What Obama Doesn’t Understand…

By Mario Giardiello

From the opening handshake, Obama seemed more presidential and confident, holding McCain’s hand firmly and looking him in the eye. McCain couldn’t even look at him. Then he proceeded with what some pundits are calling the best start of a debate for any candidate. He gave the specific step by step rescue plan for the economy that was clear and confident. He used the same numbered response later in the debate for at least one other issue (how he would deal with Pakistan). If he stuck to this strategy (not a tactic) then he would have won this debate handily instead of a draw that many seem to think it was.

McCain, on the other hand started weakly saying, “I’m not feeling too good about a lot of things lately…” What is there for him to feel good about? Polls are down almost as much as Wall Street, his maverick counterpart is embarrassingly unintelligible, and he isn’t getting any younger.

Despite all that, as hard as it is to say, my candidate for the President of the United States lost the first debate. Round one went to McCain because he was constantly on the offensive, which caused Obama to be knocked off message and on the ropes. Barring the positions on the issues, McCain made it clear that his experience was his greatest strength. His name dropping and trips abroad set him apart, as did his incessant reminder (true or not) that Obama just didn’t understand the complexity of the issues. Obama’s good judgment and intelligence may not be enough to engage the independents to look deeper into the issues.

CNN and MSNBC were holding on to the hope that McCain’s attacks were seen by independents as a negative. On the contrary, I believe the voters who have an independent streak admire the strength that McCain showed. There is no doubt that Senator McCain appears ready to be President, and many are still left wondering about Obama. “What Obama doesn’t understand” is how to be more direct and tough in a debate.

As a liberal, I sided with Obama on every issue other than his hawkish stance on Pakistan. But the debate wasn’t about the issues. It was good judgment versus experience, and experience won. Experience makes us feel safer in times of such uncertainty. Change and good judgment may make a good president of the Harvard Law Review, but it doesn’t guarantee winning a debate or the Presidency.

Some have suggested just because Obama is an extraordinary orator it does not mean he would be a better President. Similarly, just because McCain is a better debater, that does not make him a better President. So I continue to have faith that Obama is the “hope that I can believe in.” But all of a sudden, hope has a different meaning. I’m hoping he can hang on to a 6% - 8% lead until November.

One thing is for sure, Hillary and Bill are happy tonight.