Thursday Open Thread [10.4.12]
“If Romney won the instant reactions from last night’s debate, it is more than possible that the Obama camp can win the next 24 hours. Why? Because Romney said several things that could make life difficult for him today or in the next debate.”
“First, Romney declared, ‘I will not reduce the taxes paid by high-income Americans.’ But in addition to supporting the extension of the Bush tax cuts, which are skewed heavily to the wealthy, the non-partisan Tax Policy Center says that Romney’s tax plan would give the Top 0.1% an average tax cut of more than $246,000. Next, he stated that “there will be no tax cut that adds to the deficit.” While he has said his plan will be paid for, he’s yet to lay out any SPECIFICS on how he’ll pay for it. Romney also said, ‘I’m not going to cut education funding. I don’t have any plan to cut education funding.’ But the Ryan budget plan, which Romney has said he’d sign into law, leads to long-term spending reductions in education. And Romney also didn’t disagree with the description that his Medicare plan would consist of ‘vouchers’ for future retirees.”
“Winning a debate is always a two-part deal — the night itself, and then the aftermath. This is now an opportunity for Team Obama and a challenge for Team Romney.”
Indeed, and then there is the next debate. By doing well last night, Romney reversed the expectations game for the next debate. He will be expected to be great again, and Obama will be expected to collapse to the ground in fear. But this next debate is the town-hall format. That was Obama’s best debate last time, and it is something Romney does not do well, i.e. relating to the common folk.
One final point to last night’s debate: if Democrats and the President were complacent, they are not any more. Actually, that was the biggest danger to the election: Democratic complacency because we expect to win. Well, that is no longer a problem.
Strange I haven’t heard the F word come out on Romney – flipflop. Although actually it looks like Romney is trying to occupy both positions at once.
Obama on last night’s debate:
Maybe he is playing the long game?
I have no idea, J. Here’s what I do know… Romney lied a LOT last night and became more and more brazen with those lies as the debate progressed. I’m not saying that this was a trap set by Obama. I am saying that Mitt dug himself into a hole last night, and I’m not sure how he gets out of it.
Right now, Sununu is being grilled by Andrea Mitchell on Mitt’s taxes and he’s becoming belligerent. He just told her to listen/pay attention to what he’s saying. Oh my. Very defensive. Andrea is pissed.
I guess there was a different Obama on that stage too.
Maybe now Obama is finally getting to use his Etch-A-Sketch defense plans. They were probably wondering when Romney was going to pivot left.
Romney lied repeatedly and the media does not like being lied to. That, and coupled with their disdain of Mitt, and coupled with the Obama pushback above (which I am glad to see), will mean that the post debate period will now be won by Obama.
I am going to chalk up last night to a combination of a defensive strategy, Obama being caught off guard by the lies, and Obama being tired. I think all three were at work.
It was his wake up call and I think he, and we, needed it. Obama is an instinctly competitive man. He won’t lose again.
And Obama Campaign out with the first post debate ad. Puck was right. Obama questioning Romney’s character – also, pretty much calling Romney a liar.
A solid performance by Romney. Was nice to see him defend himself against Obama’s claims.
He made some very good points while remaining respectful. Not an easy thing to do when dealing with a slimy punk from Chicago
“A solid performance by Romney.” In a “I’ll say anything to get elected fact-free sort of way.”
Mulitple-choice Mitt is back.
Romneys “just like Reagan” plan didnt work when Reagan tried it. It ballooned the deficit and Reagan had to raise taxes eventually to pay for all the magical revenues that never happened.
Horrifying home invasion in Middletown:
An update on Sheriff Christopher’s lawsuit against the county and the state:
– Christopher filed a motion for summary judgment Sept. 19.
– His briefs are due Oct. 26.
– Answering briefs by the county and state are due Dec. 7.
– Oral arguments to follow.
So still dragging on …
pandora, attack: http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/oral-sex-a-cure-morning-sickness-psychologist-dad-sperm-nauseated-pregnant-moms-article-1.1133829
LOL, John. Thankfully, I’m through having children. I can only imagine what Mr. Pandora would have done with this article. I think he would have printed out a hundred copies and pasted them all over the house! 😉