Obama missed an opportunity which McCain quickly capitalized on in not mentioning Ted Kennedy.
They disagreed on Dealing with Iran, North Korea, and Cuba.
McCain said talking to them legitimizes their threats.
McCain said we will muddle through in afghanistan, and Obama called him on it.
McCain scored big by saying he would institute Fixed costs contracts in the Pentagon.
Obama scored big when McCain said he would freeze all spending except Defense and Vet affairs.
McCain lost ground and maybe votes when he said he would do away with ethanol subs all together.
Obama won big when McCain said he would institute a two bracket tax system.
Jim Lehrer asked McCain if he would vote for the economic package (700 bill) and McCain said I hope so.
McCain lost when he pumped up his $5000 health care tax credit
and Obama pointed out that health care deductions would be taxed.
and finally, McCain lost it when he continued to harp on the "We can't fail in Iraq, if we had a loss it would hurt the army's morale"
This pride, pride, win, win, at all costs was another "bomb, bomb, bomb" moment which he repeated a lot.
McCain was unprofessional as a debater, by looking down constantly
rolling his eyes, and laughing inapropriately.
McCain needs to let go of the "surge" mantra.
That does not mean you have the right judgement
and that is not how you win debates.
Scoring:
McCain Had 10 Senior moments
Obama had 5 Professor moments
McCain Had 13 McNasty moments
Obama Had 4 Sarcastic moments
McCain had 9 Bomb, Bomb,Bomb moments
Obama had 2 Disconnect moments
Obama scored 34 points
McCain scored 14 Points
Obama had 9 negative moments
McCain had 30 negative moments
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Comments: 106
I was glad he said, "That's not true, John," and directly confronted Mr. Not Miss Congeniality on his attack points.
Obama is the candidate I'm voting for.
but then lost ground by telling lies about what ADM MUllins said
and what Osama Bin Laden said.
and the surge surge surge
people don't want to hear that crap
really?
spoken like a true lobbyist
comparing apples and oranges
our economies couldn't be more different
Then obama slamed him by pointing out that businesses find ways around the tax law
and don't pay nearly that much.
McCain didn't score any points by defending his tax cutts for big companies
obama pointed out that 20 years of de-regulation at his (mccain) hand is to blame
Obama wasn't as strong as I would have hope either. He missed a lot of opportunities to hit McCain because he wanted to rebut something McCain said. But he wasn't bad.
I'd say it was a toss-up that's not likely to change anyone's mind unless they've been living in a cave.
"you don't say out loud, that you would go into pakistan"
so does that mean he agrees with Obama?
but just doesn't want anybody to know about it.
> ethanol subs all together.
I hope this is something both candidates and our country can agree about ... why do we give the farmers a big shot of money on these subsidies and raise all of our food and energy prices ... quit being bribed by farmers ... now that we know how the financial industry influence has played out.
How about a little government for the people ... by the people ... of the people, and all that?
I didn't say I disagreed with McCain
I said he probably lost votes.
ie, corn farmers, Iowa
MJ, good theme song choice, too. : )
thanks
I would just like to see the polls in Iowa monday morning
Obama
Barack Obama -- #44. 44th President of the United States
Bruce K.,
you're right
and in this election that could make a difference
McCain did much better than I expected Still, his body language, inability to control his temper unless he reverted to the puke-inducing voice, and ME ME ME attitude (when he tries to day he puts America first) were unprofessional, and in trying to convince us he is experienced he only proved how much he lives in the past and doesn't see the future.
I think Barack Obama was a clear winner tonight.
Very honestly, McCain performed better, far better than I thought he would. I thought he'd lose it and go manic. He was blinking like a bar sign though--and the mantra for his "team" is, "I won't blink..." Everybody I was watching with tonight pointed that out.
I think both people presented themselves well. However, I think it was a clear Obama Win. And not just cause I've been in his camp for over a year.
I thought, too, that Obama missed two indisputable cannon shots across the bow.
