At the Debate, Obama Does Not Soar

[ccpup]

The paradox that is Barack Obama came into sharp, almost painful, focus tonight: He is, at once, one of the best television candidates in political history and one of the more underwhelming.

Obama’s political star was launched when he delivered a dazzling address on national television at his party’s convention in 2004. His oratory was mesmerizing, his message inspiring, and his appearance and manner made him an instantly likable figure to millions of Americans. That Obama—Big Speech Obama—is tailor-made for television.

But then there’s Debate Obama, a hesitant, stuttering, easily rattled and mostly unsmiling public performer who litters his platitudes and “uh’s” and misses countless opportunities to throw his opponents’ taunts back in their faces. Debate Obama unwittingly affirms Hillary Clinton’s suggestion that he lacks the seasoning to withstand the scrutiny of a fall campaign and leaves those who have only seen Big Speech Obama wondering, “Is this really the same guy?”

The shortcomings of Debate Obama were once again on display tonight in Myrtle Beach, S.C. They aren’t easily visible in transcripts and print news summaries, but anyone watching the proceedings on television—and there were several million such people tuning in on CNN—could see them, particularly when Obama’s two rivals directly engaged him.

more at link:

http://www.observer.com/2008/debate-obama-does-not-soar

[jannyk]

1. K&R

[rodeodance]

2. rec

[sunonmars]

3. Basically he can deliver whats written for him but can't.....

stand up with the big hitters when they hang him out to dry. It was like watching a puppy get taunted by 2 Rottweilers last night.

I was amazed last night, I've been hard on Edwards in the past but a Clinton/Edwards may not be such a bad thing.

If those two tag team you, you know about it.

[NMDemDist2]

4. hubby agrees totally, says the guy can't think on his feet n/t

[CyberPieHole]

5. Agreed. Kick and recommend.n/t

[hayu_lol]

6. No doubt that Obama is a powerful speaker...

I read someplace months ago that he writes his own stuff. That convention speech of '04 was one of the most powerful I've ever heard. Shame that the media did not broadcast it...their concentration was elsewhere.

If he writes his own stuff(kudos for that), then he has the ability to memorize quickly that Reagan had--perhaps the reason he thinks highly of Reagan. Reagan of course, would not know what he was reading, only that he had a script in his hand.

But, Obama does not do well in direct confrontation. He would not be a good debater and shows little evidence that he can handle debate. Perhaps thats why he chose not to be a confrontational attorney, like Edwards for example.

His 'zingers' sound like they are placed on a rack in his mind and brought out when he thinks them necessary.

[ccpup]

7. actually he has a very, very talented 26 year old

white guy -- John Favreau -- write his speeches.

[Marie26]

8. For real?

Ugh, so what's left that's actually Obama?

[ccpup]

9. the delivery and a love of the audience's adulation?

:shrug:

[goldcanyonaz]

10. Obama's Speechwriter: A Baby Faced, 26-Year-Old White Guy

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/01/19/obamas-speechwriter-a-b_n_82301.html

Was posted here the other day.

[goldcanyonaz]

11. He was like a deer caught in the headlights. He does much better when giving speeches,

debates, aren't his forte.

[sunonmars]

12. There was one point last night when Edwards cornered him on Healthcare

I thought he was gonna bust out crying.

[MoonRiver]

13. I shudder to think what he'd be like against the Rethug nominee.

:scared:

[depakid]

14. Trouble is that these sorts of rhetorical skills come with experience

As a trial lawyer, Edwards has them honed, and to a lesser extent- so does Hillary.

Thinking on one's feet and being incisive in a colloquey are quite different than extemporaneous speaking, where one has better opportunities to use canned phrases to anticipated questions. Impromptu deals also require quick judgments as to the lingering effects that statements will have on the audience (and the echo chamber).

The Reagan and Republican ideas flap during the interview last week being a classic example of that.