Last Presidential Debate Holds Less Drama, Tweets

By Alex Murashko, CP Contributor Tuesday, October 23, 2012

The final presidential debate featured less drama and less tweets than the previous two. While Mitt Romney and Barack Obama seemed to veer off the topic of foreign policy, which was supposed to be the main focus, those watching the debate and giving their opinions on Twitter appeared less amused.

"Who knew class sizes were a national security / foreign policy issue? #TheDebate" tweeted Ed Stetzer, vice president of Research and Ministry Development for LifeWay Christian Resources.

"Am I the only person who thinks that 'drone' describes this debate in many ways? #TheDebate," Stetzer added in another tweet. Also: "'Friends of Syria.' Is that a Facebook group? #TheDebate"

During the first debate, an estimated 60 million people watched on TV and millions joined the live water cooler conversation on Twitter. The Oct. 3 event was the most tweeted political event in U.S. history, with more than 10 million tweets between 9 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. EDT.

There were 6.5 million tweets during the same time frame of the debate on Monday, according to Twitter's government and politics team.

In the Christian community, as in the previous debates, the best known Christian leaders appeared to mostly stay away from tweeting their thoughts on the event.

Still there were some that chimed in.

"Anyone else bored with this #debate? All I'm hearing is blah, blah, blah... Nothing substantial so far by either candidate." And "Is Romney at the #debate tonight? Who knew this would happen? Don't think this will change the election, though." – David Roberts, Baptist pastor from Lenoir, NC.

"It's two Democrats against one Republican in this debate . . . as usual." – Toni Birdsong, Christian author

"Romney great on Iran here – but he needs to use FAILURE more...applying to Obama fpolicy. Iran 40% CLOSER to getting nuke!" – Laura Ingraham, conservative commentator

Other notables:

"Oh, no. Obama closing statement promises he'll 'reward more companies.' #FAIL" – Michelle Malkin

"POTUS is right: we do need to make smart decisions. First one, get new #POTUS. #debates #LynnDebate" – Karl Rove

"Hard 2c how this debate changes a thing. Romney is gaining everywhere and he'll keep gaining. This debate didnt do it for O." – Ari Fleischer