First my disappointments…
I was disappointed with the smaller group in the Democratic debates. It did make for a bit more time for each candidate to talk though.
And it’s hard to compare the Democrats and Republican candidates when they aren’t on stage together and aren’t even asked the same questions.
I don’t like that the assumption is you must stick with your “team” Democrat or Republican. What about the undeclared and independents who are trying decide among the whole pool of candidates? Apparently, those of us who are convincible must work hard to see the complete field of candidates.
That said, party line differences were fairly clear (excepting Ron Paul, who really is a Libertarian). Taxes, health care, Iraq, etc.
And the combined debate was endless! Was anyone really able to watch all 4 hours? Or again, are we only supposed to care about our own teams?
My comments…
At the moment, the Democrats speak a lot about “Change” (Obama and Edwards) vs “Experience” (Hilliary and Richardson). That doesn’t seem to be a sensible “versus” item. And I really hope “Change” doesn’t just become the new “Anyone but Bush”. Change to what? That’s the issue, what policy and direction will the new President will try to lead us in?
The Republicans
Fred - The only candidate who answers Yes/No questions. Seems sensible and speaks straight. But I worry there isn’t much in there.
Ron Paul - Often sounds like a wacko, because he will blurt poor sound bites. He might have sound reasoning underneath, but the blurting scares people, and me.
McCain - Like the guy, but his attacks on Romney seem to make him little. Waffling around his immigration position. too strong on the war.
Giuliani - I think this guys moral center is a big question. But he sounds like a great central administrator during the debates. Probably the most experienced leader.
Huckabee - Friendly talker, but a bit too much Christian philosophy for me. I’d like some more separation between church and state.
Romney - Only one way to say it; he just seems a bit too slippery to me.
The Democrats
Obama - Well spoken. I’m starting to like him. For unity and doing the good work. But his actual proposals didn’t seem very concrete.
Hilliary - She showed both anger and humanity. Seemed to work well for her. Like Giuliani, a good manager. But I’m still don’t trust her.
Edwards - Sounds likes a lawyer. Populist arguments. Frighteningly anti-capitalist.
Richardson - Makes a good argument for his experience. But he still often seems like he is running for VP, not President.
I wanted to mix the parties together and order all the the candidates in order of my current and momentary preference. But I find I can’t quite do that yet. I really would like to hearthem responding to the same questions. Well here’s a swing at it. I’m sure my opinion will change in 5 minutes though!
1 Fred
2 Obama
3 McCain
4 Ron Paul
5 Giuliani
6 Hilliary
7 Richardson
8 Edwards
9 Huckabee
10 Romney
How’s that for a conglomeration?!
Carl
