McCain then also failed to keep his own ultimatum to cancel his participation in Friday's debate unless congress passed a bill to lift the country out of crisis. McCain blinked.
Barack Obama not only held his own against John McCain on foreign policy issues that were supposed to be McCain's strong suit - he excelled. Obama made the observation that the Bush Administration along with McCain's old guard ideas placed the nation's focus, military and resources into the Iraq obsession while ignoring broader foreign policy issues. Both China and Russia have been making huge inroads into Latin and South America while we have been looking the other way, as Obama said "the conspicuous(ness) of their presence is only matched by our absence."
McCain also attempted to mock Obama's no pre-conditions policy to open up dialogue with leaders of indifferent nations. Obama laid it out quite well that it is precisely the "silent treatment" policy that has fueled only more animosity and confusion towards America. You can't tell a country to get rid of their indifference's before we can begin talking about them. It's a stupid policy. However, Obama is for opening up a dialogue with lower level officials first to lay a groundwork for a future no pre-conditions meeting. In some circles, it's known as diplomacy.
After the opening handshake, I can't think of one instance where McCain looked towards Obama much less look him in the eye. Obama rose above McCain's condescending undertones by showing warmth and respect for him, often looking his way and referring to the cold giggling Republican as "John."
While Obama was trying to engage McCain in a tug of open and equal dialogue, McCain had little to say in his own defense except to imply "he (Obama) doesn't understand" on numerous occasions. The attitude I've seen from McCain I've seen before mostly in bitter old men who think their shit don't stink. The generational gap was obvious. McCain is much older than his age.
Barack doesn't need much advice from me. But there's one thing that he needs to consider in the next debate and that is to get off his heels and go on the offensive - without being offensive.
As far as debating skills go, they were about equal. Perhaps giving Obama only a slight edge. But on the issues, grasp of facts, foreign policy and overall awareness, Obama excelled. I was surprised that McCain seemed able to keep a lid on his temper.
If anything the debate proved McCain's ideas are riddled with a disconnect from reality and the kind of provocative rhetoric that will only heighten alarms and create new enemies. McCain is a dangerous man - and not in a good way.
Did Kissinger Say No Conditions?
ABC News Excerpt: (Sept.15, 2008)
Former U.S.Secretary of State Henry Kissinger today told an audience in Washington, DC that the U.S. should negotiate with Iran "without conditions" and that the next President should begin such negotiations at a high level.
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