Live-blogging the final presidential debate

October 22, 2012 By 550 Comments

I’m on the road, but I hope to get back to my hotel room in order to comment on the debate.  If I’m not here, you go on without me.  (Just add your “comments,” refreshing the page periodically to follow what other people are saying.)

The debate is supposed to focus on international relations.  (We’ll see how well the candidates adhere to that topic.)  Take a drink of your caffeine-free-diet-soda or other beverage every time you hear the following:

(1)  “jobs in China”

(2)  “another war in the Mideast”

(3)  “throw under the bus”

(4)  “America’s respect in the world”

 

Filed Under: Government, Politics Tagged With: , 550 Comments
About Gene Veith

Professor of Literature at Patrick Henry College, the Director of the Cranach Institute at Concordia Theological Seminary, a columnist for World Magazine and TableTalk, and the author of 18 books on different facets of Christianity & Culture.

  • Tom Hering

    Bob Schaefer looks presidential.

  • Tom Hering

    Bob Schaefer looks presidential.

  • Connie Keller

    What will it take for Gov. Romney to win this debate? Interested in other opinions.

  • Connie Keller

    What will it take for Gov. Romney to win this debate? Interested in other opinions.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I just barely made it! I spoke at my old college, Concordia University Wisconsin. It was so good to be there after 10 years. Some of my good friends and colleagues threw me a dinner. But I’m back just in time.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I just barely made it! I spoke at my old college, Concordia University Wisconsin. It was so good to be there after 10 years. Some of my good friends and colleagues threw me a dinner. But I’m back just in time.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    They are sitting down this time around a table. So no getting into each other’s space and threatening fisticuffs as last time.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    They are sitting down this time around a table. So no getting into each other’s space and threatening fisticuffs as last time.

  • Tom Hering

    Welcome back to Wisconsin!

  • Tom Hering

    Welcome back to Wisconsin!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama has learned his lesson from the first time, not to look down. He is staring daggers at his opponent.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama has learned his lesson from the first time, not to look down. He is staring daggers at his opponent.

  • Dan Kempin

    I vote for “shoot first, aim later” as a late entry drinking phrase.

  • Dan Kempin

    I vote for “shoot first, aim later” as a late entry drinking phrase.

  • Dan Kempin

    I like the red and blue ties.

  • Dan Kempin

    I like the red and blue ties.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We can’t kill our way out of this mess.” Nice line from Romney. It also makes him sound peaceful, unlike Mr. Drone. ‘Commander in chief.” I meant to make that one of our drinking words! Drink anyway.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We can’t kill our way out of this mess.” Nice line from Romney. It also makes him sound peaceful, unlike Mr. Drone. ‘Commander in chief.” I meant to make that one of our drinking words! Drink anyway.

  • Dan Kempin

    Re: #4, SNL has had good debate spoofs this time around.

  • Dan Kempin

    Re: #4, SNL has had good debate spoofs this time around.

  • Kimberly

    Hmmm…a foreign policy that helps countries reject extremism without getting involved on the ground. Sounds good but is it possible?

  • Kimberly

    Hmmm…a foreign policy that helps countries reject extremism without getting involved on the ground. Sounds good but is it possible?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama brings up his poor performance in the Libya fiasco! Romney didn’t!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama brings up his poor performance in the Libya fiasco! Romney didn’t!

  • Dan Kempin

    Really? There was a groundswell of pro american support in Libya?

  • Dan Kempin

    Really? There was a groundswell of pro american support in Libya?

  • Lou G

    Why didn’t Romney go after this Libya bungle? He is missing that opportunity.

  • Lou G

    Why didn’t Romney go after this Libya bungle? He is missing that opportunity.

  • Tom Hering

    Dan @ 13, yes, both before and after the attack.

  • Tom Hering

    Dan @ 13, yes, both before and after the attack.

  • Dan Kempin

    “the 80s called” line did not fly.

  • Dan Kempin

    “the 80s called” line did not fly.

  • Tom Hering

    80s, 50s, 20s! Love it!

  • Tom Hering

    80s, 50s, 20s! Love it!

  • Kimberly

    Romney’s going into specifics for peace…a consequence of so many saying he doesn’t have specifics for other plans?

    Did Romney really say that Russia was our biggest threat? Oh boy…

    And now Obama’s being quite condescending.

  • Kimberly

    Romney’s going into specifics for peace…a consequence of so many saying he doesn’t have specifics for other plans?

    Did Romney really say that Russia was our biggest threat? Oh boy…

    And now Obama’s being quite condescending.

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney’s got to control that smirk.

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney’s got to control that smirk.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    After Romney gives a good survey of the problems in the Middle East and a quite moderate stance towards our involvement, Obama says that Romney actually believes things other than what he has just said.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    After Romney gives a good survey of the problems in the Middle East and a quite moderate stance towards our involvement, Obama says that Romney actually believes things other than what he has just said.

  • Abby

    Yes, we should have some troops in Iraq. All the money and lives we spent will be a total waste — the govt is sliding down hill.

  • Abby

    Yes, we should have some troops in Iraq. All the money and lives we spent will be a total waste — the govt is sliding down hill.

  • Dan Kempin

    More reciprocal “my opponent is a liar.” Snore.

  • Dan Kempin

    More reciprocal “my opponent is a liar.” Snore.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    The thing is, when it comes to foreign policy, the different parties tend to be in general agreement. Obama is trying to attack Romney in that context, but the charges don’t seem to apply.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    The thing is, when it comes to foreign policy, the different parties tend to be in general agreement. Obama is trying to attack Romney in that context, but the charges don’t seem to apply.

  • Dan Kempin

    Oooooh. Nice counter punch about Russia.

  • Dan Kempin

    Oooooh. Nice counter punch about Russia.

  • Abby

    Good on not being fooled by Putin and keeping his eyes on Russia.

  • Abby

    Good on not being fooled by Putin and keeping his eyes on Russia.

  • Dan Kempin

    re #23: agreed.

  • Dan Kempin

    re #23: agreed.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney says, I agree with you. Obama says, no you don’t.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney says, I agree with you. Obama says, no you don’t.

  • Kimberly

    “you’ve got to be clear” coming from Obama. that’s rich.

  • Kimberly

    “you’ve got to be clear” coming from Obama. that’s rich.

  • Dan Kempin

    Man, if this turns into yet another Jerry-Springer-let’s-talk-over-each-other scrum, I’m out.

  • Dan Kempin

    Man, if this turns into yet another Jerry-Springer-let’s-talk-over-each-other scrum, I’m out.

  • Tom Hering

    Good. Obama isn’t letting Mitt talk all over him this time.

  • Tom Hering

    Good. Obama isn’t letting Mitt talk all over him this time.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Let’s lift our glass when we hear “commander in chief”! Obama is trying to make the point that he has experience in all of these dire situations, but Romney doesn’t. (He said something like, of course you haven’t had to deal with these problems. . . )

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Let’s lift our glass when we hear “commander in chief”! Obama is trying to make the point that he has experience in all of these dire situations, but Romney doesn’t. (He said something like, of course you haven’t had to deal with these problems. . . )

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Finally a second question, 15 minutes later.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Finally a second question, 15 minutes later.

  • Jon

    Is it me or is Rmney being aloof on what he would do different in the mid east?

    Maybe that is his strategy tonight? Play it safe.

  • Jon

    Is it me or is Rmney being aloof on what he would do different in the mid east?

    Maybe that is his strategy tonight? Play it safe.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is talking about what should be done. But he is the president! Why haven’t you done what you think we should do?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is talking about what should be done. But he is the president! Why haven’t you done what you think we should do?

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    “Attacking me is not an agenda.”

    That’s pretty good.

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    “Attacking me is not an agenda.”

    That’s pretty good.

