How many times during the past two debates did many of us rise from our chairs/couches/whatever to exclaim "C'mon now Mr. President, don't let that sniveling, bombast, shapeshifter walk all over you!"
Of course the second debate salved the wounds of the first. Yet Governor Romney somehow conveyed leadership by again talking over the moderator and the President. (Of course, he was caught short with his admixture of fantasy and bluster.)
Needless to say, I would like President Obama to make the final "kwa-vump" on Mitten's boardroom antics. So, I sent our President this note...(below the squiggle)
Dear President Obama,
Thank you for your hard work on behalf of the American People.
Regarding your debate tonight I believe you should:
1) Credibly put your foot down to rude behavior--specifically, to Gov. Romney's contemptuous interruptions of the moderator, you, and the debate process. Much like the indignation that you showed last week.
Directly and firmly you could state
"Stop speaking over the moderator, myself, and the American voters who are seeking instruction from this debate."
"This might work in the boardroom, but it is not appropriate in a public forum."
Perhaps allow a slight pause for the words to sink in and underscore the point.
"Our audience of voters expect us to be and act presidential as we discuss our differences. There is not one behavior for you and another for the rest of us."
Mr. President, I believe that if you were effectively able to shut down his boardroom antics you would gain more undecided voters. Your debate last week was exceptional. However, Gov. Romney was still able to use his boardroom persona to his advantage.
2)Lastly, as Benghazi will undoubtedly be a topic, I suggest that you walk people through the timeline of the crisis (perhaps with a Clintonian touch) from its start up to the present. Explain the etiology and ultimately what you hope to learn and apply. It doesn't have to be pedantic. However, the Republicans have been able to build a meme from a general ignorance of "why and how" things happen.
Good luck in the debate tonight. You will undoubtedly shine.