A rather wonkish debate

George Wenschhof

The first of three presidential debates is on the books and the pundits, fact checkers and campaign spin masters are busy.

What is sure to be heard and read is President Obama was off his game and Republican challenger Mitt Romney performed in his most forceful manner in this almost two year old campaign.

In reality, most viewers were left confused throughout most of the poorly formatted ninety minute debate which was feebly moderated by PBS Jim Lehrer.

Whether, it was the economic plan proposed by Mitt Romney, the Affordable Care Act, Medicare or Social Security, millions of dollars were being tossed around by the candidates.

This, while most Americans are stretching their hard earned dollars to pay for groceries, rent and gas for their cars.

Where was former President Bill Clinton, is the question most voters had to been asking as they watched what turned out to be a torturous debate?

Clinton is at ease with taking difficult topics and explaining them in a way everyone can understand.  His speech at the Democratic Convention in Charlotte is the most recent example of his skill at connecting with voters.

What will happen now is a dissecting of what was said by both campaign operatives with bullet points condensed to be disseminated to the public.

With less than five weeks to go to Election Day, most voters have made up their minds.  How much the debates influence the remaining undecided voters remains to be seen.

A look at polling of most likely voters nationwide and of the nine swing states come Monday will have a more accurate reflection of the impact of this first debate.

Next up is the vice president debate on Thursday October 11, followed by a town hall style presidential debate on October 16 and a foreign policy presidential debate on October 22.

Stay tuned.

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