Reading in Between the Monologues
Published by Ashley on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 11:16 pm.Posted by Ashley Slayton for BET You(th) Vote

Well it took forty minutes, but finally the debate switched from our troubled economy to the scheduled topic of foreign policy. Of course that didn’t happen without a lot of rambling from each candidate as they skillfully avoided answering the questions directed to them by moderator Jim Lehrer. Unfortunately I don’t speak gibberish, so a lot of that monologuing fell on deaf ears. Actually, with the current state of our economy, I’m sure American voters would rather have heard a ninety minute debate about the economy instead of foreign policy. Since that didn’t happen, I broke down a few key points of the conversation on foreign policy for You(th) Voters.
When Lehrer asked the candidates about their take on the Iraq war Obama responded that it was a mistake. “We took our eye off the ball,” the senator said. He cited several reasons for his statement including:
- “We didn’t know what it would cost us”
- “We didn’t know what our exit strategy was”
- “We hadn’t finished the job in Afghanistan”
McCain disagreed and said that it wasn’t important whether or not it we should have entered the war but how we finished it. The senator said what’s important is “how we leave, when we leave and what we leave behind.” He also accused Senator Obama of refusing to acknowledge that we are winning in Iraq.
Winning what? Wouldn’t whether or not we’re winning depend on what success in Iraq looks like? Does anyone know what that victory would look like anymore? The candidates also discussed Iran, Pakistan and Russia. This was right around the time the conversation turned into a juvenile sparring match, with both candidates interrupting the other. McCain repeatedly referred to Obama as “naive” and Obama pointed out McCain’s obvious support of President Bush’s policies over the last eight years.
When Lehrer asked the candidates about whether or not the nation could experience a possible repeat of 9/11, both candidates replied that the nation is safer today than it was during 9/11 but that we had a long way to go. All in all the debate was informative, but a little dry. I found myself yawning through the last thirty minutes or so. What do you think?
Was the debate informative or a repeat of everything the candidates have been saying over the last few months? Was there really a winner in tonight’s debate? And which candidate is ready to lead? You tell me.
-Ashley
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Your wright sen McCain said sen obama about alot of things and i do want to invade pakistan just like bush did with iraq .
ashlee
ok , if your so educated on these candidates,ponder this: senators vote on issues. they dont make executive decisions. the only candidate who has this experience is palin. as gov., she has made the decisions that help shape alaska.her signature enacts laws and policies . she oversees the alaska national guard,alaskas missile defense program(the only state thats always active) she has also been briefed on counterterrorism measures and tactics.she has been trusted with government secrets(stuff they’re not even telling us). much of this is because of alaskas proximity to russia. in my opinion shes more capable than anyone else on this stage. journalism degree? shes owned companies,been mayor,governer,and shes done all this on her own.kind of a self made woman. doctorate degrees dont meen *#$#. palin has done a lot with her life, and i believe shes much more qualified than the others in this political carnival. oh yeah, she did all of this while being a housewife
Obama got caught in his lies. lol MCCain clearly won this debate. Obama admitted that McCain was right NINE TIMES. Obama got owned. Obama clearly lost any chance he had last night. My vote is now for MCCAIN.
I agree McCain clearly won the debate. I couldn’t stop laughing everytime Obama stuttered cause he couldn’t think of an answer. McCain you got my vote also now.
