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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:

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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.
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Comments (108)


  • Add A Comment

  • DesertRez wrote...
    Interesting article
    October 4, 2012 6:10 am
    I wonder if a lot of people in the media will turn on Obama to save some semblance of their reputation? Cult of personality is a dangerous thing...
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • vsekvsek wrote...
    saw this one coming
    October 4, 2012 6:11 am
    The guy never holds press conferences, never takes hard questions, goes on the view and David Lettermen and on a tough day reads from a teleprompter, the press covers his scandals. And I mean hes got scandals that would have had him impeached by now if he had an R next to his name. Now we are surprised he flounders big time? I saw this coming a mile away. Just just like its obvious a massive blowout election is coming. I dont believe any of those polls for a second. You libs had your fun in the sun now the adults will take back charge.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Mike_D34 wrote...
    The Debate
    October 4, 2012 6:22 am
    I'm an independent. I vote for the most competent, qualified individual. Sorry guys (gals.. whatever), last night was... what we call back home, a down-home, go-to-the-woodshed shellacking!!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Moondoggie wrote...
    I think Obama did OK
    October 4, 2012 6:35 am
    For a guy who has never accomplished anything. The media gush about how smart Obama is, but that doesn't make him smart.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mnpat wrote...
    Thank you Romeny for understanding the purpose of government
    October 4, 2012 6:36 am
    To defend the Constitution of these United States....unlike O-guy who feels it is to keep people safe.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • HLC wrote...
    It wasn't a surprise to me.
    October 4, 2012 6:47 am
    I knew Obozo was nothing more than an empty suit without a teleprompter. When can't run on your record and your opponent is much smarter then you, you are toast. Good on ya Mitt. Biden is next.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • TeeJay wrote...
    Romney was even better than Eastwood
    October 4, 2012 6:48 am
    Empty chair AND empty suit...classic
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    The sad part is
    October 4, 2012 6:53 am
    Romney was declared a winner in this debate simply because he has refused to be specific about any plans he has for this country and people just ate it up... This is what bothers me about politics... Americans prefer the guy that makes promises or says he has a plan but doesn't care that the man has provided zero clues as to how he's going to get there
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick (4) wrote...
    @Cbrew
    October 4, 2012 7:15 am
    Actually, Romney did discuss details of his plan. But the details is not what got the independents thinking Romney would be a great President, it was his leadership. Romney showed he could lead the country and get congress to work together. Obama showed that he is no leader but a manager who allows the broken congress to run the country.

