For me this wasn't a close debate at all... Obama sounded like the next President of the United States, McCain didn't. If I had any questions, this debate certainly cleared it.
I certainly liked the format and the discussion and watching both think on their feet.. with both domestic and foreign policy,
I especially liked the "anticipation vs reaction" commentary with regard to Russia, Georgia and other foreign policy threats.
I honestly didn't learn that much new from the candidates. It was annoying that they kept reverting back to their talking points even when the questions were asking them to talk about something else. But I guess that's politics.
But what the hell was with McCain and his aimless wandering? It was distracting, and I'm not sure that it wasn't intentionally so.
Personally, I found the debate a major disappointment. Neither candidate really got all that specific or offered any new ideas. Although, I thought McCain's $300 billion mortgage refinancing plan for Americans, while extremely interesting, and I definitely think it was a bold move, there was no explanation how this would be paid for, so this idea has to be fleshed out. I do think that the age difference really stood out tonight. McCain looked wobbly at times, sort of like he was hobbling around, and perhaps that's his way due to war injuries, but Obama still had that more polished youthful veneer that stood out and just seemed fresher. That being said, much like the last debate, I didn't feel that either candidate had a clear win, there was no glaring gaffes, nor were there any home runs that either could really claim. Overall, the debate was a snoozer...seemed to go on FORever...and I wouldn't be surprised if many Americans tuned out about 3/4 of the way through because it was a lot of stuff we have heard from both candidates over and over again over the course of the campaign. McCain didn't have any moments that helped him, or hurt him, but then neither did Obama. So, because of that, the debate didn't seem worth the time. Just my 2 cents.
blah. I heard the same talking points from both candidates on the same issues. One thing is clear. McCain needs to fire his entire campaign staff if he stands a chance of winning. To be fed the same talking points which didn't work in the democratic primary or the first debate is a sin. McCain had one of the few remaining opportunities to change the directions of his campaign and he didn't. Even though he debated well, it was not a game changing situation.
CuriousJockAZ saidPersonally, I found the debate a major disappointment. Neither candidate really got all that specific or offered any new ideas. Although, I thought McCain's $300 billion mortgage refinancing plan for Americans, while extremely interesting, and I definitely think it was a bold move, there was no explanation how this would be paid for, so this idea has to be fleshed out. I do think that the age difference really stood out tonight. McCain looked wobbly at times, sort of like he was hobbling around, and perhaps that's his way due to war injuries, but Obama still had that more polished youthful veneer that stood out and just seemed fresher. That being said, much like the last debate, I didn't feel that either candidate had a clear win, there was no glaring gaffes, nor were there any home runs that either could really claim. Overall, the debate was a snoozer...seemed to go on FORever...and I wouldn't be surprised if many Americans tuned out about 3/4 of the way through because it was a lot of stuff we have heard from both candidates over and over again over the course of the campaign. McCain didn't have any moments that helped him, or hurt him, but then neither did Obama. So, because of that, the debate didn't seem worth the time. Just my 2 cents.
Todd, that was a very unbiased note you just wrote. I commend you and will have to stop my fun little jabs your way... I even promise to leave your readers alone till the election is over... hehe... maybe. It was very interesting to see how they "behaved" in this format. I did lean towards one over the other as I am sure you will too, but all in all, I think we just saw another draw... No major gaffes, but interesting behaviors displayed. Lets hope the final debate is more exciting and telling on Oct. 15th.
McCain claimed that nuclear energy is the future, and that it was environmentally friendly. How is the radioactive nuclear waste that is a a part of the process friendly to the environment? It's half life is well over 100 years if I'm not mistaken, and storage of the nuclear waste would be costly and only a temporary fix. The horrifying thought of terrorist activity associated with these nuclear power plants is ever present as well. That's disregarding the catastrophies that have already occurred in the past!