I really like Obama until this debate. His inexperience really showed. There were times he seem scared. I don’t believe he would be a good leader. I would feel safer for my kids future with McCain. Obama wants to meet with evil people. That says a lot about his character. I will now support McCain here in BK, NY.
when i first saw obama , and then on SNL, i gained a lot of respect for him, but when i found out his plan to take guns off the streets, i was shocked. anyone who thinks that by making guns illegal, our problems will be solved is completely naive. you can do this but the only guns taken are those of honest hardworking americans.the criminals will still have theirs,plus the ones imported illegally. so when they rob you, %%*$ you, or do their next home invasion, those honest people who gave up their guns now are left defenseless. taking guns out of the hands of people who dont care about laws is impossible. i still think obama is very charismatic, and maybe a better candidate than mccain himself. but there are issues that matter to me. and i believe that theres no quick fix for our problems
bill..palin is not ready for office..not even as governor of Alaska..she benefited from the corrupt republicans, to get in office and after she was elected..she fired them all and filled the positions with friends and family, who had no qualifications for their post…and um…the governor of Alaska is automatically given duties…doesnt’ mean she actually knows what they are..for God sake..as mayor of her small town..she wasn’t even aware that ~#?# victims were being charged for their ~#?# kit…simply ridiculous..bill..you apparently haven’t seen Palin interviewed by the THREE media personalities, that she chose and she did beyond terrible. Even a deaf person, sees that she has no clue…and the only thing we agree on is education..I know and have heard some of the most ignorant rhetoric from the ”educated”…it’s substance that of mind and heart that makes us who we are..McCain has none..he lost his in the S & L scandal and the many dangerous and uncaring legislative bills he chose to ignore..McCain had 26 years to get a clue..I and millions of Americans will NOT allow him to be president, to get it right…he’s too dangerous..Obama has more than education..his informed..knowledgeable and cares…McCain has never conveyed these emotions…during his congressional seat or while he’s campaigning…Apparently, whatever this strength you believe Palin has..we have all missed it…So, maybe like the republican online media reports..she needs to withdraw..or just simple stare out of her back window in Alaska at Russia…
Quancica..there showing the debate again Sunday…watch it..and don’t let the media cloud your judgement….Obama is the right choice…Obama is willing to talk..with reason with all leaders…not simply act like an indignant child and just ignore them..As president..we need a leader, who is unafraid to speak to these dangerous people and let them know where we stand..Kissinger did agree with Obama..check out Factcheck.org..it states Kissinger’s press statement agreeing with meeting these leaders…McCain is not the right choice..Don’t so easily change your mind…think my friend…remember the lies and McCain’s congressional history..It is NOT what we need…Keep an open mind and listen to Obama…This country deserves a better choice..not McCain…Rock the Vote!!
Chris..who are you kidding?..you laughed?..You simply were looking for an excuse…now you found an ignorant one to vote for McCain…not a true reason..just silliness…Obama never needed yours anyway..although..to anyone with sense..he never had it…so vote on…Obama will win without you!!..I wonder..will you laugh win Obama is victorious?..
Do you think the american economy could handle a other 911 or more ,country frist not obama frist no country no ecomony obama is for obama and the is talking about going in to pakistan wars well spread and if iran admites to having the nuclear weapons other counrties well get them to much bigger problems than people talking about race, sexism ,skin coler , calling names ,saying people are liers ,saying that this person did not do that or this and just camplaining .
Obama spoke about put money into our pocket and bring the troops home, something McCain NEVER stated……..That is what America talk about now!
David…*laughs*…..um..you seem bitter…unable to make eye contact….feeling a little bit of the McMoron deja vu?…It’s been really awesome reading the GREAT blogs and the not so good ones..ALL have been a superb read..I’m happy to see people get involved..feel so strongly…Remember…be informed! Learn your facts…Rock the Vote!..Go Obama!!
the whole racism thing
yes some whites will vote mccain based on skin color
and some blacks will vote obama based on skin color
these are not the people who should decide our fate.
this is just an unfortunate fact of life .dont whine about white ignoranceand racism toward black people. not only are they victims,but they are perpetrators of it. think im wrong, look at the site your on BET.BLACK entertainment TV.but thats OK. i guarantee if someone started a WET(white entertainment TV) channel people would freak. but this doublestandard is just another unfortunate fact of life. people need to look around before they start just throwing accusations.
