Debate live-blog: Obama can’t afford repeat of Denver
Loading ...UPDATE at 9:07: Romney is just plain lying there about his plans for the Pell grant program, as I’ve documented earlier. He also likes to cite that scholarship program in Massachusetts, without saying he would do anything like that here at home.
But neither candidate knocks this question from the worried college student out of the park, by any means.
UPDATE at 9:10: A more aggressive Obama says Romney doesn’t have a five-point economic plan, he has a one-point plan: Help the rich. A major point that Obama failed to make the first time around.
UPDATE at 9:18: Obama mentions Romney’s previous critical statements about coal use, contrasts it to his current plan. Romney trying to play alpha dog; this could get interesting.
UPDATE at 9:22: Romney mentions that gasoline used to be $1.85 a gallon; Obama reminds him that it collapsed to that level because of an economic collapse under GOP leadership and policies. A trap that Romney walked into.
UPDATE at 9:28: Both of these guys are pandering to the middle class by offering tax cuts, while claiming to be concerned about the deficit. They are contradictory positions. In their defense, however, they are saying the only thing that most Americans will accept.
UPDATE at 9:31: Romney says the affluent will continue to pay the same share of taxes. The middle class will pay less. So again … who’s going to pay more? The poor?
UPDATE at 9:35: I can’t say yet whether Obama is beating Romney in this debate. I can say for certain that Obama is beating the hell out of the Obama who showed up in Denver.
UPDATE at 9:50: Mitt struggles with question on how he differs from President Bush. Obama handles it very well; points out that on social issues and immigration Romney is much more conservative than Bush ever was.
UPDATE at 9:59: Mitt gets a chance to deliver his critique of the Obama economic record. He recites it well, but the CNN uncommitted voters don’t seem impressed by it.
UPDATE at 10:12: Obama gets a tough-worded question on Libya. Obama ducks it. He answered the question that he wanted to answer, not the question he got. Obama also should have mentioned that Romney accused him of sympathizing with the terrorists who attacked our people.
Romney tosses in “apology tour” and “leading from behind.” I just don’t think those things work. I also think he took the low road on Libya, and I’m doubtful it played well.
FINAL UPDATE: As I note above, Obama had a much better performance tonight than in Denver. He was effective in delivering the messages that he wanted to deliver, and saving that “47 percent” critique for the closing was well done.
Romney also performed well. He wasn’t as dominant as in the first debate, but that can be attributed to the fact that he had an engaged opponent this time. Overall, though, I think it was an Obama victory, mainly because Obama was able to hit the themes he needed to hit, the themes that he faltered on two weeks ago. If he had done this in Denver, he would still have a decent lead.
—————————
On the eve of the first presidential debate on Oct. 3, Gallup had Barack Obama up by four points, Nate Silver at fivethirtyeight gave Mitt Romney just a 13 percent chance of winning the election and Republicans were reduced to whining that the polls were being skewed against them in some kind of conspiracy.
Ninety minutes in Denver changed all that and more.
After a poor debate performance by Obama and a strong performance by Romney, it’s now the Republican who enjoys a four-point Gallup margin, and Democrats who are looking around for an explanation of just what happened to a once-safe lead. In fact, Obama now finds himself in much the same position as Romney in the first debate, needing a good showing to retain the faith of his party’s base and tamp down growing concerns about November.
I expect we’ll hear a lot tonight from Obama about Romney’s most recent shape-shifting from “severely conservative” to harmless moderate. Romney in turn will probably highlight the Libyan assassination and its aftermath as an example of the failure of the administration’s foreign policy. And then there’s the townhall format, which adds a soupçon of unpredictability to the affair.
The bottom line is, Obama’s hopes for a second term probably can’t survive another showing like that last one. And while I think he’ll do fine, I wouldn’t want to bet $10,000 on it.
– Jay Bookman
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1,222 comments Add your comment
Martin the Calvinist
October 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
I’d like to see this moderator…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-2NQnxDDJE
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
Birthers and jobbers and skewers, OH MY!
barking frog
October 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
No bet either way for me.
Loretta Paraguassu
October 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
I do have faith in Pres. Obama and am expecting him to put Romney to shame.
Martin the Calvinist
October 16th, 2012
7:53 pm
oh, and I was first….
That’s two Jay blogs in one day……
getalife
October 16th, 2012
7:55 pm
mitt does not like being among the 47%.
The 47% make him uncomfortable after he insulted them.
