Wednesday, October 08, 2008

I want that one

An in depth analysis of the second presidential debate

"That one" lent the evening some drama.
That one of the men remained calmer
While the other looked miffed;
That one was a gift
That won the debate for Obama.

No, I'm not so stupid to as to believe that that one single, rash, disrespectful comment on John McCain's part was the deciding factor in Debate No. 2 but it was representative of the unveiled contempt he seems to hold for Senator Obama and I think it was especially ill-advised in last night's forum. I will leave it to others to decide whether it was racist or not; or whether any person should address another in such a way in a civilized society.

It was clear, however, that last night's debate was about the economy and the American public's anxiety over the current crisis in the financial sector. I hold no misconceptions about either candidate's ability to bring about immediate change in this area. As the last "Zen" question of the night suggested, there is much that they don't know and that we don't know about where we are headed in the next four years. What is clear is that this is not only a financial crisis but also a crisis of confidence. That is what is causing the Stock Market to fluctuate so radically and for solid companies to be undervalued.

And what helps you when you are feeling anxious, fearful and unsure? Is it someone fretful and pacing and showing there own frustration; or is it someone who's demeanor is calm, confident and unruffled by attack. Normally, I would be the first on the "where's the substance?" bandwagon and truthfully I am tired of hearing stump speeches from both tickets at what are supposed to be debates. Yet in the vacuum created by the void of new, meaningful solutions to the current turmoil, I am much more likely to accept reassurance that comes in a cool peaceful tone than in an irritable and agitated voice. This was John McCain's mistake in losing his cool and why I believe Barack Obama will be "that one" I vote for.



Why Obama won debate No. 2
By Adam Lashinsky, CNNMoney.com, 10/8/08

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Dear Blogger!

My name is Kathlin Pearson and I work for Arena Stage, Washington D.C.'s preeminent regional theater now in Crystal City, VA. We would like to extend you and your readers a special offer to see our upcoming production, Citizen Josh: The Quixotic Adventures of an Unlikely Activist. If you would, please post this in your blog. We feel that this show will have a particular interest to you and your readers because of its strong grassroots activism and political themes. It is a witty show that weaves autobiographical tales into a personal quest to examine and engage the fundamentals of democracy.

"It's Smart. It's Funny. It's another highly entertaining evening with Kornbluth." - San Francisco Chronicle

Because we believe so strongly in the activist themes of the show, we would like to offer a special 50% ticket to you and your readers to any of the performances. I have included an HTML below that is already set up and ready to go on your page.
We look forward to hopefully seeing you at the show. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or e-mail.

Thank you for your participation,
Kathlin Pearson
Arena Stage
kpearson@arenastage.org
202-554-9066 ext. 271

HTML:

One-Man Sensation
CITIZEN JOSH
a Jonathan Reinis Production
written and performed by Josh Kornbluth
in collaboration with director David Dower

October 9 through 26, 2008 in Crystal City

“Beautifully staged…It’s smart. It’s very funny. It’s another highly entertaining evening with Kornbluth.” —San Francisco Chronicle
“Kornbluth is a writer with great originality and depth and a spell-binding performer. What more can you expect from an evening at the theater?” —New York Daily News

Troubled by the election in 2004 and the health of American democracy, Josh Kornbluth (author of Red Diaper Baby) came to the conclusion that perhaps voting is just not enough. As a result of his distress, Kornbluth created this smart and funny exploration of active citizen participation. Just in time for election season, Citizen Josh weaves a web of entertaining and moving autobiographical tales into a personal quest to examine and engage the fundamentals of democracy. Kornbluth last produced Love & Taxes at Arena and continues his long-time association with our own Producing Artistic Associate, David Dower. So before you cast your ballot on November 4th, consider one last perspective from an irreverent, side-splitting and powerful citizen.

ONLY THREE WEEKS OF PERFORMANCES. Save 50% with the code: JOSH50! Tickets with code only $17.50!
Purchase Tickets HERE.