Debate Discussion: Did McCain Diss Obama?

September 28, 2008 - 12:30 pm By CC Staff

Did you watch the presidential debate last Friday night? We did (and we included some good friends, two bottles of wine, and double-stuff Oreos), and even though we tried very hard, a lot of what was said was hard to follow — especially since both McCain and Obama would not. stop. SMIRKING while their opponent was talking. Those “my opponent is ridiculous” smiles were plain ridiculous.

Practiced grins and political doublespeak notwithstanding, something that a lot of people were talking about this weekend was the issue of John McCain refusing to look at Barack during the entire debate. While Obama kept his gaze on the camera, on the moderator, and on John, McCain just couldn’t seem to bring himself to look Obama in the eye.

Some political analysts are saying McCain completely disrespected Obama, “dismissing” him multiple times as well as keeping his eyes anywhere but on the Senator’s face. What do you think? Did you watch the debate? (If not, catch it HERE) Did you notice this? How would you interpret McCain’s tactic?

[photo from LATimes.com]

snarktastic says:
Sun, 28th Sep 20081:28 pm

while watching two people debate the future of our country [and let's face it - the world], i tend to pay more attention to the verbal material more so than who is “dissing” who. i don’t really care how they interact and i’m sure as hell not picking my president based on who seems like a better drinking buddy. i care about the issues.

besides, it’s not like they’re ever going to have to interact again after november. whoever wins will resign from the senate, not appoint the other one to a cabinet job, and rule the free world [and much of the nefarious as well].

Jess says:
Sun, 28th Sep 20082:11 pm

well said, snarktastic. I agree.

Ellie says:
Sun, 28th Sep 20082:29 pm

yes, but at the same time, isn’t whether or not a candidate can be polite and diplomatic to their opponent something to consider? our next president is going to have to deal with other politicians that he doesn’t like or agree with from not only our country but from around the world; shouldn’t he be able to look these other people in the eye?

although the verbal material is obviously the most important part of the debate, the nonverbal is not something that should be ignored. it can tell a lot about a person.

J - NYU says:
Sun, 28th Sep 20082:42 pm

Ellie,

I get you 100%. The words they say are important (if not carefully vague), but how they treat each other is definitely indicative of import personality traits…traits that will only be highlighted once once of them reaches office.

Casey says:
Sun, 28th Sep 20086:19 pm

it’s probably not that he was trying to “diss” Obama, but more that he wasn’t speaking directly to Obama, he was probably trying to address the country more so than his opponent.

One of my biggest problems with this election has been that the candidates are making their campaigns about what their opponent CANT do for us, instead of what they themselves CAN do for us. Honestly, I think voting for either of them is a lose/lose situation.

Stephanie says:
Sun, 28th Sep 200811:39 pm

I agree with Ellie as well..

In a debate, you tend to address your opponent.

The moderator even urged them several times to talk to EACH OTHER and to him.

I partially agree with Casey, but I think Obama’s been pretty clear about the majority of his plans while in office–while you haven’t really heard that from the McCain campaign..

Jacks says:
Mon, 29th Sep 20089:08 am

The only problem with Obama’s plans for office are that he talks a lot about what he will do, but never about how he will do it. Not that McCain is any better..

lee says:
Mon, 29th Sep 20089:41 am

I agree with Jack. May I also add i think Obama has his “wish list” but no idea how he will accomplish it. When asked how each candidate if elected president will deal with this economic mess they inherit, Obama added things/plans that will require spending. Atleast McCain said he will put a freeze on all spending except the critical departments. (sorry its not verbatim)

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