I've been finding it interesting to read the people on blogs, news sites, whatever Wonkette is, etc covering "Snubgate" -McCain's refusal to shake Obama's hand after the debate last night. The main event was such a snoozefest that we turned off the TV as soon as possible, thus missing the scene. I can't say whether I'm sure McCain meant to snub Obama or if he just got caught up in the craziness of the moment and goofed. In any case, I do find it interesting that the McCains quickly bolted from the arena while the Obamas stayed around for as long as possible posing for pictures and talking to EVERYONE. I really appreciate that as a classy move.
I thought McCain did pretty well last night. I certainly wouldn't say Obama blew him away and I think that I might even give McCain the edge in the debate. Obama won the afterparty though.
Both Snubgate and the after party issue are interesting. I think in each case there are spots that were a McCain slip.
During the debate I think McCain was at his worst when he seemed short, angry, and generally spiteful. "That one," was perhaps the most clear cut moment of sheer spite, and the clip that will be played over and over much like Howard Dean's, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh" from '04. I think McCain slipped up on this front and it played poorly with swing voters/undecideds, as I think did Snubgate if your average swing voter even cares or caught the snub, which I'm sure many did not and may never.
On the sticking around/after party, I think your read is right. It made Obama seem engaged, genuine, interested in connecting with this small group that represented uncommitted America. Given that the people who were in those seats stand a strong likelihood of being interviewed here or there over the next week, this was likely a very smart investment of time. Strategically wise, well played.
Again, I don't think last night was a wiz-bang, certainly not for McCain, to my eye, but also not for Obama necessarily. I think McCain, however, needed something wiz-bang, and hence I think he loses big picture on this one.
2 comments:
I've been finding it interesting to read the people on blogs, news sites, whatever Wonkette is, etc covering "Snubgate" -McCain's refusal to shake Obama's hand after the debate last night. The main event was such a snoozefest that we turned off the TV as soon as possible, thus missing the scene. I can't say whether I'm sure McCain meant to snub Obama or if he just got caught up in the craziness of the moment and goofed. In any case, I do find it interesting that the McCains quickly bolted from the arena while the Obamas stayed around for as long as possible posing for pictures and talking to EVERYONE. I really appreciate that as a classy move.
I thought McCain did pretty well last night. I certainly wouldn't say Obama blew him away and I think that I might even give McCain the edge in the debate. Obama won the afterparty though.
Both Snubgate and the after party issue are interesting. I think in each case there are spots that were a McCain slip.
During the debate I think McCain was at his worst when he seemed short, angry, and generally spiteful. "That one," was perhaps the most clear cut moment of sheer spite, and the clip that will be played over and over much like Howard Dean's, "Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh" from '04. I think McCain slipped up on this front and it played poorly with swing voters/undecideds, as I think did Snubgate if your average swing voter even cares or caught the snub, which I'm sure many did not and may never.
On the sticking around/after party, I think your read is right. It made Obama seem engaged, genuine, interested in connecting with this small group that represented uncommitted America. Given that the people who were in those seats stand a strong likelihood of being interviewed here or there over the next week, this was likely a very smart investment of time. Strategically wise, well played.
Again, I don't think last night was a wiz-bang, certainly not for McCain, to my eye, but also not for Obama necessarily. I think McCain, however, needed something wiz-bang, and hence I think he loses big picture on this one.
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