Obama came with one mission, to knock Romney down a peg. He came to be aggressive with a lot of memorized material and prepared zingers. However, his over all demeanor was angry and often condescendingly so. His angry, condescending, and baffling retort to Romney’s assessment of the Navy was a low point and most un-presidential.
His closing remarks seemed angry and almost accusatory of the the people on the other end of the camera. Me. You. As if he is a little ticked that he even has to explain this stuff.
Romney on the other hand came with the dual mission of being presidential and to come out of the meeting gaffe-free. In doing so, he often seemed overly agreeable and complimentary of Obama’s foreign policy for my taste, but again I am not the target.
I think that Romney seemed likeable, informed, and moderate–or–presidential.
I think that if last night was a test, Romney undoubtedly passed. His presence was a steady one and his closing remarks were forward looking and hopeful, a stark contrast to that of the President.
Bottom line: I think that Romney accomplished exactly what he set out to do. That is reassure voters that he is up to the job and not the monster portrayed in Obama advertising. As he did just that, I think that the trajectory of the race remains unchanged and is an advantage to Romney.
I think the instant polls back this up. Via AceofSpades.
In CNN’s poll, 48% said Obama won, 40% Romney.
But as far as changing votes, 24% said they were more inclined to vote for Obama, 25% for Romney.
On the question of who was qualified to be Commander in Chief: 60% said Romney was.
63% said Obama was.
PPP did a poll. It had Obama winning.
But here’s the unkindest cut, from @DKElections (Daily Kos Elections). I’ve changed the tweet a little to make it more readable.
Weird: Among indies in @PPPPolls, 47% say they’re more likely to vote for Romney, 35% less; 32% say they’re more likely to vote for Obama, 48% less. But indies thought O won debate 55-40, voting for him 46-36
To borrow a Navy term (back when the navy had ships and stuff)
Steady as she goes.
October 23, 2012 at 1:57 pm
"back when the Navy had ships and stuff" Great post.
October 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm
Looking forward to having gentlemen, Mr. Romney, and Mr. Ryan in the White House.
October 23, 2012 at 3:50 pm
Mr. Romney appears to be a good, smart man (I worry that he'll be wishy-washy) and I have the utmost confidence in Mr. Ryan. The President and VP are childish liars–I hope the American people can see that. Pray for a good outcome for the USA.
October 23, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Praying
October 23, 2012 at 6:24 pm
I don't have the same take on the results from these polls. To me, they unfortunately indicate that we are right on track for Obama's re-election.
October 23, 2012 at 6:31 pm
I disagree with this and think you have it backwards. It's the incumbent who has the advantage and who therefore just needs to hold steady. Romney needed to win, which he unfortunately didn't.
October 23, 2012 at 7:48 pm
How can 60% say one thing and 63% say the opposite?
October 23, 2012 at 9:12 pm
Fr Larry. 60% said Romney was qualified, 63% said Obama was qualified for CiC.
Pat, I feel truely sorry that you hate anyone, let alone the president as much as you do. It must burn you from the inside out.
October 23, 2012 at 10:26 pm
Dear Anonymous,
Nah, Pat burns me sometimes, but he's like that sometimes.
I was right anyway, so there.
Enjoy life, Anonymous. This site really is one of the happiest and most reasonable electro-moments going.
– Mack
October 24, 2012 at 1:58 am
@Anonymous: "Let alone" the President?
Is Barack Obama markedly less deserving of opprobrium than most people? From what I can see his personality alone—not even speaking of his vile policies or utter disingenuousness—is unusually likely to attract ill-will.