1) When McCain claimed that the vets loved him. Actually, Obama has a higher percentage approval rating with DAV than McCain. By about 40% higher.
2) McCain voted AGAINST Vets benefits 10 times in the past 8 years. And only really pulled together for the vets on the education part of the vets package.
I am proud to see they both wear a bracelet from a bereaved momma. It took McCain a full minute to tell the story about it. Obama rocked, tho. His 15 second comeback on that was stellar. "I have a bracelet, too. The mother who gave it to me asked me to see that other mommas will not lose their children." En guarde! Hoist on his own petard, was McSame.
What I loved the most was the scalpal (sp?) vs the axe, when it comes to scraping the national budget to bail out Wall street.
Did anybody else catch the fact that McCain actually used the words "serves as a Bridge" in one of his 2 minute responses. I was just WAITING...waiting...waiting...everyone was holding their collective breath---but no. the O-Man didn't pounce on it.
No blinking in St. Louis. And International Affairs is Biden's 30+ year specialty, Biden would have slayed him. Can't wait for the Biden/Barbie debate. Can't wait.
I also can't wait to see the next pres debate.
Wilka
Wilka
SO I have my camera ready and maybe tomorrow I will have something to show off.
Wilka
W
lea c.,
when he came to Jacksonville they passed out signs for you to use
It was Mr and Ms Obama that walked back over to the McCains before leaving the stage.
Class all the way!!!!
And having missed that level of class for the past 7, I'm ready to be seeing it again.
Obama/Biden '08!
W
W
Class all the way!!!!
The Democrats definitely have all the class in this race.
Overall I'd call it a draw.
I personally enjoyed Obama much more but I came in supporting him. If he wants to sway undecided voters he's going to have to work on the killer instinct.
Personally, I think both choices rather stink.
Marilyn
Who do you want running international communications. Palin or Biden?
Historically, it is the VP that handles the glad-handing, and the international travel and diplomacy, while the Pres rules at home.
I (personally) would pick Biden. Hands down. But it sounds like you have some dilema in front of you. I sincerely hope you make the right choice.
Let's watch a few more debates...and table this for now.
Nipster. I don't want a killer. We've had a killer in office for 7 years now; and I'm sick to death of the killer instincts. The Obama man knows this. He was a dignified man all night. Even under stress.
I am sure hoping that Obama continues to maintain his class. I'm ready for some class and style in the presidency. People can mock me, but I want another Kennedy. Obama is that man. McSame is not.
W
There is a mix of both blue collar/white collar workers. Obama came here twice last year and was very popular. For the first time I have seen more Obama signs than McCain signs in the front yards of people's homes. McCain blew off Iowa, Obama went door-to-door meeting people. I realize Iowa is not the decider state, but a couple of people mentioned Iowa in some posts so I thought I would mention it
Besides with Superman and MTV's Punked out campaigning in Iowa today it's a sure bet he he.
"Brandon Routh will be out on the stump again today. Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher will also be campaigning for Obama in Iowa"
I found your scoring enlightening and entertaining. I know that one thing I'm going to be counting is the number of times that candidates deflect the question being put forward. Nothing sets my teeth on edge more than redirecting toward a subject the candidate is more comfortable with. I find it rude and condescending. Answer the question!
Professor MAC,schooled his student on the world's foriegn policy and in the end put the student in the corner w/the dunce cap on his head. I knew THE STUDENT was in trouble when he started his familiar search for a answer-AH-AH-UM-UM-OO.
there is so much damage done now that WHOEVER wins will be in many senses a scapegoat.
As for me the choice was made after reading both of Obama's books , researched his voting and accomplishments in in the senate in Illinois and researching voting records for the senate for both.
The speeches and the mannerism and the intelligence of the candidates is revealed in their knowledge of the issues and ability to bring forth a solution that is both pragmatic and will bring results without spending huge amount of money.
The education stressed by Obama is a fundamental point for me because I admire intelligence, creativity and ambition for the purpose to make a better world and advance in all areas we are capable of.
The one that really got to me was his pretense of supporting our veterans.
