Obama will attempt to divert the discussion away from his record with jabs at the 47%, Bain, and Romney's personal taxes. That's about all he can win points on, because his record over the last 4 years certainly won't get it done. I don't believe his diversion tactics will be enough, though. People want to hear his plan and when his "change and hope" is suppose to kick in.

 

I posted this in another thread. I think that is a big mistake by Obama. He needs to brag that he kept almost every major promise from 4 years ago and that he can do the same over the next 4 years. Here are the major issues 4 years ago that got Obama elected:

 

1. Health care reform - The people wanted reform, Obama promised reform and he delivered. Argue all day long about the shape it came in and how it was passed, but the people wanted reform and he dlivered on a promise no one before him was able to deliver on.

 

2. Troops out of Iraq - Quibble over the details. Yes, there are still some troops in Iraq. Do we here anything about US troops in Iraq? The fact is Obama promised US troops would be out of the front lines and he delivered on that promise.

 

3. Reform Wall Street - The economic crisis we are in was pinned primarily on banking and Obama promised reform. Dodd Frank accomplished that and then some. This should be a popular promise kept with all voters and Obama should be talking about this every chance he gets.

 

4. Energy Independence - US oil production is nearing all time highs and no one knows it. People still think Obama is tieing the hands of oil, won't let them build the pipeline in the midwest, eliminated gulf oil production and because of all that gas prices go up. The fact is US oil production is soaring, gulf oil production is booming and gas prices have nothing to do with how much oil we produce in the US - it is about world wide demand in this global economy. Obama needs to let people know this plus green energy intiatives is a promise kept from 2008.

 

5. Repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell - Another promise kept.

 

Plus, focusing the war on Al Quaida and taking out Bin Laden are items Obama needs to talk more about, especially as Romney attacks Obama on foreign policy through the Libya debacle, etc.

 

Obama should be talking these up tonight and every time he gets a chance.

 

On the Romney side, if Obama does finally wise up and start talking about accomplishments and 2008 promises kept, then Romney needs to put the pressure on by talking about the Obama failed promises. There are a number of them. Romney has done a great job hitting Obama on the current economy and he needs to keep the pressure on there. Here are some broken promises Romney can hammer Obama on:

 

1. Guantanamo Bay - Obama talked a lot about closing Guantanamo Bay and it seems like he has completely changed his mind on that. The base is still open. Romney should use this to show Obama doesn't really know what he is doing in foreign policy.

 

2. Compromise across the aisles - Every Presidential candidate promises this and none are able to keep the promise. But Obama has failed more than his predecessors in developing a working relationship with Republicans and every voter knows it. Romney should use this to show Obama is not a leader that can get the job done.

 

3. Foreign trade - Obama has failed to deliver in this area, China is an easy target that Romney has been using very well so far and he needs to keep after Obama on this one.

 

4. Health care rebuttal - Yes, Obama got reform passed but no one likes it and Obama also promised to reduce premiums by $2,500. Every voter continues to see high health care cost and can relate to this.

 

Romney has the momentum. He can not let Obama stall it tonight. Keep the pressure on.

I think this is a question worth asking...If we see a repeat of debate #1 tonight, is the election over? Can President Obama overcome another bad performance, and is there enough time left to do so?

I think this is a question worth asking...If we see a repeat of debate #1 tonight, is the election over? Can President Obama overcome another bad performance, and is there enough time left to do so?

 

If we see a repeat of #1, I doubt Obama could overcome it. There would be too much momentum against him and people would have serious doubts about Obama. The first debate was so bad it had Obama supporters wondering if Obama even wanted to win again. My guess is the best Romney can get tonight is a draw and the election will move on to debate #3. Any sign of life and a couple good moments by Obama will get him bonus points with the viewers because he was so bad in the first debate.

PP I don't believe you. I think you're too good at intelligent debate to enjoy those trolling attempts.

 

I definitely enjoy a good intelligent debate. I like to learn and normally do from such debates. I do also enjoy a good laugh and BGH's undying loyalty to Obama always makes me smile.

 

I ain't mad at him. :lol:

I think this is a question worth asking...If we see a repeat of debate #1 tonight, is the election over? Can President Obama overcome another bad performance, and is there enough time left to do so?

 

1. No.

2. Can he? Yes.

 

Too many have already made up their mind. The vast majority of people who watch the debates do so out of interest and for conversational purposes only.

1. No.

2. Can he? Yes.

 

Too many have already made up their mind. The vast majority of people who watch the debates do so out of interest and for conversational purposes only.

 

I'm not sure I can agree Clyde. If that were the case, how come we saw the shift in the polls after the 1st debate?

I'm not sure I can agree Clyde. If that were the case, how come we saw the shift in the polls after the 1st debate?

 

Not saying some aren't making decisions based upon the debates. I also think those who use debates as their main factor are very fickle and will change with a good "zinger" or one-liner.

 

As to your bigger point , yes, the POTUS needs to come across better tonight. No question.

Of Obama laying egg #2 and losing the election tonight. At least go down swinging.

 

I would be shocked if we have a repeat performance from the President's first debate. I'm far from an Obama fan, but he is too savvy to lay another egg.

I'm not sure I can agree Clyde. If that were the case, how come we saw the shift in the polls after the 1st debate?

You make a good point. Everyone on there said prior to the first debate that debates didn't decided elections. I think what we have seen proves that line of thinking flawed. I agree with Clyde that many have made up their minds already but those aren't the ones Romney or Obama are campaigning to, this would be the 47% if you will. They are on both sides. There is a percentage of voters that will not vote for Obama no matter what and the same for Romney. However the voters who will decide this election were definitely swayed by the first debate and another performance like the last for Obama could cost him the election.

You make a good point. Everyone on there said prior to the first debate that debates didn't decided elections.

 

Not everyone.

I think this is a question worth asking...If we see a repeat of debate #1 tonight, is the election over? Can President Obama overcome another bad performance, and is there enough time left to do so?

 

Not by a long shot. I think people forget that while it has eroded, his electoral lead is still there and the power of being the incumbent should not be overlooked.

Not by a long shot. I think people forget that while it has eroded, his electoral lead is still there and the power of being the incumbent should not be overlooked.

 

100% agree.

Smart man.

Smart man.

 

:lol:

I'm not sure I can agree Clyde. If that were the case, how come we saw the shift in the polls after the 1st debate?

 

The best answer to your question that I saw was on one of the follow up shows analyzing the debate. An independent voter who was undecided going in said "I like Romney now that I see who he is for myself, not what I'd been told he was by his opponent". Once people see he's not necessarily the demon he's been made out to be, he becomes more "supportable"?