The folks on MSNBC typically defend the Democrat positions and demonstrate strong affection for Barack Obama. Hardball's Chris Matthews once said that when Obama speaks that he gets a thrill up his leg. First off, I don't think that I am familiar with this particular sensation. Chris may need to get a real life or try to stop fawning over politicians, president or not. I was a big fan of Ronald Reagan but, even on one of the Gipper's best days and best speeches, I can't say that I ever experienced anything magical in any of my limbs. But then again, I don't adore or worship politicians.
The usual Obama defenders and apologists on MSNBC like Ed Shultz, and the aforementioned Matthews were beside themselves after the debate. I thought one of them was going to stroke out. I am sure that the Obama advocates were very confident, leading up to the debate, that Obama would wipe the floor with Romney. I believe that they were genuinely devastated that the President didn't trounce Romney.
24 hours later, after their blood pressure dropped back down to more normal levels, most of the commentators that are clearly non-neutral have regrouped and are back in attack mode against the Republican candidate. But they can't just ignore or dismiss what happened on Wednesday night.
What I find the most amazing is that there are some "likely voters" out there that are still not sure which candidate they will vote for. CNN had a group of "independent" or undecided voters that have watched the various Republican debates and have now watched the first presidential debate and still have not made up their minds. The differences between these two candidates could not be more stark. I'm not sure what criteria these voters are going to use to choose their candidate. I do think that some of these undecided voters enjoy all the attention that they receive by virtue of their self described great open-mindedness and contemplation. Deep thinkers no doubt...at least much more so than we sheep who mindlessly follow the candidate of our professed party affiliation.
What I know is that Barack Obama and Mitt Romney embrace dramatically different strategies for how to get the country moving forward. As important, these two candidates employ dramatically different tactics in how they go about implementing their strategies. I know which one I prefer.
Stay tuned until the next debate between the vice-presidential candidates. And MSNBC? You might want to think about the possibility that this next debate may not go the way you want it to. You know, like last night.
ap·o·plec·tic/ˌapəˈplektik/
1. of, relating to, or causing a stroke.
2. affected with, inclined to, or showing symptoms of a stroke
3. how Ed Shultz and Chris Matthews looked after the first presidential debate
