Remember Joe, the plumber? His story was a product of a presidential debate between candidates Barack Obama and John McCain four years ago.
He turned out not to be a game changer for McCain, who raised Joe as an example of what McCain said were Obama's wealth-distribution economic proposals.
But other historic debate moments have been seen as responsible for turning the tide for one presidential candidate or another.
Just the fact of his appearance on live television was seen as disastrous for Richard Nixon in his debate opposite the telegenic John F. Kennedy in 1960.
It took years for another candidate to get up the courage to go in front of a live audience of millions in a debate situation. That came when Gerald Ford faced Jimmy Carter in 1976. Ford's gamble backfired when he made the statement, "There is no Soviet domination of Eastern Europe" -- a comment pundits said may have cost him the election.
The list of gaffes and slipups since then is long, so candidates come prepared with expert-vetted talking points, rehearsed personal stories and anecdotes like that involving the wrench-packing Joe.
We can expect a practiced verbal exchange Wednesday night when President Obama and GOP challenger Mitt Romney face off at the University of Denver in front of an audience estimated at 50 million.
But occasionally in such debates, an adlibbed zinger will deal at least a momentary glance, such as the time Democratic vice presidential candidate Lloyd Bentsen told his opponent Dan Quayle, who had compared his own public service to that of President Kennedy: "I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Let's face it, those are the moments we'll be watching for.
Just as McCain did in 2008, Romney has lauded Obama for a gift of oratory. Obama has been in this most sizzling of hot seats -- a live presidential debate -- on several occasions. It's Romney's first time out in exactly this scenario.
A lot is at stake.
In these last weeks leading up to the election, we've asked if you're better off than you were four years ago and whether a presidential contest can turn on one leak of a videotape.
This time we want to know who will face down the critical eye of the camera and win in the minds of the public on Wednesday? What does Maryland think? Tell us in comments.
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The first of three debates leading up to the election will be on domestic policy. For a full schedule and live streaming, click here. Looking for a debate-watching party? Join Patch in Owings Mills, MD, Wednesday from 8:30-10:30 p.m.
luis soto
8:35 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
We need Romney to put back Moral and Values of America and fix Economy situation ..... :)
Gburgatheist
11:22 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Moral values? From where? The bible? The book of mormon? Really? Is it time to start stoning those who have tattoos? who eat shell fish? who wear mixed fibers? Are those the morals you are speaking of?
Or are you looking for treating everyone with respect and dignity? Those kind of morals where everyone has the same rights? If that is the case, Romney is not that person.
Justsaying
10:06 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Apparently Mitt Romney is now less popular than… George W. Bush.
That’s according to a new Bloomberg News poll, which finds that former President Bush has 46 percent favorable ratings and 49 percent unfavorable ratings among adults. By contrast, the current GOP presidential candidate Romney has a favorability rating of 43 percent and unfavorable ratings at 50 percent.
President Barack Obama came in with higher favorability than both Republicans, racking up 52 favorable ratings and 44 percent unfavorables.
Romney did, however, beat out Vice President Joe Biden‘s 42 percent net favorable ratings.
The poll’s most favorable leader found was former President Bill Clinton, who polled at 64 percent favorable and 29 percent unfavorable. Coming in second was First Lady Michelle Obama, with 63 favorable and 29 unfavorable.
Eric Smith
8:52 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Moral values? I agree. Morally with tens of thousands of troops fighting wars overseas, we should be paying for our wars upfront instead of putting it on the country's debt credit card. Being at war all the while lowering taxes and proposing to lower them further is the kind of moral bankruptcy we should avoid. If you want to fix our economy, then raise taxes to support the wars, or keep them low and get out of the wars.
tcmitssr
9:23 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
...and Obama has had four dismal years to get us out of all wars as well as repair the economy.
Instead, he is the worst President since Jimmy Carter and, perhaps, even Herbert Hoover. He truly is the President supporting the those who do not contribute and have never contributed.....just those who the rest of us foot the bill.
Anyone who thinks Obama represents the middle class should understand, in that case, he doesn't believe you belong in his definition of middle class.
Now, if you get a government sponsored cell phone then you're in Obama's middle class world.
Oldwheatoner
2:54 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
We were attacked on 9-11. Did you want us to wait until we could pay for the war in advance. Democrats were in charge of Congress the last two years of Bush's Presidency and the first two years of Obama's. What was the national debt when Bush left versus what Obama has done. The Senate has not passed a budget in THREE YEARS and the last budget Obama sent to the Senate, they did not look at it. The Democrats pushed through Obamacare with so many hidden costs and let the rest of the economy free fall because they put their priorities on Obamacare. The housing debacle and the no-doc loans put the economy in a free fall. That has more to do with the economy that the wars. As a citizen we can not keep spending money we do not have so why do we let the government do it. We need to cut programs and stop giving so much away.
