After the first presidential debate, President Barack Obama was mercilessly criticized by the pundits for graciously and patiently listening to Mitt Romney tell how much better he was in every way and to make wild promises that even his own party didn't endorse.
Not once did the President interrupt or make any negative or intimidating gestures that might reveal his true superiority in this arena.
President Obama calmly stated the facts, eliminating any referral to the disclosure of Mr. Romney's insult about 47 percent of the American people. The pundits said the President's lack of aggression proved him not to be a leader and that Mr. Romney's over-rehearsed acting performance showed him to be the "man to lead."
Next came Vice President Joe Biden with enthusiasm and personality showing a little reaction to some outrageous fiction given by his opponent, Paul Ryan, including a comment that the experienced vice president might be stressed out with the pressure of the debate. Yet the pundits said Mr. Biden was rude and Mr. Ryan was a big winner.
The pundits certainly are not the group of no-minds they are suggested to be, but it does suggest these pundits aren't on their A game.
GENE WHITNEY
Niskayuna
