Socio-Political contributor – Ron Belgrave
Did someone spike the President’s water on stage? The US Secret Service had better investigate because it is clear that Barack Obama was not up to his usual standards of engagement and sharp response in the first of the Presidential Debates with Mitt Romney on 3 October.
It was a somewhat deflated performance, lacking in energy. Even when, by seeking to cut public broadcast funds, Romney openly admitted his intention to kill off Big Bird – the fluffy, yellow, cute icon of TV’s Sesame Street, beloved of all little children and adults (remembering their own childhood) – President Obama hardly responded to that gifted opportunity.
In addition to the moment when Romney, in effect, called out his own five sons
President Obama and challenger Gov. Mitt Romney. Courtesy photo: CBS news
as liars (see video here) there were seven other key gifted opportunities (see list here) in the 90-minute debate for Obama to make humorous but pointed retorts that would have swayed everything to his benefit and left him as the clear “winner” in this bout.
And, given that Romney had not only been trailing in the polls but had suffered a series of awful gaffes by him and his team (the “47%” video, “legitimate rape” etc.) such a win for Obama would have all but demolished his opponent’s chances in the forthcoming election.
But, sadly, Obama did not take those opportunities and often looked unconfident and unsure of himself.
Who will be president? Democrat Barack Obama or Republican Mitt Romney?
Perhaps it was because he was trying to stick to his pre-prepared script, to retain a dignified distance and not to be aggressive.
Perhaps it was because Romney was appearing to be inconsistent, backtracking and reneging on things previously said and that Romney had no fear of exuding “controlled aggression” and throwing verbal darts.
To round it all off, in their 2-minute each summaries at the end of the debate, Romney looked straight into the camera addressing the estimated 40million viewers direct. Obama did not, thus losing a vital opportunity to connect with the undecided voters.
Either way, it was not so much that Romney won the debate but that Obama lost it.
Cultural icon Big Bird to be axed
Barack Obama will have to do better in the next presidential debate on 16 October. But, between now and then, three things would have to happen.
First, his campaign team will need to follow through on all those Romney gaffes that Obama did not pick up on; secondly, his deputy (Joe Biden) will need to shine when it’s his turn in the Vice-Presidential debate on 11 October; and, thirdly, Obama must, as the Americans say, exude a level of “swagger” when he’s next out on the debate floor.
Compassion and sensitivity are natural winning attributes for President Obama
but, as the race heats up approaching the election date finishing line (6 November), some “aggression”, with a little Usain Bolt swagger, is not only what’s needed to win but what his party, supporters and voters all want to see in their leader to make them feel confident.
And remember Mr. President, Marley’s Mellow Mood is not an energy drink – to insert a little zest into your next debate performance it might be best to try some Jamaican Boom instead!
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