Obama, Romney and Lord Black

The third debate between the presidential candidates was interesting but yet something of a disappointment. As anticipated it was hardly a debate with both candidates making statements and neither being allowed to take up points and discuss and develop them. Obama did not wipe the floor with Romney and indeed Romney came across as more Presidential. The reason for this I think was because Romney did not sink to the personal insult whereas Obama came very close to being petty at times. It seems to me that Obama is in danger of losing the election but who am I to say and for those who have yet to make up their minds about which way they will vote no doubt the campaigns will provide the decider. I felt Obama demeaned his office particularly when he boasted about killing Osama bin Laden. For me though it was a great disappointment that Romney said he would have given  the same order. Clearly the rule of law about which American politicians speak with such fervour is neither understood nor cherished as it is in these islands. Perhaps Conrad Black is right and that despite the origins of American law being English their laws and criminal system can do result in convictions that would never happen here. Black is the first person I have seen make Paxman blush when he defended himself against Paxman's claim that Black was a criminal. Black accused Paxman of not having done his homework and pointed out that at his appeal hearing he was exonerated from all save one charge which was on an issue peculiar to American law which is not a crime here. This charge related to an expenses payment of some $200,000 odd for which there had been board approval. The Appeal Court apparently criticised the judge of first instance. It is not unknown in the States for wrong judgements to be made in courts of first instance since decisions by elected judges are made for political reasons rather than on the facts of a case. I do not know whether that happened here but it would not surprise me. It seems that you always have to appeal decisions from courts of first instance. Apple may have been awarded huge damages in a recent case but it is most unlikely that the damages amount will be upheld on appeal and even the result. The fact remains Black was convicted but will undoubtedly continue with a campaign to clear his name.