Last Wednesday night kicked off the first of three Presidential Debates between President Barack Obama and Republican hopeful Mitt Romney. The debate’s primary purpose was to demonstrate the candidates’ different viewpoints regarding domestic issues. The President opened the debate by stating that “the most important [point of the night] was that 20 years ago, [he] became the luckiest man on earth because Michelle Obama agreed to marry [him].” In doing so, he created a positive rapport with the viewers by showing them that he is a dedicated family man.
Mitt Romney wished the President and First Lady a happy anniversary as well, but with a comedic twist suggesting that “this was the most romantic place [he] could imagine” spending his 20th anniversary. This too gives the viewer a positive perspective of Gov. Romney by demonstrating that he not only acknowledges the Obamas’ anniversary, but displays that he has a good sense of humor as well.
Although both candidates started off strongly, as the night progressed, it was apparent that only one candidate had come prepared; and that was Gov. Mitt Romney. This possibly is the result of two primary factors:
First, when Gov. Romney spoke, he was not only speaking to the country, but he was addressing the President directly. He exuded a certain confidence that frankly President Obama was lacking. This confidence made Gov. Romney sound more passionate and authoritative about the arguments he made. Obama, on the other hand, seemingly spoke “with his tail between his legs” taking more of a defensive approach towards Romney on most topics. To his detriment, Mr. Obama looked ill-prepared and appeared to lack knowledge on current issues that he should certainly know.
Second, Gov. Romney addressed each of Obama’s attacks line-for-line. In contrast, President Obama seemed rather disengaged by continually repeating his talking points ineffectively. Whether Al Gore’s controversial argument that “go[ing] to 5,000ft with only a few hours to adjust” is accurate or not, there is no logical explanation for why the President was at a loss of words and spirit.
In conclusion, I feel that Governor Mitt Romney arguably won the first round of presidential debates, but with two more in the near future, anything can happen. And so, the race continues!