Debate was ‘not a game changer,’ professors say

In baseball, a tie always goes to the runner. In debates, a tie goes to the frontrunner.

Using that logic, professors in IU’s political science department said Tuesday night’s presidential debate was a tie, which favored Democratic nominee Barack Obama who has surged ahead in the polls in recent weeks.

“Given the dynamics of this, I would have to say that Obama kept with what lead he had going in,” said political science professor Ted Carmines. “The last two weeks have been good for Obama. I don’t think anything in this debate changed that.”

Fellow political science professor William Bianco said he agreed that the debate between Obama and Republican nominee John McCain was a tie.

“I think that winning a debate means that you convince some of the other guy’s supporters to vote for you,” Bianco said, “and I don’t think either of them won the debate in that sense.”

The economy remained the top issue, and in hard times, a Democratic plan of more government is usually favored by voters, Bianco said. In times of economic crisis, Bianco said the situation tends to be a “perfect storm that favors a Democratic candidate.”

“Because people are worried about the economy,” he said, “they’re worried about their jobs. They’re worried about the value of their home. They want government to do something. That’s a demand.”

While the candidates both claimed a year ago they had tried to prevent the Wall Street crisis, Bianco said, “I don’t think anyone has clean hands in Washington. ... Democrats are inclined to say we have to do something and Republicans are inclined to say intervention could cost more harm than good.”

The discussion about whether health care was a responsibility, right or privilege garnered Obama a lead when he said it was absolutely a right, Carmines said.

“That was one area where Senator Obama had a very well thought-out answer,” he said. “In terms of speaking passionately about health care, I thought he did that very effectively.”

Marjorie Hershey, professor of political science, said Tuesday night the recent ads attacking the other candidate didn’t reflect the candidates’ demeanors in the debate. Instead, both talked calmly and reasonably, she said, “which is certainly something Senator McCain needed to do to dispel some of the charges that he is a risk-taker and of uncertain temperament. He certainly responded very temperately today.”

Hershey added that Obama also came across as knowledgeable to help combat the idea that he lacks experience.

Both Carmines and Bianco said the debate essentially was a tie, with Carmines saying it was “not a game changer” and Bianco adding “this isn’t over.”

“A tie goes to the leader,” Bianco said. “And John McCain has lost one more chance to somehow change the dynamic of this election. ... Obama’s significantly ahead, and he appears to be picking up a little more support every day. That said, there’s still a lot of time to go.”