Friday, October 17, 2008

The final debate

Obama probably won the third Presidential debate because he is eloquent, a "smooth talker," while McCain, although more aggressive and on the attack, failed to score any major hits on him. Obama deflected criticism with a shrug and a smile. Also, while McCain came over as more informed on various policy subjects, partly due to his vast experience in Congress, Obama came across as everybody's friend.
But, as someone said, "I don't want a great debater, I want a great President!" and in that respect the choice was clear to me. Obama's policies include "wealth redistribution," which means taxing the wealthy and giving the money to the poor in the form of tax rebates, a greater Federal Govt. role in education and guaranteed health care for all, that will cost the rest of the taxpayers. All of which means increased taxes and greater Govt. spending. By contrast, McCain, a fiscal conservative, said that he will freeze all but the most essential Govt. spending, reduce the size of Govt. (it has increased by 40% under Bush) and he will be a "good custodian" of our money. Now when the economy is the major issue, I feel that McCain, therefore, has the policies that are most relevant to the current situation and furthermore he is someone whose word you can trust. I don't say that Obama's word can't be trusted, but that it is impossible to know based on his limited record.
Now there are some who will vote against McCain because of abortion, or because of Palin, or because he is old, etc., but for me these issues are secondary. Keeping the eye on the ball means taking the two major issues, the economy and trust, as the deciding factors. As far as Obama's former associates are concerned he does not instil confidence, his long association with Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers and numerous other Chicago politicians and left wing organizations, such as ACORN/Project Vote, the Annenberg Educational Challenge, etc, are disturbing. McCain only touched on this topic without making a major issue of it. This was probably wise, although it allowed Obama to get "off the hook" easily.
McCain did not raise again the issue of Obama's Muslim background, although Obama's statements that he is a Christian have been accepted at face value. However, the fact is that he was definitely registered as a Muslim until age 11 in Indonesia (in Islam conversion to another religion is apostasy and is punishable by death!). Also, where does Obama get so much money (twice as much as McCain) without having to take public funds and hence without having to reveal his sources.
Yesterday, Jesse Jackson stated that if Obama is elected President he will reduce the influence of "Zionists who have controlled American policy for decades." Needless to say, the Obama campaign denied this, but we all know that it's true. With the nuclearization of Iran looming and billions still flowing to the oil-rich Arabs, now is not the time to have a friend of Jesse Jackson in the White House. In fact if Obama is elected, the first State dinner will include Jesse Jackson, Rev. Wright, Bill Ayers and maybe even Ahmedinejad (OK, I'm joking). Americans have a clear choice between two eligible candidates, a young black liberal, Obama, and an old white conservative, McCain. But, if you admit to voting against Obama you can be labelled a racist, while if you vote against McCain noone will call you an "ageist." In my eyes only McCain has the demonstrated character to make an excellent President. But, if you are fed up with the two candidates, you can endorse "Joe the Plumber for President."

0 Comments:

Post a Comment

<< Home