Dear America,
The final Presidential Debate was held October 15, 2008 at Hofstra University in Long Island, New York and moderated by Bob Schieffer who I just recently learned is a long time fan of McCain. Click the link to see a video of this http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/15/final-debate-moderator-sc_n_135038.html I just find it so interesting how such a small world it can be at times J Out of all of the people they could have chosen as a moderator, they chose one who has clearly and publicly favored McCain. Couldn’t they have chosen someone who didn’t have a documented and publicized history of favoring either candidate? The format of the debate was yet again a bit different from the proceeding three, this time with the candidates sitting down and talking more to each other. It was more conversational, although I must admit I did fall asleep towards the end of it. Sorry, that’s what being a graduate student and working at the same time can do to you. But here’s my take on what I did see, and you all can fill me in on the rest.
Quite honestly, I’m glad that the debates are over. The issues started to seem a bit redundant, almost like beating a dead horse. But the pressure was on McCain to illicit the “wow” effect to listeners in order to redeem himself in the polls. I think he tried too hard to go for that effect. He mainly tried to do so by making attacks on Obama, which wasn’t a surprising tactic at all coming from him. But what was surprising to me is the way he attempted to relate to the middle class in this debate by constantly referring to Joe the Plumber. He doesn’t really care about Joe. And if you’re out there Joe, I hope you’re reading this. All you are is just a tactic McCain is using to desperately try to regain the lead, just as he did with Palin. Read the brief article by following this link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/10/17/mccain-aides-search-for-n_n_135534.html Only now when McCain trailing in the polls does he try to convey a concern for the middle class. What about the rest of the time he’s been in this race? Was the middle class on his mind then? If they were, it wasn’t apparent in his speeches and rationale behind his proposed policies. And I feel that his mention of Joe the Plumber was selfish and a direct exploitation because it was obviously not sincere.
Another thing that interested me in the debate was how Obama spoke of a need to “spread the wealth around.” McCain certainly did not like that notion and immediately stated afterwards that “We don’t need to spread the wealth around.” Ofcourse, you may not see a need to spread the wealth around when the grass is greener on your side of town. He stated in times of economic hardship, why should we raise anyone’s taxes? Allow me to explain. Here’s why we should McCain:
Lack of health care & an increase in uninsured Americans
Lack of jobs & increased unemployment
Lack of funding for social welfare programs with an increased need for those programs
Hunger & poverty
And the list goes on and on. Need I say more?
With McCain’s statement of “Why raise anyone’s taxes” he was suggesting a concept of fairness. It seems as if he was trying to say that in these hard times, we shouldn’t be trying to increase the tax burden on anyone. But get this McCain: “New statistics from the Internal Revenue Service show that the highest-earning 1% of taxpayers in America make 22.06% of all income reported to the government. That's almost twice the 12.51% of total income earned collectively by the lowest-earning 50% of workers. Yes, 1.4 million taxpayers claim 22% of income earned while 68 million share just 12.5%.” (MSN Money, 10/3/08). I’m sure he already knows that since it’s likely that he and his lovely wife Cindy are among that 1%. So, I ask, is that really fair?
Lack of jobs & increased unemployment
Lack of funding for social welfare programs with an increased need for those programs
Hunger & poverty
And the list goes on and on. Need I say more?
With McCain’s statement of “Why raise anyone’s taxes” he was suggesting a concept of fairness. It seems as if he was trying to say that in these hard times, we shouldn’t be trying to increase the tax burden on anyone. But get this McCain: “New statistics from the Internal Revenue Service show that the highest-earning 1% of taxpayers in America make 22.06% of all income reported to the government. That's almost twice the 12.51% of total income earned collectively by the lowest-earning 50% of workers. Yes, 1.4 million taxpayers claim 22% of income earned while 68 million share just 12.5%.” (MSN Money, 10/3/08). I’m sure he already knows that since it’s likely that he and his lovely wife Cindy are among that 1%. So, I ask, is that really fair?
I’m not criticizing anyone for being wealthy. But I just ask that the wealthy realize that everyone is not so privileged. And because they have been blessed to not have to live in poverty they need to accept the fact that there are Americans who need help and they may inevitably have to carry a bigger burden. That’s just life. People don’t ask to be poor. But it’s obvious that McCain doesn’t feel like the better off members of society should do anything to help those who aren’t so well to do. Statistics show that 14.9% or 89,239 Tennesseans live below the federal poverty level. How will they ever be able to break the cycle of poverty if the wealth is never spread around? We would continue to have institutionalized poverty where no matter what the individual does he/she will never be able to get ahead because of a lack of opportunity, flawed institutional systems, and an insensitive government. Caseloads in my agency alone within the past 5 months of families, children, and individuals in need of assistance have steadily increased. But we have still had to endure budget cutbacks. We need help. We need change.
I admired how Obama was able to stick with the issues and not waste our time talking about squabbles and he said/ she said crap that McCain obviously likes to keep bringing up. I’m just glad the talking is over and now its time to for us to act by voting on our next President. In Nashville, early voting started on October 15 and will go through October 30. And ofcourse the big day for everyone is November 4. I have a list of early voting site locations and hours of operations for anyone who needs them in the Nashville area. Just ask. For me and many others, this vote is especially important and 400 years in the making. Happy voting! And whether you support Obama or McCain, just make sure to let your voices be heard!