Eric Smith
6:59 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
The expected cost of the wars is 3-4 trillion with the result of creating more terrorists than we killed. If Americans were forced to pay for the war directly, then we wouldn't be at war and we would have been able to repair our 2 trillion infrastructure deficit and invest in the future. You can't kill terrorists faster than you create them.
jnrentz1
7:43 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
No more wars.
Jay Levy
9:54 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
As far as the "debates" go, there is no real debate without the addition of the Green Party candidate, Dr. Jill Stein, whose platform offers us a real, rational and just approach to all of our domestic and international problems.
tcmitssr
10:56 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Not even worth 15 seconds of stage time. Get a 10 percent national poll rating and we'll talk. Heck, get a 5 percent rating.
Just another moonbeam candidate.
Paul Jasper
10:41 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
If anyone thinks that repairing the damage done by W (and yes that is still a valid argument-look at the CBO numbers) would take less than 4 years when all the GOP Congress (all but 24 days) did was filibuster Obama's policies into oblivion, they need to WAKE UP! It is well documented that the GOP's plan (from day one of his presidency) was to get him out!
jnrentz1
7:35 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Mr. Jasper,
With regard to your statement, "It is well documented that the GOP's plan (from day one of his presidency) was to get him out!"
Isn't that their job, to get him out?
Chet Brewer
9:45 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
jn no there job isnt to get him out, their job is to govern as a minority or majority party and they sorta kinda forgot that. The republican Parties behavior the last 12-14 years has bordered on treasonous. ( T reason , sedition mean disloyalty or treachery to one's country or its government. T reason is any attempt to overthrow the government or impair the well-being of a state to which one owes allegiance; the crime of giving aid or comfort to the enemies of one's government.)
Paul Jasper
10:43 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
They are also snoozing if they think that the Romney-Ryan Budget plan will do anything but further cripple the economy. Austerity does not work and Supply-Side economics do not work.
tcmitssr
10:58 am on Monday, October 1, 2012
Obama's had four years to significantly improve the nation's problems. He's failed.
His only argument is "it's the last guy's fault." Time has expired on that excuse.
He doesn't have the leadership skills or the ideas to solve the problems and he has a VP who is both a joke and a disgrace.
Steve
2:19 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
I think the President is still the better choice. Can you imagine having a President that wears Magical Underpants and takes his orders from the imaginary planet Kolob?
The rest of the world would be laughing their arses off.
Richard Rice
3:50 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
In Maryland, especially Montgomery county there is only the Democratic party
that counts for anything. Vote Republcan, which is my general choice unfortunately you throw your vote is literally thrown down the toilet. Too bad
the conservative voice is never heard in Montgomery County especially!!!
jnrentz1
7:53 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Mr. Rice,
You are largely correct, however, I urge you to vote. By participating in our elections as a voter, you help keep democracy alive. Voting is good for America.
Shawn
8:46 pm on Monday, October 1, 2012
Richard the republican party is not a conservative political party. Yes the republicans talk the conservative talk but if you look at their voting records you will find they they walk the same walk as the democrats. This makes sence due to the fact both parties are bought and paid for by the banking cartel. By controlling the nations currency they control the nation.
jnrentz1
7:31 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
"I served with Jack Kennedy. I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."
Dan Quayle should have answered, "That is correct, I am no Jack Kennedy, I don't cheat on my wife."
Bill Hussein O'Stalin
7:39 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
One things for sure. If Obama is re-elected he's going to inherit a big mess.
cftnmom19
9:53 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Frank, it was the Democrats "everyone gets a house" program that caused the housing bubble, not the Republican legislature.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin
10:01 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Be prepared to be attacked. Liberals hate facts.
cynthia
11:10 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I consider the debates as entertainment. I can't wait to hear obarry stutter and stammer without his teleprompter. It will also depend on who the moderators are. It would be a service to Americans if tough questions were actually asked. Just remember the mainstream media and print will report that obarry did fabulous. They are just one of the true enemies of the American people. Seek the truth and it will enlighten you. And please pay no attention to whether someone is a democrat or republican. For incumbents look at their voting record, pay no attention to their words. They usually don't match up. This election it truly about being American.
concerned
11:31 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Obama has done exactly what he promised to do with the economy. "No more ups and downs that cause so many problems". He started by eliminating the "up" that would have naturally occured after the recession by increasing deficit spending with the Recovery Act.
He also talks out of both sides of his mouth. He's critical of the Bush tax cuts but then immediatley cuts social security tax. Why? Because he knows that the more money the govt takes out of the economy the weaker the economy becomes. It is no coincidence that the quatatative easing (feds dumping money into the economy) is $140 billion a month, the exact amout the govt overspends each month.
