My thoughts on the Presidential Debate: Part Two

Okay, I'm back for part two of my in-depth and expert analysis.

Question #5: What about Iran?
McCain: Iran could possibly maybe be a threat to Israel if they acquire/manufacture nuclear weapons. Basically, I ran getting nuclear weapons would set off a chain reaction that would result in the entire Middle East against poor defenseless disorganized Israel. To stop a second Holocaust the U.S. should come together with other democratic countries (but not the UN because they don't work since they allow the "bad" guys in) and crush Iran. This should be easy because they are "lousy." (his word, not mine) Also, we must sanction them to essentially starve them to submission. Any diplomatic negotiations must have preconditions.
Obama: Iran is a problem and houses terrorist organizations. He claims McCain wants to change legislation for the Iraqi occupation to include measures that would allow America to go to war with Iran. Unfortunately the war in Iraq has only made Iran & other middle East terrorist organizations stronger. Sanctions have not & will not work. While The U.S. must not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, which could create serious problems in the region. Diplomacy must be the process with Iran, North Korea, Russia, and others. Isolation only increases these countries vigor in acquiring nuclear weapons. Preconditions must not be required for diplomatic conversations to occur, though there must be extensive forethought and planning.
My thoughts:This was by far their most interesting exchange. McCain seemed determined to show that he would hardline the issue and refuse to back down, negotiate, or otherwise be involved in any way with any country he deems an enemy. In addition, he seemed determined to show that Obama is inexperienced in foreign policy. His inability to do anything but say the same lines over & over again, his ineptitude at pronouncing the President of Iran's name, and his incomprehensible comparison between the heights of North and South Koreans gave the impression that he was the one who is lacking. Obama did not expound enough on his foreign policy ideas other than to say that the key to executing good foreign policy and relations is to be diplomatic. He seemed to imply that America should hold it's allies close, but negotiate firmly and openly with it's enemies. He did not falter, nor did he show any weakness in his foreign policy ideals. Both were weak on actually answering the question. Their spar over word choice and who-knows-Henry Kissinger-best were quite entertaining, though I was glad when Obama acted responsibly and put a quick and decisive halt to it.

Question #6: What about Russia?
Obama: They have been our ally for a while and we should approach them diplomatically with the help of the International community. We cannot go back to the Cold War, we must look forward. We must lift up fledgling democracies and allow them to assert themselves in the International community. The way to fix it is support democracy and decrease oil dependence. McCain consistently voted against developing alternate energy.
McCain: Read my lips: KGB. Russia has just been waiting like a spider to pounce, we have to inhibit the pouncing. He does not give a plan of what to do, but he says to watch the Ukraine for political breakdown. Others in the region will follow.
My thought: We,, I have to say that this one was relatively simple to work out. Obama has a plan - it is called diplomacy. McCain has a plan - it is called watch from behind a stone wall (and perhaps throw a few hand grenades! JK)

Umm - they bickered for a bit here about alternative energy and foreign & domestic oil production. They both really said nothing.

Question #7: Could there be another 9/11?
McCain: We are safer now then on 9/11. He was a part of the joint commission on 9/11, and he helped create the laws and saw many of them implemented. The govt has been drastically reorganized since then and because of that, the country is doing much better. The country has more to do, including increasing border security.
Obama: Some good changes have been made, but more are needed to make America safe. There are still problems with ports of entry, and now with nuclear weapons.
My thoughts: Neither really said anything, but to give them credit, they were almost out of time.

My thought overall: I guess what struck me the most was the non-verbal communication between McCain & Obama. Obama treated McCain with respect & deference. He often complimented or agreed with McCain when he made good points and respectfully contradicted him when he disagreed with McCain's point. But more than that, Obama faced often toward McCain and looked at him while he was speaking. He also often turned to look at McCain when addressing him, especially id Obama was contradicting McCain's point. McCain, on the other hand, did not turn to look at Obama once during the whole debate. In addition, McCain was often smiling and smirking sarcastically nearly every time Obama spoke. It was disgraceful the ungentlemanly conduct of Sen. McCain. I was already not fond of McCain because of his policies (which do not coincide with mine). When he chose Palin as a running mate, I shuddered. However, last night was the icing on the cake. No person can carry on successful foreign relations if they cannot keep their cool and show respect to those who are different. McCains is the WRONG person for the job. I hope other Independents saw what I saw and choose as I choose - to vote Obama '08!!!