  • Dan Kempin

    I have a feeling this is evening is going to be the prevent defense. both sides are just trying to avoid a gaffe.

  • Dan Kempin

    I have a feeling this is evening is going to be the prevent defense. both sides are just trying to avoid a gaffe.

  • Lou G

    Obama says nation building at home vs. abroad. Good line for him…

    Otherwise, yawn… so far.

  • Lou G

    Obama says nation building at home vs. abroad. Good line for him…

    Otherwise, yawn… so far.

  • Kimberly

    They agree on policy towards Syria!

  • Kimberly

    They agree on policy towards Syria!

  • P.C.

    Bears 10

    Lions 0

  • P.C.

    Bears 10

    Lions 0

  • Jon

    Really, what different are they saying on Syria?

    Seems Romney is just restating what Obama says, but trying to make it sound like Obama didn’t say that. Or Obama that Romney looks like a flipflopping warmonger.

    Must be their strategy, both, to keep it cool and look reasonable.

    I’ll bet this one ends up in a draw.

  • Jon

    Really, what different are they saying on Syria?

    Seems Romney is just restating what Obama says, but trying to make it sound like Obama didn’t say that. Or Obama that Romney looks like a flipflopping warmonger.

    Must be their strategy, both, to keep it cool and look reasonable.

    I’ll bet this one ends up in a draw.

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney’s smirk is like a mask . . . so is Obama’s intense stare. They have both been so coached on the “split screen” that they have no genuine expression.

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney’s smirk is like a mask . . . so is Obama’s intense stare. They have both been so coached on the “split screen” that they have no genuine expression.

  • Nancy

    I will drink if Veith says something positive about Obama. Is he all bad all the time?

  • Nancy

    I will drink if Veith says something positive about Obama. Is he all bad all the time?

  • Jon

    There you go, Mitt: this has been going on for a year in Syria. What has the administration done?

  • Jon

    There you go, Mitt: this has been going on for a year in Syria. What has the administration done?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney: I don’t want to get our military involved in Syria. Romney is the peace candidate! Aren’t neo-conservatives concerned about this?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney: I don’t want to get our military involved in Syria. Romney is the peace candidate! Aren’t neo-conservatives concerned about this?

  • dust

    it seems to me like obama is using some street tactics…trying to throw off romney by getting on his nerves?

    and his body language, kind of hunched over the desk, craning his neck towards romney is sort of punkish and how a nerd tries to look tough?

    cheers!

  • dust

    it seems to me like obama is using some street tactics…trying to throw off romney by getting on his nerves?

    and his body language, kind of hunched over the desk, craning his neck towards romney is sort of punkish and how a nerd tries to look tough?

    cheers!

  • Dan Kempin

    The moving graphic in that little line that separates the candidates is distracting.

  • Dan Kempin

    The moving graphic in that little line that separates the candidates is distracting.

  • Jon

    Sounds almost like they are in lockstep with each other.
    Treat women equally. Demoncracy. Develop economy.
    Clearly a strategy of theirs.

  • Jon

    Sounds almost like they are in lockstep with each other.
    Treat women equally. Demoncracy. Develop economy.
    Clearly a strategy of theirs.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Conversely, Obama is coming across as the neo-conservative! “We need to stand with democracy,” referring to his pressure on Mubarek to step down in Egypt, which has not turned out well. Liberals, doesn’t this bother you? If not, why is it bad when George W. Bush does it, but not when Obama does it?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Conversely, Obama is coming across as the neo-conservative! “We need to stand with democracy,” referring to his pressure on Mubarek to step down in Egypt, which has not turned out well. Liberals, doesn’t this bother you? If not, why is it bad when George W. Bush does it, but not when Obama does it?

  • Abby

    @44 I think Romney is trying to sound controlled. Which he is. But I think he will actually move quicker and heavier than Obama has done on almost anything in the Middle East.

  • Abby

    @44 I think Romney is trying to sound controlled. Which he is. But I think he will actually move quicker and heavier than Obama has done on almost anything in the Middle East.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    So Obama is saying we to pay attention on what is happening at home?! Does he really want to shift the discussion to the state of the economy?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    So Obama is saying we to pay attention on what is happening at home?! Does he really want to shift the discussion to the state of the economy?

  • Dan Kempin

    Quick summary of what we have heard so far: Blah, Blah, Blah.

  • Dan Kempin

    Quick summary of what we have heard so far: Blah, Blah, Blah.

  • Jon

    Not doing what we need to do at home, says the prez.

    There’s your opening, Mitt.

  • Jon

    Not doing what we need to do at home, says the prez.

    There’s your opening, Mitt.

  • Jon

    Mitt is truly the peace candidate! Peace, peace, peace.

  • Jon

    Mitt is truly the peace candidate! Peace, peace, peace.

  • http://www.bikebubba.blogspot.com bike bubba

    “Romney: I don’t want to get our military involved in Syria. Romney is the peace candidate! Aren’t neo-conservatives concerned about this?”

    I think the response to this–though I really don’t identify myself as neo-conservative–is that Reagan’s motto was “peace through strength,” not “war at all costs.” So the people not holding the DOD hostage to a tax hike on the most prosperous are, in fact, the peace party.

  • http://www.bikebubba.blogspot.com bike bubba

    “Romney: I don’t want to get our military involved in Syria. Romney is the peace candidate! Aren’t neo-conservatives concerned about this?”

    I think the response to this–though I really don’t identify myself as neo-conservative–is that Reagan’s motto was “peace through strength,” not “war at all costs.” So the people not holding the DOD hostage to a tax hike on the most prosperous are, in fact, the peace party.

  • Abby

    See there you go — Romney/ peace requires us to be strong.

  • Abby

    See there you go — Romney/ peace requires us to be strong.

  • dust

    if it’s a draw, and so far it is, romney wins…obama keeps trying to throw him off with that very intimidating presidential stare :)

    cheers!

  • dust

    if it’s a draw, and so far it is, romney wins…obama keeps trying to throw him off with that very intimidating presidential stare :)

    cheers!

  • Lou G

    Obama’s own self criticism: It’s very hard to project leadership around the world when we’re not taking care of things at home
    @WORLD_mag

  • Lou G

    Obama’s own self criticism: It’s very hard to project leadership around the world when we’re not taking care of things at home
    @WORLD_mag

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney takes the opening. To have a strong nation we need a strong economy. . . . Our national debt is a major threat to our national security.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney takes the opening. To have a strong nation we need a strong economy. . . . Our national debt is a major threat to our national security.

  • Lou G

    And Romney runs with it! Finally a zinger.

  • Lou G

    And Romney runs with it! Finally a zinger.

  • Jon

    Sounds like Mitt is going to leave the economy alone. He cleaned up on that at debate 1, he figures.

    Tonight he’s all Peace and Freedom.

  • Jon

    Sounds like Mitt is going to leave the economy alone. He cleaned up on that at debate 1, he figures.

    Tonight he’s all Peace and Freedom.

  • Nancy

    No drinks yet…

  • Nancy

    No drinks yet…

  • Abby

    Economy will promote strength in the world. Strengthen military long term. Obama leads from behind. The military will be greatly diminished because of the growing debt we are under.

  • Abby

    Economy will promote strength in the world. Strengthen military long term. Obama leads from behind. The military will be greatly diminished because of the growing debt we are under.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Oh, Romney brings up a big embarrassment, Obama pulling out our anti-missile missiles out of Poland, despite that country’s costly stance on our side, just because Putin objected.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Oh, Romney brings up a big embarrassment, Obama pulling out our anti-missile missiles out of Poland, despite that country’s costly stance on our side, just because Putin objected.

  • Abby

    America IS NOT stronger than when he came into office.

