Part way into the "Debate" was that it appeared to me that Obama was doing and interview with Moderator Shieffer. Romney appeared to be a stand in (prior to going on air and every once in awhile reiterated what we are doing or planning- I think of Seinfeld and Kramer + Mickey reading lines to check lighting) who kinda stuck around.
I think back and I cannot remember anything that seemed new or different. In re-reading the transcript there were some ideas; I would say though more Domestic linked to foreign policy, but it seems that this Romney maybe disagrees with how things are going on one Item. Please add by any means as I quote from the transcript. I only see any large shift (as stated in the debate) in the Currency Manipulator stand?
I wonder with so many positions if Mr. Romney is now considering a vote for Obama? Perhaps the perfect Rovian tactics?
(Here and there I state Obama v. Obama 8/8 and other comments which were what I was thinking as the "Debate" I use that term loosely- unfolded)
BONUS:
https://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/...
ME: I think they are a little less dependent on them then prior. They might own horses too? Maybe dance horses? . . . I mean HAVE YOU BEEN to the Caspian Sea, Persian Gulf, or Gulf of Oman? Clearly Liberal creations that border Iran. Syria? Well as we know facts are useless so it might as well border it . . .
R'WINGER: Not true at all, trust me on this one. Every Marine is trained in hand to hand combat with them, because running out of ammo, or facing the enemy in very close proximity is a very real consequence of any war. Anyone with just a little knowledge of warfare knows this. Too bad the Commander and Chief doesn't.
ME: I am aware. My dad served in Korea engaged in hand to hand combat with his bayonet. I believe the president was making the point that you cannot look at the number of calvary and say horses are down as it isn't Korea, Iraq, afghanistan the GBWOT they require different needs . . .
R'WINGER 2: He said "Fewer". He didn't say they dont have them anymore at all. The military sill has horses also. Look up the definition of the word "fewer".
Me: I was about to make that point "we also have fewer horses and bayonets, because the nature of our military’s changed". I don't get the Ad hominem attack, English is my first language. Do you know if we have MORE bayonettes and horses? After you answer that - does it matter to the point? Does that seriously matter more than knowing where the Caspian Sea is, Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman? Is that all that can be taken when Romney decided to agree with basically all foreign policy the President has in place?
As the crazies filed in, had to get out. But you take bayonettes from this debate, not failed foreign policy. C'mon.
First: Obama v. Romney and "One of these things is not like the other" as in one answer of Romney's appeared to be different?
I am sure I am missing some endorsements from the transcript by all means add. I am going off of memory and searching for words. Obviously I am cutting, but this would be four pages, so I don't think it by any means misstates anyone's Debate Position.
Obama v. Obama: We should focus on those who hurt Americans
PBO: most importantly, that we would Go after those who killed Americans and we would bring them to justice. And that’s exactly what we’re going to do.
Romney: Well, my strategy is pretty straightforward, which is to go after the bad guys, to make sure we do our very best to interrupt them, to — to kill them, to take them out of the picture.
PBO: Well, my first job as commander in chief, Bob, is to keep the American people safe. And that’s what we’ve done over the last four years.
We ended the war in Iraq, refocused our attention on those who actually killed us on 9/11. And as a consequence, Al Qaeda’s core leadership has been decimated.
So . . . we agree the Administration goes after the right people? Debate should heat up?
So far Obama v. Obama 1/1
LIBYA:
PBO: Keep in mind that I and Americans took leadership in organizing an international coalition that made sure that we were able to, without putting troops on the ground at the cost of less than what we spent in two weeks in Iraq, liberate a country that had been under the yoke of dictatorship for 40 years. Got rid of a despot who had killed Americans and as a consequence, despite this tragedy, you had tens of thousands of Libyans after the events in Benghazi marching and saying America is our friend. We stand with them.
ROMNEY: It’s wonderful that Libya seems to be making some progress, despite this terrible tragedy.
