Debates!

[BCoFD vollie]

So, the first debate was this evening, it was televised worldwide, and I though both candidates made some very good points. I don't think Obama came off nearly like the cut-and-run liberal that he has been made out to be, and McCain definitely made it clear he does not want 4 more years of bush administration. They argued over foreign policy most of the time, although there was also some airtime devoted to the current financial crisis. So, with that in mind what did you all think of the first presidential debate?

PS those of you who ignored tonight's debate shame on you, the leader we elect in November is going to have a very challenging 4 years, and is going to have to make decisions that will make of break this nation. We as a profession must be heard or we will not see any of the issues that we face on a daily basis addressed by those in power.

[luke_31]

I watched about 20mins of it. I couldn't stand listening to Obama go on and on about a economic plan that will turn this country into a home of even more welfare recipents and his constant rhetoric that we shouldn't have gone into Iraq. It's too late we are there, let the commanders in the field who actually know how to run the military continue their job. They are actually having some success. From a country with most of our armed forces deployed McCain seems to have the upper hand on knowing to let them do their job and is willing to listen and act on their recommendations.

[Biggus Dikkus]

I watched the entire debate. All I saw was bickering back and forth. Both candidates kept inturrupting each other while the other was responding. I'm not changing my position on who I plan to vote for, but the shit-slinging has to stop.

[StreetDoc67]

I'm not changing my position on who I plan to vote for, but the shit-slinging has to stop.

The shit slinging will NEVER stop. This is just they way it is and always will be.

Was it just me or did I hear Obama screw up McCain's first name a couple of times?

The debates mean NOTHING to me. The only reason I caught any of it tonight was because the guys at the station were tuned in. Watching the rest of them from now on will be a waste of my time. I know who I'm going to vote for and nothing the Obamasiah can say will change that. The only thing they're good for is going for the undecided voter, the hardliners on both sides have already made their choice.

[Biggus Dikkus]

I think the whole debate was completely derailed by the economic crisis going on. Nothing but finger pointing and no clear answers were offered. Maybe we're just fucked.

[bcmd]

the both of the didn't look at the camera when they talk , McCain look like he was confused..Can't what for the next one....I may Vote for my Dog....

[Mikes Mom]

I think both Obama and McCain made some very good points. I felt that McCain was riding on the coat tails of his past military service. I am not convinced that he will be at all effective as President. Let me throw it out there... if he had just served his time in the Military, never had been a Prisoner of War, just a brave American Soldier like so many others, would we place so much weight on his view of the War in Iraq. I absolutely hated how he kept smirking and saying " I don't think Obama understands". I think Obama understands very clearly. We have lost over 4,000 young Americans over in Iraq. There are no numbers as to how many young kids are irreparably damaged from the events in Iraq. I definately agree with Obama that our War was with Afganistan and Al Quida (sp)!

We all know that either of these two candidates will have to deal with the financial crisis America faces right now. I firmly believe charity starts at HOME! Did you notice that everything McCain referenced had to do with the Military, the Veterans, etc. I say why are there so many Veterans homeless on the streets right now? We are willing to send our young people overseas to fight a war I feel we should not ever have been involved in at all. What happens when they all come home? Are they going to get the same attention the Soldiers returning from Vietnam got? Those are the guys that are sleeping out by dumpsters right now. I look at those people and wonder what their lives may have been before they served their Country!! Don't misunderstand, I know the importance of our Military, I was born and raised in the Military, I just feel that our tax dollars should be spent here at home, taking care of the people that take care of us. I feel Obama was right on when he said we needed to invest in Education, ensuring that our next generation will be prepared to carry on the legacy of our great Country.

We all know taxes are going to be raised, in spite of what they both say. Wouldn't you rather your tax dollars get spent right here in the United States? VOTE OBAMA

Okay Michael, have I embarrassed you yet? Sorry, but I feel pretty strongly about this particular election.

[lerue]

Well said Mikes mom, apart from the last line your reasoning was good, no one has ever considered the veterans, history has shown that in time of danger for our respective countries, we ask our young men and women to put their lives on the line, and afterwards they become almost an embarrassment. I agree that what I have seen of McCain has less than impressed me. But Obama just seems to smooth for my liking. Mind you, when you see what we have in charge over here, I don't have room to criticise.

I is a Moms bounded duty to embarrass their offspring at all and any time a chance presents itself. We oldies have got to have some fun!

[Jersey Medic]

I just wish either of them could give a straight answer to a question.

[Dorkfish]

I just wish either of them could give a straight answer to a question.

Get a straight answer from a political canidate ? Right , after we all become rich working in EMS will that happen .

[Mikes Mom]

Well, if the truth were known, I would vote for Hillary in a New York Minute if she were the candidate!