There are two particularly important ironies in the Republican ticket:
McCain is a former POW, but he does not support our veterans, and has one of the poorest voting records on supporting them in Congress.
Palin is the first female on a Republican ticket, and yet is there a female who supports women less than she does? She would effectively set women's rights back 40 years, if not more.
McCain/Palin as our leaders would not be four more years like the last eight. That nightmare would be much, much worse.
We have always been at the forefront of discovery and the most important assett we have is a children and their ability to create a better world for themselves and benefit others in the process.
Those that choose to hear soundbits and dismiss candidates have not done their homework or are pathologically wired to desire low standards, both in inteliigence and are afraid of change.
The american spirit has always been to look forward not backward and to be resilient in time of crisis...the courage seems to lack for some to take the plunge in to a new and better future.
Leaders have integrity, humanity and moral strength beside vision, great reason and judgement.
Reason why you do not recognize the fascistic tendencies for the Bush regime.
I'm still mystified as to why Obama could not decide if he would address McCain as John...or Senator McCain ????? hmmmn
Obama interrupted McCain on several occasions where the moderator seemed to scold him as quietly as possible, but it showed Obama's temper and bad behavior.
Here is an AOL poll, showing McCain the clear victor in every category, 27 Sep 08:
Poll Results
Have you decided who you are going to vote for?
Yes, McCain 52% 60,310
Yes, Obama 41% 47,235
Not yet 5% 5,471
I'm not voting 1% 1,180
Yes, another candidate 1% 815
Note on Poll Results
Total Votes: 115,011
Poll Results
Who appeared more presidential?
John McCain 52% 162,338
Barack Obama 48% 149,278
Note on Poll Results
Total Votes: 311,616
Poll Results
Who do you trust more to handle the economy?
John McCain 54% 149,141
Barack Obama 46% 128,235
Poll Results
Who do you trust more to handle the Iraq war?
John McCain 57% 156,387
Barack Obama 43% 119,520
Poll Results
Which is the most important issue to you in this election?
Economy 73% 82,163
National security 16% 18,007
War in Iraq 6% 6,795
Health care 3% 3,528
Environment 1% 1,224
Education 1% 1,206
Note on Poll Results
Total Votes: 112,923
Poll Results
Who won the debate?
John McCain 46% 146,922
Barack Obama 42% 134,332
It was a tie 7% 21,033
I didn't watch 5% 14,926
Note on Poll Results
Total Votes: 317,213
I' m thinking we better get used to saying, "President McCain."
Group E-mails Always Welcome Here.
McCain is a drama queen. That is not a trait we need in a president.
http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_debate_no_1.html
First Debate Fact Check at Fact Check.org
I'm sure many have already done their own looking...
Anyone can discredit any poll they do not like the results of.
Quite frankly, I don't take much stock in any of them ... just for that reason.
And yet you went out and specifically found one to suit your purpose. Interesting.
Here is the thing. I personally think it was a tie. Neither candidate made a major gaffe. Both articulated their positions and reinforced their platforms. But in the case of a tie, it goes to Obama, because foreign policy is suppose to be McCain's strong point. Obama held his own against McCain on the foreign policy issues. And he called him out on several key issues regarding Iraq. If McCain couldn't bury Obama in the first debate, which was suppose to be all about McCain's foreign policy know-how, he's in trouble.
repeating over and over that he wasn't Miss Congeniality
McCain was brittle, rash, impulsive and out of touch
McCain's patronizing tone and open lies did not win independents over
McCain wouldn't meet Barack Obama's eye.
Obama showed unending patience with McCain, who continually displayed the politics of condescension, bordering on petulance that is unbecoming of anyone at this level of political prowess.
I can't imagine that independents appreciated McCain's sniping, and I bet they also saw that he was about to pop about half of the time
I am beyond tired of hearing John McCain sell this war and passing it off as great leadership
his mantra that Obama "does not understand" went very bad
McCain proved himself as the stubborn one. It felt like he is simply stuck in the past.