Over the past week, I have heard dozens of different explanations for why Obama fell flat during the first debate. My favorite theory is that Obama's advisors did the math, found that he had electoral college locked up, and told him to just be adequate. As long as he didn't make a gaffe, he would be fine.
But I also like Maureen Dowd's theory. She says that Obama's modest personality and his underlying contempt for Romney loused him up.
Plus, he’s filled with disdain for Romney, seeing him as the ultimate slick boardroom guy born on third base trying to peddle money-making deals. Surely everyone sees through this con man?
Just as Poppy Bush didn’t try as hard as he should have because he assumed voters would reject Slick Willie, Obama lapsed into not trying because he assumed voters would reject Cayman Mitt.
The president averted his eyes as glittering opportunities passed, even when Romney sent a lob his way with a reference to his accountant.
I understand that disdain for salesmanship. It's a very midwestern personality. My dad, raised in Chicago, and my husband, Cleveland boy, have that trait in spades. They believe that hard work should speak for itself and that self-promotion is a character flaw. They aren't the types to write a facebook status like "Jetting off the Europe again to give a speech. Sigh. I hate airline food."
But, you know, salesmanship is important. It's important in the workplace and it's the very stuff of politics. Obama is certainly being coached to death on bragging and will hopefully go into attack-mode in the next boss battle.
In the meantime, we have the VP debate tonight. I can't wait to see what happens. The B team have been getting 24/7 coaching and the stakes are very high.
Things to watch:
1. Will Biden make the attacks that Obama let slide?
2. Will Ryan defend his record, particularly in the ways that it differs from Romney's plans, or will he just say that his plans don't matter right now? He's in a tricky position. He has big plans for himself. If he denounces his own plans, then he's undermining his future. If he defends his plans, then Romney will be pissed.
3. Will Biden say something stupid?
4. What will be impact on the polls?
UPDATE: Ezra Klein's take on the VP candidates and their abilities to fight tonight.
Apt. 11d 
After spending the week fighting a nasty stomach bug, my new theory is that Obama just wasn’t feeling well. Could be possible, right?
I’m looking forward to tonight’s debate, watching our Wisconsin boy Ryan. Unfortunately, I think he will do a much better job than people expect.
LikeLike