Top 5 moments of the first Presidential Debate
Intermission understands how busy Wednesday nights are at Stanford, and we get that even the most civic-minded students may have missed some or all of last Wednesday’s presidential debate. We’ve compiled the highlights of the debate here so that everyone can keep their references current (and hear some of the funnier moments of the debate.
Romney: “I like PBS. I love Big Bird. I actually like you, too.”
Mitt Romney referred to the Sesame Street star and Jim Lehrer, both longtime features of PBS programming, in his explanation of his intended budget cuts. Good to know it’s not personal, but let’s be real, who doesn’t love Big Bird? Regardless, it was a well-executed and much needed humanizing moment for Mittens. Clearly, Big Bird should’ve taken Clint Eastwood’s place as the surprise celeb speaker at the Republican National Convention.
Obama: “By the way, I’ve become fond of this term Obamacare.”
Barack Obama threw out this quip, owning his bill’s moniker and reminding viewers that he doesn’t sweat the small stuff. The subtext is something along the lines of two can play the joking game, Mitt! If only there had been a follow-up question where the candidates could weigh in on how they like the Romneycare nickname in comparison.
Romney: “And congratulations to you, Mr. President, on your anniversary. I’m sure this was the most romantic place you could imagine — here with me!”
Mitt Romney killin’ it with an actual joke! It’s probably extra funny in his mind because the idea of two men celebrating the anniversary of their loving marriage is so wildly impossible to him.
Obama: “Under Governor Romney’s definition, there are a whole bunch of millionaires and billionaires who are small business. Donald Trump is small business. And I know Donald Trump doesn’t like to think of himself as small anything.”
Woaaah, this might be a little out of pocket, Barack! Did this seem below the belt (literally) to any voters outside the 18-25 demographic, by the way? Just us? Intermission does love some public celebrity smack talk, but the White House Correspondents’ Dinner was much more entertaining and on point. Real talk though, what was this bit supposed to mean?
Romney: “Let’s talk…” Lehrer: “No, let’s not.” [Cue the laugh track.]
This sassy, borderline testy exchange between moderator Jim Lehrer and Governor Romney was a much needed break from the dense, lengthy and numbers-heavy stretch of debate between Romney and Obama. Intermission forgave Lehrer for otherwise letting the candidates go a-ramblin’ by finally standing his ground and sticking some semblance of those darn time limits. This was also the most tweeted tidbit of the entire debate.