Unexpected

 Last night premiered the highly anticipated first televised Presidential Debate between President Barack Obama and former Governor Mitt Romney. Prior to the debate, the two candidates had many talking, including myself, about who would have the ability to deliver a stealer performance at the debate. As far as Mitt Romney, prior to the debate, critics such as myself lacked in confidence his ability to deliver a great performance at the debate. Romney’s campaign has been going sour these last couple weeks due negative video releases, lack of trust by the American people, his finances, and giving no clear plan on what he'll accomplish as President. After a weak nomination speech at the Republican National Convention, Romney appeared to be incapable to be an effective US President; therefore, coming into the debate there was no overall positive support surrounding Romney from both Republicans and Democrats. Obama on the other hand had more positive expectations of his performance coming into this debate given that he was already an out-spoken president who throughout the campaign has gave outstanding speeches and campaign performances. Alongside, there were not many controversial issues surrounding the President’s character and trust prior to the debate.

 The debate consisted of six segments: three on the economy and one on role of government, governing (candidate's ability to govern), and healthcare in which both Romney and President Obama answered somewhat challenging questions and responded to one another answers and comments. During this time, I observed the quality of answers that both Obama and Romney gave to the questions. Concerning Obama, his answers were very clear and consistent with his plans expressed throughout the presidency and campaign. For example,  Obama continued to sell Obamacare, expressed that the rich should pay their fair share if not slightly more in taxes, and defended the middle class. These were clear ideas said while in office, on the campaign, at the convention, and again at the debate. Romney gave clear answers on many questions, however on more controversial questions, he was very good at avoiding specifics surrounding the topic. For example, Romney continued to sell that notion that he will repeal Obamacare; however, he gave no clear replacement about health care. Romney also express his unwillingness to raise taxes on upper class Americans, which many felt was consisted with his campaign. 

Obama's answers and responses to questions and Romney gave the illusion to be more factual. He used statistics, numbers, and unbiased studies to supplement his claims and support of policies in which for me continued to build trust with the American people. Supporters and non-supporters can't say that Obama is not consistent about his domestic agenda. Obama, for the most part, never skipped around on questions. He answered them directly and clearly in which I appreciated. Obama gave more solution answers than blame. Romney, on the other hand, answers and responses seemed more idealistic. For those politically uneducated, he was effective at making these ideas seem as fact in which he would give what he thinks is a solution to the problem but was never clear about the solution. He also blamed many of the problems going on with the country on Obama in which is simply not true. Again looking at Obamacare, Romney made the claim that Obamacare does not work; however, the facts prove that Obamacare so far has been effective in areas. 

Obama and Romney answers also further proved how different the two candidates and their political agendas are. There was a clear separation between the Republican ideas and Democrat ideas and gave me no confidence that whoever becomes president will have bi-partisan support. 

Alongside answers, the selling point in this debate was the image and tone that the candidates protrayed and Romney was the clear dominator in the debate. Romney was very aggressive and assertive. Although, personally, his answers and agenda were not better than Obama's, he gave the illusion that he was confident, strong, and correct about his policies and facts. Leading up to the debate, Romney was criticized for appearing to be weak candidate for president, but after watching him this debate, I think those questioning his ability to get tough and strong put their worries to rest. He often cut Obama off when he was talking, had more bass in his voice, firm posture, and had no problem firing back at Obama. That is exactly what Republican voters and undecided voters leaning towards Romney wanted from the candidate. He again gave them confidence that he can be president. Again for voters who are politically uneducated, he came off as the stronger incumbent. I was surprised myself at the confidence and assertiveness Romney gave off. Although I disagree with his policies, I respected the confidence he displayed at the debate. As we talked about in class, when male politicians are attacking or defending themselves, they are expected to come off as aggressive and assertive in which Romney accomplished. 

Obama gave one of his worse performances I have ever witnesses. He was clearly not there emotionally and mentally that night. Although his answers to questions were better, he looked tired, he allowed Romney to often cut him off, and the excitement he usually has was gone. Most viewers were disappointed in his performance. Both Republican and Democrats expected Obama to strong and ready to fire back. Obama's lack of performance has brought to the surface that campaigning alongside being president has finally began to take a toll on the President that he simply can no longer hide. Unfortunately for those undecided voters, Obama performance did not further convince them that he can lead the country for another four years. 

At the end of the debate, the winner was apparent. As painful as it is for me to admit, Romney came off as the stronger candidate in the debate. Although his agenda will be ineffective, the most important aspect of the debate was to seem as if your agenda is the best plan and assert that. Obama failed to sell his platform like Romney. News sources such as CNN, who is known to be moderate and unbiased in its reporting, also agreed that Romney set the tone. Unfortunately for Obama supporters, it will now make the race for him to stay in the White House much harder.