  • Abby

    America IS NOT stronger than when he came into office.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is saying things about america tonight that I have never heard him say. He sounds rather republican.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is saying things about america tonight that I have never heard him say. He sounds rather republican.

  • Pete

    Giants – 6 (Six!)

    Cardinals – 0

    (Bottom of the third)

  • Pete

    Giants – 6 (Six!)

    Cardinals – 0

    (Bottom of the third)

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama saying we have unprecedented good relations with Israel? And everybody else?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama saying we have unprecedented good relations with Israel? And everybody else?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is defending his economic record. Now he’s shifted the discussion to domestic issues,not to his advantage.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is defending his economic record. Now he’s shifted the discussion to domestic issues,not to his advantage.

  • Kimberly

    “Romney’s plan doesn’t cut the deficit.” and his do?

  • Kimberly

    “Romney’s plan doesn’t cut the deficit.” and his do?

  • Abby

    I don’t think Obama can speak without blaming GW Bush.

  • Abby

    I don’t think Obama can speak without blaming GW Bush.

  • Jon

    Obama finds a way to get in the shot at the rich. Make em pay just a little bit more to get us out of it.

  • Jon

    Obama finds a way to get in the shot at the rich. Make em pay just a little bit more to get us out of it.

  • Nancy

    Almost a drink! Unfortunately we can’t anything good in the President.

  • Nancy

    Almost a drink! Unfortunately we can’t anything good in the President.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama drops the Bush and Cheney bomb, saying that Romney will return us to what those guys did.

    Oh, no. More of Romney’s “five steps.”

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama drops the Bush and Cheney bomb, saying that Romney will return us to what those guys did.

    Oh, no. More of Romney’s “five steps.”

  • Abby

    There goes the teacher’s unions votes!

  • Abby

    There goes the teacher’s unions votes!

  • Pete

    It’s the economy, stupid.

    It’s the stupid economy.

    Stupid, it’s the economy.

  • Pete

    It’s the economy, stupid.

    It’s the stupid economy.

    Stupid, it’s the economy.

  • Grace

    Romneys smirk, looks like a prep school student!

  • Grace

    Romneys smirk, looks like a prep school student!

  • Nancy

    @Abby…why should he not mention Bush? He has spent 4 years trying to clean up his mess.

  • Nancy

    @Abby…why should he not mention Bush? He has spent 4 years trying to clean up his mess.

  • Pete

    Oh, and

    It’s stupid (the economy.)

  • Pete

    Oh, and

    It’s stupid (the economy.)

  • Lou G

    Obama’s answer to everything: hire more taxpayer-supported “educators” that are heavily unionized?

  • Lou G

    Obama’s answer to everything: hire more taxpayer-supported “educators” that are heavily unionized?

  • Nancy

    Getting thirsty.

  • Nancy

    Getting thirsty.

  • Jon

    Well now we are on to education.

    How is that foreign policy?

  • Jon

    Well now we are on to education.

    How is that foreign policy?

  • Abby

    More math and science teachers — they need to know how to read first.

  • Abby

    More math and science teachers — they need to know how to read first.

  • Lou G

    This is what you get when you elect a university professor as president: hire more teachers=the answer to foreign policy

  • Lou G

    This is what you get when you elect a university professor as president: hire more teachers=the answer to foreign policy

  • Abby

    @77 . . . by making it worse.

  • Abby

    @77 . . . by making it worse.

  • Jon

    Bipartisanship from Romney.

    Obama tries to butt in. Mitt rolls on over him on education.

  • Jon

    Bipartisanship from Romney.

    Obama tries to butt in. Mitt rolls on over him on education.

  • Nancy

    4year free ride…smaller government?

  • Nancy

    4year free ride…smaller government?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now Obama is doing a Biden, laughing at Romney’s points.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now Obama is doing a Biden, laughing at Romney’s points.

  • Jon

    Take out the programs we can’t afford or don’t need. Give it to the states and let them run it.

  • Jon

    Take out the programs we can’t afford or don’t need. Give it to the states and let them run it.

  • Nancy

    Mitt avoids military spending and deficit dilemma by talking about Medicaire.

  • Nancy

    Mitt avoids military spending and deficit dilemma by talking about Medicaire.

  • Kimberly

    Not the math line again. Mr. Pres., it’s old, Please stop repeating yourself.

  • Kimberly

    Not the math line again. Mr. Pres., it’s old, Please stop repeating yourself.

  • Jon

    Look.

    Math.

    Trillion

    Oh those were last time!

  • Jon

    Look.

    Math.

    Trillion

    Oh those were last time!

  • Lou G

    Obama is now complaining about how much we spend. HaHa!

  • Lou G

    Obama is now complaining about how much we spend. HaHa!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Moderator, can you bring the debaters back to the topic of foreign policy? Bob Schieffer is even more permissive than the other moderators. Bob, how about at least asking your questions?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Moderator, can you bring the debaters back to the topic of foreign policy? Bob Schieffer is even more permissive than the other moderators. Bob, how about at least asking your questions?

  • Abby

    Romney’s business math is certainly more proficient than Obama’s.

  • Abby

    Romney’s business math is certainly more proficient than Obama’s.

  • Nancy

    Mitt works with Dems in MA on education and health care. Tough to work with Dems on those issues isn’t it!?!?

  • Pastordbeck

    I’m sorry, did the president just say he did a budget???

  • Nancy

    Mitt works with Dems in MA on education and health care. Tough to work with Dems on those issues isn’t it!?!?

  • Pastordbeck

    I’m sorry, did the president just say he did a budget???

  • Jon

    Math! again

    Green jobs, altenative energy will be next.

  • Jon

    Math! again

    Green jobs, altenative energy will be next.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I am thirsty too. The candidates are avoiding our talking points. I guess that’s to their credit. (I mean, they did bring up the issues, but not in so many words.)

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I am thirsty too. The candidates are avoiding our talking points. I guess that’s to their credit. (I mean, they did bring up the issues, but not in so many words.)

  • Lou G

    Obama says his budget proposal is not driven by politics. LOL

  • Lou G

    Obama says his budget proposal is not driven by politics. LOL

  • Nancy

    Who proposed the sequestration? The military cuts?

  • Nancy

    Who proposed the sequestration? The military cuts?

  • Jon

    Look

    Trillion

    from Romney

  • Jon

    Look

    Trillion

    from Romney

  • Lou G

    Sequestration: on schedule for 2 January (70 days)

  • Lou G

    Sequestration: on schedule for 2 January (70 days)

  • Rhonda

    condescending?

  • Kimberly

    Oh my goodness! How condescending the President sounds!

  • Rhonda

    condescending?

  • Kimberly

    Oh my goodness! How condescending the President sounds!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama’s condescending snarkiness: “We have these things called aircraft carriers. They have planes on them.”

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama’s condescending snarkiness: “We have these things called aircraft carriers. They have planes on them.”

  • Dan Kempin

    I’m sorry. I drifted off there for a while.

  • Dan Kempin

    I’m sorry. I drifted off there for a while.

  • Lou G

    Horses and bayonettes = naval seacraft now

  • Lou G

    Horses and bayonettes = naval seacraft now

  • Abby

    Obama’s comparing our dwindling Navy ships to not having as many horses and bayonets either!!! Wow.

  • Abby

    Obama’s comparing our dwindling Navy ships to not having as many horses and bayonets either!!! Wow.

  • Dan Kempin

    hey, a good question!

  • Dan Kempin

    hey, a good question!

  • Pastordbeck

    We need to reinstate bayonets.

  • Pastordbeck

    We need to reinstate bayonets.

  • Nancy

    Why is it a zinger when Romney makes a quip but condescending when Obama does? PARCHED!

  • Nancy

    Why is it a zinger when Romney makes a quip but condescending when Obama does? PARCHED!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Interesting question, finally, from the moderator. “Would either of you say that an attack on Israel is an attack on the United States?” That’s what treaties historically have said with allies.

