Voters Panel comments on Wednesday’s debate (the ones that didn’t make the paper)

October 15th, 2008 at 10:44pm Chuck Sweeny

These are voters panel comments that didn’t make the paper because of time or space constraints:

Senator McCain did a great job in this debate in reaching the undecided voters that tuned in tonight. He made sure that people understand who they’re’ voting for in this election. He was able to put doubt in the American people on Senator Obama’s association with unfavorable parties, and bring about questions that people need to ask themselves when they go to the polls. Do they want someone with experience in foreign policy, someone that can bring us to less oil dependence in other countries, someone that does understand what people are going through every day in this economy, and someone that’s ready to take on the Democrats in Washington.

If Obama is elected President, he would join those same ranks in Washington because they’re the ones who are controlling many of the issues we’re facing now. Senator McCain is ready to start drilling now; Senator Obama claims that will only take care of 3-5% of our dependence. Senator Obama doesn’t even want to try. And neither do the other Democrats in Washington.

Senator Obama kept talking about what he would do every day for the American people when he’s in the White House, yet most of his voting record in Illinois was to vote present. How can anyone believe he would do more for them in Washington?

I was very happy to hear when Senator McCain reminded Obama that he is not President Bush, and that if he didn’t like President Bush’s policies, then he should have ran against Bush 4 yrs ago. You do have a choice and that choice is clear — Sen. McCain. —- Mary Nunez 

I watched the debate with great interest. While the format encouraged a more vigorous exchange on every topic I still feel that there was too much not addressed or inadequately addressed. One common theme from both candidates was lowering income for the federal budget. Each of them tried to outdo the other in proposing tax cuts, offering tax incentives and rebates. When asked specifically what programs or expenditures they would reduce or eliminate, neither of them offered any specifics. This leads me to believe that they don’t have any idea what they would cut or if they do, they don’t want to reveal that information for fear that it would be so unpopular as to reduce their chances of being elected.

My overall impression is that each of them was strong in some areas and weak in others. I am an Independent and have watched all three of the presidential debates and the vice presidential debate. I was really hoping that one of the candidates would present themselves in such a manner that I could find a reason to vote for them. Unfortunately, this didn’t happen. I have fundamental disagreements with positions taken by both of them. In the absense of a viable alternative, I will be in a position to vote for a candidate who I don’t want to win. The question becomes, as in the past, which one do I like less than the other?  Which one is the lesser of two evils? I don’t have a clue. — Don Gugliuzza

“I thought McCain started out very aggressively and was trying to get lots of shots in early. However, now that his campaign is spiraling downward, he’s spending too much time telling voters why you shouldn’t vote for Obama instead of articulating why you should vote for him. And he continued to do that throughout the debate. He looked angry, impatient and annoyed. Sen. Obama, on the other hand, was much more specific in his answers, kept his cool, recited the facts and spent much more time making the case for himself instead of simply going negative on McCain. Tonight may have sealed the deal for Sen. Obama.” –Wester Wouri

McCain’s strategy was obvious… reinvigorate the republican base for the final lap.Obama’s strategy was obvious as well… appeal to the independent voter and don’t play a careless cover 2 defense on the should-be final play of the game. In conclusion, they both executed their strategies well, but this wasn’t the game changer Republicans needed.I respect McCain’s service to this country, but it is time to bring in new management.  I believe a similar change is needed in the 69th district of Illinois. — Dan Phillips

Entry Filed under: debate reax