Romney: And of course, a military action is the last resort. It is something one would only – only consider if all of the other avenues had been — had been tried to their full extent.
OBAMA:I think that would be a mistake, because when I’ve sent young men and women into harm’s way, I always understand that that is the last resort, not the first resort.
So . . . we agree that the Administration made progress and took the right actions by not sending people into harm's way. And Romney thinks the president did well in using war only as last resort?
I began to wonder at some point Is Romney the sound check guy? Just stating "yeah I don't know where the Caspian sea, Persian Gulf, or Sea of Oman are, so I will just make sure we close down Freeport, Ill."
Obama v. Obama Part II 2/2
Syria:
OBAMA: What we’ve done is organize the international community, saying Assad has to go. We’ve mobilized sanctions against that government. We have made sure that they are isolated. We have provided humanitarian assistance and we are helping the opposition organize, and we’re particularly interested in making sure that we’re mobilizing the moderate forces inside of Syria.
But ultimately, Syrians are going to have to determine their own future. And so everything we’re doing, we’re doing in consultation with our partners in the region,
And I am confident that Assad’s days are numbered.
ROMNEY:And so the right course for us, is working through our partners and with our own resources, to identify responsible parties within Syria, organize them, bring them together
OBAMA: We are playing the leadership role. We organized the Friends of Syria. We are mobilizing humanitarian support, and support for the opposition. And we are making sure that those we help are those who will be friends of ours in the long term and friends of our allies in the region over the long term. . . . I have no doubt Assad will be replaced.
ROMNEY: I don’t want to have our military involved in Syria. I don’t think there is a necessity to put our military in Syria at this stage. I don’t anticipate that in the future. As I indicated, our objectives are to replace Assad
So . . . We want to play a leadership role, which we are? Create coalitions which we are? And try to end Assad's days? I began to wonder if I was just worn out and watching a good parody. But the President Reminded me
OBAMA: What you just heard Governor Romney said is he doesn’t have different ideas. And that’s because we’re doing exactly what we should be doing to try to promote a moderate Syrian leadership and a — an effective transition so that we get Assad out.
EGYPT:
ROMNEY: No. I believe, as the president indicated, and said at the time that I supported his — his action there.
What? Romney supports his actions in Egypt and says it too? is that 4/4.
At least Romney allowed me to say huh a few times when he attacked:
ALLIES
Romney:
We’re the great nation that has allies, 42 allies and friends around the world. . . . nowhere in the world is America’s influence greater today than it was four years ago.
We are the Great Nation with 42 allies. Nice Job PBO? But they must like us slightly less as that is a lot more than well I realized so how our influence diminished since Bush almost toppled everyone's economy? I guess the facts just get in the way like Iraq blocking the path from Syria to Iran.
I award no points and have no clue how we are so strong and building allies yet something about influence so we aren't, maybe?
LOVING DEMOCRACY, PEACE
ROMNEY: Well I — I absolutely believe that America has a — a responsibility, and the privilege of helping defend freedom and promote the principles that — that make the world more peaceful.
OBAMA: No, I don’t, because I think that America has to stand with democracy.
Well I suppose that was kind of a fluffy question. But still seems pretty close. Maybe it'll get to be a debate as it's getting like 5/5 the Romney Remix
. . .
BEING STRONG DOMESTIC TO BE IMPORTANT?
ROMNEY:We want to end those conflicts to the extent humanly possible. But in order to be able to fulfill our role in the world, America must be strong. America must lead.
OBAMA: But what is also important for us to understand is, is that for America to be successful in this region there’s some things that we’re going to have to do here at home as well.
So wait, where is the debate? Obama we must be strong and continue to build at home, Romney kinda ditto, maybe I missed a wink and a nod to the Neo-cons for starting wars?
Still Just me or is Romney endorsing The Obama Doctrine?
SEQUESTRATION BAD . . . BUT PRESIDENT DOESN'T SUPPORT?
