A historic night: The first presidential debate of 2008
Scroll down for updates and liveblogging…Obama hammers Bush-McCain theme, McCain emphasizes — sigh — fighting against “climate change…with Sen. Clinton”…McCain hits his stride on the war, foreign policy, Obama’s no-preconditions bungle…Gaffe of the debate so far: Obama trying to respond to McCain on his military/moral authority: “I’ve got a bracelet, too!”
What a week, huh? The high-stakes presidential debate at Ole Miss starts at 9pm Eastern. Hang out here and share your thoughts. I’ll liveblog for as long as my stomach can take it.
Expectations: Low.
Ole Miss has a debate site here.
The moderator will be PBS anchor Jim Lehrer. The debate format:
– Each debate will have a single moderator and last for 90 minutes…
– During the first and third presidential debates, and the vice presidential debate, the time will be divided into eight, ten-minute segments. The moderator will introduce each segment with an issue on which each candidate will comment, after which the moderator will facilitate further discussion of the issue, including direct exchange between the candidates for the balance of that segment…
– Time at the end of the final presidential debate will be reserved for closing statements.
***
A reader proposes the first drinking game suggestion:
Michelle, how about a college-style drinking game tonight – where everyone takes a drink whenever Obama says “Bush” – in his laughably ridiculous ongoing effort to link McCain to Bush.
If you’re looking to get inebriated quickly, start drinking every time Obama says “Uh.”
Or every time McCain touts bipartisanship.
***
9:08pm Eastern.
First question on the need for solvency and security: Where do you stand on the economic recovery plan?
Obama: He’s reciting his bailout talking points…Oversight, returns to taxpayers, no CEO golden parachutes, help homeowners. Failed economic policies by George Bush supported by McCain.
McCain-Bush! Take your first swig, people.
McCain: Mentions Ted Kennedy being hospitalized. I’m not feeling too great about things tonight, but tonight I’m feeling a little better…touts bipartisan efforts to forge a bailout deal…Republicans and Democrats sitting down and negotiating.
Bipartisanship! Take another swig, people.
More McCain: This is the end of the beginning of the crisis. We’ve got a lot of work to do. Eliminate dependence on foreign oil.
Lehrer: Do you favor the plan, Sen. Obama?
Obama: We haven’t seen the language yet. There is constructive work being done there.
The question is how did we get here? Obama takes credit for warning about the problem.
McCain: Reminds that he warned about it, too. Says he will vote for the bailout. I’ve been heavily criticized for calling for the resignation of the SEC chairman.
He’s going on an anti-greed screed.
Obama: Attacking McCain for claiming the fundamentals of the economy are sound. Lehrer tries to get them to talk to each other directly. They won’t.
I agree with a commenter below. Obama is wearing too much make-up.
9:19pm Eastern.
Still on the economy.
McCain: We need to control spending. He’s talking about earmarks as a gateway drug. Refers to his friend Tom Coburn (also cited as a friend of Barack Obama). Obama has asked for $932 million in earmarks. Points viewers to Citizens Against Government Waste for documentation. That’s one of the fundamental differences between Obama and me.
Obama: Earmarks account for $18 billion in the budget. McCain wants $300 billion in tax cuts to wealthiest corporations and individuals.
McCain-Bush, McCain-Bush!
Bottoms up. Take another gulp.
McCain goes after Obama for $800 billion he supports in new spending. Obama says he’ll close corporate loopholes. Expand health care.
9:25pm Eastern. McCain is defending his business tax proposals. He really should challenge Obama on the Bush talking point.
Side note: Obama’s got a shiny flag lapel pin.
9:34pm Eastern. Sorry, tuned out for a moment there while Obama was burbling about building broadband lines.
McCain turns to defense spending. He’s recounting all his pork barrel fights.
I wonder if this debate will ever get to the stated focus: Foreign policy.
9:36pm Eastern. Another “Bush’s failed policies” line from Obama. What’s that now? 10?
Lehrer keeps hectoring the candidates to answer his question about how the financial crisis would change how they govern.
McCain says he’d call for a spending freeze on everything except defense and entitlements.
Obama’s babbling about something or other.