If O is re-elected and the QEs end, watch out. The market crash will double the Bush crash.
concerned
2:12 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
It is very strait forward Frank. You just don't want to acknowlege it.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin
11:41 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
How the CRA destroyed America:
Contrary to my initial conclusion, the evidence is overwhelming that the CRA played a significant role in creating lax lending standards that fueled the housing bubble. Once I realized this, I had to abandon my suspicion that the anti-CRA case was a figment of the rhetoric of Republicans attempting to distract attention from their own role in the mortgage mess.
So I laid out the facts and arguments that had convinced me to switch sides in the CRA debate. It was a long series of posts that generated hundreds of responses and counter-arguments. Felix Salmon’s response is here, Barry Ritholtz’s here, Mike Rorty's here, Ryan Chitum’s here, and Matthew Wurtzel’s here. All of my posts are here. Henry Blodget's earlier post on the CRA, with which I largely agreed until recently, is here. If you carefully run through these posts and the accompanying comments, I think you'll see that every argument raised by the "Defend CRA at all costs" crowd has been refuted.
For people with less time on their hands, here's a quick guide to the main points raised by the CRA defenders and the arguments that refute them. If I’ve left out any salient points, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.
Read more: http://www.businessinsider.com/the-cra-debate-a-users-guide-2009-6#ixzz289mGsm8b
Judith Moylan-Forman
11:50 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
@ Cynthia and the repeated warn-out attack of the teleprompter.
What is the obsession ? But if you must:
Mitt Romney, the GOP nominee doesn't see what's so wrong with using a TelePrompter. In a video leaked to Gawker.com by a disgruntled (and now fired) Fox News employee known as the "Fox Mole," the nominee is shown chatting with Sean Hannity before going on air. After producers inform Hannity there is a script for the segment - which Hannity will read off a "prompter" - the two men go ahead and mock Mr. Obama for using a TelePrompter, with Hannity saying, "I think Obama sleeps with his."
But the two then "sing the praises of the device" in keeping a candidate from saying something he might regret. (Like my wife Ann drives 3 cadillacs)
"It does make some sense though" to use a teleprompter, Romney tells Hannity. "I do understand."
He adds: "It keeps you from saying something you don't mean, you get the message out precisely the way you want to get the message out." Romney says he has used a TelePrompter in the campaign. Romney in recent months has tended to use a teleprompter for most major speeches.
Bill Hussein O'Stalin
11:57 am on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Public education, free of cost online:
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=24937:obama-romney-debate-challenge-handling-the-off-script-moment-by-john-whitesides&catid=83:analysis&Itemid=561
If history is a guide, Democrat Barack Obama will have a tough time in the first presidential debate on Wednesday, Republican Mitt Romney will be particularly aggressive, and both will risk committing a damaging gaffe if they wander off their talking points.
The 90-minute showdown in Denver - the first of three televised Obama-Romney encounters in October that will set the tone for the final month of the presidential campaign - will feature two experienced and competent debaters who are at their best in scripted settings.
Neither the Democratic president nor his Republican rival has ever seemed to enjoy the more freewheeling aspects of a candidates' debate, and both have said things during debates that became headaches for their campaigns.
Obama, known for soaring rhetoric and inspirational generalities in his speeches, suffered in some 2008 Democratic primary debates from a diffident and nuanced style that could make him seem flat and uncertain. His most pointed responses often seemed condescending or flippant.
Romney, who survived a grueling series of debates in this year's Republican race, often displayed an efficient and feisty style in rolling over his challengers.
cynthia
12:04 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Frank, you are part of the problem by not seeking the truth. This is nothing new for the mainstream media. They have been covering for many presidents for a long time.
You need to do your homework on the Community Reinvestment Act that occured in 1977 by Jimmy Carter and really ramped up by Bill Clinton. Yes, it forced lenders to
abandon their strigent guidlines regarding qualifcations for purchasing a home. There were penalties that would follow if lenders did not. Not everyone is responsible enough to carry a mortgage.
I know what I am talking about, I, for many years was a underwiter for several mortgage companies.
cynthia
12:18 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Frank, NO, the truth DOES NOT come from the mm. You either don't get the story or you get the tidbits they want you to know. You are one of many, that politicians count on to not be engaged. They know that their are many uninformed Americans who will not seek the truth. Check out Howard Sterns recent questions to obarry supporters. The answers do prove my point. Yes, one of them believes that Paul Ryan is obarry's vp pick. Another does not even know that osama bin laden was killed.
cynthia
12:35 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Frank, my name is not Cindy.
I NEVER claimed that HS was an objective news reporter or even a reporter. It was clearly meant to show how ignorant the American people are. If you listen you will hear for yourself.
I will not respond to anymore of your comments, it is a waste of my time.
concerned
2:20 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Hey Fran, try commenting like an adult. Although, I don't think you are capable because your arguments are without base and full of bias.
cynthia
2:25 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Okay Frank, I couldn't resist the bait!
