My diaries are generally negative and critical of my fellow Democrats and lefties, not because I am a weak Democrat or lefty, on the contrary, I personally don't know anyone who is a more strident advocate of liberal and progressive causes. but my comments are often negative because it's not in my nature to be a cheerleader. Others do that very well. When I feel compelled to comment, it's usually because someone I support and believe in has let me down, usually in a very big way. But tonight, I feel so very, very compelled to share what I'm feeling after watching the second Presidential Debate. And let me start by saying, wow.
I watched the debate hoping to feel some relief, some hope that Pres. Obama would do well enough to not just stop the slide in the polls but to change the narrative and the dynamic of this election. He did that and more. I am not just relieved, I am encouraged and optimistic. Unlike the last debate, this time the President was engaged, prepared and aggressive. His answers were thoughtful, articulate, and succinct. More importantly, he demonstrated to everyone that his heart and soul and the full fibre of his body are in this contest.
President Obama had an answer for every attack, every taunt from Romney. He didn't let himself get bullied and pushed back - hard - when he had to. His responses were dead on. At no point did I find myself thinking of ways the President could have responded better. He was the master of that stage.
I must confess that after the last debate I wasn't sure if the President was up for the task. It has obviously been four plus difficult years and I was worried that the strains on his personal life, family life, etc., had taken their toll and drained him of his zest and energy. I cannot adequately describe in words how positive I feel about President Obama now. This is the man I saw in 2007 and 2008, the intelligence, the character, the humor, the compassion, the energy, the fierce competitiveness. It was all there for an hour and a half, nothing was missing. My heart is singing. My faith is restored. The challenges are still ahead, but the warrior is more than up for the task. We will win this thing, I am sure of it.