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Ooltewah Students Analyze the Debate

432 views · Published 5 October 2012 · 2:13 · Indexed 20 September 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by John Pless  Everybody is talking about Wednesday night's debate and so are young leaders at Ooltewah High School.You've heard the spin doctors and pundits give their take but Thursday we return to the student group of debaters who gave us pointers yesterday on what to look for last night. Now they give us some post mortem analysis.The Ooltewah High honor students met us on the football field bleachers to share their thoughts on what happened between President Barack Obama and Mitt Romney. They believe style won over substance with Romney the better debater.Junior Lucas Byerley said "I was very surprised he came out as strong as he did, didn't expect him to come out on the attack as strong as he did, he came out very aggressive."Sophomore Luke Varnell explained "as far as the actual politics go I feel like Obama actually did better because he seemed to have more actual facts and direct quotes to go to."Senior Deyja Garth said of President Obama "he's defending his office as the president, so him being on the defense didn't come as a surprise to me and Romney is trying to get his position, so he should be on the offense."Senior Tucker McClendon added "with Romney he came out and looked presidential last night, he stood strong on his facts, he attacked president Obama and pretty much did what he had to do."They all agree President Obama needs some coaching on being more aggressive and not looking down so much.Senior Taylor Lamunyon said "if I was Obama's advisor I would definitely tell him to stay with the facts, those are his strong suit, but don't be afraid to get offensive."They also believe moderator Jim Lehrer lost control of the debate and the candidates."I believe he didn't do what he could have done, he wasn't very assertive, he let the candidates walk on him and not follow what he was saying to do," Byerley said.Senior Luis Ruuska added "I remember in 2008 when it was McCain and then-candidate Obama, the moderators then were often much more aggressive and would tell them 'you need to stop, your time is over' and they would stop and they would listen."The students said they are looking forward to next week's vice presidential debate because V.P. Joe Biden is more fiery by nature, doesn't mince words and appears more passionate that his more cool-tempered boss.

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