But now you are getting personal, when you mention loud, obese black people, you are talking about my sister-in-law! And she is a homosexual too! Be careful.
eagleflyfree
3:14 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Here's how the debate will be conducted.
Moderator: Mr. President who won the 1959 World Seriies? The President, Uhhh MMM the Dodgers.
Moderator: Governor Romney, name the coaches, the team, their positions and birthdays.
Corbin Dallas Multipass
9:45 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
i am excited for baseball trivia debate 2012 hosted by espn
Steve
3:25 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Do you think Rmoney is going to hit the spray booth before this debate?
Terminator
5:34 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Steve, your comments about Romney are shallow at best. Why don't you comment about Biden's hair plugs, botox, fake tan and stupid comments? A heart beat away from being the President should make anyone vote this idiot into retirement to the funny farm.
Steve
5:45 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
MItt is a very shallow man. Dyed hair, botox, fake tan... what is the guy worried about?
http://thegloss.com/beauty/mitt-romney-tan-fundraiser-182/
Terminator
6:00 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Do you think Obama had his teeth whitened? Do you think he dyed his hair in 2008? You must be a beutician. LOL Your side always votes for what you think is the prettiest candidate. Shows what your values are.
Steve
6:22 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
America needs a President to look like a real man and real men don't get their hair dyed, manicures and Botox. Good Grief! Do you think Putin worries about any of that stuff?
It reeks of pure Narcissism..
Terminator
6:33 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Steve, every time your fingers hit the keyboard, you make yourself look like a complete fool. Next, you will want to have a penis measurement of the candidates. You already have an obsession with underwear. You are one strange dude. I think you should shut your PC off and go back to one of your favorite peep shows on Rt#40 and report on what physical attributes turn you on. You may find someone to write in on your ballot that looks more manly than Obama. LOL
1ke
6:11 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Mitt is really Willard. Your side always votes for rats.
And guys with the nickname for Richard. Nixon. Cheney. Armey. Lugar.
Shows what your values are.
Terminator
6:23 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
1ke, you must be Steve's alter ego. Look up rat in the dictionary and it will say " see Clinton"
Steve
7:14 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Not any old underwear, Magical Underwear that gives him Super Powers.
That's just a little odd for someone wanting to be President of the United States.
Terminator
7:21 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
I'll take super powers over your crush, Putin, who fakes all his photo ops.
Shawn
8:46 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
It is unsettling reading many of the above posts. It appears the majority of posters actually believe one political party is better than the other, yet are more than likely totally unaware of the bipartisan commissioned looting of the American people by the federal reserve to the tune of $40 billion a month with no end in sight. (hyperinflation will result) The stock markets are hitting all time highs with practically no volume (a red flag for a market correction..aka crash). An unregulated derivatives market that has been exponentially growing since the 2008 sub prime mortgage debacle instead of being fixed. (bankers and politicians are growing their wealth with complete disregard to the American people) All the pieces are in place for a currency crash that will financially destroy the majority of Americans both conservative and liberal alike. The problems the USA faces has been caused by both political parties. No matter who wins the 2012 elections the USA is financially doomed. That's what happens when a criminal banking cartel buys both political parties. After all when they own both parties, they could care less who wins the elections. He who controls the money controls the nation. PLEASE WAKE UP!
Chris W
9:06 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Warning warning warning
Ron Paul bot in the house.
Shawn
9:14 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Ron Paul has no chance of becoming President, and even if he could get elected he would be unable to stop what is about to take place. Please do not be discouraged Chris, and there really is no need to refer to yourself as a Ron Paul bot.
Corbin Dallas Multipass
9:38 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
shawn what should we do when the inevitable crash comes? I'm thinking: buy gold?
Corbin Dallas Multipass
9:57 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
think of all the catfood i will be able to buy with all the gold i'll have, perfect for a post social security world
cynthia
9:09 pm on Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Frank, I just could not give you a pass on your last comment, "Teabaggers have some very strange obessions." What are you talking about?
Just so you know, teabagging is a term commonly used in the homosexual community to describe a sex act in which testicles are inserted in someone's mouth.
What does this have to do with anything listed in this post?
Shawn
6:51 pm on Wednesday, October 3, 2012
Corbin I believe you are missing the point. The orchestrated collapse of the US$ is necessary to usher in another "multi-national" currency. (much like the euro) The ultimate goal is to have a one world currency and a one world government. (the new world order) The only way to make that happen is to remove the US$ as the worlds reserve currency. To accomplish that will require devaluing the US$ into oblivion. Gold / silver any hard asset could be a good hedge against hyperinflation. However just like Roosevelts executive order 6260 signed on August 28 1933 outlawing US citizens from owning gold, we are just one executive order away from being able to hedge what wealth you may have legally.