Hear David Boze every weekday at 6am on 770 KTTH
 David Boze
Get David's Books
The Little Red Book of Obamunism: Quotations from The One
It's the must-have election resource of 2012! It's a pocket-sized collection that reveals not just what the president says, but what he means!
Buy it now on Amazon.com
Look inside: Read a sample

Kumar Joe, The Singing Crow
Kumar Joe, the Singing Crow is the tale of a little crow who was born with a heart for music, but not a voice for it.
Buy it now on Amazon.com
Look inside: Read a sample



AP: b54e6096-3dbe-4b92-9f64-20b3cf75c8cd
Mitt Romney and Barack Obama meet in their first presidential debate. (AP Photo/file)

Presidential debate: The celebrity had no clothes

BY David Boze  on October 4, 2012 @ 5:57 am (Updated: 8:53 am - 10/10/12 )

For the past couple of weeks, the Obama campaign has sought to downplay expectations for the President's debate performance - not because they really expected him to lose, but because they thought it would aid the president in delivering wounds to Romney in the first face-to-face battle.

Even the president's crowds didn't believe it. When he asked who would score the most points, they would shout, "YOU WILL!" even when Obama was trying to convince them of what a "good debater" Romney was and that he was just "okay."

Well Wednesday night President Obama failed to live up to being "okay." He looked shocked to have his record challenged. He was annoyed, tired, small ("I had 5 seconds before you interrupted me!" - and that to Jim Lehrer!).

For the first time, Obama had an opponent that would go toe-to-toe and was unhindered in challenging him. Prior to this, Obama had led a charmed political life. When running for state office he got ALL of his opponents off the ballot due to a technicality. His Republican opponent for U.S. Senate self-imploded in a tawdry sex scandal. His next opponent, Alan Keyes, imploded on impact. Obama then faced Hillary, who didn't take him seriously until it was too late. She found out that being critical of Obama was a dangerous thing for a base she needed. Also, to do so could get her labeled "racist." Then came McCain, whose tough, heroic life made him seem older than he is. McCain was constrained by his sense of honor and civility. Then the financial crisis hit and he suspended his campaign, I think he actually thought Obama might do the same. Instead Obama made him look like a man trying to figure out what to do. And the rest is history.

Meanwhile, when the president has made a mistake or gaffe, the press has been there to provide cover- sometimes in the form of no coverage. Rev. Wright? Irrelevant! 57 states? Could happen to anyone! No security for our Ambassador in Libya on the anniversary of 9-11? Mitt Romney is a gaffe machine! And on and on it goes.

But tonight, Obama only had himself and Romney had a chance to speak directly to the American people, and directly to the president - and he made the most of it.

From the beginning, Romney set the perfect tone. He made a joke. Americans love to laugh and Romney showed some of the personal charm those who know him rave about. Then he cut into the president's record and rhetoric with relentless persistence - often with a smile, always with respect. He was a happy warrior. An articulate fighter for the conservative cause the GOP has not had since Reagan. From "trickle down government" to "I've been in business for 25 years, and I have no idea what you are talking about!" to effective challenges of the president's job record and spending plans, Romney showed a passion and ability he's never displayed on the national scale before. (It also exposed the lie about "gaffe-prone" Mitt the left-leaning press has been eager to foster.)

Even Obama supporters had to have been shocked. While the president stood on stage and asserted he never claimed to be more than a man, they had to remember that he had promised receding oceans and planetary healing. When he claimed to be "just a man" who would "fight for them every single day" what had once seemed the promise of superman, now seemed the tired line of an actor who is tired of the play they are in. Obama was exposed as the celebrity with no clothes.

The left enjoys mocking Romney's name by calling him "Mittens." Wednesday night they learned that those "mittens" can double as boxing gloves.

Romney wins the night with a TKO.

You might also be interested in:

Tom Tangney: Romney doesn't need zingers to score debate win

Dave Ross Commentary: It boils down to...Donald Trump

Listen: Dave and Dori debate the debate

MyNorthwest.com Voter's Guide: Our hosts' picks

Fact check: Presidential debate missteps

David Boze, KTTH Talk Show Host
David hosts a radio show on Seattle's only conservative talk station, KTTH. He enjoys hunting big game and attending the Seattle Symphony.
More David Boze

MyNorthwest.com - Purpose of Comments statement
Bonneville Media encourages site users to express their opinions by posting comments. Our goal is to maintain a civil dialogue in which readers feel comfortable. At times, the comments can descend to personal attacks. Please do not engage in such behavior. We encourage your thoughtful comments which: have a positive and constructive tone, are on topic, are respectful toward others and their opinions. Bonneville reserves the right to remove comments which do not conform to these criteria.

Comments (101)


  • Add A Comment

  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    It's now up to the Chicago thugs to pull their boy out of the crapper
    October 4, 2012 5:25 am
    and to knee cap Romney. I expect a Tonya Harding moment coming. They are desperate.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • fishnpol wrote...
    It just goes to show
    October 4, 2012 5:26 am
    If the liberals still believe all of Obama's BS, not only are they drinking the Koolaid but they must have it spiked with LSD.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • SickofSeattleite wrote...
    whats not to like about
    October 4, 2012 5:29 am
    Romney?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • It's me! Ha ha! wrote...
    I don't watch the debates as a rule.
    October 4, 2012 5:30 am
    Last night I simply did not have the time to. I would like to have watched the Dear Leader be backed into a corner and be forced to answer the questions we Americans have been asking for 4 years.