Personally, I'm a strong supporter of wind, solar, and ocean current energy. It's plentiful and constant. It's also much cleaner, more environmentally friendly, and safer than oil or nuclear energy. I think one reason why these three aren't more popular is due to the fact that the source of the energy is free, there isn't a large opportunity for profit. Oil and nuclear materials need to be bought, distributed, refined, and sold. Wind is free. The Sun's rays are free (and becoming stronger due to the holes in our ozone). Ocean currents are constant and as strong as ever. Who's going to invest the large sums of money to get the systems universally in place if they can't make money on it? I'd like to say the government, but it appears we need to first deplete our own oil supplies and then those of the rest of the world.
I don't know a ton about this type of stuff, but this is what I see, think, and feel. I personally hope to own a home that can run entirely without the aid of power generated by the constant use of fossil fuels. It may not be the cheapest route in the short term, but I'll be able to sleep with the confidence that my home can run on its own by harnessing the awesome and infinite power of the planet we live on.
I sincerely hope that Obama is the next president of the USA. McCain is appalling and leaves me feeling cold.
Watching the "debate" was at times frustrating because I felt that both candidates were going around in circles. Otherwise I felt Obama was much more "Presidential" and could speak intelligently about the issues. McCain in his hush-hush voice and "my dear friends" every five minutes drove me insane, not to mention the fact that he spoke in more general terms and BTW as was pointed out by ABC after the debate.....his supposed Mortgage Refinancing Plan was already passed in the 700B bail out plan signed in to law last week. He obviously did not read it or he must really think that we are dumber than dumb.
Speaking of handshakes, I like Obama to begin with, but one thing that I think made a lot of points for him, and simultaneously helped shoot down McCain a bit more, was AFTER the debate ended. Not only did McCain do that handshake snub toward Obama, AND get in Brokaw's line of sight causing Brokaw to ask McCain to move so he could finish reading his script, but most importantly was that after it was over, McCain shook a few hands in a somewhat cursory manner, then went into the corner for a moment, then grabbed his legal pad and notes from his stand, and left, while all of the audience was still wanting more. Obama, on the other hand, along with Michelle and Brokaw, stayed in the room and for nearly twenty minutes, Obama met, spoke with, and shook hands with pretty-much everybody in the room, no matter how long it was going to take. He signed autographs, he gladly posed for pictures with anyone who approached, he laughed with them, and he spoke WITH them, and seemed to genuinely listen and connect with those people. He made a personal connection in some way with everyone there while McCain simply left the room after less than 4 minutes after the close of the debate. Meeting your potential voters, connecting with them in the personal way Obama did, is a very Presidential thing to do, and I'll bet he swayed a lot of the undecideds in the room tonight. At the very end, just before they cut off the video feed, the entire audience was on the floor with Obama, and they and he were all kneeling down together in a kind of "Class Photo" or crew photo you see at the final wrap of a movie, where the whole crew and cast gather for a big group shot.
The real heart of our financial crisis is high oil prices. Frank Raines was endorsing and bundling bad mortgages and selling them off as MBS' that the suckers on wall Street bought but, had the oil prices and supply been stable, the problem with Fannie Mae could have been fixed.
John McCain understands this. The oil embargo in 1973 was tough on America, but a catastrophe to most emerging states around the world. Barrack Obama probably doesn't remember much of 1973. So on the first question of the night, John McCain had the right answer and has the right answers to get us back on our feet and protect the free world.
Barrack Obama just used his vague double speak to get by. After all, Barrack has ACORN to stuff the ballot boxes for him.
Very dissapointing on both parties. I think if someone is still undecided they didn't learn much more about their candidate. I actually felt bad for both. Neither was stand out in my honest heart-felt opinion.
John43620 saidThe real heart of our financial crisis is high oil prices. Frank Raines was endorsing and bundling bad mortgages and selling them off as MBS' that the suckers on wall Street bought but, had the oil prices and supply been stable, the problem with Fannie Mae could have been fixed.
John McCain understands this. The oil embargo in 1973 was tough on America, but a catastrophe to most emerging states around the world. Barrack Obama probably doesn't remember much of 1973. So on the first question of the night, John McCain had the right answer and has the right answers to get us back on our feet and protect the free world.
Barrack Obama just used his vague double speak to get by. After all, Barrack has ACORN to stuff the ballot boxes for him.
McCain lost because he needed to win. Just showing up and getting thru is not an option for the dire straits that his campaign is in.
The continued tanking of the economy is going to keep him down.
One response I wish Obama had given was to McCain boast of opposing his party's leaders and Obama never has. Obama could have knocked that one with by simply saying "with the Democrats, he never has had to." ....
John43620 saidJohn McCain understands this. The oil embargo in 1973 was tough on America, but a catastrophe to most emerging states around the world. Barrack Obama probably doesn't remember much of 1973. So on the first question of the night, John McCain had the right answer and has the right answers to get us back on our feet and protect the free world.
HndsmKansan said; "Obama sounded like the next President of the United States"
I disagree, he sounds like Reverend Wright or Reverend Ike. It's an interesting phenomenon in the "African-American" community that the clergy can tell the people what they want to hear, then rake in the chips. The clergy rails about the suffering of "The Poor" in their community and then work diligently to make sure they stay poor. All the while these men of the cloth are blaming the plight of their flock on the "white man" and "the white system". It appears to work rather well.
Reverend Wright retired to a 3 Million dollar home in an affluent white community. This is the man who trained Barrack Obama.
I think a president Obama will do the same for all of America. I suppose to some, that is "Presidential".
I think McCain won the debate. There was an odd air of reassurance from him, both economically and geopolitically. It was subtle, but I think he successfully played up Obama's relative inexperience in Washington. I think Obama played the populist pity card a bit too often as well. Perhaps I was watching the debate through the eyes of a guy twenty years older than myself, but I actually began feeling swayed. This kind of shocked me because I don't typically put much stock in these debates. Part of this may be because I watched the debate on PBS, which doesn't have pundit scores and reaction charts surrounding the screen.
Problem is, the Palin pick suggests that big oil and religious zealotry are still priorities for the GOP, and I'm very tired of that element in Washington. This is a big deal breaker. I'm sure many independents feel the same way. McCain really shot himself in the foot with that VP pick, and betrayed his own image as an independent from all that religious, big oil, Bush/Cheney crap.
[quote][cite]John43620 said[/cite]HndsmKansan said; "Obama sounded like the next President of the United States"
I disagree, he sounds.... It's an interesting phenomenon in the "African-American" community that the clergy can tell the people what they want to hear, then rake in the chips. The clergy rails about the suffering of "The Poor" in their community and then work diligently to make sure they stay poor. All the while these men of the cloth are blaming the plight of their flock on the "white man" and "the white system"...........
You sound really ignorant to make such a blanket statement like that.
I continue to suffer from "CHRONIC AMAZEMENT" from your replies...so much so that they continue to be a head shaker. Regarding the Rev Wright issue first give it a rest. The more you try to make the connection the more it just doesn't stick.
Here's why:
An ex-roommate of mine and former best friend. Confided in my that his father and grand-father were card carrying members of the KKK. I sat there in stun silence and when he was done. I asked him what is your relationship with him now? He said to I don't have a relationship because our "core values are not the same".
When I found out I could have said oh since your father and grandfather are members of the KLAN that you have to be a bigot also. That would be narrow minded of me and my parents did not raise me that way.
They did raise to with knowledge that. I will encounter racial bigotry in the country in my life on some level and they gave me the tools to deal with it.
You have never been to Rev Wright's church how could you say that Obama has graduated from his University of Racism.
It's just CRAZY!
Not only is offensive....it doesn't show you in a very popular light either. Rev. Wright has some issues that's true and he is also a racist.
John you also seem to forget that Obama was raised by his grandparents who incidentally are white.