    P.S. I did not see Obama show anything new to get the country running again as all he did was say he would stay with his current policies that are not working.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Rick are you for real?
    October 4, 2012 8:53 am
    How did he show that? The President flatly pointed out the truth, if Romney's plan on day 1 is to remove The affordable Care act then from Day 1 he is going to be telling Dems that he is not listening to anything they have to say.. That alone would continue the gridlock that has hurt this country from the beginning. You Repubs are doing the very same thing you accused Dems of doing with Obama, saying the man has little answers he's just good at talking... well that's what Romney did last night, No substance to his arguments just sitting there saying he has a plan to fix things but refusing to reveal any details of those plans... The President called him on it and Romney had no answer he avoided the fracking question. I know for folks like you with a simple mind, the Rhetoric is all you need, you don't need proof of how it's going to get done, you just need someone from your side to say it'll get done... Well that's not what America needs, America needs legitimate plans to fix the economy, legitimate plans to reduce the deficit and legitimate plans to reform Health care... Romney... over the entire process has put forward 0 plans to do any of that, any plan that has been linked to him I.E. the Ryan Budget or Romney's tax plan or even his health care bill... none of those plans have been put on paper in black and white... The simple reason why... SO NOBODY CAN ATTACK HIM ON THEM... It's so plain to see for me, Believe me i want the US to have a leader we can all believe in, i would be stoked if Romney was that guy, but i'm sorry i'm just not dumb enough to throw my support behind somebody that refuses to tell me how he's going to get it done, Candidates have the luxury of making wild promises on the campaign trail, Obama knows this because he made some he couldn't keep, Romney is doing the same thing but for some reason, everybody is just eating it up.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Go_Fish wrote...
    Cbrew, I had to laugh
    October 4, 2012 9:54 am
    I love how you call people that disagree with you simple minded. You forgot the tea bagger and KKK reference though. Shame. Oh and next time you try to insult us simple minded folks could you please use a paragraph or two. It kind of helps when we are reading your ramblings.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Go_Fish - what the frack are you even talking about you moron
    October 4, 2012 10:11 am
    Obviously i described you accurately, I never said anybody was a frackin KKK member or a teabagger, what the he!! are you even talking about.. I don't even know if i've ever talked to you before you dunce.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • mickel wrote...
    @ Cbrew
    October 4, 2012 8:15 pm
    I totally agree!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Bose, you're reading into this debate far too much...
    October 4, 2012 7:09 am
    The President didn't have a tough go in debates in the past? Clinton Challenged him... the Clinton's you idiot... that's a tougher challenge than any Republican candidate was to Mitt Romney. Just be honest Bose, to those of us that actually have half a brain, the reason Romney "won" this debate in the public's eyes is because Romney doesn't have a firm position to attack... he's never put his plans out there to be attacked... he's refused to put his plans out there because once known they can be picked apart... Romney dodges every attack on his position by simply acting stupid... Obama brings up the 5 trillion dollars that would be lost in Revenue that Romney would somehow pick up by closing loopholes... Obama points out that it's impossible to do that... Romney says... What you talkin bout Obama? What plan, what do you mean.. just plays absolutely stupid... The American people are unfortunately so dumb they're going for it... This is one of those times where the President is going to have to remember what Campaigns are about... He has to talk like a child because that's what the majority of the idiots in this country want, they don't facts and honesty... they want promises and rhetoric... That's what Romney was feeding all night long... Obama was trying to be accurate, concise, and knowing the challenges we face as a nation, provide a REAL idea of what can be done... All Romney had to do was be unrealistic and make promises he can't keep and boom! Repubs were all over it..
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick (4) wrote...
    @Cbreww
    October 4, 2012 7:18 am
    Sorry Cbrew but fact check showed that Obama was wrong with his $5T claim and in reality it would only be $454M if Romney just cut taxes across the board WITHOUT reducing credits and deductions. So if Romney also reduces these it would be a ZERO impact to revenue.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Moondoggie wrote...
    Cbrew
    October 4, 2012 7:10 am
    Obama promised that if we spent billions of dollars on stimuls he would keep unemployment under 8 percent. Obama promised to cut the deficit in half. Obama promised to close Gitmo. So, how's this Obama thing working out for you?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick W7PSK wrote...
    Moon
    October 4, 2012 7:26 am
    He just needs 4 more to "GIT ER DONE"
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Took 8 years for Bush to Git us Fracked up
    October 4, 2012 9:04 am
    Since 2010 when the job market hit bottom we've seen 5 million Private sector jobs added to the economy, I say that's a step in the right direction, the Stock Market has risen 60% since Obama took office, the S&P 70% and the Nasdaq 50%... The President's policies are having a net positive on the economy and i feel like you don't change the course when you are heading in the right direction... I'm sorry, I don't see the logic in changing courses when Romney still to this day refuses to provide a detailed plan to this country on how he would fix things, look I'm all ears i'm open minded i'll listen to anybody's ideas, but Romney has provided no details on how he intends to fix this country, he has proposed tax cuts to the wealthy, Statistics and history shows that hasn't worked, From 2007-2010 The top wage earners in America actually saw a net gain in their wealth meanwhile the economy took a nose dive... I'm sorry this guy is not laying out a clear plan and you folks are just eating up the rhetoric.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    Is this the way the left is going to do it? Statistics inflation ?
    October 4, 2012 9:16 am
    Even your fearless leader claims only 2.3M (when he gets the point right) over 4 years. And AT LEAST 200,000 are needed each MONTH to keep up with population. that's 2.4M EACH year.

    Now I've pullet the government monthly employment stats and they don't add up to your 5M. BUT, even if you were correct, 5M is mediocre at best even if you've limited it to 24 months exactly.

    .

