Debate and Brief Hiatus

Two quick items.

First this blog will be on a brief hiatus due to the Prof having shoulder surgery today for a torn rotator cuff muscle.  I anticipate being back at writing long before election day.

Secondly, the first presidential debate is this evening.  Romney appears to have stopped the free-fall he has over the past month ( a truly awful September it was), but President Obama remains in a far better position going into the final five weeks.  Debates do matter in a close race and a few well placed one-liners or embarrassing gaffes can mean a lot.  We are in a society of soundbites, like it or not. So, a little advice for each candidate:

Romney

• This is probably your last chance to shake things up.  yes there are two more debates, but this one sets the stage.
• That being said, you need to go after the President, but in a "nice" way.  Articulate differences and offer alternative solutions.
• Be specific - you really have nothing to lose at this point.  Defend your positions and don't be wishy-washy.
• Look and act presidential.  You are on a job interview of the highest level!
• Don't make bad jokes or otherwise commit a gaffe that will be a soundbite for the opposition.
• Try to get under Obama's skin and force him to make an error.
• Make Obama own the bad economy. 
• The debt will be a key issue to highlight as long as you can use it in a way that ordinary people will appreciate.  Personalize the debt's effect on average Americans.
• Make yourself approachable and try to convey being a "regular guy" without it being forced.
• Don't be negative or dour.  Americans like optimism and a can-do attitude.
• And...no $10,000 dollar bets - please!

Obama

• Look and act presidential - its your job!
• Highlight the impact of your policies on stopping the economic slide.
• You are probably in the lead - sit on the football, don't make any statements that can give Romney any momentum.
• Tie the economy to Bush - and portray Romney as Bush II.
• Accentuate the positive!!
• Tie Romney to the Wall Street mentality that contributed to the 2008 crash.
• Portray confidence and control; don't let Mitt rattle you.
• Go after Romney on RomneyCare.
• Throw in millionaires and billionaires, but don't overuse the term either.
• Hold your own - as long as you don't lose badly, you win.
• Tie Romney to Bush, again.
• And...don't say the Mitt is "likeable enough"!

I hope to be back and offering some analysis of the debate shortly.  Until then...

Onwards!

The Prof