    Obama says we’ll “stand with Israel,” though not in the terms Schieffer says.

    He says we’ll not allow Iran to have nukes. The way towards that end is sanctions. “We won’t take any options off the table.” But he criticizes Romney for wanting to attack too early.

    Romney says, “if Israel is attacked, we have their back. . . .Not just culturally, militarily.”

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Interesting question, finally, from the moderator. “Would either of you say that an attack on Israel is an attack on the United States?” That’s what treaties historically have said with allies.

    Obama says we’ll “stand with Israel,” though not in the terms Schieffer says.

    He says we’ll not allow Iran to have nukes. The way towards that end is sanctions. “We won’t take any options off the table.” But he criticizes Romney for wanting to attack too early.

    Romney says, “if Israel is attacked, we have their back. . . .Not just culturally, militarily.”

  • Abby

    I don’t trust Obama’s rhetoric about being with Israel if they’re attacked.

  • Abby

    I don’t trust Obama’s rhetoric about being with Israel if they’re attacked.

  • Lou G

    Obama is leering at Romney. It’s kind of creepy.

  • Lou G

    Obama is leering at Romney. It’s kind of creepy.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney refers to his 7 point plan for Israel & Iran. (No more numbered plans, please!) The first one is “crippling sanctions” against Iran. He says “crippling sanctions” work.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney refers to his 7 point plan for Israel & Iran. (No more numbered plans, please!) The first one is “crippling sanctions” against Iran. He says “crippling sanctions” work.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is not doing badly. I think this is his best debate.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is not doing badly. I think this is his best debate.

  • Kimberly

    Can you charge someone with committing genocide when he’s only talked about it and not done it? As heinous as what Ahmadinejad has said is, it’s basically free speech.

  • Kimberly

    Can you charge someone with committing genocide when he’s only talked about it and not done it? As heinous as what Ahmadinejad has said is, it’s basically free speech.

  • Nancy

    Is henleering or trying to hold back a grin because Romney changes his position so often. He is trying to be polite.

  • Nancy

    Is henleering or trying to hold back a grin because Romney changes his position so often. He is trying to be polite.

  • Nancy

    @115….close to a drink, but we can’t give Obama credit for “crippling sanctions”.

  • Nancy

    @115….close to a drink, but we can’t give Obama credit for “crippling sanctions”.

  • Dan Kempin

    Since the debate is such a snore, maybe we should call for drinking phrases on the post debate analysis from both sides. I vote for “measured” and “deliberate,” with extra credit for “stayed within himself.”

  • Dan Kempin

    Since the debate is such a snore, maybe we should call for drinking phrases on the post debate analysis from both sides. I vote for “measured” and “deliberate,” with extra credit for “stayed within himself.”

  • dust

    yes obama is not doing too bad….but he’ll need more than a fair performance to make folks forget about the last 4 years?

    cheers!

  • dust

    yes obama is not doing too bad….but he’ll need more than a fair performance to make folks forget about the last 4 years?

    cheers!

  • Abby

    I guess they’re leaving Libya to the media.

  • Abby

    I guess they’re leaving Libya to the media.

  • Lou G

    Rick Santorum: Pres opposed Iran sanctions when in the senate and opposed tough sanctions congress tried to pass when president

  • Lou G

    Rick Santorum: Pres opposed Iran sanctions when in the senate and opposed tough sanctions congress tried to pass when president

  • Dan Kempin

    Kimberly, #117,

    i don’t think they have free speech in Iran.

  • Dan Kempin

    Kimberly, #117,

    i don’t think they have free speech in Iran.

  • Lou G

    Dan #127 – Good one. :)

  • Lou G

    Dan #127 – Good one. :)

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney scores with America projecting weakness and not showing strength, citing a number of examples. Obama says, “nothing Gov. Romney said is true.” In the 19th century, this would provoke a duel.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney scores with America projecting weakness and not showing strength, citing a number of examples. Obama says, “nothing Gov. Romney said is true.” In the 19th century, this would provoke a duel.

  • Abby

    Iran is laughing at us. I do not believe the “sanctions” are working.

  • Abby

    Iran is laughing at us. I do not believe the “sanctions” are working.

  • Lou G

    Obama denies his apology tour. Yet, that was in fact history

  • Lou G

    Obama denies his apology tour. Yet, that was in fact history

  • Nancy

    What was Rpmney doing in China? Being tough on them or giving them American jobs? Jobs for Hatian refugees in MA as long as they become Mormon but American jobs to China.

  • Nancy

    What was Rpmney doing in China? Being tough on them or giving them American jobs? Jobs for Hatian refugees in MA as long as they become Mormon but American jobs to China.

  • Kimberly

    @124, Dan,
    Yes, but by our standards someone can say those things under free speech; the guy is entitled to his opinion (stupid though it is). In Iran Ahmadinejad can say whatever he pleases. The rest of the people, not so much, I know. I’m just unsure of what Romney means when he says we should indict Pres. A.

  • Kimberly

    @124, Dan,
    Yes, but by our standards someone can say those things under free speech; the guy is entitled to his opinion (stupid though it is). In Iran Ahmadinejad can say whatever he pleases. The rest of the people, not so much, I know. I’m just unsure of what Romney means when he says we should indict Pres. A.

  • Pastordbeck

    Was that really the holocaust card being used?

  • Pastordbeck

    Was that really the holocaust card being used?

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is trying hard to recover Israel. He must have taken some major damage in the internal polls.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is trying hard to recover Israel. He must have taken some major damage in the internal polls.

  • Nancy

    Obama travels comments…can I get a drink good Dr.?

  • Nancy

    Obama travels comments…can I get a drink good Dr.?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We’re four years closer to nuclear Iran.”

    Romney explains why he refers to Obama’s “apology tour.” You went to the Mideast but skipped Israel. And they noticed that you skipped them.

    Obama talks about a different trip to Israel.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We’re four years closer to nuclear Iran.”

    Romney explains why he refers to Obama’s “apology tour.” You went to the Mideast but skipped Israel. And they noticed that you skipped them.

    Obama talks about a different trip to Israel.

  • Dan Kempin

    Kimberly,

    your point is well taken. I just couldn’t resist the jab.

  • Dan Kempin

    Kimberly,

    your point is well taken. I just couldn’t resist the jab.

  • Abby

    Hillary is going to retire from all politics — Obama wore her out.

  • Abby

    Hillary is going to retire from all politics — Obama wore her out.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Go ahead, Nancy. Let’s all take a drink just to clear our heads.

  • Dan Kempin

    Does “trade deficit with china” count for a drink?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Go ahead, Nancy. Let’s all take a drink just to clear our heads.

  • Dan Kempin

    Does “trade deficit with china” count for a drink?

  • Nancy

    @126 is it projecting weakness or turning our back on wars that do not involve our national interests?

  • Nancy

    @126 is it projecting weakness or turning our back on wars that do not involve our national interests?

  • Tom Hering

    Obama contrasting the reasons for his Israel trip with Romney’s fundraising trip to Israel is going to play really well in the days ahead.

  • Tom Hering

    Obama contrasting the reasons for his Israel trip with Romney’s fundraising trip to Israel is going to play really well in the days ahead.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    When in doubt, Dan, yes. Romney is on a tear about how America has lost respect in the world, so take several.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    When in doubt, Dan, yes. Romney is on a tear about how America has lost respect in the world, so take several.

  • Nancy

    I am pleased Romney has come around to sanctions too. ..especially if he is elected.

  • Nancy

    I am pleased Romney has come around to sanctions too. ..especially if he is elected.

  • Dan Kempin

    Pock-i-ston

  • Dan Kempin

    Pock-i-ston

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama playing the bin Laden card.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama playing the bin Laden card.