He is more comfortable among the billionaires that collapsed the global economy.
getalife
October 16th, 2012
7:56 pm
I bet on our President.
stands for decibels
October 16th, 2012
7:57 pm
Ninety minutes in Denver changed all that and more
I would love for someone to explain to me how that is healthy for our Republic.
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
Posted downstairs, but I’ll put it here too….
I heard Romney has a new theme song to walk out with tonight. He liked the artist’s name as it felt like something he could relate to.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7OyKAFu50M&feature=related
————————-
Not to be outdone, Obama said that he was going to pull a track from the South too. He thought this song accurately got his message across without being too overbearing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnR1BrGgRVM
I may actually listen to a little bit of “lection 2012 Infomercial #3″ since there is a slight chance that a person in the audience might actually ask a substantive question. Since Ms. Crowley will be asking clarifying questions and such, there is a chance that something important might get discussed.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:01 pm
The voting public to Romney:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT9h_-pGKK0
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:05 pm
“Obama can’t afford repeat of Denver”–JAY
Yeah, the pressure is on Mr. Obama… I believe he will perform well enough for the mainstream media to call Obama the winner of tonight’s debate. BUT, if Obama does step repeat his lack luster performance from two weeks ago….. tick tock, tick tock, tick tock, tick tock……
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNPfFgQCM5A
This Debate is Obama’s to LOSE!
barking frog
October 16th, 2012
8:06 pm
stands for decibels
October 16th, 2012
7:57 pm
Ninety minutes in
Denver changed all that
and more
I would love for someone
to explain to me how that
is healthy for our Republic.
……….
Not healthy. Reflects a
wishy washy group of
undecideds who will
decide the election.
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:07 pm
“Ninety minutes in Denver changed all that….. and more”
The “and more” part is what is hard to turn back, let’ s see what happens tonight…
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:08 pm
Obama has everything to lose.
Romney has nothing to lose.
You make your own prediction.
Martin the Calvinist
October 16th, 2012
8:09 pm
those were funny Bro…..well, at least the Romney lead in song…..
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:10 pm
Drinking game:
Every time someone posts: “Romney has nothing to lose,” two shots.
Martin the Calvinist
October 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
how bout two shot’s when someone posts Obama has everything to lose….
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:11 pm
You’re on, Kam.
vs. 47%.
See you on the other side.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:12 pm
“job creators” = one shot
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:13 pm
“Romney has nothing to lose.”
Really?
EC projections have him winning already, uh?
Didn’t know that.
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:13 pm
“The wealthiest 1%”
half shot.
JohnnyReb
October 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
A few weeks back when Barry was enjoying a lead in the polls, yours truly pointed out the polls were unreliable and would be of use only close to the election. Of course, the Jay faithful boo-hooed my remarks. Point being, the Obama lead would have disappeared even without the good debate. And, there is nothing Obama can do in this or the third debate to save himself.
Watch closely tonight. Obama has no plan other than four more years of the same which we can’t afford. Consequently, he will make wide promises and attack Romney.
The electorate sees Obama for what he is. It’s over for him. He knows it, Moonbats know it, they just cling to hope. Hope; I;ve heard that somewhere before.
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
MSNBC: “President Barack Obama appears determined to prevent another strong performance by Republican candidate Mitt Romney.”
http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/16/14484081-obama-seeks-to-end-romney-revival-in-second-debate?lite
If this is true, I think Obama is using the wrong strategy, and I would start to question his handlers; Axelrod & Company.
All Obama needs to do is show up, smile, and state his case.
If he goes on DEFENSE , which it sounds like he is doing, he will look un-natural and repeat from two weeks… just saying
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
Debate or heavyweight prize fight? Interesting narrative about what obama must do, hopefully both of them should just answer the questions and skate as close as possible to some sort of truth and let the voters sort it out. As far as performance goes, let the talking heads decide, they will anyway…
JamVet
October 16th, 2012
8:14 pm
betty, you need to work on your clichés…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeVca9MwDX8
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:15 pm
TBs, no, I was speaking “personally”.
gm
October 16th, 2012
8:15 pm
Wow, wonder which Mitt will show up tonight primary Mitt, who hated all of Obama care, abortions or general election Mitt who likes somes parts of Obama care and women choice?
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 16th, 2012
8:16 pm
“Debate live-blog: Obama can’t afford repeat of Denver”
AMERICA CAN’T AFFORD A REPEAT OF OBAMA !
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:16 pm
Romney has absolutely NOTHING to lose… there, that will be $5 per shot!
Where the heck is Fred tonight?
Did the Independents have Bowling League tonight?
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:16 pm
“You didn’t build that” = 2 shots
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:17 pm
women, one shot.