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Ron Provost - look it up yourself fool it's true
    October 4, 2012 9:39 am
    I'm not inflating statistics that's what he's done, The Bureau of labor and statistics provided those numbers. The President Took over the Country and it was losing 800k jobs per month, Since the Job Market bottomed out in 2010 it's added about 5 million jobs. The President has a net Gain of around 300k jobs over his Presidency which includes 2 years of the Recession, The economy has added jobs for 30 consecutive Months.. No matter how you want to spin things Ron the bottom line is the economy is heading in the right direction and it was headed DOWN when he took office. You are like every other Republican i've talked to, you put your head in the sand and refuse to acknowledge anything good that happens under this Presidency and then blindly follow Romney who hasn't provided a single detail about how he would achieve the "goals" he's set for his Presidency... why do you trust Romney at his word but refute facts from Obama?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • ron prevost wrote...
    BLS September 7, 2012 :
    October 4, 2012 12:21 pm
    "Since reaching an employment trough in February 2010, private industry has added 4.6 million jobs, for a gain of 4.3 percent." and "Total private employment grew by 103,000 in August, bringing the year-to-date gain to 1.2 million".

    But government employment declined 660,000 since 2/2010 - so that leaves 3.94M. And, of course, those created jobs are mostly service related, so real wages per hour have declined substantially.

    But, then, let's go with 3,940,000 over those 30 months. That's 131,000 per month. ... WE STILL NEED 200,000 PER MONTH !

    .

    That 800K per month loss your team keeps citing was ONLY 797,000 for December, 2008, with Jan, 2009 @ 658,000 and nothing else under Bush higher than 480,000. BAD, but.. ... And most of the 18 month job loss after January 2008 was under Obama.

    .

    Now I will grant you we are heading in the right direction, but all that means now is that we are bleeding to death slower. .. But still bleeding to death. .. With stats like those, we should have never elected FDR because Hoover WAS making improvement.

    .

    And, no, I don't 'trust' Romney. But neither do I trust Obama. And the verification of Obama has shown him lacking. So.......... why should You, or antone, blindly go down the Yellow Beick Road in the hope Oz has an answer ?

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Rick (4) wrote...
    @Cbrew
    October 4, 2012 10:02 am
    It is obvious you did not watch the debate. During the debate, Romney said he would NOT cut taxes on the rich and actually close loophole that would raise taxes on the rich.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Rick i watched every minute
    October 4, 2012 10:09 am
    and you're kidding yourself, He said he would cut taxes and then close loopholes, which he claims would basically not be a tax cut, but fact checkers say this is not true. The problem with you Rick, is regardless of what Romney says, you believe him, i find you and people like you the scariest voters of all, because you're willing to take a politician at his word rather than make sure the guy has proof to back it up. Just like you believe all the rhetoric from the debate last night... you just eat that crap up because that's what it's designed to do, that's exactly how Romney designed his campaign, Give people Goals, not plans, tell them you'll do something but do not be specific... The dim-witted folks will just go with it and not question it.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cbrew wrote...
    Moondoggie - I Agree Promises on the Campaign trail are often bogus
    October 4, 2012 9:12 am
    I don't believe any politician unless they explain how they intend to do it. Candidate Obama back before he was elected had a mixed bag of promises and plans, he has learned from being President that not all things are as easy as what they say during the Campaign... So why do you believe Romney's Rhetoric when he has ZERO detailed plans for how to do any of the BS he spewed last night... Cut taxes for the wealthy and we'll see a positive outcome for the middle class? That has never worked it's proven historically that it does NOT work. He's going to close enough loopholes to pay for the lost revenue in his tax cuts, Prove it, Show me how you're going to do it because the President and Fact Checkers are right, You can't cover all the lost revenue by closing loopholes, you'll still have a NET loss in revenue and the only way you close that loss is by cutting services... did he tell ANYONE what he'd cut? NO he just said he wouldn't... WELL THEN HOW ARE YOU GOING TO MAKE UP THE LOSS REVENUE!? Either Romney will add to the National Debt or cut vital services. The President on the Other hand provided a 4 trillion dollar debt reduction plan that you can go to his website right now and look at if you want to... that's a legitimate plan... This is why i'm not fond of Presidential debates... people decide who won or lost based on the rhetoric and the presentation ability of the speaker not on the substance of their words or policies... Then the sheep move in and eat up the rhetoric.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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