ABC's Topics: Basically, are you running for VP? [what a waste of time], Bittergate [as predicted, ugh], Rev Wright but not race-relations [as predicted], BHO's Presumed "Patriotism Gap", Iraq withdrawal
Summary so far of first part:
Damn, she's good. Looking and sounding 'in charge', comfortable, Presidential. What's with all the looking around, the wandering eyes, though - didn't they tell her where the camera is?
Barack finds his game/voice on guilt-by-association. HRC is looking really stupid with Ayers association on Board. BHO ... still not great at going for the kill. He's really, really trying something new, to get above it. It's impressive, but not flashy enough, perhaps, as he does it. He needs to find a LOT more passion in his voice, after the point-to-point rebuttal, a change in tone right at juncture of the thrust of his comments, the ones about collective action and avoiding the traps of getting stuck in silly-season. In short, the Presidential Voice.
On Wright, Obama keeps mentioning the work of Trinity Church, but he has a weak description, that includes just HIV/AIDS and prison ministries. I believe that they are doing more outreach than just that, right? I cannot figure out why he doesn't have a "greatest hits" list down pat.
ABC NEWS, coming up a big loser at half-time:
- George S: What a loser: "Are you more patriotic than your pastor?" Oh, pleeeease. Go back to D.C., George.
- George S: Lazily asking the candidates to critique each other - "Do you think Hillary has been truthful about her past?"
- ABC's selected viewer question: "Do you believe in the Flag?" This is the question that helps us to pick the so-called "leader of the free world"? How embarrassing for America. Can you imagine a French Presidential candidate being asked, "Do you believe in the tricolour?" Ah, the American Press. Still, Obama misses the opportunity for a rousing speech on god, country, and good citizens/stewards in/of the world. In other words, he didn't run with it and turn it into a lay-up.
- George S: William Ayers - "He's never apologized" for bombing. Did Nixon, Kissenger (wanted for war crimes), McNamara ever "apologize"? I'm not going to excuse any of them, and certainly not adopt a FOX News talking point, wholesale ...
