Who won?
I’m giving it to McCain — and you know I’m a tough grader on him.
He was slow out of the gate — a broken record on earmarks and spending — but Obama failed to turn the bailout debacle against him. McCain hit his stride in the second half, schooling Obama on counterinsurgency, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia.
McCain made no major soundbite-able gaffes. It was more a matter of a few missed opportunities for McCain than the commission of any major errors. Major omission of the night from McCain: Did he say a single word in defense of conservative principles and free-market economics?
Obama, on the other hand, committed several gaffes:
1) I have a bracelet, too! Uhhhh, but give me a second because I can’t remember the name on it.
2) Using Joe Biden as his human shield.
3) Using that “John is absolutely right” phrase…already a McCain ad, of course.
4) And answering the question about preventing another 9/11 by babbling about “respect” and “restoring standing.”
***
Reader Ken e-mails:
Michelle, the biggest problem I see with McCain’s performance is that he failed to come to the defense of Reagan-Goldwater conservative principles – especially market economics. He failed to slap Obama down for his ignorance on supply-side theory. He failed to point out that the tax cuts he wants will increase revenue to the treasury, and then cite JFK as proof.
The biggest question, though, lies not with McCain or Obama, but the media. Obama spun a lot of tall stories, but we’ll never hear about them. After all, if Obama lies and the media doesn’t cover it, did he really lie?
Several readers also complained about a stylistic point: They were annoyed by McCain’s refusal to look directly at Obama. They thought the lack of eye contact looked bad. Your thoughts?
***
What did you think?
See what others have said
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- Who Won The Night? — Brennan Philip Monaco
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- Obama: John McCain is Absolutely Right : Stop The ACLU
- Points At The Debate « Quipster
- McTheuselah Goes Down Swinging « his vorpal sword
- some Christian bloggers on Presidential Debate 2008 #1 | blogs4God
- YAWN: “Debate” is over…. | The TIW Blog
- Michelle Malkin » Debate video: Obama can’t remember the soldier’s name on his bracelet
- The Other McCain: Of course Obama won the debate
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- Election 2008 » Blog Archive » Two Visions
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- Webloggin » AOL Straw Poll: McCain 63%, Obama 37%
- Mofo Politics | Everything McCain, Obama, Palin, and that other guy-related» Blog Archive » The Day After: Pundits weigh in on last night’s debate
- Go Mac Attack « Mcnorman’s Weblog
- The College Politico » Blog Archive » The Debate… Who cares?
- Full Video & Transcript Of The First Presidential Debate - 26 Sept 2008 | BigMouthFrog
- Experience: How The Debate Reveals Obama’s Unpreparedness « Pocket Change - Now Lint Free!
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I was only able to see the last few minutes — the “bottom line.” I’ll watch the replay. But with the ending, I would say McCain delivered a knockout punch at the end.
I think Hussain had the poise, but McCain was aggressive from the get go.
Hussain was forced many times to concede “I agree with John” moments.
This debate showed the clear difference between depth of experience vs. rehearsed talking points.
the Cowboys? Go Longhorns!!!!
(oh sorry)
Michelle, I politely disagree with you about McCain schooling Obama on Pakistan. Calling them a failed state before Musharraf was totally incorrect.
Obama sounded as though he was trying to get 20 pages of talking points into a one minute response, on almost every question.
He looked defensive, and agitated when McCain spoke truth to Obama’s weaknesses.
He was, in general, disrespectful of McCain, and assumed an air of superiority, which really turned me off.
I think McCain won but looking at Frank Luntz and his focus group of independents on Fox said something else.
I am going to do something dangerous and try to think like the average non-involved voter. I think they will see Obama as knowing what he was talking about because he used a lot of big, sweeping buzz words. However, I think they will see McCain as more qualified simply based on what was said.
Slight edge to McCain.
For me, the way-too-involved voter, McCain won…easily…because I know all of the lies Obama was spewing.
Michelle…please add the Obama gaffe that he called the Republican Guard as Iranian.
I don’t want to sound like a MCP but the women in the focus group said Obama “sounded” better. Yikes.
I agree with JOHN– shows John is the Leader and POTUS
I can’t say for sure who won, but I did overall like how McCain did. He could’ve done better, but he still scored some points, especially when he got under Obama’s skin.
