Yes, I Watched the Debate

Yes, I watched the “debate” between Sens. John McCain and Barack Obama last night. So far the commentary I’ve read has suggested that where you stand depends on where you sit. I thought that both men did what they needed to do last night with Sen. Obama demonstrating that he wasn’t out of place at the podium and Sen. McCain largely retaiing his composure. I felt that the very fact of the debate favored the less familiar Sen. Obama and I suspect that he’s closed some of the distance towards putting the American people at ease with his candidacy. That’s the way the polling of “undecideds” seems to be breaking.

I didn’t find anything particularly startling about the event but a couple of things in John McCain’s performance surprised me. First, he demonstrated a notably greater command of detail than Barack Obama did and, second, he sidestepped a number of opportunities at skewering the younger man. Indeed, the two showed a substantial amount of collegiality. I don’t know whether that’s Senate decorum at work, something more personal between the two men, or just the two personalities.

From a linguistic standpoint I noted Sen. Obama’s many disfluencies and Sen. McCain’s several malapropisms. I don’t think that either should be over-analyzed but I did find them interesting.

2 comments… add one
  • Roy Lofquist Link

    Dear Sir,

    Mr. McCain is a gentleman. That is a conspicuous trait of warriors whom I have known.

    Regards,

    Roy

  • Malapropism. What a great word.

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