But there are WETs; NBC, CBS, ABC, etc. Bob Johnson created BET so that African Americans could see people that look like us. We weren’t seeing that on other networks. You have NO idea what its like to watch TV and the majority of the images you see are people of another race. There’s a movie (not a very good one) where African Americans are the majority and whites are the minority called “White Man’s Burden”. Samuel L. Jackson and John Travlota star in it. I recall a scene where Travolta’s kids are watching TV and there are all the African American images, including a commercial advertising dolls which are all African American. After seeing the movie, you’ll get the jest of what its like to be African American.
I’m with you the last 20-30 minutes I was almost falling to sleep. The only thing I can say is Obama got me with supporting the middle class. The economy can only get back on its feet if the middle class does! WE ARE 95% of the people. I hope Obama, if he becomes president, can stand by his word when he says that: if you are making under 250,000$ taxes will not be raised. And will get that tax cut that he said we deserved. Instead of the 300,000$ billion dollars that McCain asked for for his rich friends that “don’t need it and didn’t aske for it” like Obama said. I definantly agree on the health plan Obama talked about. It is killing us middle class folks. McCain says we need to seriously cut down on spending but for what? SO he can continue supporting the war. He never once siad what we need to cut the spending for and when we do where the money is going! Obama clearly stated the money he is asking for which is just $18,000,0000,0000 for health care, education for the children, and tax cuts for americans making less than $250,000 a year and solar energy! Which I think are key things that need to be taking care of today!!! And Obama was right when he said we forgot what we went to war for! Well, I dont think we forgot I think The Bush administration set up 9-11 to go into IRAQ for the oil kill innocent civilians in Aghganisan and Pakistan and forget all about Osama Bin Laden who is helpin these americans under certain regulations. Answer this If you can find the president of Iraq 15 ft. under gornd why cant you cant yo find Osama! Cause you aint lookin for the terrorist thats Why! I think Obama won tis debate although he himself was a little shaky on some things! Obama 08′! Oh and Palin knew not to show up without “pre-coniditions” SORRY self!
Obama won, it’s all over the news, CNN, ABC etc. Independents choose Obama as the winner, that’s what matter. Not what Faux news thinks. In a strategic way Obama won the debate. He look more presidential. This suppose to be McCain’s expertise, but at all Obama come across and substantially overcome McCain
We live in a post 911 World. Barak Hussein Obama is the son of a Muslim father, speaks perfect Arabic, and has stated, “The Muslim call to prayer in the evening is the most beautiful site on earth”. Are you seriously considering voting for this guy? Oh, I forgot, he is black…. that trumps everything, including the issues.
Christians need to stand up and vote. If all Christians voted, there would NEVER be a pro-abortion candidate in office. Period.
i was at the debate last night i am at student at olemiss, university of mississippi were the debate was held and obama ruled last night. McCain to me showe that he is just another Bush his speech was stiff it had not emotions. he did not ever have a real comeback to what obama sad. to me obama showed why he will make a great pres
OBAMA won hands down… What i didnt like, was when the facilitator told them to address each other, Obama looked at McCain, from then on. McCain did not give him that same respect. Also, Obama told the truth on the current war and that we were suppose to be looking for “mass distruction and Bin Laden”. To get American satisfied, we sent our troops in to Iraq. We send billions of dollars to some foreign country, yet New Orleans, couldnt get the so called president to put down a book he cant read. McPain & Pain-lin. will start mess with Russia, Korea, and still owe China more money….
Hell, when Obama does take office it will take 8 years to clean up the mess, left from another Bush….
rednblack
There’s nothing close minded about the truth:
I have a question for you, What made you say NOW, more than likey OBAMA will be our next president. Whe infact your’e all for Mccain and always downing OBAMA and saying how un knowledgeable he is. Just wanna be clear here: For a person that you say, (mccain) have so much more experience than OBAMA, why this statement from you, looking at the first debate, please tell me rednblack.
OBAMA 08:,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,