Final debate

Everybody noticed how Romney has mimicked Obama's positions on foreign policy. This makes it hard for him to be attacked in an area where Obama has greater experience and inside information.

What interested me was Romney's excellent understanding of the issues. This is an enormous change from just a short time ago when he seemed to know of only 3 countries outside the US (Israel, China, Russia).

It means he is not an idiot. If he feels he needs to learn a subject, he studies and learns it.

This debate goes to Obama (who performed magnificently) on points, but to Romney based on low expectations.

FDA pharmacy crackdown

You can get the same medicine from the same manufacturer in the same packaging at international websites for 20% of the cost that you would pay in the US.  So the FDA has finally decided to crack down on online pharmacies. This was inevitable, given that the pharmaceutical industry spends more than any other industry on lobbying. They tell us they are trying to protect the consumer, not gouge them. Do they expect us to believe that 80% of the cost of US medicine goes to quality control?

Quick debate analysis

I'd have to say the advantage went to Romney on this one. He can't really win on substance, but he sure can spin a weak position. He is wisely shifting hard to the center. On form he was better. Obama looked on the defensive. I expect a momentum shift for Romney.


Obama should press harder on the lack of substance and somehow portray Romney as a snake oil salesman. I think about buying a used car every time I see him. I also imagine a CEO who fakes concern for his employees in company meetings.