I truly can’t understand how somebody can vote for Obama. I think McCain hit the nail on the head calling his views “dangerous”. I think McCain did great but with each passing week I have less and less faith in the people of this country to tell the difference between a leader and a clown.
I must disagree with you, Mookie, but that is exactly what Pakistan was. And for what it’s worth, I violently disagree with you.
But, regretfully, I must score this one for the Obamessiah. He had trouble containing his anger and was extremely rude, but overall I expected a complete schooling from McCain and only saw that with regards to the Middle East.
I was further impressed with the reduced uh-ing from Barry. The fact that he didn’t stagger out on stage with his head stuck in a bucket was even more impressive.
Bottom line, did the debate sway any Barry voters to jump ship? Very doubtfully. And isn’t that what it was for? Obamoron 1, McCain 0.
Mookie-
Are you saying Pakistan was a successful state, prior to Musharraf?
I remember them as a haven of arms bazaars, where you could buy an AK-47, for $50, and ammo flowed onto the streets. Don’t you recall the photos of armed men and boys roaming the streets in these bazaars?
“I agree with John” should be added to the drinking game.
I think one of the most telling aspects of this debate is the huge difference between Obama reading from a teleprompter and debating. It was painful to listen to Obama speak (well, actually I enjoyed it). Followers of Obama go on and on about what a good speaker he is… not tonight. For this reason, I feel he lost.
Name another non-failed country that has had a coup?????
Obama did better than I expected but McCain definitely won. Unfortunately he missed a few golden opportunites. I would have like to see him call Obama on his plan to cut taxes for 95% of Americans when at least 30% pay nothing. He also should have listed a couple more programs he would have cut cut and explained to Obama that tax cts are not the same as spending.
Can I change my vote?
Now that I think about it, IRELAND won.
11% business tax! With the savings, you get more Guinness and great tunes…
Sounds pretty sweet!
I loved that McCain didn’t look at Obama. Why legitimize him?
I am surprised to see the left-leaning pundits call it a “draw”, for the most part, beyond the economy issues they gave overwhelmingly to McCain.
I think that, when a left-leaning pundit calls it a draw, that’s a huge win for McCain.
Obama will always have the oratory advantage, as a bloviating lawyer, which will unfortunately dazzle the nubile voters to whom he is preaching.
And the not-so-nubile voters who also think the sun rises and sets in the Jesse Jackson/Al Sharpton/Barack Obama pantalones.
I hope Palin does better in the debates than she did with Couric.
She’s got to loosen up.
McCain:Obama::Pineapple:Strawberry
Oops! I mean the economy issues they gave overwhelmingly to Obama!
Doh!
Obama keeps trying to score points on an issue that he didn’t have to make any decisions about, Iraq.
Frankly I believe that McCain needs to respond at how Obama has NEVER had to make an important stand on anything since he’s been a US Senator, he’s been voting “present” instead of sticking his neck out, he’s against the Constitution with regard to the 2nd Amenedment (regardless of what he SAYS at the moment), and that it is completely ridiculous to imagine that this green senator who barely knows his elbows from his rear-end could possibly have the slightest notion of what to do when the proverbial spaghetti is hitting the fan.
McCain needs to crush this twerp. He needs to send him home with his tail between his legs.
I was listening to it on the radio driving back from class, and McCain sounded much more articulate than the Obamunist, just from listening without watching. . .and I bet Obama probably had the questions ahead of time, too. I cannot imagine Obama “leading” this country. But I bet there will be some manufactured, affirmative action polls showing that Obama won.
I have no pony in this show. Going to vote for the Constitution Party – Chuck Baldwin – who was just endorse by Ron Paul. I know that Baldwin will not win, but at least I will know that I voted for the someone who will follow the Constitution.
I thought Obama’s repeated attempts to talk over and interrupt John McCain was really rude and offensive. How come no one has commented on that?
As far as I’m concerned, neither won. McCain was very uninspiring, in terms of standing on solid policies. Obama sounded equally wishy washy. This debate was nothing short of worthless. I learned nothing from it.
Me too!!! I thought this showed what he thinks of the 1st amendment.
The coup was the result of a pissing contest between Musharraf and Nawaz Sharif. Not because the country had failed.
Mookie…answer the question!!! Countries that are not failed do not have coups!!!!
