Resembling nothing like the lop-sided debate of Bush-Kerry, the Obama-McCain debate was almost not a debate. In a perfect waste of two hours, there was rarely any testy exchange and the two leaders avoided saying anything that may cost them votes. Even though it was originally a debate devoted to foreign policy, Obama and McCain spent the first half addressing issues that is on everyone’s mind - the economy. Several key points worth nothing:
- Both leaders said they will only sign the bailout bill depending on the language. (Too vague for my understanding.)
- McCain tried to portray Obama as a novice who was not ready to lead the United States in relations with foreign leaders, while Obama painted McCain as having bad judgment, starting with his support of the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
- McCain proved himself to be too confrontational with threats as his main arsenal for foreign relations. Obama showed an understanding of using diplomacy, military and economic power as tools.
- Neither candidate addressed relations with China despite it being the most important economic and strategic relationship the new president will have. Nor did they address the importance of the health of the economy to national security and global dominance.
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