McCain goes after Obama on nuclear power, dependence on foreign oil…and CLIMATE CHANGE, “an issue I’ve been involved in for many years along with Sen. Clinton.”
Gag.
9:42pm Eastern. McCain is repeating his lines about cutting spending. Okay, I think he’s got his message across on that.
Obama: Bush-McCain! Bush-McCain!
McCain: Repeats his “I was not elected Miss Congeniality…I’m a maverick and so’s my running mate.”
Lehrer moves to the war. What are the lessons of Iraq?
McCain talks strategy, surge, praises Petraeus, we will come home in victory.
Obama pats himself on the back for opposing the Iraqi invasion, rattles off body count, claims al Qaeda is resurgent, complains about military spending.
9:48pm Eastern. McCain does well, finally, in attacking Obama on his surge flip-flops and not visiting the battlefront.
Obama’s answer: “I’m proud of my vice presidential pick.”
Joe Biden: Obama’s human shield!
McCain says “Obama doesn’t know the difference between a tactic and a strategy.” McCain recounts his visit to Baghdad two Fourth of Julys ago and how troops told him, “Let us win.” McCain gives a counterinsurgency 101 lesson. McCain points out Obama voted to cut off funds for the troops.
Very good fusillade from McCain.
Obama getting antsy.
McCain engages Obama on setting specific dates for withdrawal.
9:55pm Eastern. Lehrer turns to Afghanistan. Do we need more troops?
Obama: “Yes. I’ve said that for over a year now.”
9:58pm Eastern. McCain is “not prepared to threaten Pakistan as Obama said he would do…You don’t say that out loud…I’ve been to Waziristan…need a strategy…”
Sidenote: Email from reader Rich…
MM,
Overall so far…McCain is not quick enough on the uptake. Obama is more focused and clearly more prepared with the details and populist counter-arguments. McCain needs to respond quickly from two perspectives….1) What he would do moving forward, and 2) What he has done over the last 25+ years, esp bipartisan efforts.
Q1: Why did McCain say he has “spoken out” about Fannie and Freddie instead of talking about his introduction of legislation in 2003 to provide further regulation/oversight of F & F.
Q2: Obama immed answers a question of what he plans to cut during this financial crisis with a laundry list of his proposals for new spending programs. McCain misses an easy opening to say just that…”Obama was asked what he would cut and answered how he would spend”.
More later..
Rich
USMC (Retired)
Obama comes back at McCain for singing “Bomb, bomb, Iran.”
McCain returns fire with his record on Lebanon, Somalia, Kosovo. “I have a record of being involved in these national security issues which involve the highest responsibilities you can have…”
McCain recounts his Matthew Stanley bracelet story. Talks about troops, families, refusing to come back with defeat and dishonor.
Obama: I’ve got a bracelet, too!
He has to look at it…uhhh…to remember whose bracelet it is.
10:06pm Eastern. Obama attacks McCain on Afghanistan. McCain responds: “You would think if he were so concerned, he would have gone to Afghanistan.”
McCain wants a “League of Democracies.”
10:14pm Eastern. McCain takes a dig at Obama’s presidential seal…”I don’t have a seal yet”…
should have probably explained the joke a little…
10:15pm Eastern. McCain attacks Obama’s pledge to meet tyrants without preconditions.
Obama blusters on his preconditions/preparations line.
10:18pm Eastern. McCain is strong on North Korea.
Obama cites Kissinger.
McCain comes back: He’s known Kissinger for 30 years. Obama is parsing words.
10:26pm Eastern. McCain sounds forceful on Russia/Georgia. Obama follows up meekly.
10:30pm Eastern. Last question. What’s the likelihood of another 9/11?
McCain: Less than it once was. Recounts teaming up with Joe Lieberman on formation of a 9/11 investigation commission…Bush opposed us…we reached across the aisle…long way to go on intelligence services…trained interrogators so we don’t ever torutre another prisoner ever again…America is safer today than it was on 9/11, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have a long way to go…he really should tie the war on terror overseas — not just in Iraq, but worldwide — to homeland security…and what about border security…
Stop. Oh, my god, he just mentioned doing a better job on our borders.
