The Volante's Political Blog

Friday night’s debate was a success no matter who you ask.  Political pundits from both sides of the isle have been claiming victory for their candidate since it ended.

I feel I can say it was a hard fought debate by both. It seemed to be a back and forth slugfest. It was apparent that McCain had the upper hand on foreign policy. It’s no secret Obama doesn’t have the foreign policy experience his adversary has.

Obama fared better when discussing the economy which shouldn’t have been a surprise either. McCain himself admits he’s not an economic expert, and the economy isn’t his strong point.

Both candidates did a descent job at playing to their strengths.

I found it thought provoking when both men told stories of receiving bracelets from the mothers of fallen soldiers. McCain said the soldier’s mother told him to make sure his son didn’t die in vain by ensuring “victory” in Iraq. The viewpoint is understandable.

Obama responded with his own bracelet story. Obama said this particular mother asked him, “Can you please make sure another mother is not going through what I’m going through?” This, also, is an understandable position to have.

What I’m getting at is, on issues such as Iraq, neither candidate did anything to persuade anyone, as far as I could tell. They simply reiterated the partisan platform they’ve been standing on since the campaigning started, and reaffirmed already held viewpoints by the viewers and voters. So…, if there isn’t any ground gained on the issues during the debates, are they even debates?