Barricade said[quote][cite]John43620 said[/cite]HndsmKansan said; "Obama sounded like the next President of the United States"
I disagree, he sounds.... It's an interesting phenomenon in the "African-American" community that the clergy can tell the people what they want to hear, then rake in the chips. The clergy rails about the suffering of "The Poor" in their community and then work diligently to make sure they stay poor. All the while these men of the cloth are blaming the plight of their flock on the "white man" and "the white system"...........
You sound really ignorant to make such a blanket statement like that.
Actually, he sounds like an all-bottom right wing idelogical zombie with a textbook case of gayface.
Ducky44, Do I detect the "Race Card"? I suggest another thread for that.
I don't base my opinions by race, it's culture that I find to be the key element. I live in the "African-American" community. My observations are; members of the African American community hinge their culture on religion and their clergy cheat them. In return they get the reinforcement that they're just fine and it's the white community that oppresses them. In exchange, their clergy gets rich.
This must cause an enormous amount of resentment and must lead to the violence and anti-social behavior here in my community and many other "African-American" communities. This, I think will probably hinder the votes for Barrack Obama. Resentment breeds more resentment.
Although Barrack Obama was raised by a white family, he was trained by Reverend Wright and his philosophy. I've seen it before. When I was on my first hitch in the Army we had an "African-American" in my platoon that was adopted and raised by a white family. He had to work very hard to fit into the "Brother" culture within the platoon in the late 70s. It was an amazing transformation from just another soldier in the platoon to resentment and hostility over "white oppression".
This unfortunate phenomenon of a devious clergy exists in some white communities too. Religion can be an evil thing.
If you're going to play the race card, there's no way we can discuss the matter honestly.
I don't want to be ageist, but in this instance I think I have to be, somehow. McSame looked old, unsteady and a bit confused wandering around the stage, period. And with the VP pick of Post Turtle, how could anyone in their right mind feel comfortable with the ticket.
I also think there were 2 very racist things that he did. First by referring to Obama as "That one", and second when he said to the black guy, that asked a question, that he had probably never heard of Frannie or Freddie. How in the hell could he make that statement!
I felt the energy of the debate was kind of low. I think Obama could do better but maybe he is holding back. McCain is too negative. The problem with that is once an attack is made then the other has to defend and that eats time. I think Obama is better at thinking things through and studying things which is what I like about him. If I didn't read so much, I am not sure I would understand what Obama is really like. I wish he could express some of that stuff better but am not sure a debate really allows for that.
I felt that McCain sounded good, but the stuff he says doesn't seem to represent what he really is. He tries to come off as a diplomat, but I think in reality he is kind of a Hot Head for example. He sounds and acts like he really hates Obama even when Obama agrees with him. He sounded contemptuous when he called Obama "that one". If nothing else, McCain's anger will do himself in. Obama should become more inspirational again. That's what everyone needs now. He has a plan and now he needs to bring back that inspiration he had in the beginning.
BTW, here are some people who can read between the lines and see Obama's intelligence and potential .. remember how Obama said it is important to see around the corner when it comes to national security in the debate? (see below)
The spies who love Obama The team of former intelligence professionals who have come together to advise Barack Obama describe a candidate who they believe is open-minded and intellectually inclined to absorb information—not just the recognized current threats (terrorism, Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, a resurgent and more belligerent Russia), but the ones on the horizon (nuclear terrorism, water wars, climate change and the conflicts it could generate).
What I found most amusing was how McCain kept hovering around the stage as Obama spoke and then shot him these looks that said, "Look here boy, don't get too uppity or else they'll be sum fixin goin on..."
That said, they were both quite dry and the audience was more succint in their questions than either candidate in their responses. Obama's tone said more "President" than McCain's to me, but substantively, they weren't so different as all of that. Given the millions of things both could have been asked or called out on, I thought the questions were quite lightweight with the moderator all but falling asleep on the job ("Um, guys, please stay within the guidelines for the 1,000 time").