[PSYCtest040]

Well said Mikes mom, apart from the last line your reasoning was good, no one has ever considered the veterans, history has shown that in time of danger for our respective countries, we ask our young men and women to put their lives on the line, and afterwards they become almost an embarrassment. I agree that what I have seen of McCain has less than impressed me. But Obama just seems to smooth for my liking. Mind you, when you see what we have in charge over here, I don't have room to criticise.

I is a Moms bounded duty to embarrass their offspring at all and any time a chance presents itself. We oldies have got to have some fun!

Unfortunately this has been a problem from the start of civilization. War starts and we train our young to be warriors and turn them loose to ply their trade. War ends and the warriors are not re-trained to be civilized people. Its called "Dogs and soldiers stay off the grass."

[Medic101Charlie]

Unfortunately this has been a problem from the start of civilization. War starts and we train our young to be warriors and turn them loose to ply their trade. War ends and the warriors are not re-trained to be civilized people. Its called "Dogs and soldiers stay off the grass."

Not to be an ass but what do you mean by "civilized people"...?

And actually, "dogs and soldiers keep off the grass" began in the 1930s when the military was seen as an avenue for the poor, illiterate and those who could not find a job otherwise. It had/has nothing to do with how we are "re-trained" or "re-integrated".

My opinion, but that whole above post is a rather simplistic and erronious view of things. More military recruits, not just officers, have degrees than ever before. More military programs are equating to associates degrees by the time you get out.

You are looking at a microchasm of a very large population, looking at those that do not integrate well. For every 20 vets that do not re-integrate and go off the deep end, there are thousands that do. There are thousands that write a blank check up and including their lives for their nation and then go off and do what others cannot/will not/refuse to do and then come back and quietly go about their lives.

That's a mighty broad brush stroke you have there.


Jim

[scribble]

I think what he meant to say was "civilian-ized". And I've seen it. There are too many vets coming back who can't readjust.

[GaHazMedic]

I think what he meant to say was "civilian-ized". And I've seen it. There are too many vets coming back who can't readjust.

Hell, there are even more civilians that can't adjust. I know there are some soldiers who need help with this, but there is an even larger number of people who have never been in the military who have the exact same problem. Some people just have issues with change. It doesn't matter whether they are military or civilian.

[lerue]

Medic101 my post was not intended to be simplistic or offensive, it was a comment on the way that society views returning soldiers once the danger and all the national hysterical blood-lust has passed into memory, and is noted in historical references, for just about every conflict that there has ever been.

[Medic101Charlie]

Medic101 my post was not intended to be simplistic or offensive, it was a comment on the way that society views returning soldiers once the danger and all the national hysterical blood-lust has passed into memory, and is noted in historical references, for just about every conflict that there has ever been.

My post wasn't to you, Lerue. It was to Psycho.

Yes, I do know what you mean. It is an issue that has been around since the dawn of time.

I have my own opinions but I will not inflame the conversation or hijack this thread to something it is not.

So I think I will just keep my mouth shut.


Jim

[BCoFD vollie]

The shit slinging will NEVER stop. This is just they way it is and always will be.

Was it just me or did I hear Obama screw up McCain's first name a couple of times?
I believe he was trying to address both the moderator and McCain with his answers, hence the saying two names, but it did come off kind of awkward.


I think both Obama and McCain made some very good points. I felt that McCain was riding on the coat tails of his past military service. I am not convinced that he will be at all effective as President. Let me throw it out there... if he had just served his time in the Military, never had been a Prisoner of War, just a brave American Soldier like so many others, would we place so much weight on his view of the War in Iraq. I absolutely hated how he kept smirking and saying " I don't think Obama understands". I think Obama understands very clearly. We have lost over 4,000 young Americans over in Iraq. There are no numbers as to how many young kids are irreparably damaged from the events in Iraq. I definately agree with Obama that our War was with Afganistan and Al Quida (sp)!

We all know that either of these two candidates will have to deal with the financial crisis America faces right now. I firmly believe charity starts at HOME! Did you notice that everything McCain referenced had to do with the Military, the Veterans, etc. I say why are there so many Veterans homeless on the streets right now? We are willing to send our young people overseas to fight a war I feel we should not ever have been involved in at all. What happens when they all come home? Are they going to get the same attention the Soldiers returning from Vietnam got? Those are the guys that are sleeping out by dumpsters right now. I look at those people and wonder what their lives may have been before they served their Country!! Don't misunderstand, I know the importance of our Military, I was born and raised in the Military, I just feel that our tax dollars should be spent here at home, taking care of the people that take care of us. I feel Obama was right on when he said we needed to invest in Education, ensuring that our next generation will be prepared to carry on the legacy of our great Country.