47%, two shots
flip flop, 3 shots.
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:17 pm
lol, thanks, JamVet.
You make me smile alot too.
Martin the Calvinist
October 16th, 2012
8:17 pm
balanced approach….3 shots…
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
Uh, uh
3 shots.
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
betty
He does have the momentum. We will see if it continues.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:18 pm
Any posted drudgey links: ½ pint
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:20 pm
Fox personalities going over pre-debate checklist of words that are synonyms for ‘uppity’. Too bad Hannity can’t pronounce ‘obstreperous’.
Heh, heh, heh.
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:20 pm
OK now, folks.
This is getting out of control.
How about a toast?
May the best Man (or moderator) win!
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:20 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XQf9dtrc26A
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:21 pm
“The electorate sees Obama for what he is. It’s over for him. He knows it, Moonbats know it, they just cling to hope. Hope; I;ve heard that somewhere before.”
All of the Usual Suspects on Morning Joe were almost waving the white flag for Obama this AM. Except for the clueless guy from Politico. He was still waving the “Hammer & Sickle”.
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:22 pm
The media decides who wins.
They will repeat their decision until the last debate to keep hyping this election process.
3 more weeks.
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:22 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xJWQPdG7jE&feature=related
gm
October 16th, 2012
8:22 pm
Come on Obama, look in to the camera and ask the right wing nuts have they been safe under your adminstration or the last one?
Ask Mitt, why was it so terrible to save Americans who were destroyed by W economy and why the right never barked when the debt was on the increase building up Iraq, come on Obama take it to the hypocrites””””””””””””””’
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:23 pm
Here’s a usmc type of newsflash
Romney/ryan continue lying about their compassionate conservatism for silly photo op gone bad;
read about it-
http://crooksandliars.com/nicole-belle/paul-ryans-compassionate-conservatism
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:23 pm
“War on Women” = chug a beer
I did it my way........
October 16th, 2012
8:24 pm
I have 4 different companies I started, NO ONE ELSE started them or helped if you know what I mean. Corporate America was not for me. A vote for Obama is a vote for retraction growth. My business’s will do well with either candidate but do we need another 4 years of this. No more excuses, he had his chances over the last 4 with a 2 year widow of Senate and House control. If you work in a cube, ask yourself who will create a better environment to succeed coming out of college!
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:24 pm
“Here’s a usmc type of newsflash”
Crooksandliars.com … there’s your clue!
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imYJpr09IgQ&feature=related
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOz3p6k5O2g
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
Heard this today:
Judeo/Christian values: “How can I help my neighbor?”
Conservative values: “How can I help my country?”
Liberal values: “How can my country help me?”
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:26 pm
Oh noes, krugman nails it again-
http://truth-out.org/opinion/item/12142-the-problem-is-not-romney-its-the-republican-party
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
Pay their “FAIR SHARE”= shot of jagermeister
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:27 pm
I have 4 different companies I started…
I have 250 companies that I started. I walked to work 10 miles each day, barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways.
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
I would walk up to mitt and demand a apology for calling me a terrorist sympathizer if I was the President.
Then demand another one for the 47% insult to the American people.
Finally, announce a DoJ investigation for outing the CIA building and say the American people unite to show patriotism after a attack on our country mitt. Which side are you on mitt?
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
Heard this by a liberal democrat;
“Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country”.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:28 pm
Romney: “How can I add to the Chinese workforce?”
gm
October 16th, 2012
8:29 pm
0311/8541/5811/1811/1801
October 16th, 2012
8:25 pm
Heard this today
Conservative values: I hate goverment, hands off my medicaide, could I please have a pell grant? hyporites, hypocrites
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
“The Problem Is Not Romney – It’s the Republican Party”–Klugman
It is starting to sound like Liberals are giving up and retreating from Romney!
This election ISN’T over by a long shot.
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LB4D-GbQ9A4
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:30 pm
And where did you hear that Scout?
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
“How can I hate and discriminate my neighbor” cons.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
breitbart link
chug 750 ml of vodka
I did it my way........
October 16th, 2012
8:32 pm
Hey Kamchuck,
Still leaving in your parents basement?
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
Why don’t we actually put some faces to those on food stamps? Those shiftless 47 percenters…
http://www.salon.com/2012/10/16/were_the_face_of_food_stamps/
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:33 pm
Romney’s simple message to the American people!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vQaVIoEjOM
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
MB
Nice Public Enemy
here is another ole skool tune
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KutXyPEEbQs&feature=related
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:34 pm
getalife
October 16th, 2012
7:55 pm
mitt does not like being among the 47%.
