The third and final presidential debate of the 2012 election cycle has ended. It was completely about foreign policy, and dealt with Libya, Syria, Iraq, Egypt, among many other places. From the very beginning, President Obama gained the upper hand. Coming off of a very strong performance in the second debate, his goal was to put Romney away. He did this, quite forcefully in my opinion. President Obama was quick and to the point on his stands regarding foreign policy, a topic that can easily become unwieldly and convoluted when explaining to a broader audience. The president was clear to the point that Governor Romney had to agree with him on several points. This raises major questions about specifics that Romney was unable to answer.
Romney, who is obviously towing the line on issues of foreign policy for the Republicans, had little to add when it came to discussions of world affairs. With him being the perceived winner of the first debate and the loser of the second, it was his job to either stalemate, or win, if possible. He was unable to do that, and nearly every one of his talking points backfired. The low point for Romney was when President Obama countered his statement on the strength of the Navy by noting changes in military technology. How do you say to another grown man that “We have these things called aircraft carriers”? “That, and “this is not a game of battleship” had to be one of the biggest zingers landed.
Speaking of inconsistencies, did anyone else notice how all of a sudden Romney cares about gender equality? Perhaps that was his way of pivoting from the binders of women comment last week? Well, apparently it did not work. With the issue of foreign policy playing a great role, it is a deadly serious matter. The president tonight reminded everyone through his responses and positioning, that he is already dealing with these very real day to day matters. Governor Romney got an on the spot education on foreign policy, and President Obama turned around the statement Romney made about an “apology tour” quite well.
Well, now with all of the debates over with, the only thing left to observe is the actual vote. As we move into the last two weeks, we are sure to hear more from both candidates as they make their case to the nation. Foreign policy may not be a big draw for voters, but it is important to know where the candidates stand on America and it’s place in the rest of the world.
-Marc W. Polite
I like Battleship
Related articles
