PORT ANGELES — The presidential hopefuls smirked and sniped, put words in each other’s mouths, corrected and interrupted.
But the 25 people gathered at the Port Angeles Public Library Wednesday night scarcely made a sound during the third and final presidential candidates’ debate.
They sat and concentrated on the screen ¬– until the phrase “running mate” was uttered.
Debate moderator Bob Schieffer asked Sens. Barack Obama and John McCain whom they’d choose as advisers, should they move into the White House. Their choice of running mate has provided some insights, Schieffer added.
That’s when the snickering started.
It subsided for a moment while Obama praised his vice presidential choice, Sen. Joe Biden.
“Joe has always made sure he’s fighting on behalf of working families,” the Democratic nominee said.
Then the laughter resumed when McCain touted Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as “a role model to women.”
A few of the women in the audience shook their heads.
As the discussion turned to building 45 nuclear power plants ¬– McCain’s answer to reducing dependence on foreign oil — and building fuel-efficient cars not in Asia but in the United States as Obama advocated, the audience grew quiet again.
Rapt, they passed up the popcorn and cookies provided by Charles Strickland and the Clallam County Democrats, organizers of the debate watch.
‘Decisive’ event
Zac Garripoli of Port Angeles stayed after the 90-minute debate to share his thoughts on what he called a “very decisive” event.
“In 2000, I actually sent McCain money,” Garripoli said, adding that he’d thought the Arizona senator could lead efforts to reform the nation’s leadership.
But this time around, McCain has disappointed him.
He’s no maverick, Garripoli said. “He cannot get out from the shadow of his own party.”
Garripoli, 51, has supported both Republicans and Democrats over the years.
He thought McCain had one last chance, during this debate, to lay out his ideas for solving the country’s economic, health care, education and energy puzzles.
“I thought he was going to laser-beam focus on the issues. All he did was demonize Obama,” Garripoli said.
“He blew his last chance tonight.”
Garripoli added that he was disappointed when McCain chose Palin as his running mate.
Nikolai Carlson, another Port Angeles resident who joined the debate watch, said he sensed some desperation in the Republican’s demeanor.
“McCain is definitely losing it,” said Carlson, 12.
“By the end, he was laughing to try to release some of what he was feeling.”
Bob and Anne Beck of Port Angeles came to the library in part because they don’t own a television.
Lifelong Republican
“I’m still looking for a candidate who’s going to ask us to sacrifice,” said Bob, who describes himself as a lifelong Republican.
“We cancel out each other’s votes,” Anne said.
Then Bob said that he’s “leaning toward the Democratic Party” — and his wife added that he’s leaning toward an individual.
“I think Obama is the more intelligent person,” with a firm grasp of many issues, Bob acknowledged.
Then Anne pointed out that Obama had, in his closing statement, called for the the country to “come together in a spirit of sacrifice and service.”
In his closing statement McCain focused on his lifetime of service, in the military during the Vietnam war and in the U.S. Senate.
“If given the opportunity to serve again, I would be honored and humbled,” were his final words.
Garripoli, just before leaving the library, expressed respect for McCain, but said he no longer has his support.
“It’s a sad thing. He’s been a hero,” Garripoli said.
Mike McPhee, a Port Angeles Democrat, hailed Obama, as an inspiration to Americans who’re looking for a new kind of leader.
McPhee found one thing disappointing in Obama’s performance Wednesday night: He didn’t mention the war in Iraq and the billions being spent on it.
This last debate was to focus on domestic policy — but McPhee said Obama could have pointed out that money being poured into the war could be brought home to domestic programs.
Ballots for the Nov. 4 general election were mailed on Wednesday.
Nearly 100 people attended an airing of the debate at the Water Street Brewing Company restaurant and bar in Port Townsend, which was hosted by the Jefferson County Democratic Party.
And Schieffer, after the debate was over, offered a piece of advice courtesy of his mother. She always said: “Go vote now. It will make you feel big and strong.”
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Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailyews.com
