GERMANY ELECTIONS 2013 Merkel wins pre-election debate

 When candidates for the leadership of the German Government attend a televised debate, discussion moderators are careful that the duration of all interventions is exactly alike. In that sense, argumentative combat this Sunday (01/09/2013) was no exception. However, it was German Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrat, who took the helm in his hands for most of the 90-minute program. The strong woman of Berlin controlled the debate, even physically, especially in the first hour.

While its main rival, the Social Peer Steinbruck, stood rigidly behind his lectern and looked sideways Merkel, in a spirit rather fearful, Chancellor frequently turned to his opponent and his actions implied that he listened carefully to what Steinbruck had to say. Merkel did not let stop by moderators, repeatedly demanded respect for his right to speak with the harshest of tones and tended to respond to claims Steinbruck without waiting for the moderators speak.

The most prominent figure of the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) came to direct the drama about the debate when he said: "We have to organize." Merkel referred to the somewhat hasty in that discussion were undergoing a dozen highly topical issues. Later, realizing that some of the topics addressed were not enough, Merkel to explain the systematically resumed at ease both their past and future policy. That allowed him to imprint his seal to the debate.

Although Steinbruck speech inflections were different from those of Merkel, issue lacked sensationalism. Instead of fireworks there was a reasoned exchange of arguments, which made him much good to debate. After all, what matters in Germany is not directly elect one or a chancellor, but about programs present candidates in their election campaigns. Maybe that was why Merkel offered no new developments in terms of content. "You know me," he said confidently. The Social Peer Steinbruck stood rigid behind his lectern, looking sideways Merkel in a spirit rather fearful. The Social Peer Steinbruck stood rigid behind his lectern, looking sideways Merkel in a spirit rather fearful.

Peer Steinbruck, the "Mr. No"

"You know how I act. We had about four good years in Germany. And only together can we solve our problems, "said Merkel, who many Germans call" mommy "with a jocular tone. The Chancellor is perceived as a woman to take up arms because of the challenges that you faced during his administration and election campaign seems tailor-made. However, a survey concluded the discussion as soon as the winner was his contender, Peer Steinbruck.

The majority of respondents said that if the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) had not beaten in the debate, the confrontation had ended in a virtual tie. "Do not be numb," said Steinbrueck at the beginning of the issue, and then criticize the "empty boxes that Merkel had placed in the windows for display." With this metaphor the politician referred to Merkel's insistence on describing the current situation in the country as paradise. Many of the interventions began with a "no".

Steinbruck tacitly emphasized that the SPD would do everything differently when speeding enumerated evidence of how bad it was Germany under the command of Merkel, with a health system that is on its way to the precipice, a growing gap between rich and poor, tangible inflation, savings that depreciate and low paid jobs. The SPD candidate appealed to a general feeling in German territory when he said that the country needs a new impetus and social justice.

But Steinbruck evaded questions from the moderators at the time of going into the details, noting a qualitative statement was enough to support his opinion and that WikiPedia quantitative data could be obtained allusive. As example will suffice: "It is necessary to curb the rise in some way.” Merkel, however, had specific numbers at hand and not intimidated at any time. In addition, Chancellor Marksmanship exhibited by directly attacking the SPD candidate for the elections of September 22.  Merkel used the televised duel to explain its policy; Steinbruck did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Merkel used the televised duel to explain its policy; Steinbrück did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience.

The rational versus the emotional

What prestamismo system work is a tragedy? But if it was opened during the government of Gerhard Schröder's Social Democrat. What the European bailout for Greece has failed? But if the SPD supported the granting of financial aid to Athens. And it is good that did. So Merkel responded to the complaints of Steinbruck. Chancellor was more condescending to the moderators.

Merkel did not hesitate when he made remarks on political matters flashpoints. Yes, she was always against approving the payment of German motorway toll for foreign drivers, a demand made by his coalition partner, Horst Seehofer, Chairman of the Christian Social Union of Bavaria (CSU). No, a new aid package for Greece is not raised. First, Merkel was fair. And although the situation in Germany painted pink, as he said his opponent, the Chancellor insisted that the direction taken by his Government was correct: Germany did not come out unscathed from the crisis?

While Merkel took pains to leverage the televised duel to explain its policy, Steinbruck did his best to appeal to the emotions of the audience. Unfortunately, it is very easy and effective when a politician paints a landscape in which the country is on a precipice or down to the same level of the rock with phrases such as "the taxpayer is the fool" or "lethal doses for countries Southern European.” Steinbruck was introduced as El Salvador powerful "200 percent" committed to his draft Government.

As ominous forecasts must have scared a few viewers and confirmed the fears of others, accustomed to seeing the future with fear, which is a typical German quality. From this point of view, the debate between Merkel and Steinbruck was a duel with different weapons: the rational to the emotional. Each voter will react in their own way to these stimuli. But politics reasoned discussion needs an arena where Merkel has everything to gain.