experience, who can bring the ship home safely. McCain gambled away this credit soon.Two weeks ago he claimed America's economy as "healthy and strong", but needed to confess, that there is a "crisis" some hours later.
His reaction on the crisis starts with insults to the greedy "fat cats" on Wall Street (from the lips of a multi-Millionaire, who has got seven houses and thirteen cars) and on Tuesday of the last week, it turned out that McCain hadn't read the "Paulsen draft" which contains not more than three pages.
McCain demands to move the debate with Obama on to another date, after finding the rescue package for the nation.
Indirectly, this was an extortion. Critics were heard even from the Republicans. Even Mike Huckabee, his opponent from the primaries, called McCain's rejection a "huge mistake" and agreed with Barack Obama in his presidential ridicule about multi-tasking: "You can not just say: 'Stop the world - I cancel everything!'"
Doesn't he have an over-view about the economy or doesn't he have any answers on the questions which arise from that crisis? His final solution: The stock exchange supervision boss will be fired - a priviledge that even the President does not have.
McCain's lack of serenity during a crisis and his ability to find a solution soon, was alarmingly. Barack Obama remained calm. So calm, that the Republicans accused that he does not care about the United States.
But new polls show that most of the Americans think that Obama has more competence in the economy than his opponent McCain.
These differences of experiences were not visible during the debate. Both knew the names of important leaders - a stumbling block for previous candidates. Though McCain tried three times to pronunce the name of Iran's leader Achmadinejad correctly.
You could hear some laughter from the audience.
McCain tried to underline his age and experience. Many times he said: "Senator Obama doesn't understand..." - Obama's reaction was an indulgent smile.
What was very irritating and frustrating to hear: the candidates did not speak about the financial crisis, which is the worst crisis since 1929. The host, Jim Lehrer, tried to worm out some details about changes in their political program, when the economy needs to be rescued with 700 billion US-Dollars. The candidates did not want to speak about the new indebtedness, no matter how hard and desperately Lehrer asked.
Often, while Obama was speaking, McCain signaled with a painful and sarcastic distorted face, that he just doesn't like the guy standing next to him. "Good job, John" said Obama smiling at the end with a handshake. McCain, in silence, looked through him and pulls away his hand.
Obama's gesture will bring him much more credit points than the obvious dis-like that can be seen in McCain's face.We enjoyed the Presidential Debate - most of the political experts said that there was no obvious winner - this will bring even more tension in the election campaign.I think that such a debate can show much about the candidate. It can show much more about a candidate than speeches in front of his peers from the party.
During this debate is has become obvious that Barack Obama is much more likeable than McCain. While McCain tries to attack Obama's reputed knowledge and lack of experience, Obama stayed on a friendly level.
This behavior, some sub-intellectual and emotional ignorant people called it "inferior position", showed that Obama is much more sensitive and intelligent than his rude opponent McCain - being a nice guy in front of your hardest contender is a skill which only a few people have and which is, I think, of a fundamental importance for a president.
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