ROMNEY: We’re headed down to the low 200s if we go through a sequestration. That’s unacceptable to me.
OBAMA: Bob, I just need to comment on this.
First of all, the sequester is not something that I’ve proposed. It is something that Congress has proposed. It will not happen.
So neither will do? Other than five points that shroud 1 point, am I missing something?
Obama must be debating himself, perhaps a brilliant tactic?
ISRAEL
OBAMA: First of all, Israel is a true friend. It is our greatest ally in the region. And if Israel is attacked, America will stand with Israel. I’ve made that clear throughout my presidency. And…
ROMNEY: Well, first of all, I want to underscore the same point the president mad,e we will stand with Israel.
Wait, not only are we going to talk about Israel, Romney is again saying or quoting the President words? "Underscore the SAME POINT?".
Well Iran is coming up it must get Dicey here right?
IRAN
OBAMA: We then organized the strongest coalition and the strongest sanctions against Iran in history, and it is crippling their economy. Their currency has dropped 80 percent. Their oil production has plunged to the lowest level since they were fighting a war with Iraq 20 years ago. So their economy is in a shambles. So the work that we’ve done with respect to sanctions now offers Iran a choice. They can take the diplomatic route and end their nuclear program or they will have to face a united world and a United States president, me, who said we’re not going to take any options off the table.
ROMNEY: It is also essential for us to understand what our mission is in Iran, and that is to dissuade Iran from having a nuclear weapon through peaceful and diplomatic means. And crippling sanctions are something I called for five years ago, when I was in Israel, speaking at the Herzliya Conference. I laid out seven steps, crippling sanctions were number one. And they do work. You’re seeing it right now in the economy. It’s absolutely the right thing to do, to have crippling sanctions.
Wait. I thought Ryan said that working with Russia and crippling was not good enough, that Israel was worried about Romney's saber rattling? But our mission in Iran is, the mission we are doing in Iran.
This can't be 7/7 Obama v. Obama
It is? Thanks Mr. President for making me wonder if this is some sort of Romney, just Mitt being Mitt, like another MA favorite, Manny being Manny. But the last debate gotta be what he thinks?
OBAMA:I’m pleased that you now are endorsing our policy of applying diplomatic pressure and potentially having bilateral discussions with the Iranians to end their nuclear program. But just a few years ago you said that’s something you’d never do.
Oh, nevermind still no debate. Wonder how many tuned in to see Monday Night Football. Even on IRAN, IRAN, we are all friends?
Afghanistan:
ROMNEY: Well, we’re going to be finished by 2014, and when I’m president, we’ll make sure we bring our troops out by the end of 2014. The commanders and the generals there are on track to do so.
OBAMA:We then started to build up Afghan forces. And we’re now in a position where we can transition out, because there’s no reason why Americans should die when Afghans are perfectly capable of defending their own country.
So. Romney- the administration made it so we can leave by 2014 and I would continue that path? Huh? What about not releasing dates, etc.?
So Obama v Obama is 8/8 of the debate topics about?
PAKISTAN/OBL
ROMNEY:I don’t blame the administration for the fact that the relationship with Pakistan is strained. We — we had to go into Pakistan. We had to go in there to get Osama bin Laden.
OBAMA:I said if I got bin Laden in our sights I would take that shot, you said we shouldn’t move heaven and earth to get one man.
But . . . where is the debating, Romney didn't want to go after him at such a high cost, and not only that what now 4 times at least says they did it right? Now this is must watch for a different reason- perhaps the worst use of the word "debate" ever
9/9 of topics on foreign policy Obama v Obama?
Well there is simply no way he Romney can continue to endorse the president without voting for him right? Of course he's switched positions on every other issue, perhaps who he will vote for is next? Truly Rovian . . .
SCHIEFFER: Let — let me ask you, Governor because we know President Obama’s position on this, what is — what is your position on the use of drones?
