Wednesday night’s debate saw a fast-footed Mitt Romney face a calm and cool President Barack Obama. While eloquence and calculation may be staples of Obama’s rhetorical style, not managing to keep pace with Romney hurt the president’s reputation at the onset of debate season.
Romney: B+
Highs
· Romney turned the deficit argument into a moral argument, saying the current generation must work against it for the sake of the next generation.
· In weighing the benefits of some government regulations, Romney successfully portrayed himself as more moderate than many have labeled him thus far.
· Referencing unelected administrative boards as staples of Obama’s Affordable Care Act, though it has been a hackneyed argument, was a fair criticism and one that appeals strongly to both Republicans and Libertarians.
· Contrasting health care reform as accomplished on the federal level versus in his Massachusetts state legislature was wise. Its successful passing in Massachusetts also appeals to those distrustful of the federal government and the sweeping actions it takes.
· Romney’s business acumen was obvious in his aggressive tactics and the ease with which he discussed complex financial issues. He may use this “shark” persona to appeal to voters as a man who can get things done.
Lows
· Romney largely failed to offer specifics of his Medicare and budget plans, which has been a common criticism. Those he did mention, such as cutting funding for PBS, were more symbolic than realistic solutions.
· Many of Romney’s “zingers” felt obvious and practiced, as many know they were.
Arguing with the moderator never looks good for a debater, and Romney’s willingness to challenge Jim Lehrer came across as slightly desperate at times.
· Overuse of term “Obamacare” was noticeable in Romney’s arguments, and Obama’s daftness in accepting the moniker for his legislation made the overuse of the buzzword also seem desperate.
· In defining the role of the government in the United States, Romney’s time-worn — if not cheesy — appeals to defend the Constitution and Declaration of independence felt hollow.
Obama: C+
Highs
· Breakdown of Romney’s tax plans and the deficit, though repeated too many times, was well-played and difficult for Romney to respond to with concrete answers.
· Comparing the federal cuts under his administration to those made by President Dwight Eisenhower was a clever comparison and appealed to many viewers.
· Calling out Romney on flip-flops may be too easy, but referencing Romney’s bumpy record during the Republican debates underscored Obama’s place of power as the incumbent.
· Obama touted work satisfaction over pay during his closing remarks, and this highly romantic comment appeals to young voters in a big way.
Lows
· Mentioning Donald Trump felt like a forced pop culture reference, and it debased the seriousness of the debates against Obama’s favor.
· Either President Obama tried to put too many words in Romney’s mouth or he was not quick enough to respond after Romney’s speedy and thorough rebuttals. These particular encounters are what made Obama come off as more defensive and subdued than his opponent.
· A highly unexpected amount of pauses and stumbles plagued Obama’s performance. Considering his reputation for being suave at the podium, these small bumps hurt the president’s image in a big way.
· The president spent too much time rebutting Romney’s points, leading to rambling, difficult-to-follow statements.
