Understanding what Romney was doing at the debate

[andym]

I was dreading this debate, because Mitt Romney's strategy and tactics were very clear beforehand. He needed to humanize himself against the charges that he was an uncaring CEO (which in reality he is), and he needed to push the narrative that he is the economic savior of the US. He already gave away that he was going to play Reagan to Obama's Carter.

Unfortunately, what transpired helped Romney achieve his goals. Using a boatload of lies that the President didn't have time to contradict, and tuning his voice to vocalize like Reagan he largely pulled off what he wanted. President Obama even looked dour at times during the debate as Carter did in 1980. In my opinion, Carter actually did better against Reagan in 1980, the big problem then was that Reagan was a good actor and could come off as a nice old man and people were looking for a reason to dump Carter. Romney doesn't come off as a nice guy, in fact he does come off as a phony, but some people will be fooled, especially if the President doesn't deflate him with humor.

The winning narrative for Obama to use is that we've come along way thanks to Obama's policies, a new dawn is on the horizon, that Mitt Romney is saying anything to become President, and his ultraconservative policies will ruin America. I didn't hear enough of these themes at the last debate, but I hope to hear them at the next.

[DURHAM D]

1. I am surprised

that no one has done a Wac-A-Mitt cartoon.

[dkf]

2. And why is a new dawn on the horizon?

That is the question he needs to answer.

Or are you saying more of the same is the answer?

[andym]

4. A new dawn is on the horizon partly due to the effects of the stimulus

and the resiliency of the American economy, responding to increases in consumer spending. The proof is the number of jobs created since 2009, and the recent drop in unemployment which almost certainly heralds a stronger GNP/GDP soon.

[hollysmom]

3. I thought he came across aa bully

But that is the real him anyway.

hey, isn't the US in an anti-bullying mood? I guess things never change, Mean girls are popular as are mean boys.

[Fumesucker]

5. Do you mean to say that it's morning in America?

[andym]

7. Dawn in America

See here:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/10021484658

[JI7]

6. Romney DID NOT come off as Reagan and that's where he failed

Romney was only seen as having won the debate. mostly because Obama did not come off as strong and passionate but he has always been more professor like in debates . but Romney himself did not gain much in terms of giving hope, being likable , being human and anything else he needed to really convince people to get on his side.

[Generic Brad]

8. Humor is a great weapon

Getting people to laugh at a bully totally diffuses their attempts to dominate through fear.