Would someone please, please, PLEASE, point out this oxymoronic idea of clean coal or safe nuclear energy. Last I heard, coal was hardly "clean" and there's no way (unless I'm misinformed) as of today to properly dispose of/store/recycle nuclear waste (not to mention that nuclear power plants have a lifespan of less than a century).
MunchingZombie saidblah. I heard the same talking points from both candidates on the same issues.
True, at one point I found myself answering their questions for them, and I was within the 1 minute limit. My boyfriend had to calm me down and tell me that there are actually people that haven't heard the talking points from either candidate, nor had they gone to the various websites and researched, so they have to repeat their commercials again.
Without trying to, he reminded me of how I was during the Bush/Gore run for Presidency. Uninformed and listening to the debates more than anything else. Good Lord was I uninformed; and thank God I live in the state that I do. Just wish the outcome of that one was better.
Did anyone else notice the older gentleman in the red sports coat who was sleeping near the end of the debate?
silverfox1 saidIf McCain says "My friends" one more time I think I am going to vomit.
I couldn't agree more. He used it so many times it sounded condescending, not to mention annoying. At the end I would have been happy for him to call me "that one."
I don't think either ran away with it, certainly no home runs here, but Obama did come across as more presidential, no doubt. He didn't resort to snarkiness like McCain ("that one" or mentioning "hair plugs"). McCain still did not mention "middle class." He just doesn't get it. But, I think Obama was substantive. And I just thought he demonstrated the temperament of a president.
But the pressure was on McCain. He either needed to tower above Obama, which he didn't, or he needed Obama to falter in a major way, which he didn't. So, based on those criteria alone, Obama won.
I agree with CuriousJock. This format sucked. It didn't really offer up anything new, and at times it seemed the candidates just pulled lines from their stump speeches. Brokaw was awful. I didn't mind the candidates going long to thoroughly explain things, and they were both guilty of that. But Brokaw seemed weak. And some of his questions were bad or simply repetitive from the first debate. EXTREMELY disappointing.
Actually, its the American people who are losing because neither of them can give a straight answer to any question nor bring themselves to challange the premise of the so-called "war on terror". All this talk about "sacrifice" and such shit, it's really rich coming from two wealthy people.
(I'm sure that a sacreligous comment to some, but my opinion anyway.)
John43620 said I disagree, he sounds like Reverend Wright or Reverend Ike. It's an interesting phenomenon in the "African-American" community that the clergy can tell the people what they want to hear, then rake in the chips....
Ducky44, Do I detect the "Race Card"? I suggest another thread for that.
I don't base my opinions by race, it's culture that I find to be the key element. I live in the "African-American" community. ... and many other "African-American" communities.... "African-American" ... "Brother" ...
If you're going to play the race card, there's no way we can discuss the matter honestly.
OH. MY. LORD.
Really? REALLY???
First things first. Thread-relevant statement: Whether or not I agree that he sounded like a black preacher, it should be noted that there are elements of a black preacher's style that are going to work wonders in the medium in which Obama finds himself (take a note on your little pad, McCain). Secondly, I would (more accurately) call it a southern preacher's style, which would be a familiar and effective means of connecting with some conservative, heartland folks who wouldn't ordinarily be open to engaging a Democratic candidate.
Now to the not-so-thread-relevant stuff: John, your posts here ooze racism. 1) Clergy raking in the chips is ANYTHING but an "African American" phenomenon. Ever heard of Jim Baker? Jimmy Swaggart? The Roman Catholic Church? 2)You feel compelled to habitually put African-American in quotation marks and you don't think there are race issues there-- Constantly using punctuation to delineate black people as "others"?
I trust that you don't believe you're being racist, and that's what's most frightening.
Look, I generally have low expectations from your posts. I don't expect them to be intelligent, mature, respectful or credible in any way, but it's time you started limiting your diatribes to things you actually know about.