We all know taxes are going to be raised, in spite of what they both say. Wouldn't you rather your tax dollars get spent right here in the United States? VOTE OBAMA

Okay Michael, have I embarrassed you yet? Sorry, but I feel pretty strongly about this particular election.
Well thought out arguement. I think the fundamental economic difference between Obama and McCain is that McCain is trying to grow the economy from the top down while Obama is trying to do it from the bottom up. Given the amount of greed and corruption on Wall Street right now I may have to give that one to Obama.

I just wish either of them could give a straight answer to a question.
Nope sorry this is politics.


Hell, there are even more civilians that can't adjust. I know there are some soldiers who need help with this, but there is an even larger number of people who have never been in the military who have the exact same problem. Some people just have issues with change. It doesn't matter whether they are military or civilian.

I hear ya. What disturbs me the most are the civillians who have never served yet will gladly sit down and talk a mile about military issues like they have firsthand experience and are subject matter experts.

[Medic101Charlie]

Well thought out arguement. I think the fundamental economic difference between Obama and McCain is that McCain is trying to grow the economy from the top down while Obama is trying to do it from the bottom up. Given the amount of greed and corruption on Wall Street right now I may have to give that one to Obama.


How do you grow the economy from the bottom up?

You need jobs. That means businesses. After all the stimulus checks, and tax breaks and stuff, in the end you still need JOBS, and business growth and development. That can only be done from the top down.


Jim

[NomexMedic]

I think I will just keep my mouth shut.

Sorry MM, but I severely disagree with you on everything you said. However, for fear of getting emotional and getting banned from GM, I shall hearby refrain from reading this thread.

Fight my battle Jim...I'm putting on my tinfoil hat!

[Medic101Charlie]

Sorry MM, but I severely disagree with you on everything you said. However, for fear of getting emotional and getting banned from GM, I shall hearby refrain from reading this thread.

Fight my battle Jim...I'm putting on my tinfoil hat!

Huh?

[NomexMedic]

Huh?

The tinfoil hat references aliens (democrats) reading my brain waves and getting into my head. Just go with it.

[Mikes Mom]

I am guessing that I am MM. It is absolutely your right to disagree with everthing I said. I would hope that you never get banned from ANY site for expressing your feelings! I tend to get emotional when I am thinking about the future of our Country, I just view it from a different point of view than you. Can we call it a draw, cancel out each others' vote and just move on? I respect you for having an opinion; it seems so many people just go along and get along, and never think of how their voice helps to shape Nation.

[scribble]

The tinfoil hat references aliens (democrats) reading my brain waves and getting into my head. Just go with it.

uh....have you been reading those Lyndon LaRouche pamphlets again?

[mediccjh]

I just wish either of them could give a straight answer to a question.

Do I know you? Did I work with you last Friday night?


Go to the Introductions and introduce yourself!

[SARPUP]

I'm going for McCain for the simple reason that Obama lacks any leadership skills. He has been elected to Congress for something like 143 days before dropping his name in the bucket to run the country. Thats like a first year doctor becoming the Chief of Staff. What does he know of running a hospital or the country for that matter.

McCain has been there and done that. Maybe iin a few years Obama would be ready but I just don't see it right now.

[scribble]

I'm going for McCain for the simple reason that Obama lacks any leadership skills. He has been elected to Congress for something like 143 days before dropping his name in the bucket to run the country. Thats like a first year doctor becoming the Chief of Staff. What does he know of running a hospital or the country for that matter.

McCain has been there and done that. Maybe iin a few years Obama would be ready but I just don't see it right now.

See, that's how I feel about Sarah Palin. Mayor of a town of 6,000, governor of a state of 670,000.

[shovelhead3]

being a former homeless veteran, I've had the dubious privelage of being looked at like a dangerous bug by civilians that have no understanding of the importance of a strong military. I'm for Mccain for that reason alone.

[Medic101Charlie]

See, that's how I feel about Sarah Palin. Mayor of a town of 6,000, governor of a state of 670,000.

But to me, she has executive functions, and I'm not talking about running a campaign. I'm talking about actual executive branch functions and responsibilities.

Which is something that Obama decidedly does not have.

If you can't run something small, you can't run something big. I'd rather have a successful small town mayor as president, than an unsuccessful governor or legislator.

My opinion.


Jim

[scribble]

I think of it this way. My old fire chief was a great guy. 100% stand-up individual. Our district only had about 900 people in it and the department consisted of about six people on a good day. Is he qualified to run a department the size of Chicago? No. I love him dearly and respect him more than almost anybody I've ever met, but I don't let that get in the way of business.

Anyways, I think she should bow out of the race. Foreign Policy? yeah, right...Immigration? I'm not worried about Canadians sneaking into Alaska. Homeland Security? It's about more than an NRA membership. Disaster relief? When was their last oil spill? Abstinence-only program? Can't work that well if even a Conservative Evangelical Republican family has to plan a shotgun wedding.

It's not too late! Rudy Guiliani for VP!