When you’re hungry, all you can think about is getting something to eat. When you are not able to feed your kids properly, all you can think about is how you have failed them. All other issues are secondary and this depletes American human productivity. In his closing statement at last night’s vice presidential debate, Vice President Joe Biden focused on the middle -class and stressed that “all they’re looking for is a fair shot. People want peace of mind,” he said.
Peace of mind is a valuable commodity that has sadly been crushed in this economy. Americans are struggling to get it back. They want more out of life than to just get through the day, although that in and of itself is an achievement in today’s world. Americans want to go to work, bring home a paycheck and take care of their families. Biden outlined how to get peace of mind back into America with jobs being the primary focus. He emphasized that a strong middle-class is the backbone of this economy. If an individual cannot afford to buy food or afford a place to live, then there is no growth for anyone in this society.
Moderator, Martha Raddatz, carefully crafted her questions to elicit a – look the American people in the eye and tell them the truth – response from each candidate. In addition to jobs, she asked questions about Iran; the war in Afghanistan; Medicare and Social Security; taxes; and finally, abortion.
Congressman Ryan stressed that Iran could not be allowed to make a nuclear bomb and pointed out how Iran was four years closer to having a bomb, and that the water downed sanctions were not enough. Biden pressed Ryan for an alternative solution, other than war, and cited how Americans could not engage in another Middle Eastern war. Ryan protested having troops on the ground in Iran but he could not convincingly deny that a military intervention was off the table.
Biden promised that the war in Afghanistan would end in 2014. Ryan agreed with that date while at the same time criticizing the rigid timetable, citing that the Taliban would see it as an opportunity to wait it out, and then take over the region. Biden responded that trained Afghan troops would be in control by then, and that America has the backing of its allies for this timetable, an indicator of strength in leadership.
Both candidates differed in their approach to the status quo of Medicare and Social Security, where Biden adamantly refused to alter promised provisions while Ryan adamantly cited the need for reform to maintain sustainability. The issue of taxes again reiterated how Republicans are blocking an extension of the middle-class tax cuts. “It’s about time they take responsibility instead of signing pledges to avoid raising taxes,” Biden said of the Republicans.
Despite Biden’s aggressive and sometimes disrespectful behavior towards Ryan with his laughter, unflattering grin, and interruptions, Biden demonstrated a competence in foreign and domestic affairs and asserted his genuine concern for the prosperity of the middle-class. Although Ryan’s congressional expertise does not compare to Biden’s years of foreign policy experience, Ryan demonstrated a confidence in his knowledge of world and domestic affairs and stressed how he and Governor Romney are committed to serving all Americans, even the 47 percent.
With the election fast approaching, Americans are desperate for peace of mind and less piece of mind. During the second presidential debate, it would be hopeful if President Obama could remember a very important lesson in leadership – never let them see you sweat! Obama admitted in an interview with Diane Sawyer for ABC News, that he did indeed “sweat” during the first debate. He said that, “Governor Romney had a good night and I had a bad night” and added “Well, it’s not the first time I’ve had a bad night. But I think what’s important is the fundamentals of what this race is about haven’t changed. You know, Governor Romney went to a lotta trouble to try to hide what his positions are.” Obama continued to compare his performance during the debate to sports. It’s fine to sweat on the basketball court, but not as a leader of the free world during a debate. So to coin what Bill O’Reilly might ask, “what say you?” Mr. President.
President Obama should heed the advice given to corporate women – don’t ever let them see you cry. Or in the words of an actor, the audience will only know that you messed up if you tell them. President Obama told Sawyer that he basically messed up. Those who watched the debate kind of knew that, but then again, his performance could have been a strategy to put Governor Romney off guard for the second debate. Well now, we obviously know that it wasn’t a strategy. With the election a few weeks away, gaining the confidence of the American voters will be tough for all four candidates. Pun intended, which of these four gentlemen will “fit the bill “and get this country headed in the right direction?
(2012) Linda Stone Cohen All Right Reserved
Remember that no amount of money can purchase grace, wisdom, and humility. Until tomorrow…
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