Despite increased political controversy and confusion over the economic bailout plan, the show went on last Friday night.
Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain took center stage for the first 2008 presidential debate, held at the University of Mississippi’s Gertrude C. Ford Center, in Oxford, Miss.
The spotlight shown on the two presidential candidates, as the audience watched in darkness and silence.
The debate was moderated by Jim Lehrer of PBS.
Chandler Harris, chairman of the Auburn University College Republicans, said he liked how Lehrer made the debate a personal experience between the two candidates.
“Lehrer is a well-respected journalist,” Harris said. “He attacked McCain on things he thought he could attack him on, and he attacked Obama on things he thought he could attack him on. He seemed pretty unbiased.”
Throughout the debate, Lehrer encouraged Obama and McCain to address each other when talking, instead of looking at the camera.
John Page, treasurer of Auburn University College Democrats, said he liked this tactic.
“I liked how he would prod them to give specific answers,” Page said.
“I also liked the part where he told them to look at each other and address each other.”
However, Page said Lehrer could have been more strict with the candidates.
“I hope if they use (Lehrer) again, they can get him to nail them down a little better,” Page said. “Some of the questions allowed them to say their ideals without any substance.”
In the days leading up to the debate, McCain said he would skip the debate unless an economic bailout plan was agreed on. Although a plan
was not reached, McCain decided to attend the debate anyway.
“He almost pulled out because of the economy, something we’re all worried about,” Harris said. “He did give some of his approval to negotiations, even though (Congress) didn’t reach a consensus.”
Page said McCain’s original withdrawal from the debate because of the economy was an excuse.
“In my opinion, McCain didn’t want to debate Obama,” Page said. “He bluffed, and Obama called his bluff.”
Drew Fitzgerald, a sophomore in history, watched most of the debate, but said the debate lacked real investigation into the issues.
“I felt like both candidates entered the debate with their own agendas,” Fitzgerald said. “They used it as a platform for what they wanted to say instead of what the moderator wanted.”
Foreign policy was the original topic of debate, but because of the condition of the U.S. economy, the candidates began the debate by answering questions about the economy.
Harris said McCain’s concern over the bailout plan shows his concern for the economy.
“I thought he handled (the economy) well,” Harris said. “McCain is known for being maverick, and he’s going to be in favor of a plan he thinks is going to be best.”
Page said Obama handled the economy well, but he wished the candidates were allowed to be more in depth with their answers.
“I wish there was more substance, but I guess there’s only so much you can say in a debate without seeming long-winded,” Page said.
During the foreign policy debate, McCain and Obama discussed visits to foreign countries, strategy in Iraq and diplomacy with foreign leaders.
“I thought (Obama) did well articulating how we shouldn’t be in the predicament we’re in (in Iraq),” Page said. “And, when Obama talked about listening to five secretaries of state who say you have to sit down without preconditions when talking to Iran, I thought he caught McCain off guard.”
Harris said McCain was strong on foreign policy.
“(McCain’s) got a background on foreign policy,” Harris said. “You saw him citing things he’s done in 22 years in the Senate, being on the Foreign Relations Committee. That’s his background.”
Fitzgerald said each candidate had a strength during the debate.
“I think Obama did a better job articulating his point (on the economy), even though I disagree with it,” Fitzgerald said. “I think McCain demonstrated better knowledge of foreign policy.”
The vice presidential candidates will receive their turn to discuss the issues tonight for the first and only vice presidential debate.
Page said Biden should outperform Palin.
“He has experience,” Page said. “(Palin) is charismatic, but on some of the issues I can’t see how she can have answers better than someone who has served 30 years on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”
Harris said the vice presidential debate should be “interesting”.
“If there’s anyone republicans wouldn’t want to see up there, it’d be Biden,” Harris said. “But, he’s also gaff prone. I feel like people undercut Palin a little bit. I think she’ll step up to the plate on this one and hold her own.”
The vice presidential debate begins tonight at 8 p.m.
It will be shown on PBS and all major news channels.