    Did the Dear Leader coherently answer any of them? Or just blame it all on Bush?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    more fun than the debate
    October 4, 2012 5:34 am
    was watching Chris Matthews melt down afterwards. He lost that tingly feeling.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • maplefish wrote...
    @Paul Kersey
    October 4, 2012 5:42 am
    Tat was hilarious! Chris Mathews was a Lost little boy with no one to pay with last night. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't get anyone to agree with him. Romney took Barry apart on every subject. Obama Must Go...,
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • cdbtx wrote...
    The best part
    October 4, 2012 5:42 am
    I really liked the format. This was what a debate should be about and removes the moderator from the discussion.

    Hopefully we'll see this format going forward.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    Well, I said Mitt Romney was not John McCain.......
    October 4, 2012 5:42 am
    And apparently Barack Obama is no Bill Clinton.

    OK, Mitt wasn't as polished as a Ronald Reagan, but he didn't have to be. When running from a bear, all you have to be is faster than the other guy - and Romney was a whole lot faster than Obama. I think Oz was trying to find that hidden teleprompter that 'must be there'.

    And, BTW, while Oz wanted numbers, he couldn't keep his own straight. "We've created 23 million jobs...". And I thought 2 POINT 3 million was an stretch. ... Must have been confused by the 23 million LOOKING for work. ....... Dang hard to spin a live debate.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    let's see... which cards will they play now?
    October 4, 2012 5:44 am
    the anti-Mormon card?....the race card?....the class card?...the whole deck of jokers?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Mean while
    October 4, 2012 5:49 am

    The more educated voters saw a president who detailed what he was trying to do and how he is going to continue to progress forward and the challenger promise the moon without any specifics about his plan other than Ronald Reagan did it this way and to trust me, lol.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    Guru
    October 4, 2012 5:53 am
    does the Kool-Aid taste good at least. Really, you think he was detailed. He looked bored, aloof and like he didn't want to be there. He pointed nothing out and was lost in his notes.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    sportsguru
    October 4, 2012 6:10 am
    your Obama phone is about to get disconnected.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Paul Kersey
    October 4, 2012 6:21 am

    So you really think I have a government phone Paul,lol. Good for you man, yeah, I have a Obama phone and if he doesn't get elected, I will loose my welfare check and my public housing and will be left to wonder homelessly around and ask for spare change.

    Brilliant deduction Paul, similar to your article that I read a couple of weeks ago in a KKK newsletter, powerful mind and a brilliant orator you are sir.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    I won't take that personally sport
    October 4, 2012 6:28 am
    I know you are having a bad day. Lash out at me if it makes you feel better....just know that you are not alone. MSNBC is suffering with you.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • sportsguru wrote...
    Paul Kersey
    October 4, 2012 6:43 am

    Lashing out? I think not Mr. Kersey, I see that you watch a lot of MSNBC, good for you. You seen me lash out on this forum before and my post is not even close to what you are indicating.

    I think we would actually get along fine if I actually looked similar to you, unfortunately that is not the case and we are forever going to be at odds because of your hate for me. Too bad, I actually think that you are a brilliant man that has been brainwashed into thinking that I am your MORTAL ENEMY.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Paul Kersey wrote...
    huh guru??? I don't even know what you look like
    October 4, 2012 7:03 am
    and you don't know what I look like....and BTW, I don't hate you either (even if I do think your political leanings are destructive and dangerous).... I have no idea what was in your KKK articles that you read with Chuck. This is a good example of the racial demagoguery that is practiced by your political party. It is poison, and you seem to be overdosing on it. You claim to be black, Chuck claims to be white...I don't really care about your skin tones, but you two seem obsessed with it. I have never revealed my skin shade, but you think you have figured it out, huh? :)
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RonJ wrote...
    Guru
    October 4, 2012 9:23 am
    were you watching the same debate as the rest of us?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • IMFREE wrote...
    Moon
    October 5, 2012 11:24 am
    "The more educated" voters, saw the POTUS, looking like the "real" person that he is. He has no record to stand on, and no way to defend it.Without a teleprompter, having to actually debate on his feet, he did not look very impressive, and I am being very kind in my description. Romney did explain his plan in enough detail for "the more educated" voters to understand what needs to be done to restore our once great nation to it's basic roots, which worked pretty well until 08 when the "less educated" folks voted into office the least qualified person to "ever" hold the office.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Zoeller wrote...
    Obama a was just being himself last night.
    October 4, 2012 5:52 am
    The complete and utter joke of a POTUS that he is.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Concerned US Citizen wrote...
    Clothes?
    October 4, 2012 5:57 am
    The celebrity had no clothes? Sorry but I think he had no teleprompter to keep his lies straight. This debate showed just what an empty suit we currently have as president. Not that I love Mitt but he sounded so much more like a person who could LEAD our country and get both sides to work together. Who do you think will better be able to create jobs to get the 47% back to work and I don't mean minimum wage burger flipping jobs?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }