The First Debate
I know a lot of democrats are wringing their hands over the fact that Obama did not score a decisive victory and may even have seemed less strong or "decisive" than McCain - but I think it was actually a very good debate for him, tactically speaking. It's hard for those of us who follow politics closely to relate to the experience of all those undecideds and independents who are only now getting to know the candidates. All people need is a reason to feel comfortable with Obama - they need to feel that he's competent and smart enough to be president.
Up until now, many have only heard all the stuff about inspiration and big speeches, and many have the impression that it's all just hype and performance - when they see this confident, rather Presidential looking guy on stage with McCain, and they see that he can more than hold his own with a seasoned veteran, and that maybe he's even a bit boring when he gets into the details... all of this is good, because it goes against the impression that he's just some really good actor who has no depth or understanding of the issues. I think Obama knows this - there is a deliberate strategy of using the debates to add dimension and contrast to the already-established persona. He doesn't need to prove that he can inspire people; everybody knows that - even his opponents acknowledge it freely. Obama needs to demonstrate that he has knowledge and confidence and a good temperament under pressure.
Republicans will vote for McCain; Democrats will vote for Obama - that is already a fait accompli. The campaign strategy must focus on reaching those who have not yet committed. I think undecided voters already want to vote for the Democrat - they just need to be assured that they're not taking too much of a risk in doing so. A solid performance from Obama, which may seem flat and uninspiring to passionate Liberals, is actually exactly what will make undecided voters more comfortable with him.
Up until now, many have only heard all the stuff about inspiration and big speeches, and many have the impression that it's all just hype and performance - when they see this confident, rather Presidential looking guy on stage with McCain, and they see that he can more than hold his own with a seasoned veteran, and that maybe he's even a bit boring when he gets into the details... all of this is good, because it goes against the impression that he's just some really good actor who has no depth or understanding of the issues. I think Obama knows this - there is a deliberate strategy of using the debates to add dimension and contrast to the already-established persona. He doesn't need to prove that he can inspire people; everybody knows that - even his opponents acknowledge it freely. Obama needs to demonstrate that he has knowledge and confidence and a good temperament under pressure.
Republicans will vote for McCain; Democrats will vote for Obama - that is already a fait accompli. The campaign strategy must focus on reaching those who have not yet committed. I think undecided voters already want to vote for the Democrat - they just need to be assured that they're not taking too much of a risk in doing so. A solid performance from Obama, which may seem flat and uninspiring to passionate Liberals, is actually exactly what will make undecided voters more comfortable with him.