Knock me over with a feather.
Obama: He’s talking missile defense. al Qaeda in 60 countries.
McCain should have covered that.
10:34pm Eastern. Obama credits McCain on the torture issue and then gives us his Big Idea for making America safer? “Restoring our standing in the world!” Making us more “respected!”
McCain: Obama doesn’t get it. If we fail in Iraq…it would lead to defeat…Americans will judge…right path or wrong path…this is the central issue of our time.
10:40pm Eastern. Wrapping up.
McCain: “I don’t need any on-the-job training. I’m ready to lead now.”
Obama is talking about his name. Filibustering about “investing,” “The Children,” etc.
McCain gets the last word: “I know how to heal the wounds of the war, I know how to deal.”
See what others have said
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Trackbacks
- Presidental Debate, Round One- Maverick vs. Mushmouth? « Above My Pay Grade!
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- PrestoPundit
- Live Blogging The Debate | The Daily Conservative
- McCain Rapid Response Debate Ad - Obama Not Ready To Lead | BigMouthFrog
- Democrat=Socialist
- Presidential Debate Liveblog! « WitSnapper | The Blog
- Michelle Malkin » Debate video: Obama can’t remember the soldier’s name on his bracelet
- Michelle Malkin » Debate video: Obama can’t remember the soldier’s name on his bracelet
- MishMashZone » Debate, Who Won?
- Nicholas Fitzgerald » The Debate Debate
- First Presidential Debate. « The Pink Elephant
- The Presidential Debate « Tai-Chi Policy
- Obama, “Hate Bush, Kill Bin Laden!” « Riggword Weblog
- ¿Quién ganó el debate?
- The Kissinger Factor « Memoirs From a Young Conservative
- Election 2008–Presidential Debate I Recap | THE TYGRRRR EXPRESS
- Presidential debate drinking game. | I'm Surrounded By Idiots
- The College Politico » Blog Archive » The Debate… Who cares?
- Full Video & Transcript Of The First Presidential Debate - 26 Sept 2008 | BigMouthFrog
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Good God! Obama just said that because we’re spending x-number of dollars on the war that “we” can’t afford to provide health care to people – just where in the Constitution does it say that it is the job of the federal government to provide health care to the populace? If government would get its sticky paws out of my pockets, I could afford to pay for my own health care – and would much prefer to do so as then I would be in charge, not some bean-counter.
Aggh!
McCain mentioning about the POW/MIA matter. He cares about our Vets… Obummer’s just using them as props.
I bet Obama is glad to get off the stage.
OK….McCain’s performance on a 1 – 10 scale?
8.2
Barry’s performance?
4.3
anyone else?
I think Zero had a slight edge for the first part of the debate since I don’t think McCain hit some of the points he could have.
But McCain handed Obama his BUTT for the rest of the debate.
Obama’s worried about what the ‘children of the world’ think about the USA.
Not worried about the barely breathing babies in the trash. POS!!!
FU and your globalist jive!!
Good job John.
Good man, Senator McCain! Fantastic. Just fantastic.
Ough, the USA is no longer a superpower. We are the laughing stock of the world.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601068&sid=ahUuZ8Z5rkDA
Isn’t Obama’s dad an argument against wanting more people to come to America?
As my uncle would have said if he were alive, “Øbama was wiping up the rear” of this debate.
that michelle o sure has a big a$$
McCain just got 5% in the polls.
JSM 8.1
BHO 5.3
The way children look at the United States…I keep remembering a story I once heard.
A man was in Palestine and a young boy, (early teens) was holding a gun on him and
telling him how awful the U.S. was. He just kept going on and on about the great
satan and then said, ” And when my visa comes through I’m going to go to Detroit and
become a dentist.” Obviously BO doesn’t realize that people all around the world may
talk against us, but they still want to come here to the U.S.
TE, McCain 9.5, Obama 3.
McCain: 8 or 8.5
Obummer: 2 or 3
Oh look…it was Jean Francois Kerry…you know..he was in Vietnam
McCain owned Obama! I was waiting for the Obama campaign to throw in a towel half way through. And who is Tom?
