Well, the final debate has come and gone. The pundits are trying to beat each other to the punch in declaring which candidate was the victor.
I took notes during the entire debate, hoping to come up with something pithy, remarkably insightful and different than all the rest. Turns out it’s harder to do than you might think since:
- Nothing really new took place.
- Both sides still fell back on their talking points.
- Neither side made any serious gaffs (Note: Joe Biden would have been welcome relief)
- There was no “gotcha!” moment in the event.
McCain needed a strong showing. He came out swinging, but here’s where the problem started for me:
There was so much pre-debate discussion around the water cooler at work, on the radio talk shows, political pundits on TV and, of course, the network/nitwit commentators on the various networks before the debate began. We knew what McCain would have to bring up. We knew what Obama had to be prepared for. Both candidates adequately prepared for the debate in terms of being ready for what was most likely to confront them.
I knew that Michelle Malkin’s web site was doing a live blogging of the event, coupled with a drinking game linked to phrases we all knew were coming. “So,” I thought to myself, “This could make it interesting.” I decided to attempt to do the following:
- Watch the debate live on TV
- Take notes for my own review
- Keep a window open to Michelle’s web site to join in the drinking game.
- Keep an open bottle of scotch – just in case.
Now, it should be made clear up front: I normally don’t drink. But after this Presidential Campaign, I decided the only hope for sanity might just be found in the bottom of a Jack Daniels bottle. Also, keep in mind that my body has a level of resistance to alcohol that rivals that of your average gerbil.
Obama and McCain seemed to have their own private bet going: See which one could make reference to ”Joe The Plumber” the most.
Now let me clear about this (I learned that from Obama, by the way). As I have said consistantly (Got that from Big O also), Joe the Plumber would play a major role in tonight’s debate. So I added his name to the list of words and expressions in Michelle’s Drinking Game coverage.
Bad idea.
Looking back at my notes, I can see where
- McCain made points
- Obama danced around any in-depth questions
- My sobriety (or gradual loss of it) began to define the quality of my “notes” (I think it’s safe to say that it’s hard to take debating seriously when you’re giggling at the questions).
By the end of the debate, my dog was scared of me. It might have been when I tried to put lipstick on him, but I’m not really sure. All I know is he wanted to run and hide for the next four hours. It was then I realized the similarity of our situation. Given the debates and the likely outcome of the election, I just want to run and hide for the next four years.
I hear Alaska is nice.
Gerry Ashley
