I watched the first Presidential Debate of 2012 with a sinking heart. While Governor Romney presented as alert, engaged and sharp, my candidate appeared distracted and irritable. Romney reliably looked in the direction of the President when speaking. Obama looked down (taking notes?) or at the moderator, sometimes seeming to plead for Jim Lehrer to intervene in some way.
I have often found Presidential debates to be frustrating, as the candidates often fail to respond to the questions asked, but simply present "answers" which put forth their own agendas. The candidates frequently hurl unflattering accusations at one another which are then denied by the opponent and repeated anew. Arrrggghhh! What are voters supposed to learn when nearly everything claimed is only partially accurate?
Mr. Lehrer clearly had trouble "controlling" the candidates. I was distracted by trying to envision a better way of obtaining the cooperation of the debaters. Would turning off their microphones after two minutes work? What about if the moderator shouted, "Enough!" (or even, "Shut up!")? A vaudeville type hook?
The summary statement of the President was especially troubling. Mr. Obama had an opportunity to connect with the viewers by looking into the camera as he made his final "pitch." He did so only fleetingly. I'm sure that preparing for a debate of this magnitude is overwhelming, with facts to memorize and arguments to formulate. But looking at the camera is an easy way to score points and he didn't do it. I'll bet he does next time.
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