Absolutely.
Gotta turn off the talking heads trying to spin Obama’s interruptions as “passion”.
JM – 8.5
BO – 5.5
go to drudge and take the vote
CBS equalizing now. How well Obama did, bla, bla bla,
McCain – 9
BO – 4. I was going to give him 5 but his rude interrupting lost him a point.
McCain won. Clearly.
fLYOVER…
On word from Vietnam defines this debate: ARCLIGHT
BO got carpet bombed.
Let use a term that Navy is familiar with…ALPHA STRIKE
BO just got Slam Dunked …
and the media adoration begins
And you are the laughing stock of this blog.
OMG – just saw MO greet hubby, ‘Bambi, and my husband says, “here’s big butt, and she decided to put flowers all over it.” Then, there’s Cindy, reserved/cool/stately/lovely.
Bad Idea, the drinking game…I had to stop at 20 min in! I can’t believe how Obama STILL can’t admit we’re winning in Iraq. I mean, I guess I can. Wow. Now I’m ready for another beer!
Me thinks Obama will have to settle for crow.
Lars…hearing the lyric of “Baby Got Back.” are you?
Probably if Obama gets elected you’re right.
Saddleback X2
Mac 8.5
BO 6.0
The first thing Obama said to Michelle was “How’d we do?” You bombed.
Hey at least he went to
visit them in the hospital in Germanythe Ritz-Carlton Spa.Sorry, self-corrected there…
I am SO eager for the sequal to this: Palinator vs Plugs!! : )
I am sure, you have NEVER been outside the US. I doubt you have even a passport. lol!
buh buh whu whu buh…
Like I said earlier we won’t have to worry about who wins this election because if we have two more debates like this Obama will have a stroke.
Nina Easton comes down on McCain’s side…says it all…
navywife, whats your email?
I want to email you before I go to bed.
On September 26th, 2008 at 10:38 pm, Lars said:
that michelle o sure has a big a$$
Half Honky Badonka donkey
No wine, either kids!!!
But he DID stay at a Holiday Inn Express : )
Is that a royal we or did he have Michelle talking to him through an ear piece?
And the winner is Michellemalkin.com 1237 comments Hotair.com 1166 comments.
I’d love to just respond to Obama by saying, as “My Cousin Vinny” did: “Everything that guy just said is bull****, thank you.”
lol funny hawkeye
Hey edelweiss. Let us know where you can find a better country when you get there…Okay/
Fox has it right! McCain WINS!!!
Bill Kristol hands it to McCain in a blowout.
Delusional. Completely.
Who is “we”? I thought you said you were European.
Thanks Michelle, as always, this has been the place to be for a good old election discussion.
Good night all.
And may God continue to Bless our Great Country.
Maybe, maybe not; I just had a conversation with a client who recently spent time in Poland, and related how an elderly gentleman, on learning she was an American, grasped her hands and said (in Polish), God bless America. Over and over in her travles abroad she’s heard how people look to America to be a strong tower, the defender of freedom.
Maybe the children don’t get it yet, but the adults sure seem to.
OOOOHHHH! We’re not as cosmopolitan as you!
I guess the new insult for liberals is to say none of us conservatives have passports. Well, honey, I have one and I really don’t care what other countries think of us!
I am still going to have to move away from my home here in Southern CA because of the damn Mexicans no matter which loser wins..
People in America are worried right now, about Russia, finances and Terrorism.
McCain talked like someone who had an insider’s grasp of all of the issues and plans to take care of them. Obama looked like a kid reciting what his dad had taught him.
I don’t think Juan William watched the same debate I did.
Opportunity lost: Sen. Obama is afraid of how our country will be perceived and wants to restore our standing in the world. Sen. McCain could have put the final nail in the coffin if he only said how much more important it is to be perceived favorably by Americans in America. Obama, the American President to the world. McCain, President of the United States. Game, Set, Match.
Said by the delicate “world citizen” too ashamed to study in her own country and clinging to her Swiss citizenship like an anchor. Have fun with that.
Said by an American citizen who’s lips are so far up Europe’s ass that she can’t even think for herself. I’ve been to Europe, spent 6 months in Spain, and I missed America so much.