I just answered the question.
The McCain camp should pounce on the clip of Obama looking at the bracelet and make sure it gets a lot of exposure. That was awful.
I think McCain didn’t have to look because he actually wears it every day. Obama had to look because he doesn’t. I don’t have any proof of that; I just know if I wore one on a regular basis I would know the name on it.
That’s what I was referring to.
From #6-
Overall McCain did well, but he let Obama get away with his shot at him about taxing Healthcare benefits. I think that hurt him.
McCain should have been all over Obama about the bail out plan and the 20% slated to be given to ACORN.
I thought McCain won, but then I am biased – I happen to believe that the Surge worked, that we are now winning because of the Surge, that Obama was wrong, and Obama cannot admit it. Victory over defeat wins every time.
So there ya go…
This was a great opportunity for the McCain camp to polish up responses for use at the other debates. You know Obama will keep using all these practiced attacks…he hasn’t offered any new attack lines in months.
“And I don’t even have a Presidential seal yet.”
Disrespectful? He couldn’t even remember McCain’s first name: twice. Once I think he called him Tom, another time Jim.
I don’t remember if this was before or after he forgot his bracelet name.
He spent too much time working on the Georgian president’s name apparently.
McCain won’t give eye contact to Obama because he knows Obama lies … Seen this before.
Luckily, the Brewers won tonight and the Mets lost, so Milwaukee takes a 1 game lead in the NL Wildcard race. Exciting stuff.
Oh yeah…presidential debate and stuff…
How on earth can anyone justify giving taxpayer money to ACORN? Where is that located in any founding document? In a sane world, the left and their idiot candidates would be laughed off the stage.
Kos has given the order to all his moonbats to freep the online polls. You are ok Michelle, he hasn’t linked to your poll yet.
Click through to this cesspool at your own risk. I went to all of the links and voted for McCain, but these clowns have already ruined all of the polls that are linked here:
http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/26/19044/7434/435/611793
Maybe it’s me, but along with two McCain/Palin voters I watched tonight and was horrified at McCain’s performance.
To me he came across as old, bumbling, like a dead man walking, compared to Obama’s polished lines of babbling socialist bull. Being from Chicago, I KNOW what machine politicians are like and the idea of Obama being in the White House makes me sick. Washington has never SEEN the kind of corruption he and his minions would bring to the nation.
At the end, when many pundits were calling the “debate” a draw or McCain winning (on both Fox AND CNN) we were all floored. Maybe we were watching the wrong debate. I can only hope for better days soon in future debates, and that Sarah eats Biden’s lunch. Jeez.
Maybe McCain was afraid to look into his eyes for fear of seeing what’s really behind them.
Two very different communication styles here.
McCain can answer the question presented in a short, thorough and concise manner. His answer is honest, accurate and direct… every time. He doesn’t need to embellish to sound intelligent. This, in my opinion, is the quality that makes him such a respected negotiator.
Obama on the other hand, thrives on embellishment. He feels like he has to justify his platform so he jumps in first on every question and rambles on and on, takes a breath, and rambles on some more.
He seems to think that the more he embellishes and dissects, the more intelligent and experienced it’s going to make him sound.
I tend to think that most Americans are going to prefer McCains’ style of communication. His vastly superior experience with these issues is obvious.
And no one likes us anymore? whaaahh.
Maybe if he were to actually see and talk to some kids. Kids NOT in Palestine, or Syria. Or find some kids that aren’t on islamofascist TV cartoons, then maybe barry would realize KIDS LOVE US ALL OVER THE WORLD.
HUGE GAFFE, You’re wrong HUSSEIN!
-that really made me mad.
I was shocked how zerobama reacted, playing to the crowd like a snakeoil salesman, but it went with his act….the lies and deceit. He;s just a Chicago politician in the wrong town.
.
Rude / offensive? Absolutely. His childish grunts and snorts with a smile was very arrogant and NON PRESIDENTIAL.
He made me worry about if he were to ever stand with a head of state somewhere how embarrassing it could turn out.
Obama is a Chicago politician and no where near ready for the Oval office and Prime time TV w/out a teleprompter.
McCain was dead on…Obama is DANGEROUS!
and I wouldn’t have looked at him either, the way barry was acting. Disgraceful.