  • Tom Hering

    Can we drink if Dr. Veith says “respect in the world”? :-D

  • Tom Hering

    Can we drink if Dr. Veith says “respect in the world”? :-D

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is stumbling at his big punchline.

  • Dan Kempin

    Obama is stumbling at his big punchline.

  • Nancy

    I can’t, not unless you have so ething good to say about the President. Have to live by my rules?

  • Nancy

    I can’t, not unless you have so ething good to say about the President. Have to live by my rules?

  • dust

    Tom…that trip was as a senator and candidate and how much of his theatrics were for fundraising purposes and issues of basic electability?

    but that was then and this is now….what israel could ask today since that trip, as president what have you done for me lately?

    cheers!

  • dust

    Tom…that trip was as a senator and candidate and how much of his theatrics were for fundraising purposes and issues of basic electability?

    but that was then and this is now….what israel could ask today since that trip, as president what have you done for me lately?

    cheers!

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney has been a little over-aggressive with the moderators.

  • Dan Kempin

    Romney has been a little over-aggressive with the moderators.

  • Nancy

    2014…don’t give any dates! Our enemies will know!

  • Nancy

    2014…don’t give any dates! Our enemies will know!

  • Abby

    “what israel could ask today since that trip, as president what have you done for me lately?” . . . he went on the View to talk to the ladies when Netanyahu was in New York.

  • Abby

    “what israel could ask today since that trip, as president what have you done for me lately?” . . . he went on the View to talk to the ladies when Netanyahu was in New York.

  • Dan Kempin

    “Pack-i-stan” vs “Pock-i-ston.” At last we come to the heart of the difference between them.

  • Dan Kempin

    “Pack-i-stan” vs “Pock-i-ston.” At last we come to the heart of the difference between them.

  • Pastordbeck

    He keeps playing cards, but those little tear jerking anecdotes don’t make me think he’s done a satisfactory job.

  • Pastordbeck

    He keeps playing cards, but those little tear jerking anecdotes don’t make me think he’s done a satisfactory job.

  • Jon

    Pakistan is important to us, says Mitt.

    Because of the nukes.

    Mitt really wants to keep us safe. He is the peace guy.

  • Jon

    Pakistan is important to us, says Mitt.

    Because of the nukes.

    Mitt really wants to keep us safe. He is the peace guy.

  • Nancy

    Pakistan may get a more stable government thanks to a 14 year old girl.

  • Nancy

    Pakistan may get a more stable government thanks to a 14 year old girl.

  • Lou G

    Nancy: Suggestion, come back tomorrow to discuss the actual points of the debate or views. Everyone will be on here doing that from both sides of the aisle. Tonight, everyone is just following the debate – not conducting our own. Just my $.02.

  • Lou G

    Nancy: Suggestion, come back tomorrow to discuss the actual points of the debate or views. Everyone will be on here doing that from both sides of the aisle. Tonight, everyone is just following the debate – not conducting our own. Just my $.02.

  • Pastordbeck

    Wasn’t President O against the surge, until it worked and he started taking credit for it?

  • Pastordbeck

    Wasn’t President O against the surge, until it worked and he started taking credit for it?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Schieffer is asking pointed questions now. What would you do if the deadline arrives and it is clear that the Afghans are not ready for us to leave?

    Romney, the peacenik, just says they will be ready, avoiding the question. But he brings up the danger of Pakistan, though it isn’t clear what we can do about that. Make our aid conditioned upon certain benchmarks. Well. . ..

    Obama says that we have met “many” of the objectives in Afghanistan that brought us there to begin with. Doesn’t answer Schieffer’s question either. Obama goes back to “nation building here at home” and his economic policy!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Schieffer is asking pointed questions now. What would you do if the deadline arrives and it is clear that the Afghans are not ready for us to leave?

    Romney, the peacenik, just says they will be ready, avoiding the question. But he brings up the danger of Pakistan, though it isn’t clear what we can do about that. Make our aid conditioned upon certain benchmarks. Well. . ..

    Obama says that we have met “many” of the objectives in Afghanistan that brought us there to begin with. Doesn’t answer Schieffer’s question either. Obama goes back to “nation building here at home” and his economic policy!

  • Tom Hering

    You’re doing just fine, Nancy.

  • Tom Hering

    You’re doing just fine, Nancy.

  • Dan Kempin

    I should have watched this at the dentist while getting a root canal. This is broadcast ingested tryptophan.

  • Dan Kempin

    I should have watched this at the dentist while getting a root canal. This is broadcast ingested tryptophan.

  • Pastordbeck

    Now, for my 2¢: there’s a chance Mitt Romney will be a bad president, but there’s no chance that Barack Obama will be a good one.

  • Pastordbeck

    Now, for my 2¢: there’s a chance Mitt Romney will be a bad president, but there’s no chance that Barack Obama will be a good one.

  • Abby

    Romney sounds plenty capable enough to be in charge of foreign affairs. Unlike Obama when he was elected.

  • Abby

    Romney sounds plenty capable enough to be in charge of foreign affairs. Unlike Obama when he was elected.

  • Dan Kempin

    Hey, Bob Schieffer is wearing a red tie! I sense a republican plot!

    (Really, I am finding that more compelling to consider than the debate.)

  • Dan Kempin

    Hey, Bob Schieffer is wearing a red tie! I sense a republican plot!

    (Really, I am finding that more compelling to consider than the debate.)

  • Jon

    “Pock ee ston” is because president was raised Muslim in his early days.

  • Jon

    “Pock ee ston” is because president was raised Muslim in his early days.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Schieffer, “is it time to divorce Pakistan?” Romney, “no we shouldn’t divorce Pakistan.” Are we married to Pakistan? (I care about figures of speech.)

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Schieffer, “is it time to divorce Pakistan?” Romney, “no we shouldn’t divorce Pakistan.” Are we married to Pakistan? (I care about figures of speech.)

  • Lou G

    Tom, I was trying to help her, since she was obviously disturbed that people weren’t engaging her.
    Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

  • Lou G

    Tom, I was trying to help her, since she was obviously disturbed that people weren’t engaging her.
    Now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

  • Nancy

    Well Dr. Veith that is a much more neutral comment. There is nothing so far you could commend?

  • Nancy

    Well Dr. Veith that is a much more neutral comment. There is nothing so far you could commend?

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    “Nation building here at home”

    What do you mean by that?
    You mean massive Keyensian spending projects?

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    “Nation building here at home”

    What do you mean by that?
    You mean massive Keyensian spending projects?

  • Rhonda

    #161 Exactly!!!!

  • Rhonda

    #161 Exactly!!!!

  • Jon

    Romney_ I like drones.

    But…we can’t kill our way out, like I said earlier.

  • Jon

    Romney_ I like drones.

    But…we can’t kill our way out, like I said earlier.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I commend both candidates for being articulate and communicating well. And for avoiding gaffes. This is, indeed, the best-performed debate so far from both parties.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    I commend both candidates for being articulate and communicating well. And for avoiding gaffes. This is, indeed, the best-performed debate so far from both parties.

  • Dan Kempin

    Stilted. Awkward. Boring. Stale. Detatched.

    Try to guess which candidate I am talking about. Go ahead, try.

  • Dan Kempin

    Stilted. Awkward. Boring. Stale. Detatched.

    Try to guess which candidate I am talking about. Go ahead, try.

  • Jon

    Women!

  • Jon

    Women!

  • P.C.

    Halftime

    Bears 10

    Lions 0

  • Dan Kempin

    Drink up, Nancy.

  • P.C.

