That would have been the case this year, as well, given the closeness of the race, and the increase in political interest/participation by American citizens in several segments of the electorate this election cycle.
Financial crisis alters debate backdrop
However, the debates have been displaced in importance by the crisis facing the financial system and the U.S. Congress' and President's efforts to reach an agreement on a plan that will end the crisis and shore-up severely-stressed credit, bond, stock, and currency markets.
The upcoming debate now looks like a side-show, a momentary diversion, before the nation returns to the work of trying to avoid a re-emergence of the barter system in two thousand and eight, Anno Domini.
However, that's not to say the candidates in the debates will not try to win the votes of undecided voters. Historically, by today, Friday, September 26, most voters have already decided who they'll vote for on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. Still, because the race is so close between Democratic Party nominee U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, and Republican Party nominee U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, those votes literally could be the difference that determines which candidate wins the presidency.
With the above as a backdrop, here's what to look for in the debate, which airs on all major national television networks, starting at 9 p.m. EST.
Debate Overview: This first debate is supposed to focus on foreign policy, but more than likely, look for the financial crisis facing the nation (and the world) to work itself into the debate. The view from here argues that the economy is going to come up pretty quick and it will be up to the moderator, PBS Broadcast Journalist Jim Lehrer, to either re-focus the debate back on foreign policy or let domestic issues discussion continue.
U.S. Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois: Obama will try to impress upon voters that he represents policy change, change that he believes is necessary to address the nation's problems. Obama will also emphasize his extensive knowledge of economics, and his ability to connect with and understand the typical person's problems and concerns, and the role government can play in helping. At times too reflective, also look for Obama to take a more-forceful, but succinct stance, while still exhibiting his broad knowledge of issues and policy.
U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona: McCain will try to impress upon voters his extensive foreign policy knowledge and experience, honorable public service and military service, and willingness to seek non-traditional solutions to problems. McCain will also emphasize that government is more often the problem, not the solution, and that the best solutions often come from the private sector. At times too forceful, also look for McCain to take a measured, moderate stance, while still exhibiting his high energy and strong interest in public service.
Again, the debate airs on most national television networks at 9 p.m. EST.
Enjoy the debate.
**
Financial Editor Joseph Lazzaro is writing a book on the U.S. Presidency and the U.S. economy.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-26-2008 @ 8:39PM
knight.cups said...
Watch the debate unfold and participate: http://unfuse.com/decisions/64/finalize
9-27-2008 @ 2:51AM
Sheila said...
McCain started off in the muck: he invoked Ted Kennedy in the most egregious and blatantly canny attempt to drag the viewers by the heart into his camp.
McCain went on like a kicked dog through the rest of the debate, fearful of ever looking Obama in the face, even as Obama directed his comments straight at him. Never once did McCain direct a comment at Obama.
In every question, McCain seemed to get more flustered, and was even making sniffing sounds like he was ill near the end of the debate. Obama's demeanor was always prim, calm, and intelligent. McCain's was confused, ill-equipped, and angry.
The Dial Response Group ratings fell well below the mid-line every time McCain spoke, particularly that of the line which represented Independents, and typically rose well above the mid-line in response to Obama. In sheer mathematical scoring, the data will show Obama the clear winner.
Barack Obama won this first debate handily.
9-27-2008 @ 6:27AM
Mike Drescher said...
McCain looked liked a spoiled old rich man, Obama looked and sounded presidential last night. McCain repeated the Bush plan, more wars, more tax cuts for the wealthy and big oil, more deficit spending. Ironically he makes a big deal of earmarks which are less than 2% of the budget and have primarily been used by Republicans. Obama on the other hand, wants to work for peace and prosperity for the whole country. McCain's call for a new cold war, is totally out of place and is something we can't afford.
9-27-2008 @ 7:20AM
GEORGE said...
CAN PALIN LEGALLY BE PUT ON THE BALLOT FOR VICE PRESIDENT WITH A UNSETTLED LAWSUIT.
10-08-2008 @ 11:25PM
MP said...
Alot of people are still unsure who to vote for because throughout the whole debate you heard about the rich and the middle class where the poor seem to be forgotten about. I have heard about $125,000 being middle class income. Well what about the poor people that are living off of Social Security and SSI and are only averaging a little over $600 monthly. I understand that some of those people can do better but there are people that have no choice but to live on that. Threre are people working everyday that are only making a quarter of what the middle class are. I don't think we should be broken down to three classes we are all individuals. Every vote is counted regardless of class, so why do the percentage of low class people feel like there vote can help but they are not recognized.