EricLAThis format sucked. It didn't really offer up anything new, and at times it seemed the candidates just pulled lines from their stump speeches. Brokaw was awful. I didn't mind the candidates going long to thoroughly explain things, and they were both guilty of that. But Brokaw seemed weak. And some of his questions were bad or simply repetitive from the first debate. EXTREMELY disappointing.
My understanding is that McCain decided to punish NBC and not grant it any interviews. Tom Brokaw was dispatched to prostrate himself before McCain, lick his feet and promise that the network would be fair and square with the Maverick. I believe that deference got expressed, intentionally or not, last night.
Also, the event really didn't adhere to the Town Hall format, so the two candidates were competing to get the last word constantly. It wasn't anything like a real conversation with the audience.
EricLAThis format sucked. It didn't really offer up anything new, and at times it seemed the candidates just pulled lines from their stump speeches. Brokaw was awful. I didn't mind the candidates going long to thoroughly explain things, and they were both guilty of that. But Brokaw seemed weak. And some of his questions were bad or simply repetitive from the first debate. EXTREMELY disappointing.
My understanding is that McCain decided to punish NBC and not grant it any interviews. Tom Brokaw was dispatched to prostrate himself before McCain, lick his feet and promise that the network would be fair and square with the Maverick. I believe that deference got expressed, intentionally or not, last night.
Also, the event really didn't adhere to the Town Hall format, so the two candidates were competing to get the last word constantly. It wasn't anything like a real conversation with the audience.
Yes, read that about Brokaw, too. I looked for bias in his approach last night, and wasn't really aware of any. But, this morning on the Today Show, if I heard him correctly -- and I think I did -- Brokaw described the two shaking hands at the end. Well, no, Obama extended his hand towards McCain, and McCain deferred pointing to his wife and the two of them shook hands.
But, no this was a pale imitation of a Town Hall format.
What a snooze. A "debate" in which 2 people who aspire to lead us stick to their canned talking points and take pot shots at each other is neither informative nor entertaining. It was followed by bored and, therefore, boring commentary from TV's "greatest political team." (I watched CNN.)
At least Obama showed he has some appreciation for what it's like to be an ordinary guy in tough economic times. But his affect was so controlled. I was disappointed.
That said, McCain's glib assurances that he also understands confirmed how out of touch he is to this viewer/likely voter. Here's a guy thinks he should be President because he has gone against the crazies in his own party on occasion and because -- wait, why else? The man doesn't know what he stands for. He just knows he's good and does what he can to raise questions about his opponent's character. McCain's changed positions so many times, I can't blame him for not knowing his own mind. Protean Pops, get thee to a retirement home!
I think McCain spent far too much time trying to tell us why Obama (or his policies) was wrong, rather than why he (or his polices) was right. I also think Obama spent too much time pointing the finger right back at McCain (and at W). With the current economic crisis, the country doesn't want to see finger pointing between the parties or the candidates; they want to hear ideas for how to fix the situation.
That said, I agree with the OP that Obama came across as much more presidential. I thought McCain came across as a man who felt he was uniquely qualified for the job (which makes his VP pick, who is clearly NOT qualified, all the more interesting). He clearly didn't respect his opponent (and in fact couldn't or wouldn't look at him at all) and was angry -- perhaps even seething -- that anyone, let alone an apparent majority of the electorate -- disagreed with him that he was uniquely qualified for the job. I think that anger spilled over in moments like his hissing "that one" at Obama with a dismissive gesture (again, without looking at him).
I think McCain needed a clear win to change the momentum. I think, from the perspective of his campaign, this was at best a draw.
I think John won hands down, He is the only man who ever fought for you, served prison time for you. Give him a chance. What has Obama done to serve his country? NOTHING.
JohnG16775 saidI think John won hands down, He is the only man who ever fought for you, served prison time for you. Give him a chance. What has Obama done to serve his country? NOTHING.
