Smirk vs. Smarm

Relief that the last debate is done, though I’m driven to watch them all.

Too many rehearsed talking points, not enough style, substance, passion. I know both guys are trying to please the masses and be mild and pleasant, but I could use a little more feistiness, a little bickering, something real. I know they both have plenty of character and strong beliefs under those politicians’ veneers. Let’s see it.

I am still way in favor of Obama, on so many levels, but wish he could come across a little less cocky and smirky, and show a little passion, verve, enthusiasm. After this debate, trying to detect my inner feelings and push down my normal rah rah Obama feelings, I’m left with thinking a little less of Obama, a little better of McCain, in spite of just reading this scary (but take it with a grain of salt) Rolling Stone bio of McCain. There is just no way I would want this volatile blinky old, albeit bright and practiced politician, running the country (not that the president really runs the country, but his attitude affects the way we feel about living in it, and the quality of life for ourselves and children and grandchildren).

I read Obama’s first book and feel that under the smooth arrogant exterior is a real person who I don’t believe is completely driven by hunger for power like some politicians. And what he stands for I believe in, but I can’t help wishing that in this debate he was just a bit more … dynamic, or something. This is the last debate before we vote and he should have wowed us. From reading the book I admire and respect him a lot, and feel that he has the charisma and charm and a certain realness and humanness that the dems’ last candidate sorely lacked. I am really really really hoping that he wins the election. I will be devastated if he doesn’t. But although he’s ahead, I’m scared because I have to say McCain carried himself pretty well in the last couple debates (in spite of too many “my friends” and “Joe the Plumber”s).

What do you think? Has your opinion of either man, as a man, as a potential president, changed since you watched this last debate?

A heck of a hottie, that darn, doggone Palin

My take on last night’s debate seems to be at odds with that of the applauding pundits who’re saying that because Palin didn’t act like an idiot a la the Couric interviews that she did a great job debating Biden. She began with a flirty giggle and “Can I call you Joe?” and went on through lots of hastily-crammed-into-her-brain factoids, spiced with plenty of “darn,” “heck” and “doggone.” Aw shucks, if anyone was playing Palin Bingo last night as a drinking game and had those words they’re nursing a hangover today for sure.

She changed the subject in order to toot her own horn more times than I can count, and even my Palin-adoring husband kept laughing and saying, “What was the original question?” But I was impressed–certainly not by her vice-presidential qualities or aptitude for foreign diplomacy–but by the fact that she managed to memorize more names and details in a very short time than a C-minus law student cramming for her first bar exam.

I hadn’t seen Joe Biden speak at length before and was impressed by his vast knowledge of foreign policy and current issues, his humanity, intelligence, eloquence and skill at speaking and debating. I laughed, though, when he said of John McCain, “I love him…I mean God love him.”

The concept of a debate’s having a true winner doesn’t make sense to me really, because points made by both candidates resonate with those disposed to agree with them. I haven’t changed my lack of admiration for Palin, but I do recognize her ability to act corny and memorize a lot of new information quickly.

Me hanging out at the mall with some dudes