You’re mentioning the global economy not foreign policy. One will take care of the other so keep your snear in, ‘kay?
Did the Admiral kick Jrs a$$ or what. That was brutal.
What was Juan Williams watching? BO on the offensive? He was on the defensive 80% of the debate
Juan rarely watches the same thing that ANY of us do
Juan Williams, even has JM win.
She is among other things Swiss. They are neutral, except for the Jews gold…
isurfhawaii@hotmail.com
my thought exactly dj
We need to go vote in the MSNBC.com Poll too, so that the libtards can’t make it look lopsided like they always try to..
Now go shopping people. Support a sista
316Christianstore.biz
Juan did say Obama was smirking, which was true.
g’night, y’all, this was fun.
Agreed! More appropriate for the Naval Avaitor. Well said.
Thank you. In that case “neutral” meant “on the side of the Nazis”.
So, how did you enjoy that 3 day all expense paid visit to Paris?
Roger on the Alpha Strike.
Yes he did, its just than when McCain was speaking Juan had his fingers in his ears, yelling “NANANANANA I CAN’T HEAR YOU!”
Obama has to be stopped…
Obama has to be stopped…
Obama has to be stopped…
For the sake of the country, Obama has to be stopped.
mookie, you miss the point, we do have lower level secretaries speaking with Iran, already. it is not the same as President to President and that was McCain’s point. McCain was referring to Duh-One’s comment about ‘when I am President I will meet with Ahmadi’Nejad without preconditions. Then Duh-One tried to switch to the lower level secretaries of state. looks like you fell for that bulloney, too. what a dupe.
Yes good night all, this (and McCain’s performance!) made the debate much more fun to watch.
Ah yes. Edelwiss, Hitler’s favorite flower.
I was hanging out with the enemy – at DK….. ooh.. some sad sad folks over there….. they think Obama did not challenge McCain enough. And, were royally p.o’d when Obama congratulated him at the end of the debate.
In the beginning of this debate, I’ll be honest, I was a bit worried. Obama was doing really well. But right before my eyes, I saw Obama crash and burn. I guess McCain just needed to warm up his engine before taking off.
One thing that really stood out was Obama continually interrupting McCain, and his arrogant, elitist, snobbery, attitude especially when he would put out his left hand and tell the moderator “Please Continue” and “Let’s move on.”
And lastly, I cannot believe that Obama decided to end the debate telling the world how screwed up our country is.
Way to get that middle America vote Obama!
Mk@1n pw3nd.
I’m giddy.
Exactly.
It has to be a royal we, he didn’t say kill whitey, that’s MO’s calling card.
Mc Cain slaughtered Obama tonight, hands down..
BHO: hemmena, hemmena, hemmena, eh, eh, eh, Bush…as I’ve said before…uh uh uh …
‘zactly. Obama has so perverted what he originally said that he now agrees with Bush’s position.
Thank you Michelle and everyone for the blogging. Looking forward to Palin pulling the plug(s) on Biden : )
Good Night All!
That’s not an earpiece, that’s his ear…
Alright everyone. Its been a long day and I’m out. Have a good night everyone!
I spent six years in Europe and traveled a bit. Contrary to popular belief, my experiences showed that the average person in Europe doesn’t dislike Americans, it’s their politicians that don’t like us.
SWEET! Gearing up for Kinnick tomorrow?
Nite all – been a blast!
There’s already an ad out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec3aC8ZJZTc
LOL That was fast!
I can’t believe the lies coming out of BO’s mouth tonight. He lied when he said he wasn’t against nuclear power. He has stated that he is against any new nuclear until the waste problem is solved. Wellllll!!!! If your party would let the NRC license Yucca Mtn and start reprocessing waste….problem solved. But until then, the utilities have to store it on site.
man, i am texting a friend of mine who is incensed that i am not going to vote for obama….geesh, i am going to tell people from now on my decision for POTUS is private.
Phew, it’s been a long long day for me. So I bid everyone a hearty good night.
Thanks Michelle for the oppurtunity to speak my mind. I have enjoyed all of the comments.
Out here!