Debate response

I waited tonight to comment on the debate, primarily because I was at work. My sense, having watched a good portion and listened to some, is that the parameters of the election have not changed.

John McCain has his best debate performance, but still managed not to win because Barack Obama was far more systematic and focused in describing his policy. McCain’s explanations tended to ramble, tended to hit upon snippets of policy, attack lines and stock phrases that I suspect will read poorly in text. Plus, he also showed an erratic temper that flared up at odd times with odd facial ticks and gestures.

This kind of thing might seem inconsequential, but the temperment question is important — as McCain has repeatedly said. “The steady hand at the tiller,” he proclaims himself to be, when it is clear that Obama — whose manner easily could have been described as dull or boring — proved himself to be steadier, on more of an even keel than McCain, less flappable.

The times are volatile and it appears that the volatility has a worried public looking for someone who can exude a calmness that McCain seems to lack.

I won’t get into policy — I clearly disagree with McCain on most things and with Obama on many. But I think that Obama has been better able to explain himself and make Americans understand where he wants to take the nation. And that is what ultimately is important.

Author: hankkalet

Hank Kalet is a poet and freelance journalist. He is the economic needs reporter for NJ Spotlight, teaches journalism at Rutgers University and writing at Middlesex County College and Brookdale Community College. He writes a semi-monthly column for the Progressive Populist. He is a lifelong fan of the New York Mets and New York Knicks, drinks too much coffee and attends as many Bruce Springsteen concerts as his meager finances will allow. He lives in South Brunswick with his wife Annie. View all posts by hankkalet