Henry Kissinger is NOT happy with Barry lying about him.
Campaign commercial…please!
McCain got a slow start, but picked up right well.
I too thought BO’s mother should have taught him some manners. Constantly interrupting was an indication of his over all immaturity. Not to mention the “John”, instead of Senator. Tacky.
McCain won. Especially, on foreign policy and national security. No brainer on that. Obama is clueless on Iran. Was he even born during the Iranian Hostage crisis? Does he know about the Shah and the revolution in 1979? Or maybe he was to busy, back then, with his youthful Saul Alinsky rabble-rousing ???
_____________
Both Candidates are completely wrong on the Bailout though. There is no solution to the economy other than letting it bottom out, so it can rise again. No Bailout, no corporate welfare.
I think it was a draw. Obama won the first round on the economy and McCain definitely won the foreign policy round. And given that the economy is probably going to be at the forefront of people’s minds when they enter the voting booth it means Obama ended up getting the best of this one. I
Regarding McCain’s refusal to look at Obama: I thought it was appropriate. In the same vein, he ignored Obama’s baiting (”even your own adviser says it, John…”). He did not call his opponent “Barack”. There was nothing chummy there, despite Obama’s attempts at familiarity, and Obama was clearly angry and flustered. It reminded me of a parent and a misbehaving child, or a mentor and an unserious student. Like I said…appropriate.
On September 26th, 2008 at 11:31 pm, yohannbiimu said:
I agree, and I hope the McCain camp is reading this.
I know that aggression isn’t Mr. McCains’ style, but the idea of handing the country over to that empty suit is simply unthinkable.
Like it or not Mr. McCain, it’s time to take off your gloves and lay it hard on the line. Barry has been lying through his teeth for months, , and you need to go after Barack Obama with both barrels. Call him on every single one of those lies and distortions, and every single one of his shady associations including Bill Ayers.
Dig in, dig in hard, and don’t stand down…. hammer away at him until he bleeds.
Some notes:
1. In terms of polish, Hopenchange’s time spent in preparation showed. He was, especially in the economic part of the debate, quicker on his feet and had his talking points better memorized. This advantage dissipated, however, once the questions changed into foreign policy.
2. McCain made up a lot of ground in the foreign policy segment, but again I found myself wishing he’d spent a couple of days in full-time prep like Hopenchange did — I kept wanting to jump into the TV, elbow McCain out of the way, and take on Hopenchange myself. Still, for the most part he had Hopenchange on the defensive, and occasionally put him back on his heels.
3. Upshot: A slight win for McCain overall, but he missed the opportunity to deliver a decisive blow. Had he been more prepared and rehearsed, I think he could’ve delivered such a punch. Which made this debate largely a missed opportunity.
4. Here’s to hoping that McCain spends some quality time getting ready for the next debates, because next time the roles will be reversed: it’ll be Hopenchange who for some reason will be expected to do much better on economic subjects, so if McCain can at least hold his own or even surprise Hopenchange, it’s possible to shift the momentum in his favor.
Michelle…I thought debate training said that the participants were to speak to the moderator. Not correct? I’m old and things might have changed since the Dark Ages.
I laugh at what I call the managed expectations of the Obama supporters. They talk about how McCain had to hit a “home run”, and that even if McCain won, he didn’t win enough. That’s their way to spin this to an Obama win. Saying that McCain absolutely had to slaughter Obama to make a difference, and since it wasn’t quite a slaughter, that the night goes to Obama. Riiiight.
McCain won, straight up. He didn’t destroy Obama, but that’s fine. To me, McCain showed that he has the knowledge and experience necessary to run this country. Obama has a lot of non-specific hopes.
I’m really surprised that not too many have mentioned how much Obama lost his cool.
He stuttered, stammered, interrupted McCain, muttered under his breath, sneered and smirked his way through McCain’s answers.
I think that showed an incredible lack of poise and frankly made him look incredibly juvenile.
When you’re fighting someone you never look them in the eye. They can drain you.
Initially, I agreed with most everybody that McCain won the debate. My husband also thought that McCain won. Then I began to take other things into consideration: a) the media spin, b) “undecided” voters, c) missed opportunities.