    Halftime

    Bears 10

    Lions 0

  • Dan Kempin

    Drink up, Nancy.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    The first debate was all Romney, with Obama doing poorly, by all accounts. The second debate was more even, but it was controversial how they both got in each other’s face. This debate has none of that. Though some might say it is something of a snoozer, since there are no dramatics.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    The first debate was all Romney, with Obama doing poorly, by all accounts. The second debate was more even, but it was controversial how they both got in each other’s face. This debate has none of that. Though some might say it is something of a snoozer, since there are no dramatics.

  • Abby

    @172 Both of them!

  • Abby

    @172 Both of them!

  • Nancy

    @Mike…roads, schools, bridges, same as we are building in Iraq or Afghanistan.

  • Nancy

    @Mike…roads, schools, bridges, same as we are building in Iraq or Afghanistan.

  • Lou G

    Did Obama seriously just say Afghanistan will be able to defend itself when we leave???

  • Lou G

    Did Obama seriously just say Afghanistan will be able to defend itself when we leave???

  • Dan Kempin

    No dramatics and no substance.

  • Dan Kempin

    No dramatics and no substance.

  • Pastordbeck

    I feel sorry for Romney if he’s elected. He’s got a great head of hair, and being president does horrible things to one’s coiffure.

  • Pastordbeck

    I feel sorry for Romney if he’s elected. He’s got a great head of hair, and being president does horrible things to one’s coiffure.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Thanks for the football updates. P.C., you can be our sports correspondent.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Thanks for the football updates. P.C., you can be our sports correspondent.

  • Dan Kempin

    You are correct, Abby! Take a prize from the treasure chest!

  • Dan Kempin

    You are correct, Abby! Take a prize from the treasure chest!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is talking about jobs in China. Cheers!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama is talking about jobs in China. Cheers!

  • Kimberly

    Interesting information about China and trade from the President. Wonder if it’s accurate?

  • Kimberly

    Interesting information about China and trade from the President. Wonder if it’s accurate?

  • Abby

    What do tires have to do with foreign affairs?

  • Abby

    What do tires have to do with foreign affairs?

  • Lou G

    People are saying “Romney’s all over the map”. But isn’t it a good thing for the POTUS to have a foreign policy that is “all over the map.” I mean, you know, it’s foreign policy.

  • Lou G

    People are saying “Romney’s all over the map”. But isn’t it a good thing for the POTUS to have a foreign policy that is “all over the map.” I mean, you know, it’s foreign policy.

  • Nancy

    Who proposed the mandatory military cuts again???

  • Nancy

    Who proposed the mandatory military cuts again???

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney complains about jobs going to China! Drink.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Romney complains about jobs going to China! Drink.

  • Jon

    Romney greatest threat is a nuclear Iran.

    Take sip of water Mitt.

  • Jon

    Romney greatest threat is a nuclear Iran.

    Take sip of water Mitt.

  • Rob

    Pastordbeck @181 ROFL!!!

  • Rob

    Pastordbeck @181 ROFL!!!

  • Abby

    Romney is a lot more knowledgable about China.

  • Abby

    Romney is a lot more knowledgable about China.

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    @Nancy, We already have roads, schools and bridges.

  • http://facebook.com/mesamike Mike Westfall

    @Nancy, We already have roads, schools and bridges.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Yes, Jon. Romney’s drinking games will all be with water.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Yes, Jon. Romney’s drinking games will all be with water.

  • Tom Hering

    @ 192 because he’s outsourced more jobs there?

  • Tom Hering

    @ 192 because he’s outsourced more jobs there?

  • Abby

    Is there a timer in this one? It seems like whoever is talking can talk as long as he wants.

  • Abby

    Is there a timer in this one? It seems like whoever is talking can talk as long as he wants.

  • Nancy

    American workers can compete with Chinese workers. Tney cannot compete with the fact that it takes MUCH less money to subsist in China.

  • Nancy

    American workers can compete with Chinese workers. Tney cannot compete with the fact that it takes MUCH less money to subsist in China.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama comes back with jobs in China twice! Two more drinks.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama comes back with jobs in China twice! Two more drinks.

  • Nancy

    Mike…none need repairing or upgrading? Please.

  • Nancy

    Mike…none need repairing or upgrading? Please.

  • Jon

    Mitt- I like China. I want to be partners with China, but they have to play fair.

    Obama- China is our greatest national threat.

    Hmm. Which plays better?

  • Jon

    Mitt- I like China. I want to be partners with China, but they have to play fair.

    Obama- China is our greatest national threat.

    Hmm. Which plays better?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now, at the end, they talk over each other. It’s been too peaceful so far, they think.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now, at the end, they talk over each other. It’s been too peaceful so far, they think.

  • Dan Kempin

    It looks like Romney is wearing a star on his right lapel.

  • Dan Kempin

    It looks like Romney is wearing a star on his right lapel.

  • Abby

    GM would like to be out from under the govt regarding the bailout. But, too late.

  • Abby

    GM would like to be out from under the govt regarding the bailout. But, too late.

  • Lou G

    From the twittersphere:
    Obama is imagining every blink of his eye fires a little missile. “BOOM.” “BOOM.” “BOOM.”

  • Lou G

    From the twittersphere:
    Obama is imagining every blink of his eye fires a little missile. “BOOM.” “BOOM.” “BOOM.”

  • Dan Kempin

    Quit talking over him, Mitt.

  • Dan Kempin

    Quit talking over him, Mitt.

  • Jon

    Tesla and Fisker and Solyndra–not investments!

    Exactly! Hit him in his record! Fail, fail, fail. Epic fail.

    Check Obama’s record.

    Who’s airbrushing?

  • Jon

    Tesla and Fisker and Solyndra–not investments!

    Exactly! Hit him in his record! Fail, fail, fail. Epic fail.

    Check Obama’s record.

    Who’s airbrushing?

  • Rob

    Lou G @204 That’s funny!

  • Rob

    Lou G @204 That’s funny!

  • Dan Kempin

    The smirk is back.

  • Dan Kempin

    The smirk is back.

  • Kimberly

    @204: That’s very good! LOL

  • Kimberly

    @204: That’s very good! LOL

  • Jon

    Let me be clear!

  • Jon

    Let me be clear!

  • Lou G

    Dan – Mitt wouldn’t have to talk over Obama, if he wasn’t being rudely interupted.

  • Lou G

    Dan – Mitt wouldn’t have to talk over Obama, if he wasn’t being rudely interupted.

  • Abby

    I don’t think Schieffer is doing a good job here. I think the best moderator was the first one.

  • Abby

    I don’t think Schieffer is doing a good job here. I think the best moderator was the first one.

  • Dan Kempin

    Forward, not backward! Onward, not forward! And always whirling, whirling, whirling toward freedom!

  • Dan Kempin

    Forward, not backward! Onward, not forward! And always whirling, whirling, whirling toward freedom!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama: We don’t want to go back to the policies that got us into this mess.

    Romney: I agree, and we don’t want to go back to the policies of the last four years.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Obama: We don’t want to go back to the policies that got us into this mess.

    Romney: I agree, and we don’t want to go back to the policies of the last four years.

  • Jon

    Hit him in the record! Geat stuff!

    Where is Schieffer?! Is he passed out?!

  • Jon

    Hit him in the record! Geat stuff!

    Where is Schieffer?! Is he passed out?!

  • Dan Kempin

    Lou, #211,

    The one who gets angry, loses.

  • Dan Kempin

    Lou, #211,

    The one who gets angry, loses.

  • Nancy

    Why more on foodstamps? Would it have anything to do with cuts to cash assistance?

  • Nancy

    Why more on foodstamps? Would it have anything to do with cuts to cash assistance?

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We all love teachers.”

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    “We all love teachers.”

  • Grace

    Romney lost !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Grace

    Romney lost !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Rob

    I love teachers too!

  • Rhonda

    At least Romney gets to speak last.

  • Rob

    I love teachers too!

  • Rhonda

    At least Romney gets to speak last.

