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TV Talk Discussion Group
It was like a debate moderated by the National Enquirer. Charlie and George should be ashamed of themselves.
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Hi Thalia! I took the weekend off from the computer, so I just saw your topic. No, I didn't watch the debate, but my dad did. He was and is a Hillary supporter. He was so happy the day after saying how well she did. Yes, the flag in the lapel means something to him. As it does to many of the seniors who live at his 55-plus complex and attend meetings of the Jolly Senior Citizens. Hillary supporters abound there. My dad just turned 80 years old. He is a vet and served during World War II in the occupation of Japan. He was a medic and loved his work. He also fell in love with Japan and the Japanese people he met. He said that was when you learn your enemy has a human face and all people are the victims of war. He does volunteer work two days a week now and loves it. My dad is a special guy!
He supported John McCain, along with me, back in 2000. He has never been a fan of George W, but did like and support his father. He would be voting for McCain were it not for his support of the war. He loves Hillary Clinton. He said it is time we let the women have a chance in office, that the men have been fouling things up too long. He was not a fan of her husband, Bill Clinton, because of his relationship with Monica - but at the same time thought he was a good president with big flaws in character. He is a gentleman - my dad is - and believes that men should treat their wives with respect and not subject them to embarrassing scandals because of their behavior. But he also feels the media is too instrusive when it comes to things like that. He said best leave it between the man and his wife, that other presidents - like JFK - fooled around, and JFK is one of my dad's idols.
He was neutral about Obama for a long time there. But the first bump in the road was his association with the Reverend Wright. The flag lapel thing and his association with the guy who was a weatherman back in the 70s - well that really got to him. He said he can't wear the flag of his own country but wants to represent it? That concept is alien to my dad. I did bring up the Bosnian fiasco, with Hillary's false representation of that trip, and my dad said, well maybe she watched too many action movies. I could tell he wasn't happy with what she said, but at the same time he was willing to overlook it. He also said it is just politics anyway, but who you associate with and who your minister is makes a good deal of difference to him. And he is a church goer, a Catholic. He could care less about hunting and guns, though. I could see a discussion about Hillary's foibles was not getting anywhere, so I dropped it. We had a lot of heated discussions over the Iraq war as well. I ended up having egg on my face over that one, so I trust his judgment more at this point in life! lol.
I actually wonder now if my dad will vote for Obama if it comes to it. It all depends how the election goes. McCain's support for the war is a big issue with my father - he doesn't like it. I know he badly wants to vote for Hillary.
So, yes, this debate had an effect, but the Reverend Wright deal also did. I don't think it will shake Obama supporters one way or the other. I also think a democrat will win this November. I honestly can't see a Republican pulling it off. I trust Obama, but at this point I have to say I would prefer Hillary also. I think the tide is against her, though.
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I was very very surprised too. I thought maybe the first 15 minutes would be used to clear the air of all the "he said-she said" stuff, but come on! Did we even learn anything new or hear about their policies at all? Also, it mostly seemed centered on Obama.
I don't think a debate like this would have occurred 20 years ago. Walter Cronkite never would have lowered himself to ask those questions. Frankly, I'm surprised that Charlie Gibson did.