Analysis: No "Element of Entertainment" in First Presidential Debate
By: KARK 4 News
Updated: October 4, 2012
Arkansas political strategists Bill Vickery and Gabe Holmstrom joined KARK 4 following Wednesday night's debate to break down what worked and what didn't.
Both agreed that moderator Jim Lehrer did a substandard job of keeping President Obama and Mitt Romney on topic, and allowed them to control the debate. As for the candidates, both agreed that Romney gave a strong performance, while Obama struggled to give clear answers to debate questions. Vickery, however, didn't seem to think that Romney's performance was enough to generate momentum. Polls have shown Romney sinking since the Republican National Convention.
While the debate was heavy on policy specifics, Holmstrom and Vickery said the debate lacked the energy and excitement that was expected as Obama and Romney squared off for the first time. You can see their full comments in the attached video.
The next presidential debate will be Tuesday, October 16th. Unlike Wednesday's debate, it will be a town hall format, with voters asking questions of the candidates.
Both agreed that moderator Jim Lehrer did a substandard job of keeping President Obama and Mitt Romney on topic, and allowed them to control the debate. As for the candidates, both agreed that Romney gave a strong performance, while Obama struggled to give clear answers to debate questions. Vickery, however, didn't seem to think that Romney's performance was enough to generate momentum. Polls have shown Romney sinking since the Republican National Convention.
While the debate was heavy on policy specifics, Holmstrom and Vickery said the debate lacked the energy and excitement that was expected as Obama and Romney squared off for the first time. You can see their full comments in the attached video.
The next presidential debate will be Tuesday, October 16th. Unlike Wednesday's debate, it will be a town hall format, with voters asking questions of the candidates.
Comments
I believe that Obama was respectful in this debate while Romney was very rude and gave me the feeling that he believes the American people are stupid. Just my opinion.
Norma S.
October 4, 2012 at 7:23 am