  • Jon

    Saturday Night Live pans over to a sleeping Bob Schieffer, I can see it now!

  • Jon

    Saturday Night Live pans over to a sleeping Bob Schieffer, I can see it now!

  • Lou G

    Closing statements – awww… No clarification on Benghazi. Too bad.

  • Lou G

    Closing statements – awww… No clarification on Benghazi. Too bad.

  • Dan Kempin

    ” . . . build on our stranks”

  • Dan Kempin

    ” . . . build on our stranks”

  • Nancy

    Romney does not want to get federal government into education. It can’t get any deeper than No Child Left Behind.

  • Nancy

    Romney does not want to get federal government into education. It can’t get any deeper than No Child Left Behind.

  • Pastordbeck

    Obama: …I put forward a plan…

    Oh really?

  • Pastordbeck

    Obama: …I put forward a plan…

    Oh really?

  • Lou G

    Here’s the NYT oped, let’s find out what Mitt said/wrote:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/opinion/19romney.html

  • Lou G

    Here’s the NYT oped, let’s find out what Mitt said/wrote:
    http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/19/opinion/19romney.html

  • Abby

    @219 Hardly . . .

  • Abby

    @219 Hardly . . .

  • Rob

    Dan Kempin!!! @224 I just spit my drink out!! LOL

  • Rob

    Dan Kempin!!! @224 I just spit my drink out!! LOL

  • Jon

    Energy of the future. Wealthy to do a little more. Drones, no more war. Blah blah veterans. Says Obama.

  • Jon

    Energy of the future. Wealthy to do a little more. Drones, no more war. Blah blah veterans. Says Obama.

  • Dan Kempin

    222,

    Good one. then it pans to a sleeping audience.

  • Pastordbeck

    At the end of the day, the answer is roads, bridges, and free contraception!

  • Dan Kempin

    222,

    Good one. then it pans to a sleeping audience.

  • Pastordbeck

    At the end of the day, the answer is roads, bridges, and free contraception!

  • Nancy

    Closing remarks…my ladt chance for a drink.

  • Nancy

    Closing remarks…my ladt chance for a drink.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Closing statements. Neither is about international relations, the topic of the day.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Closing statements. Neither is about international relations, the topic of the day.

  • Dan Kempin

    Hey, remember that part where Obama said, “Blah,” but then Romney came right back with “Blah, Blah?”

  • Dan Kempin

    Hey, remember that part where Obama said, “Blah,” but then Romney came right back with “Blah, Blah?”

  • Kimberly

    “This country is the hope of the earth”??? Oh dear. What can be said in the face of such silliness?

  • Kimberly

    “This country is the hope of the earth”??? Oh dear. What can be said in the face of such silliness?

  • Jon

    Romney- Peace, peace, safe. Excited about our future. o Greece. Path to balanced budget. Off of food stamps. America can come back. Bipartisanship! Washington is broken. I know what it takes.

    Very presidential, Mitt!

  • Jon

    Romney- Peace, peace, safe. Excited about our future. o Greece. Path to balanced budget. Off of food stamps. America can come back. Bipartisanship! Washington is broken. I know what it takes.

    Very presidential, Mitt!

  • Abby

    Well, I didn’t learn anything new.

  • Abby

    Well, I didn’t learn anything new.

  • Rob

    Obama looked tired when he hugged his wife.

  • Rob

    Obama looked tired when he hugged his wife.

  • Grace

    Dan Kempin @216 “The one who gets angry, loses.”

    The man who deports himself has a prep school smirk, has no credibility.

  • Grace

    Dan Kempin @216 “The one who gets angry, loses.”

    The man who deports himself has a prep school smirk, has no credibility.

  • Lou G

    “Go vote. It makes you feel big and strong” says Shieffer. LOL

  • Lou G

    “Go vote. It makes you feel big and strong” says Shieffer. LOL

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Looks like a friendly farewell to each other from both candidates.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Looks like a friendly farewell to each other from both candidates.

  • Jon

    Obama hugs Michelle, looks like he’s gonna cry!

  • Jon

    Obama hugs Michelle, looks like he’s gonna cry!

  • P.C.

    Third Quarter 11:24 remaining in the real debate

    Bears 13

    Lions 0

  • P.C.

    Third Quarter 11:24 remaining in the real debate

    Bears 13

    Lions 0

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy@225:

    Take it up with Ted Kennedy, who penned NCLB…

    But onto important news:

    Giants up 7-0 in the 7th inning.

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy@225:

    Take it up with Ted Kennedy, who penned NCLB…

    But onto important news:

    Giants up 7-0 in the 7th inning.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now we go to the spin rooms. Prediction: Democrats will say Obama has won. Republicans will say Romney has won.

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Now we go to the spin rooms. Prediction: Democrats will say Obama has won. Republicans will say Romney has won.

  • geo

    Romney wins!!!

  • geo

    Romney wins!!!

  • Grace

    This election is a MESS!

    Both canditates are bad for America. Make no mistake, I don’t believe another 4 years with Obama will bring forth anything great. A man who believes he will one day be a god, is no choice at all.

    God bless the people of the United States. How far this nation has drifted from it’s beginnings?

  • Grace

    This election is a MESS!

    Both canditates are bad for America. Make no mistake, I don’t believe another 4 years with Obama will bring forth anything great. A man who believes he will one day be a god, is no choice at all.

    God bless the people of the United States. How far this nation has drifted from it’s beginnings?

  • Nancy

    Alas, I am left unsatisfied.

  • Nancy

    Alas, I am left unsatisfied.

  • Dan Kempin

    Veith, @246,

    Way to go out on a limb. Care to predict a phrase or two in the debate analysis? I’m sticking with “measured” and “deliberate.”

  • Dan Kempin

    Veith, @246,

    Way to go out on a limb. Care to predict a phrase or two in the debate analysis? I’m sticking with “measured” and “deliberate.”

  • Cincinnatus

    I didn’t watch the debate, knowing that I wouldn’t be surprised. And I seem to have been validated in my judgment, having just skimmed the comments.

    Why do we watch debates? They’re highly choreographed, scripted campaign rallies. Both parties sign long contracts prohibiting “surprises.” We never learn anything from them. Why bother?

  • Cincinnatus

    I didn’t watch the debate, knowing that I wouldn’t be surprised. And I seem to have been validated in my judgment, having just skimmed the comments.

    Why do we watch debates? They’re highly choreographed, scripted campaign rallies. Both parties sign long contracts prohibiting “surprises.” We never learn anything from them. Why bother?

  • Abby

    According to the pollsters, tonight’s debate wasn’t going to move any numbers for either candidate. All they needed to do was “look” presidential.

  • Abby

    According to the pollsters, tonight’s debate wasn’t going to move any numbers for either candidate. All they needed to do was “look” presidential.

  • Tom Hering

    David Brooks just said Romney mentioned peace more than George McGovern ever did. :-D

  • Tom Hering

    David Brooks just said Romney mentioned peace more than George McGovern ever did. :-D

  • Nancy

    Cinncinatus…he reversed his support when the legislation was loaded with so many unfunded mandates.

  • Nancy

    Cinncinatus…he reversed his support when the legislation was loaded with so many unfunded mandates.

  • Grace

    Gene Veith @246 – “Now we go to the spin rooms. Prediction: Democrats will say Obama has won. Republicans will say Romney has won.”

    WRONG – I’m a Republican. This country has no credible candidate for president. It’s a disgrace!

  • Grace

    Gene Veith @246 – “Now we go to the spin rooms. Prediction: Democrats will say Obama has won. Republicans will say Romney has won.”

    WRONG – I’m a Republican. This country has no credible candidate for president. It’s a disgrace!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Dan, we will hear “hit it out of the park.”

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Dan, we will hear “hit it out of the park.”

