Lipton's View

James Lipton has made several appearances on MSNBC to discuss the current election campaigns and politics in general. For those unaware, Lipton is the longtime host of Inside the Actor's Studio.

According to Politico:

Lipton, who has made appearances on MSNBC to evaluate the debates from the perspective of a drama critic, said his "adventure" to find the Republican nominee's core made him sympathize with President Barack Obama.

"Romney is as elusive as a phantom," Lipton said. "The minute you think you've got him pegged, he disappears in a puff of smoke and mirrors. I think that's annoying to a debater. When you prepare for a debate and somebody else shows up, it's very disconcerting."

I've always enjoyed Lipton's interviews in regards to the acting craft. He's somber, reasonable and sensible and yet has a keen sense of humor. That he has taken a foray into the world of politics is a bit surprising, but hardly off the mark. He seems to have a natural talent for political commentary, and I'm hoping he makes a regular habit of it even after the election is over.

Last Stretch

Was it just me, or did Romney look ill during the last presidential debate?

Whatever the case, POTUS was clearly in command. I don't know if my nerves can stand the two weeks wait for Election Day…

Dim Penchants

Idiocy runs in the family:

• Tagg Romney wanted to "take a swing" at Obama during debate

I don't mean to be petty and churlish, but the statement gives credence to the phrase "idiot son like idiot father." If the unthinkable happens and Romney is elected, he'll deserve just as much respect and deference as he and his right-wing nut pals have always given to President Obama – which is absolutely zero. Because of their deranged slurs and latent racist agenda, Republicans have tainted the sacrosanct respect due the President of the United States whether one agrees with his policies or not. They opened the proverbial door, so they shouldn't expect anything different for one of their own – if that time ever comes.

Can you tell I'm not the type to turn the other cheek?

By the way, my favorite moment of the debate was when President Obama nailed Romney on his Libya posturing. He really thought he was going in for the kill, didn't he? Romney looked like a complete fool. But then again, what else is new?

Veep Notes

I thoroughly enjoyed last Thursday's vice-presidential debate between Joe Biden and Paul Ryan. Unlike the first presidential debate, when I did a lot of screaming at the television, the veep-chat set me to laughing several times. More important, Vice President Biden was able to reveal the falsehoods and inherent flaws in his opponent's views with great aplomb.

Right-wing reaction to Biden was typical, mainly because they simply can't defend their own vice presidential candidate and his spotty record. I think my favorite moment during the veep debate was when Biden pointed out Ryan had requested stimulus money for Wisconsin even as he publicly rallied against it. The best breakdown of the interaction: Robert Reich's Super Clear, Super Helpful Review of the VP Debate.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow night's Obama-Romney rematch, although I have a feeling I'll be screaming at the television again. Which Romney will appear this time – the moderate, the conservative or the tea bagger?

VP Debate Priors

Suggested reading:

• What Everyone Needs to Know Before Watching the VP Debate
• 5 things to watch in VP debate
• Debate Prep: The Many Funny Faces of Paul Ryan
• Debate Question for Paul Ryan: Which of Mitt's Many Sides Are You On?
• Mitt Goes Around, Comes Around (Cartoon)

Short of experiencing a power outage, I'll be watching every minute of tonight's debate.

Go Joe!

Not So Fast

Many political pundits are saying President Obama was off his game during the first presidential debate last night, but I thought he was calm and collected while Mittens was like a deer in the headlights (especially when the camera panned to his face as the President was speaking). The way Romney kept running over the moderator was also very annoying, and his grasp of facts was less than stellar as usual:

At Last Night's Debate: Romney Told 27 Myths in 38 Minutes

Romney's repetition of various phrases which included references to "truth" and "jobs" made little impression, frankly, because he is not credible as a candidate as far as I'm concerned. I was never undecided to begin with, but after last night's back and forth I am more firmly in President Obama's camp than ever before.

One thing I found incredulous is that President Obama didn't fling a few things at his opponent - such as 47 percent among others - but perhaps he's saving it for the next debate.

Thankfully there are still two more to go.