2 weeks left and Debate 3 reaction...

Some observations of this past week:

1. CO & VA have been pretty solidly in the "Leaning Romney" category throughout.
2. IA, OH & NH have been jumping in and out of the "Tossup" category from the "Leaning Obama" - NH more so.
3. WI has been in the "Leaning Obama" category for over 24 hours  - still 68% Obama, but not "Solid"

To all objective observers any movement is in Romney's direction.

Last night's debate:
From the little I saw and the reactions I have read, Romney made a solid appeal to the "undecided" crowd.  He articulated a very pragmatic and nuanced perspective on our relations with China (it almost sounded like an article from the Economist) that softened some of his hawkish rhetoric (especially during the primaries) and related foreign policy to Americans' everyday lives.

I mentioned Zbignew Brzezinski on Facebook last night.  Though he did give Romney credit for his China statements, he viewed Obama as more comfortable with his knowledge and articulation of foreign policy.  As a Political Scientist (my MA emphasis was in International Relations) I agree.  Obama's performance will be applauded in policy-making and academic circles around the country; however, these same circles were surprised the Nixon won in 1972 because "everybody they knew had voted for McGovern."

Brzezinski viewed Romney's responses as "repeating prepared talking points" - he did not appear as comfortable with or knowledgeable of his foreign policy statements.  Whether Romney intended to or not, this approach will likely play better with the average voter.  American's notoriously care little about foreign policy or foreign affairs.  There are a variety of reasons, none of them having to do with intelligence or political engagement, that we are more parochial in our political knowledge.  Romney's statements related the nuanced world of foreign policy to domestic politics and the everyday concerns of Americans in a way that Obama did not.

If the two were giving presentations in my foreign policy or international relations class, Obama would likely get the better grade; however, put the two in my federal government class, and Romney would likely get the better grade.

Due to the less "hawkish" nature of his statements and his ability to frame his foreign policy in a way that is more immediate or tangible to most voters, I give Romney the "win" in debate 3.

Brad

p.s. - Yes, we all love teachers...now go vote (early and often for those in Chicago)