The 47% make him uncomfortable after he insulted them.
He is more comfortable among the billionaires that collapsed the global economy.
This particular comment, the one above, typed by your hateful and perverse little hands is shameful, particularly in the face of plenty of anecdotal evidence of the Romney family reaching out to help many people along the way that they could have just as easily ignored. And have you no knowledge of their charity? You really do seem to have some issues and I feel sorry for you and your little bitty life. Mitt Romney may be a very successful, hard working and intelligent man, but selfish and cold-hearted, he is not.
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:35 pm
Martin
I had thought about using this version of “It Ain’t My Fault” for Obama, but it is entirely too hard when compared to his personality.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls1E40AZ0Fs
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:35 pm
Still leaving[sic] in your parents[sic] basement?
Nope.
Have you stopped beating your wife?
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
USMC and Moonbat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGLhx3oiU3M
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:36 pm
“Still leaving in your parents basement?”
Act like a jerk much?
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
Nice TBs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qkP8SvHvaU
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
ahem,
Struck a nerve?
Good, it is the truth. mitt is full of it.
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:38 pm
It took place last election.
Are we going to get a fresh coat?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxl4lQ8tmdM
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
And where did you hear that Scout?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoHhzU2hJfY&feature=related
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:39 pm
“Why don’t we actually put some faces to those on food stamps? Those shiftless 47 percenters…”–MICK
You asked for it… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAOwJvTOio
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
TBs, one more for you and Bro
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcKhscio25M
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
Moonbat
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xX5VCY28_Xo
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:40 pm
They BOTH @ 8:38
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:41 pm
… typed by your hateful and perverse little hands is shameful…[...] …and I feel sorry for you and your little bitty life.
The passive/aggressive travel agent trying to book a guilt trip aboard the shame train.
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:42 pm
I overheard a joke today that caused a chuckle. I do not advocate violence…
“Why was Biden selected as Obama’s vice-president?”
“As insurance that nobody would even consider knocking off the president.”
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:42 pm
A little Tribe to help get your mind right before the infomercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9B7rxtxZs4
Granny Godzilla
October 16th, 2012
8:43 pm
President Obama can’t afford a repeat of Denver,
Neither can Romney
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:43 pm
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:41 pm
MYOB. There.
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
MYOB. There.
Post in a public forum, get mocked, sport.
There.
Mick
October 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
usmc
Interesting contradiction but you really don’t know anything about that lady or her circumstances; I bet the cost of that program is a pittance compared to the rebates given to big oil, where’s your outrage on that???
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
USMC
You do know there are Republican’s who are just like the Obama phone lady, right?
For you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuanrYGnIOI
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
Republicans
Granny Godzilla
October 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
Ahem
That same joke is being told about Paul Ryan
Ironic ain’t it
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Bro
Just trying to liven it up a little
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yre5nBXAxyk&feature=related
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
Uh oh…
Kamchak vs Ahem….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t82am5HxXTM
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:46 pm
getalife
October 16th, 2012
8:37 pm
No, you didn’t really strike a nerve, I am pretty comfortable in my skin. It is a shame that you don’t share that level of contentment. I just see your crap on here and felt like calling you out. There.
USMC
October 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
“President Obama can’t afford a repeat of Denver,
Neither can Romney”–Granny
I beg to differ. If Mitt Romney has a REPEAT of Denver, Obama is in REAL trouble and his polling numbers will start to SLIDE further down until even Chris “Meltdown” Matthews waves the white flag and votes for Rimney.
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:47 pm
Granny Godzilla
October 16th, 2012
8:45 pm
Sounds like plagarism; something Plugs Biden can explain to you
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
For those “47%ers” that we know Romney loves and cares about
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRJTQ7FHx0o&feature=related
Thomas Heyward Jr
October 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
Remember this.
.
Both of these “men”…………..will be wearing make-up.
.
That says alot about what type of “man” would vote for them.
.
just saying.
Brosephus™
October 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
Can we all just get along???
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gTsIpZ_Si3A
moonbat betty
October 16th, 2012
8:48 pm
If Obama stumbles a lot or comes off angry, he loses.
Loosen up, homes:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUT9KQ-LuaU
They BOTH suck
October 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
Actually those are the bottom percenters that not many in either party care about………….. at least those in the upper echelons
Ahem
October 16th, 2012
8:49 pm
Kamchak ~ Thug from the Steppes
October 16th, 2012
8:44 pm
MYOB–RINSE–REPEAT. Double Dawg THERE.