In closing, I ran across an article on the final debate and was reading through the comment posts underneath the article from people all over the world who are watching this election just as closely as we are. It's extremely interesting to read what they think of all of this in places far away from us around the globe. I've copied and pasted their comments below. Enjoy!
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If Obama wins, republican voters will be sorry. But if McCain wins the whole world will be sorry.
jack , London, UK
jack , London, UK
No knockout? I'd say McCain was knocked for six. He looked old & shaky & when he put Obama on the spot, Obama batted him out of the field. McCain needed a game changer. He got one. The game is now all but over. Choosing Palin was probably his biggest mistake. Negative campaigning finished him off. Will Harris, London, UK
It amazes me how people crying "Obama is a socialist!" have no clue what the socialism is (e.g. Joe the Plumber, McCain, Palin etc.). Obama is as much a socialist as Pope is a communist. He just believes that rich people should pay more taxes than poorer people. McCain/Bush believe in the opposite. Greg Tomashevsky, North Andover, USA
To accuse Obama of being Socialist inclined is absolutely ridiculous. Pray, can't we find better words to color a man who most likely will take the US to the next dimension of democratic prosperity? Obama is a delight to watch. optimistically,his era will bring delight to the US and the world. Paul Aboh, Abuja, Nigeria
Well the clear result is it re-energized his base. Attacks, once again (to my surprise and delight) backfired. Gini - How wonderful that we live in a country where the right combo of work, time, opportunity and luck has led you to your success. Do we not want said opportunity for all Americans? Patrick, Philadelphia, USA
If Obama becomes President, then every self-appointed victim group in the US will be looking for handouts and reparations. Derek, Taunton, UK
I have to say this: I know how I feel being here in the States, watching this thing go down like a bad comedy sketch. It frightens me that folks around the globe seem to have more common sense about this election than my neighbors. Thank you all for your comments. Please keep us in your prayers. susan, kansas city, usa
At last Senator McCain got his message across. If sitting and smirking with arrogance while the Republican candidate spoke, then Obama won!! I beg to differ. Socialism just does not work. It looks good on paper but it doesn't cut the mustard. God hep the folks if the Democrat fools the population Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK
I do not remeber this country (USA) being founded on socialistideals. No I remeber that it was founded as a Republic with Democratic ideals. I think Obama has forgotten this as most of his policies have the stench of pure socialism. Robert, El Paso, Texas, USA
The debate proved to me that what you see is what you get. Obama is calm and intelligent, focusing on the issues and how to fix them as President. McCain seems flustered and afraid of losing as if this election was a board game. The process is like a game, but the position afterward is serious. Rick, The Falls, WI, US
I'm watching the very well respected daily Rasmussen Polls, and the USA Today multi-poll tracker, and the gap is in fact narrowing again and near the margin of error. Though Obama is looking good, if I were a Democrat I wouldn't crow yet. Remember Kinnock at Sheffield (His pal Joe Biden does!) Paul Freeman, London, England
I have heard the word "maverick" constantly used by McCain/Palin during this campaign as a positive. Someone close to me mentioned that another interpretation of the word could be "Loose cannon"! Imagine if these words replaced "Maverick" each time it had been used in their speeches..... peter , vancouver, canada
I'm not basing my vote on debates but on the experience, character and integrity of John McCain. I have never been polled by any of the pollsters and I have voted in every presidental election since Reagan ran against Carter. I have never based my vote on who looked or sounded better in a debate. Kathy, Kansas City, USA
McCain is a Bush puppet, Palin just shows what bad judements he'll make, and I laugh when he calls himself a "maverick" he is a career republican politician who for the last 20 years toed the party line, thats not being a maverick! Time for a change, a democratic change.
Gary Hack, Forest, Va., USA
Sorry Leigh, but a 100% of the moose population support Palin's election to Washington - because if she's there - then there life expectancy will be greatly enhanced. And if she loses then they'll ... odtaa, Richmond, UK
I am a American taxper with my own company. I work a long week. I do not understand why I should pay more in taxes so as to give more benefits to those who do not make an effort to work. Nobama - I shall vote McCain and Palin Gini, New York City, USA
McCain and Pallin are just wannabe angry manipulative people go Obama go
Adam Carson, London,
If it comes to which candidate is making more sense and talking less nonsense, Obama has come off better. He also seems more reasonable, sincere and trustworthy, despite McCain's considerable credentials. stephen, Sydney, Australia
OK. So we have Joe The Plumber ahead on 48%...Obama at 44%...McCain dead-in-the-water at 3% - blaming Joe The Plumber and Sarah Palin for sabotaging his campaign. Also of signifance, an overwhelming 97% of Alaskan Mooses say they won't vote the Palin ticket.
Leigh vernier, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Even if it looked like McCain would make a better president than Obama, no sensible independent would vote for him and risk leaving Palin in charge.
Richard, Edinburgh, Scotland
No knockout blow from McCain, more a series of missed blows and a few that hurt him more than Obama. While both candidates may prove, ultimately, to be much of muchness (the differences between them now may or may not come to frutiion over 4 years ) McCain has shown terrible judgement Paul, Tokyo,
I feel sorry for the American people. Obama will liberalise the entire USA if he get ti office, and McCain will simply bankrupt the States with unjust wars.
Collin Brown, Cotgrave, Nottingham
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