My Advice for Both Candidates in Tonight’s Debate

Ethan Gach

I write about comics, video games and American politics. I fear death above all things. Just below that is waking up in the morning to go to work. You can follow me on Twitter at @ethangach or at my blog, gamingvulture.tumblr.com. And though my opinions aren’t for hire, my virtue is.

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7 Responses

  1. Michelle says:

    Good post, although I think the notion that Obama has over-regulated small businesses is right wing hype that’s usually not followed up by any evidence. Also, I’m not sure it will matter so much what is said, as I’m betting both will spout their usual talking points, but how it’s said. If Romney can manage to get through a debate without condescending, issuing his patented fake chuckle, or looking robotic, he’ll do well. Bonus points if he gets off a one-liner that’s actually funny.

    Likewise, if Obama can get through the debate without condescending, staring off into space with his head cocked at that odd angle that makes him look constipated, or sounding too lawyerly or professorial, he’ll do well. Bonus points if he sings.

    As for beer choices, for mass-marketed ale, I favor Sierra Nevada. But here in Greensboro, we have a local brew IPA–Natty Greene’s–that’s even better.Report

    • Burt Likko in reply to Michelle says:

      “Evidence,” and in fact “truth,” are extra credit assignments. “Plausibility” is the threshold here. And when you think about it, “plausability to one’s own base and the six dozen or so still undecided voters in Ohio and Florida” is the actual threshold.

      I usually think IPAs are too bitter. But I just had Costco’s store-brand IPA this weekend (I don’t know who it’s ghost-branded for), and I put a slice of orange in it like it was a hefeweizen, to sweeten up the hoppiness. I wound up being pretty happy about that.Report

  2. damon says:

    Regardless of who “wins” the debate or even the election, there will be no significant changes to any current admin policy. Changes on the margins aren’t going to cut it.

    And one other thing. This debate, like all those in recent memory, will be notable for one other thing. Those subjects that both candidates have agreed not to discuss, like immigration, etc.Report

  3. bookdragon says:

    ” I’d like to see him candidly ask the President: why do you want to raise taxes and regulatory burdens on small businesses and job creators?”

    And I’d like the President to answer: I don’t and I haven’t. *Launch into litany of tax breaks and comparison of tax rates under his admin vs. Reagan, and then challenge Romney to name the regulatory burdens beyond those imposed on Wall Street for obvious reasons **

    As for beer, I’m debating (heh) between Yard’s General Washington Tavern Porter or Founder’s Dirty Bastard. May have both on hand and drink as appropriate to how the candidates behave – as statesmen or brawlers.Report

  4. trizzlor says:

    I don’t know if you get it in your area, but the Narragansett Oktoberfest-style Beer is one of my favorite craft beers this season and (at least in New England) is still somehow priced competitively with Heineken and High Life. Also, it has a fishin’ drunk King on the cover.Report

    • Glyph in reply to trizzlor says:

      There’s a local bar that usually has Narragansett on tap, and it is a decent and decently-priced beer. Maybe I’ll head over there tonight to see if they have this one, Oktoberfest-style beers often just being damn good beer-type-beers, if you know what I mean.Report

  5. Will Truman says:

    This is a great post, Ethan. I was lamenting the lack of comments on it, then realizing I hadn’t.

    I am working through my mind how much of the debate is constrained by the substantive disconnect in the GOP between rhetoric and governance, and how much of that apparent disconnect is something I am seeing wrongly.Report