When considering all this, unfortunately, I am changing my mind. The whole debate was a draw. The MSM will spin this as a “win” for Obummer. The undecideds look like they’re split or will be manipulated to look like they were won over by Obummer. McCain just didn’t explain if he would support that pathetic bailout plan sufficiently enough. McCain should have exploited his opportunities more, especially considering the issues of the bailout, “relating” to Main Street, Obummer’s financial ties/funding, etc.
McCain just didn’t close the deal for many Americans unfortunately. If McCain gets a bounce, I’ll be ecstatic. He did better than I thought he would and Obummer didn’t appear like he had a good grasp of foreign relations. I hope I’m wrong on all of this.
There’s not much more I can do. I’m an absentee voter in New York and it will go blue regardless of my vote. When you have senators like Shrillary and Chucky Schumcky Schumer… there is no room for different opinions.
Well Palin-McCain just won another chunk of my bank account.
I have a question about “undecided voters”. Has anyone here, in past presidential elections, been undecided at the 5-week-pre-election point? I’ve been voting since 1988, and I don’t ever recall having any question about who I was voting for…but maybe I’ve always been too partisan (I’ve always voted Republican for president, even if I do consider myself a bit of a Libertarian now).
I guess what I am asking is this: Are “undecided voters’ a bit too dumb for this? I seemed to hear at least one of them state that experience doesn’t matter, that they didn’t want to hear about the last 30-35 years. To me, that’s pretty mind-boggling.
Dave the Libertarian, I tend to think that those who are still undecided this late in the game lean liberal – it shows a lack of conviction, principle, and awareness of the facts. It is like they are waiting to see how they “feel” on the day of the election to decide how they’ll vote.
I am with you, I don’t see how people can still be undecided between these two candidates.
Don’t give up, emjem24. My cousin and her husband live in NY, both Democrats, both voting for McCain.
BO can not close on some of his major topics. One of the goals for tonight was to tie McCain to Bush. That was to be the theme for the entire night. BO got it in only one question and then lost track of what he was attempting to do. McCain hammered home the maverick record that is well established. He easily separated himself from Bush.
McCain was to be the OLD MAN, but he came across as seasoned and well informed. Every time I listen to him his character comes through. He cares, he is knowledgeable and he knows who he is. He is a reformer for certain.
He drives me nuts on a lot of issues, but he does have the qualities that I like in a President.
Obama’s mannerisms reminded me of Al Gore in the Bush debates. All the smug smirking, smiling, eye rolling, anxious interruption and general air of superiority is a big negative. It has been said that those very same things are what lost Gore the debates and began his slide in the polls.
Obama came across as a trash talking punk, one unable to back up his words with actions.
I basically agree with you, Jim M.
Was I the only one to think Obama had a bad make up job? He looked ill – his facial color didn’t look natural, especially under the eyes. Appearances shouldn’t matter, but we all know they do. I’m just wondering if I’m the only one who thought that…
Even better answer – “I find it hard to believe that a man with such a stellar record of voting “present” would diminish that achievement by tacking away from the fair winds of popular sentiment while serving the people of Illinois. Moreover, taking stand against the war in Iraq without the benefit of the best intelligence available at the time, which information caused me and over 90% of the members of your own party to favor the resolution, seems to a view crafted more in the focused hindsight of a Presidential candidate than one based on thoughtful and informed foresight.”
Thanks, nativeaz. I appreciate that.
We’re in an odd spot, my husband and I, because we’re military absentee voters. We live in a toss-up state (VA), while voting in a state that’s heavily blue. Both my parents live in upstate NY and since I was a little kid, that freaking socialist Maurice Hinchy has been our congressman. He’s WAY out there. That’s why I pretty much think that NY is a lost cause. The liberals run everything.
I don’t mean to be a pessimist, but it just “feels” like Obummer has the momentum. We really need those Reagan Dems and other likewise independents to turn our direction. They’ll make the difference. McCain needs to “refine” his message a bit, don’t support the bailout but a better plan, and bone up on economics and social issues.
Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll ever return to NY. There is nothing for my husband or I there. We will always visit but that’s about it I’m afraid.
Everyone thinks thier guy won:
Kos and Arianna’s gangs call it for Barack.
Drudge and Malkin’s crowd give the nod to John.
Frank Luntz “undecideds” break for Obama 38 – 22.
