VCU Professor Scores Round Two to Obama

Jennifer Thompson, assistant professor of political science and director of external relations for the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs in the College of Humanities and Sciences at VCU, believes President Barack Obama can claim a narrow victory in the second of his three debates with Republican presidential contender Mitt Romney.

However, Thompson said the debate proved to be tough to watch for viewers.

“The debate was cringe-inducing and also substantive and fascinating,” Thompson said. “The format allowed for both men to move about and address each other and the audience. Their physical proximity to one another at times made for uncomfortable viewing. They seemed more focused on attacking their opponent than addressing the audience. This was a mistake and a lost opportunity for both men.”

Thompson said Obama’s improvement over his much-derided performance in the first debate was a necessary step for his campaign.

“Obama won the debate, but only by a slim margin,” Thompson said. “Given that his performance was so dismal in Debate #1, everyone believed he would perform better – and he did. This in and of itself tilted him toward a victory. But beyond that, he was strong and personable and confident. He was also more passionate. He had a few memorable zingers, chief among which was talking about how his pension plan was not as big as Romney's. Ouch.

“However, there are some things that Obama must unlearn if he can: his pregnant pauses before he talks about his policy are problematic...as if he is trying to remember his talking points.”

Thompson said Romney’s night had its highlights and lowlights.

“Romney was generally more adept with using facts and figures,” Thompson said. “And he definitely delivered what he needed to in terms of trying to prove that he's the real deal, especially on the economy. He's simply masterful on that score – very believable. He didn't deliver on his Libya comments (moderator Crowley made questionable gaffe this even worse), and his comments about choosing women for his governor's cabinet in Massachussets ‘from a binder’ was disconcerting.”

Ultimately, both candidates may have hurt their cause with an important demographic of voters.

“Both the Democrat and GOP bases are claiming victory, but I believe Obama had the edge,” Thompson said. “The losers are the independent, swing voters, who were no doubt turned off by the physical and verbal aggression displayed by the two candidates. And unfortunately for the candidates, it’s the independent voters who will likely decide this election in key swing states -- they can't afford to turn them off. And I believe they did.”