Debate 101...Guest Post...The Final Rounds

To round up the round ups....Sandy our guest blogger from Iowa writes the following:

Round 5: Relationship with Russia

Obama stated the following:
Russia’s actions were unacceptable
We need to affirm the fledgling democracies in the area
Georgia and Ukraine should be free to join NATO
We need to address with Putin the problem of loose nukes in Russia


McCain said the following:
He sees KGB in Putin’s eyes
Aggression against Georgia is unacceptable
Existence of energy-pipeline in Georgia was in part a motivation for Russia
Other countries in the region are concerned about the threat
We need to support Georgia and Ukraine inclusion in NATO

McCain demonstrated he has a much deeper understanding of Russia’s motivations and the fear harbored by the smaller countries in the region. International relations? Yeah, he’s been there done that.


Round 6: What is the Likelihood of a 9/11 Type of Attack

McCain stated that the likelihood is much less now than the day after 9/11. He was a force behind the establishment of the 9/11 Commission and said that most of the reforms recommended have been written into laws. He indicated that we do need better intelligence, interrogators, and technology. He said we have a long way to go before we can declare America safe.

Obama said we are safer in some ways, such as security for airports and potential targets. But areas that are still poorly secured include ports and transit systems. He believes that the greater threat against us is nuclear weapons. And that we need to restore our standing in world.

Virtually ANYTHING can be used as a weapon against us. Did not 9/11 prove that? Nuclear weapons are not the only thing to fear. If we take our eye off the ball or show weakness in the face of any type of terrorism, we will never again be seen as a leading world power. We need to be vigilant. Very vigilant.


My overall impressions of the entire debate:
I was kinda diggin’ McCain’s striped tie over Obama’s solid red tie (yes I am normally that shallow and into fashion!)
Obama stuttered quite a bit when responding to questions
Obama was disrespectful and a bit annoying with his fake laughing, audible under the breath denials, head shaking at some of McCain’s statements; and talking over McCain at certain points
There was a bit too much revisiting of the past when we need to be concerned about future action
And, finally. . . I doubt any of this changes the way people will vote