2008 Woodie Awards
A faulty career vs. misunderstanding
Debates have become a form of entertainment, rather than an informative source
Jason M. Wallace
Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Opinion
Like many of you, I have watched the recent debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. The candidates handled questions dealing mostly with the economy and foreign affairs. Though the option to judge their responses would be a thorough topic, I want to look at their point-counter-point strategies. The struggle to gain the opinion as to who will be the most qualified president, was seen through the use of a few repeated key words.
When McCain had the floor, he heavily backed up his reasons and points with his experience as a long-term senator. "I have seen" or "I traveled," and several other experience-centered beginnings opened many of his two and five-minute answers and responses. When asked about his thoughts on Afghanistan, McCain had to first set up his answer in comparison to his support in the Gulf War. His experience also gave him the allowance to call Obama out on not understanding the different shades of certain topics. McCain wants to gain the appearance of a seasoned politician by letting the viewer know that he has encountered many different scenarios as a congressional representative, and that he can handle any upcoming situation based on his colorful and aged career.
However, McCain's assuring career under Obama's light was exposed to contradictions and several mistakes. Obama started many of his responses by stating flaws in McCain's career and voting record. He was also very critical about his own career when he felt that McCain was telling untruths, like when he said Obama was anxious to attack Pakistan. Obama's points relied on McCain's policies, compared to those passed in the last eight years. Obama may have been using this tactic in order to achieve an appearance as an investigative leader.
The language in debating is such an art to behold. Each candidate is trying to use equal and strong ethos, pathos and logos to persuade the spectators. Watching the debate was like watching a dance or listening to a complex music style. McCain was stirring up the pathos of emotions when he talked about those who have suffered the loss of a family member in the Iraq war, and Obama had to follow him with his own tale. When Obama pointed out several logical contradictions in McCain's policies, McCain had to counter with his stance as an experienced senator who has accomplished many feats.
When McCain had the floor, he heavily backed up his reasons and points with his experience as a long-term senator. "I have seen" or "I traveled," and several other experience-centered beginnings opened many of his two and five-minute answers and responses. When asked about his thoughts on Afghanistan, McCain had to first set up his answer in comparison to his support in the Gulf War. His experience also gave him the allowance to call Obama out on not understanding the different shades of certain topics. McCain wants to gain the appearance of a seasoned politician by letting the viewer know that he has encountered many different scenarios as a congressional representative, and that he can handle any upcoming situation based on his colorful and aged career.
However, McCain's assuring career under Obama's light was exposed to contradictions and several mistakes. Obama started many of his responses by stating flaws in McCain's career and voting record. He was also very critical about his own career when he felt that McCain was telling untruths, like when he said Obama was anxious to attack Pakistan. Obama's points relied on McCain's policies, compared to those passed in the last eight years. Obama may have been using this tactic in order to achieve an appearance as an investigative leader.
The language in debating is such an art to behold. Each candidate is trying to use equal and strong ethos, pathos and logos to persuade the spectators. Watching the debate was like watching a dance or listening to a complex music style. McCain was stirring up the pathos of emotions when he talked about those who have suffered the loss of a family member in the Iraq war, and Obama had to follow him with his own tale. When Obama pointed out several logical contradictions in McCain's policies, McCain had to counter with his stance as an experienced senator who has accomplished many feats.
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Sarah Palin Career Highlights
posted 10/03/08 @ 10:39 AM EST
This is a great election to vote in. I think that Obama should have chosen Clinton as running mate, even if the black Muslims would not have liked it. (Continued…)
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