Funny thing about the Luntz group is that they we supposedly undecided, yet they self-identified as either Democrat or Republican. Seems like the truly undecided would be unaffiliated or independent.
Maybe….
New Debate Rules Allow For One 15-Second Strangulation
From a completely unbiased, undecided voter (somebody notify Frank Luntz):
McCain 8 Obama -1
I gave Obama 3 points for just showing up. He lost points for mentioning military families. Makes me cringe.
McCain lost 5 pts for missed opportunities but he also got 3 for showing up.
I just remembered the bracelets…
McCain 9.3 Obama -7
I can’t look directly at Hussein myself without throwing up in my mouth a little, so I can hardly blame McCain for that.
As you say: better in the second half and some missed opportunities but overall McCain wins.
Reagan Democrats, PUMAs, etc.
My initial take: too close to really matter. Sen. McCain missed some golden opportunities, and I’m not sure how the “peace at all cost” crowd feel about Sen. Obama’s hawkishness on Afghanistan. Sen. Obama successfully didn’t stutter too much or look like a complete idiot, and Sen. McCain managed to distinguish himself from Bush while being alert enough to allay any fears that he’s too old to stay focused. I don’t think any minds were changed, and anyone truly undecided at this point will probably bend with the wind right up to election day barring a truly cataclysmic mistake or revelation.
If Palin were no on the ticket-
’school’ would still be ‘out’ for me>>>
too many references to<<<<<REACHING across the aisle by McCain….
If Palin were not….
Just did a google news search for “debate clear winner”
I get nothing back but “no clear winner” or “Obama clear winner”
Just shows the media is in full damage control mode.
has anyone suggested yet that McCain switch to a plain white dress shirt and a tie with either bolder stripes or a solid one with no stripes next time? Tonight’s tie gave me vertigo.
Other than that, I agree that he did well.
The anointed one’s basic strategy is the Big Lie, repeated often enough and loud enough, it becomes fact. It was obvious to me that a number of ‘facts’ quoted by Obama were at best, questionable – however, the MSM does very little fact checking before it spouts off it’s infotainment – case in point was the Kissinger comment taken out of text, but there were many more.
My personal strategy for this election is one that I have employed before to counter the effect of the ACORN registries, and that is to contact the retirement homes/villages and nursing homes in my area to see: 1) if they need to register or update their voter registration and 2) if any of their residents need a ride to the polls. Our ‘golden age’ voters are often overlooked in the mad press to get out the vote.
Overall rating, my Sheltie gives three paws and a tail wag to McCain and one paw and a butt sniff to Obama.
…thus, you’re voting for Obama. Thanks.
Last night I wondered how many Kossack heads exploded when Barry O referred to Venezuela as a ‘rogue state’.
McCain by a nose…but that’s because i generally liked what he had to say. But i took him down 2 notches for missing the knockout punch when he could have countered to Obama failing to indicate what parts of his program/platform he would cut, and ob only listed those programs he felt were important, and he listed about a trillion dollars worth of spending.
Okay, maybe not a full trillion, but we’ve been hearing that word alot lately and it’s in my head.
I think McCain has the potential to cream ob on the economy debate.
He just better get on the “the bailout plan bites” bandwagon with the rest of the true republicans.
But as to my view that ob did well, a few months back we were all beating up Obama for his lack of foreign policy experience. He did a much better job than I expected.
Best line of the night (after the debate).
My wife asks – so i finally get it about Kenya and Obama. When he wants to prove his manhood, does he run a marathon in his bare feet?
Also, like I predicted, by the end of the debate, obamas nicotene patch was wearing out, he was definitely getting ansy.
I bet the 10 cigarettes a day is a full pack.
Who’d think that he supports the tobacco industry?
PS – and the nukes? har har har.
comment # 78 – i actually saw on CNN (!!!) that they fact checked the kissinger bit and either by email or some blog – kissinger himself indicated that he was 100% with what McCain said.
I wasn’t in the mood to listen to the post debate stuff as it’s usually a democrat infomercial, but i was surprised to hear one person coming up with fairly good supporting points for McCain.
That said, the same post-debate discussion group on CNN had 2 persons (of maybe 7) of english background, which I though funny since this was a debate for an american election (yeah, yeah, I know, they are probably citizens, but it just struck me as strange.)
