The Debate

The greatly anticipated first debate came and gone with disappointment at many levels to the point where this kind of debate is even relevant or not. From the get-go President Obama lacked passion and focus. He didn't come prepared to make a point and do it effectively. A gentleman, professor he was when people wanted him to be a fighter.

No-Drama-Obama, aloof, cool, introvert, doesn't-really-like-politicking, he-is-a-writer are some of the descriptions of Obama. This debate gave some credence to those expression. Another old cliche in American politics is a politician should show a flash of anger when confronted with lies, slanders, or dirty tricks. Alas, there was no fiery passion to call out Romney's lies and inconsistencies.

The interesting question is why? But it is another story, a long story, to be considered in the future. I have been studying personalties in the history of U.S. Politics, W, Clinton, Gore, Kerry, Reagan, Carter, Lincoln, and etc. Almost invariably, yes, with some interesting turns, what they become makes sense, and in hindsight inevitably so.

Romney clearly showed who he is, a bully. Donald Trump's antics came to my mind where facts, truth, logic, and wisdom are mere inconveniences. I can see why Romney wants to bully the world. Most of what Romney said in the debate is not what his positions are. To people following closely this election cycle, the first debate's Romney is not the Romney the day before. The public reaction implies the lack of firm grasp of Romney's position. Therein, lies the problem U.S. is facing.

The issues are not easy to be explained or understood. Bill Clinton is better than most, better than Kerry or Obama. The debate with very little moderation by Jim Lehrer was ineffectual. Lehrer's intention was good, and the debate may be re-evaluated positively in light of what will follow, so that the final analysis should wait. The events in history, many times, takes interesting turns. The first debate is making the remaining debates important and intriguing. Maybe, Jim Lehrer planned it this way, even though it probably is not.

What kind of Romney and Obama will show up at the next debate is the main point to watch. Aloof professor Obama or fiery passionate Obama? Romney the bully or Romney the compassionate? This debate gave a little more life to this election cycle.