Here's how I know Mitt Romney won the second debate. Americans are talking about Libya. And they are asking questions.
Now having said that I want to address what I believe to be the real impact of Debates, the long term effects. Not just the talking heads that spin like tops in the hours following the campaign. But how effective the Candidates were in changing the Narrative.
In this case, some who love to predict things in the odd chance it comes true, so they can claim "smartest person in the room" status, complained that Romney missed a great opportunity when He didn't "hammer" Barack Obama on Libya.
When in fact over the course of 48 hours it has proved to be a shining moment. Now I don't even begin to know if this was Romney's intention or if it was just a happy coincidence. But when Obama went on the "record" with his now infamous "Rose Garden" statement followed up with an off sides flag from Candy Crowley which ended up being a bogus call....once again the conversation shifted. Why had the White House denied the public the truth. Who was responsible? Those month long whispers of cover ups, lies and media bias became shouts that could no longer be ignored.
And the most devastating result for Obama, People are actually looking at his record.
While I have to believe that everyone who will actually vote on November 6th has decided for whom they will vote, Obama, Romney or Neither. This continued shift in Romney's favor will help shape how People "feel" about their candidate. Give me Enthusiasm and I'll give you a good Voter turn out. Perfect example, of what happens when Your opponent has the edge, of course being the Republicans in 2008.
But as I've said before and I'm certain I will say again, This isn't 2008.
In my opinion there are a number of determining factors for this, dare I say, Change. One of these factors may actually end up being the real "Game-Changer" we keep hearing about. Not for a single candidate, but for America.
You know how Movie critics will often talk about how a place or a social issue is the "Silent" character that moves the story line of the film along? That could easily describe the Media in many cases, but this year, I see another group taking that role...The Tea Party.
Hear me now and believe me later, the electorate is considerably more engaged and informed than they were in 2008. I will never forget standing in the rain with over 5000 of my closest friends during the first Tax Day Rally. That was just the beginning. Yet the Media has this crazy notion that after rallying in our towns, and holding arguably one of the Largest national demonstrations in DC that everyone just went home and gave up.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Tea Party was formed by people like You and me that got tired of everyone taking and wasting their money without any accountability what so ever. However it quickly grew to something much bigger as folks realized that the Government had over reached it's limits in so many other ways as well.
I'm pleased to report that here in Richmond we were leading the way, when we hosted ""Liberty 101: Arm Yourself With Knowledge", back in July of 2009, a day long festival where thousands came from both Parties to hear speakers from all over the Country, versed in a range of topics. Information booths were set up in this street fair environment, all happily explaining their cause. This one little moment was near and dear to my heart for many reasons, but looking back now it was an indicator of things to come.
You see the Tea Party and it's "People" have expanded their horizons. While the official "Tea Party Groups" are still missioned with Fiscal Issues, the first taste of activism, inspired many who attended rallies to get involved in a number of other organizations. In some cases, people were so moved that New groups were formed to focus on their issue of passion.
When Americans are inspired, there is nothing We can't do.
It's always been my belief that an informed America would naturally be a more Conservative America. It only makes sense. No one with a brain likes it when the Government takes control over your life, People just don't realize that has become a strictly Conservative value. Some are figuring that out. Those born out of the Tea Party already have.
We The People are getting involved. Will it be enough? We'll find out in 18 days.
Now having said that I want to address what I believe to be the real impact of Debates, the long term effects. Not just the talking heads that spin like tops in the hours following the campaign. But how effective the Candidates were in changing the Narrative.
In this case, some who love to predict things in the odd chance it comes true, so they can claim "smartest person in the room" status, complained that Romney missed a great opportunity when He didn't "hammer" Barack Obama on Libya.
When in fact over the course of 48 hours it has proved to be a shining moment. Now I don't even begin to know if this was Romney's intention or if it was just a happy coincidence. But when Obama went on the "record" with his now infamous "Rose Garden" statement followed up with an off sides flag from Candy Crowley which ended up being a bogus call....once again the conversation shifted. Why had the White House denied the public the truth. Who was responsible? Those month long whispers of cover ups, lies and media bias became shouts that could no longer be ignored.
And the most devastating result for Obama, People are actually looking at his record.
While I have to believe that everyone who will actually vote on November 6th has decided for whom they will vote, Obama, Romney or Neither. This continued shift in Romney's favor will help shape how People "feel" about their candidate. Give me Enthusiasm and I'll give you a good Voter turn out. Perfect example, of what happens when Your opponent has the edge, of course being the Republicans in 2008.
But as I've said before and I'm certain I will say again, This isn't 2008.
In my opinion there are a number of determining factors for this, dare I say, Change. One of these factors may actually end up being the real "Game-Changer" we keep hearing about. Not for a single candidate, but for America.
You know how Movie critics will often talk about how a place or a social issue is the "Silent" character that moves the story line of the film along? That could easily describe the Media in many cases, but this year, I see another group taking that role...The Tea Party.
Hear me now and believe me later, the electorate is considerably more engaged and informed than they were in 2008. I will never forget standing in the rain with over 5000 of my closest friends during the first Tax Day Rally. That was just the beginning. Yet the Media has this crazy notion that after rallying in our towns, and holding arguably one of the Largest national demonstrations in DC that everyone just went home and gave up.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Tea Party was formed by people like You and me that got tired of everyone taking and wasting their money without any accountability what so ever. However it quickly grew to something much bigger as folks realized that the Government had over reached it's limits in so many other ways as well.
I'm pleased to report that here in Richmond we were leading the way, when we hosted ""Liberty 101: Arm Yourself With Knowledge", back in July of 2009, a day long festival where thousands came from both Parties to hear speakers from all over the Country, versed in a range of topics. Information booths were set up in this street fair environment, all happily explaining their cause. This one little moment was near and dear to my heart for many reasons, but looking back now it was an indicator of things to come.
You see the Tea Party and it's "People" have expanded their horizons. While the official "Tea Party Groups" are still missioned with Fiscal Issues, the first taste of activism, inspired many who attended rallies to get involved in a number of other organizations. In some cases, people were so moved that New groups were formed to focus on their issue of passion.
When Americans are inspired, there is nothing We can't do.
It's always been my belief that an informed America would naturally be a more Conservative America. It only makes sense. No one with a brain likes it when the Government takes control over your life, People just don't realize that has become a strictly Conservative value. Some are figuring that out. Those born out of the Tea Party already have.
We The People are getting involved. Will it be enough? We'll find out in 18 days.