And no, I don’t usually watch CNN out of principle, but Fox was on commercial.
Great. CNN etc are saying Obama won now. Friends overseas are telling me that local news states Obama won. Unreal.
nyc, Their minds are mush.
It’s Killin em and
I Love it!!!
McCain/Palin 08′
Image: Odopey’s camp sucking wind.
PBS had the best post debate coverage. I flipped around and it was all pretty biased. (Though Charlie on ABC was fairly straight up, Snuffalupagus (sp?) was clearly tingling matthews-style for BO.)
McCain will not look directly at Senator Obama without preconditions. Presidents simply don’t do that to the enemies of the state.
I have no problem with BO’s embellishments, even if they are merely intended to nuance (spin) all of his answers. But, the interruptions. He managed to annoy my easy-going non-partisan spouse.
They were both oh so weak during the opening of the debate regarding economics. I was ready to vote “present” or “nota” this November.
Clearly, when foreign policy came up, BO pandered to his “let’s lose the war immediately” base and McCain pandered to the veterans. However, McCain’s relentless reminders of just how much experience he has in all manner of governing was impressive.
Obama tried to look and sound the part. As a hiring manager, sometimes you make note of that when looking at a candidate with a thin resume. But if his competition, even if a bit rough around the edges, has a CV ten pages long in small font, well, it isn’t a difficult decision. Experience wins.
As McCain so aptly closed, he doesn’t require on-the-job training for this position.
Who won the debate? For the average citizen, it depends on which party you support no matter how bad your candidate looked. The real winner here, though, was the MSM. They now have lots of material to write about to try to boost their ratings.
SENATOR McCain came off a little tentative at first, but quickly found his footing. The junior senator from Illinois came across as a know it all, and when Senator McCain challenged him, he looked like a smarmy schoolboy who knows he is teacher’s pet- just look at his body language on the split screen. If I were Senator McCain, I would want to avoid eye contact with that petilential traitor myself!!
Frank Luntz’so called Independents’ show that they themselves are a bunch of whiners- “Obama sounded like he cared”- since when is that in the job description of POTUS?
Every one seems to have missed a very big point. Obama is going to give a tax cut to 95% of Americans. Since (I might be wrong on the number) 40% of Americans do not pay any taxes, how are you giving them a tax cut? McCain should have made the point that it is a redistribution of wealth not a tax cut.
Listening to the MSM try and spin this debate was like hearing
“Good evening this is Keith Obermann with you tonight reporting live on the successful landing of the Hindenburg here in Lakehurst, New Jersey.”
I listen to the spin and I swear I see the image of Joseph Goebbels smiling approvingly in the background.
I’m in Ireland. And most of the talking heads on the news are giving the debate to Obama for a number of reasons.
The Irish media really is mocking Palin a lot. Every single news program (including the Irish language one) have shown her disasterous CBS interview and continue to comment on how desperately under experienced she is. I was at the opening address at DCU (Dublin City University) on Monday and the President of DCU mentioned that Sarah Palin “needs a science book”.
Yeah, there’s a legitimate reasons the rest of the world hates Republicans. And it is Republicans that the world hates, not America.
One thing that really stood out for me was when Obama played his “six years ago I spoke out against the war when it was politically risky to do so” bit.
McCain could have crushed him with a couple of different retorts on this statement:
1) There isn’t much political risk for a 41 year old state senator compared to a sitting US representative or senator. Your pair aren’t that big, Barry.
2) Six years ago you weren’t relevant. No one cared what you thought.
3) Questions of national security aren’t intended to be balanced on the fulcrum of political risk. That should NEVER enter into your decision. That kind of thinking is dangerous to the safety and security of this nation.
4) I was handling national security issues while you were at Columbia experimenting with illegal substances.
I’m sure there’s more.
Jangle, nice of him to want to give us a big tax cut. Problem is the President can never raise or lower taxes. Only congress can do that. This congress would get nauseous if they had to pass a tax cut. It’s just not in their program.
Well, it was when Bush Jr. marketed himself as a “compassionate conservative”. But the concept of double standards is lost entirely on neocons.
CNN conducted a poll, and 51% of people said Obama won, while 38% said McCain done better in the debate.
It’s also interesting to note that those polled believed Obama would do better on the economy and on Iraq.
Check the stats out here.