ROMNEY: Well I believe we should use any and all means necessary to take out people who pose a threat to us and our friends around the world. And it’s widely reported that drones are being used in drone strikes, and I support that and entirely, and feel the president was right to up the usage of that technology, and believe that we should continue to use it,
Ok 10 minutes left IIRC. Father asleep. contemplating switching stations as I don't need simply hearing what Obama did repeated. Oh China, maybe labeling currency manipulator, bainport, etc. maybe we'll get some "debating"
CHINA
ROMNEY: They have to understand we want to trade with them. We want a world that’s stable. We like free enterprise, but you got to play by the rules.
PBO: I know Americans had seen jobs being shipped overseas; businesses and workers not getting a level playing field when it came to trade. And that’s the reason why I set up a trade task force to go after cheaters when it came to international trade. That’s the reason why we have brought more cases against China for violating trade rules than the other — the previous administration had done in two terms. And we’ve won just about every case that we’ve filed, that has been decided.
So level playing field I don't think can be spun as different than playing by the same rules?
So even China Obama in between the lines "Good job bringing cases to make them "play by the rules".
And the NLCS Game 7 was 7-0 might as well finish it out.
We all Love Teachers
OBAMA: If we don’t have the best education system in the world, if we don’t continue to put money into research and technology that will allow us to create great businesses here in the United States, that’s how we lose the competition. And, unfortunately, Governor Romney’s budget and his proposals would not allow us to make those investments.
ROMNEY: focused on having great teachers in the classroom.
OBAMA:
Cutting our education budget, that’s not a smart choice. That will not help us compete with China.
Cutting our investments in research and technology, that’s not a smart choice. That will not help us compete with China.
ROMNEY: I couldn’t agree more about going forward,Look, I love to — I love teachers, and I’m happy to have states and communities that want to hire teachers do that.
Wait . . . so we all love teachers, even Scheiffer said. I liked most. Some in College not so much, but again Mr. Romney, "I Couldn't Agree More".
I think at this point not only have you failed to utilize the idea of debate, you have no changed your mind and want President Obama back?
ROMNEY: And that’s why it’s so critical, that we make America once again the most attractive place in the world to start businesses, to build jobs, to grow the economy. And that’s not going to happen by just hiring teachers.
HA YOU LIBERALS! I say I love teachers, but they aren't going to "help". But I wouldn't say that is a divergence.
Finally:
One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?
Did you guess which thing was not like the others?
Did you guess which thing just doesn't belong?
If you guessed this one is not like the others,
Then you're absolutely...right!
SCHIEFFER:
Well, Governor, let me just ask you. If you declare them a currency manipulator on day one, some people are — say you’re just going to start a trade war with China on day one. Is that — isn’t there a risk that that could happen?
ROMNEY:
Well, they sell us about this much stuff every year, and we sell them about this much stuff every year. So it’s pretty clear who doesn’t want a trade war. And there’s one going on right now, which we don’t know about it. It’s a silent one. And they’re winning.
We have enormous trade imbalance with China, and it’s worse this year than last year, and it’s worse last year than the year before. And so we have to understand that we can’t just surrender and lose jobs year in and year out. We have to say to our friend in China, look, you guys are playing aggressively. We understand it. But this can’t keep on going. You can’t keep on holding down the value of your currency, stealing our intellectual property, counterfeiting our products, selling them around the world, even to the United States.
Wait, so did anyone else follow this? Not only does he not care how labeling them something that I'd say half of America will not understand could start a trade war, he does not CARE, and WANTS a trade war? (Also does he need to label them on "day 1" if he is saying it now?)
As the clock ends. We saw something OBama has not done, isn't doing, hasn't said, doesn't plan (in straight foreign policy) trade war.
In the end Great Job PBO, and good job restating PBO's successes and visions of foreign policy Bizzaro PBO (but who says the same things and commends 1/2 of the actions questioned expressly, leaving one disagreement).