  • Dan Kempin

    Ooh! A bold pick.

    We’ll see. Good night.

  • Dan Kempin

    Ooh! A bold pick.

    We’ll see. Good night.

  • MarkB

    Wow, was that boring?

    I guess they both did what they thought they should, not make any egregious mistakes.

    Although I dislike Obama’s insistense on trying to redefine Mitt Romney’s stances on just about everything. Cannot Obama even come up with something that is not snarky?

  • MarkB

    Wow, was that boring?

    I guess they both did what they thought they should, not make any egregious mistakes.

    Although I dislike Obama’s insistense on trying to redefine Mitt Romney’s stances on just about everything. Cannot Obama even come up with something that is not snarky?

  • Lou G

    OP-ED direct quote :
    “A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the industry needs. It would permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs. The federal government should provide guarantees for post-bankruptcy financing and assure car buyers that their warranties are not at risk. In a managed bankruptcy, the federal government would propel newly competitive and viable automakers”

  • Lou G

    OP-ED direct quote :
    “A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the industry needs. It would permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs. The federal government should provide guarantees for post-bankruptcy financing and assure car buyers that their warranties are not at risk. In a managed bankruptcy, the federal government would propel newly competitive and viable automakers”

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy@254:

    I won’t address this topic any more here, except to say: that’s some nice spin. NCLB was coauthored by Kennedy himself, and he voted for it. He only started complaining once it became (justifiably) unpopular.

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy@254:

    I won’t address this topic any more here, except to say: that’s some nice spin. NCLB was coauthored by Kennedy himself, and he voted for it. He only started complaining once it became (justifiably) unpopular.

  • Nancy

    I may scan the other live blogging threads to see if I can have a drink.

  • Nancy

    I may scan the other live blogging threads to see if I can have a drink.

  • Rob

    That was fun. I enjoyed the funny comments. Thanks Dr. Veith.

  • Rob

    That was fun. I enjoyed the funny comments. Thanks Dr. Veith.

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy:

    Obama is the awesomest President evar, and he clearly dominated Mittens in the debate.

    Feel better?

  • Cincinnatus

    Nancy:

    Obama is the awesomest President evar, and he clearly dominated Mittens in the debate.

    Feel better?

  • Nancy

    Cinn@260…justifiably indeed!

  • Lou G

    Dan #216: Who do you think looked angry? Cause, from my couch, Obama, not Romney, was clearly more flustered throughout.

  • Nancy

    Cinn@260…justifiably indeed!

  • Lou G

    Dan #216: Who do you think looked angry? Cause, from my couch, Obama, not Romney, was clearly more flustered throughout.

  • Lou G

    Fact checker just confirmed that on several stats, Romney was correct and Obama was wrong. Plus, several Marines have notified the president that they still actually do use bayonettes.
    So Romney won.

  • Lou G

    Fact checker just confirmed that on several stats, Romney was correct and Obama was wrong. Plus, several Marines have notified the president that they still actually do use bayonettes.
    So Romney won.

  • dust

    Lou G….in my humble opinion, obama looked a bit angry, and if that’s not the right word, then up tight would work for me….actually they both would apply?

    cheers!

  • dust

    Lou G….in my humble opinion, obama looked a bit angry, and if that’s not the right word, then up tight would work for me….actually they both would apply?

    cheers!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Come back tomorrow to discuss “who won” and any effects of the debate. Good night!

  • http://www.geneveith.com Gene Veith

    Come back tomorrow to discuss “who won” and any effects of the debate. Good night!

  • Grace

    Tampa Bay Times
    Says Romney called Russia our No. 1 enemy.
    Barack Obama on Thursday, September 6th, 2012 in a convention speech

    “Blitzer asked Romney if he thought Russia is a bigger foe than Iran, China or North Korea.

    “I’m saying in terms of a geopolitical opponent, the nation that lines up with the world’s worst actors,” Romney said. “Of course the greatest threat that the world faces is a nuclear Iran, and a nuclear North Korea is already troubling enough. But when these terrible actors pursue their course in the world and we go to the United Nations looking for ways to stop them … who is it that always stands up with the world’s worst actors? It’s always Russia, typically with China alongside. And so in terms of a geopolitical foe, a nation that’s on the Security Council that has the heft of the Security Council, and is of course is a massive nuclear power, Russia is the geopolitical foe.”

    http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/sep/07/barack-obama/obama-says-romney-called-russia-our-no-1-enemy/

  • Grace

    Tampa Bay Times
    Says Romney called Russia our No. 1 enemy.
    Barack Obama on Thursday, September 6th, 2012 in a convention speech

    “Blitzer asked Romney if he thought Russia is a bigger foe than Iran, China or North Korea.

    “I’m saying in terms of a geopolitical opponent, the nation that lines up with the world’s worst actors,” Romney said. “Of course the greatest threat that the world faces is a nuclear Iran, and a nuclear North Korea is already troubling enough. But when these terrible actors pursue their course in the world and we go to the United Nations looking for ways to stop them … who is it that always stands up with the world’s worst actors? It’s always Russia, typically with China alongside. And so in terms of a geopolitical foe, a nation that’s on the Security Council that has the heft of the Security Council, and is of course is a massive nuclear power, Russia is the geopolitical foe.”

    http://www.politifact.com/truth-o-meter/statements/2012/sep/07/barack-obama/obama-says-romney-called-russia-our-no-1-enemy/

  • Grace

    What exactly did Romney say tonight in the debate, regarding Russia ?

  • Grace

    What exactly did Romney say tonight in the debate, regarding Russia ?

  • http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Contemporary-English-Version-CEV-Bible/ sg

    “A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the industry needs. It would permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs.”

    Does this managed bankruptcy also allow them to shed excess executive compensation packages? Hmm? If the amount your “industry” is in the hole is less than or equal to what you paid your top geniuses, well then I think you found where the money went. right?

  • http://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Contemporary-English-Version-CEV-Bible/ sg

    “A managed bankruptcy may be the only path to the fundamental restructuring the industry needs. It would permit the companies to shed excess labor, pension and real estate costs.”

    Does this managed bankruptcy also allow them to shed excess executive compensation packages? Hmm? If the amount your “industry” is in the hole is less than or equal to what you paid your top geniuses, well then I think you found where the money went. right?

  • Other Gary

    Sg @ 271 +100!

  • Other Gary

    Sg @ 271 +100!

  • fjsteve

    Once again, the candidates–this time mostly Obama–showed that they are more interested in beating down the opponent rather explain what they will do for the country. Or, for that matter, winning over undecided voters who have shown that they don’t like the negative attacks.

    “Thank you for your question, Bob. Let me first start out by not answering you directly and then I’ll follow up with one of my talking points. Mmmkay? Greaaat.”

  • fjsteve

    Once again, the candidates–this time mostly Obama–showed that they are more interested in beating down the opponent rather explain what they will do for the country. Or, for that matter, winning over undecided voters who have shown that they don’t like the negative attacks.

    “Thank you for your question, Bob. Let me first start out by not answering you directly and then I’ll follow up with one of my talking points. Mmmkay? Greaaat.”

  • http://www.toddstadler.com/ tODD

    Dan Kempin (@213), I knew I liked you!

    These comments have been about as boring as the debate that they largely characterize (apparently — I didn’t see it). I mean, no offense if that’s what you all had to work with, but … zzzzzzzzz.

  • http://www.toddstadler.com/ tODD

    Dan Kempin (@213), I knew I liked you!

    These comments have been about as boring as the debate that they largely characterize (apparently — I didn’t see it). I mean, no offense if that’s what you all had to work with, but … zzzzzzzzz.

  • fjsteve

    But the most important point of the evening… Giants are going to the series.

  • fjsteve

    But the most important point of the evening… Giants are going to the series.