George McGovern fought for me. Heroically. Did more than get shot down. Somehow the patriotic right didn't want that decent man to be President.
JohnG16775 saidI think John won hands down, He is the only man who ever fought for you, served prison time for you. Give him a chance. What has Obama done to serve his country? NOTHING.
There's more than one way to serve your country. And military service isn't a golden ticket to the big show. I don't know if you've ever read anything Obama has written, but that's a man who loves our country, what it stands for and it's founding principles. From what has come to light about McCain, I can't confidently say that I believe he lives his slogan: Country First. I've seen a lot of self-interest throughout his career. What's changed that should merit a chance?
Obama won this time. McCain is a jerk and a liar. I can't believe Republicans don't see that. McCain started talking about bailing out home mortgage takers? I was watching and thinking, what the fuck did he just say? Remember small government John? Perhaps not. John McCain sound like President Bush in that debate. He was slow and I was waiting for him to finish his fucking sentence.
I don't care if John McCain have enough experiences in the Middle East. That doesn't mean he is right. Everything he talk about the Middle East is a big lie. Only thing he is right is Iran in Iraq attacking the U.S. troops.
JohnG16775 saidI think John won hands down, He is the only man who ever fought for you, served prison time for you. Give him a chance. What has Obama done to serve his country? NOTHING.
This seems to be the only argument you ever make for McCain, so let me ask you: Is serving as a POW sufficient reason -- by itself -- to vote for a candidate?
One request please: Elaborate on your answer as much as you want, but start it off with a direct yes or no.
Would someone please, please, PLEASE, point out this oxymoronic idea of clean coal or safe nuclear energy. Last I heard, coal was hardly "clean" and there's no way (unless I'm misinformed) as of today to properly dispose of/store/recycle nuclear waste (not to mention that nuclear power plants have a lifespan of less than a century).
I agree, I don't know why he is such an advocate for nuclear power. An alterior motive behind closed doors maybe?
JohnG16775 saidI think John won hands down, He is the only man who ever fought for you, served prison time for you. Give him a chance. What has Obama done to serve his country? NOTHING.
Seriously, is that your only criteria??? I respect McCain's service and sacrifice for our country. And, yes, we owe him a debt of gratitude. But that experience in no way prepares him to lead this nation. Does Obama's experience level concern me? Of course it does. But when I compare the two men I believe Obama's temperament is what we need. McCain will lead the country in much the same reckless manner as Bush has, and look where that's gotten us. There are many reasons why Obama has my vote. But it reaffirms my support when I look at the polls taken in other countries and how they hope we vote for Obama and the change in the world that he represents. They are hungry for change. They see McCain as continuing policies that have isolated this country from the world community. As far as I'm concerned, this trumps what McCain brings to the table. You need look only as far as the world markets to see how interconnected we all are. We need a president who can bring not only the nation together but the world.
Would someone please, please, PLEASE, point out this oxymoronic idea of clean coal or safe nuclear energy. Last I heard, coal was hardly "clean" and there's no way (unless I'm misinformed) as of today to properly dispose of/store/recycle nuclear waste (not to mention that nuclear power plants have a lifespan of less than a century).
I agree, I don't know why he is such an advocate for nuclear power. An alterior motive behind closed doors maybe?
Clean Coal technology is something that firms are working on and we need to make an investment into. Coal is not 100% clean yet, but it is approaching that. Further, our technological developments into clean coal has dramatically decreased the amount of emissions. That technology is not being implemented in developing nations like China and we need to begin a program to do that.
And nuclear technology. Yes, it is not perfect by any means. However, the alternative to nuclear right now is coal and natural gas. Nuclear is not a long-term solution, it is a technology we have now to use while developing other, cleaner technologies.
Solar, geo-thermal, or tidal energy is not yet at a point in the technology where it can meet our energy needs. So, expanding out nuclear program is a good idea, but one that will only take us so far. Thankfully, Obama's energy program is looking long term and includes development of these technologies.
