Last night’s third and final presidential debate could be described as the “Joe the Plumber” show based on the number of times he was mentioned. (For his part, the real Joe Wurzelbacher won’t publicly endorse Barack Obama or John McCain).
Neither Obama nor McCain scored a decisive blow despite McCain’s feisty demeanor and his need to turn the polls around in his favor.
Both candidates finally touched on Latin America after the region was ignored in the previous presidential and vice presidential forums. Obama criticized Hugo Chavez and U.S. dependency on Venezuelan oil while McCain cited Brazilian ethanol as part of his plans for energy independence. (Immigration was still ignored, however).
One of the most heated exchanges occurred over free trade:
Sadly, neither candidate was on the ball regarding free trade. For instance, McCain’s connection between the rescue mission of three Americans and the free trade draft with Colombia was an awkward segue. His glowing review of Colombia belied a more complex reality while his (to paraphrase Gordon Gekko) “free trade is good” viewpoint never acknowledged any shortcomings.
While Obama admitted that that free trade can be imperfect his perspective appeared disingenuous compared to his populist rhetoric in the primaries. He did not describe an adequate alternative to the free trade draft with Colombia and he has been at a disadvantage over not visiting to Latin America.
Did you see the debate? What did you think?
Sources- The Latin Americanist, YouTube, CBS News, Reuters, BBC News, Guardian UK, San Jose Mercury News
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