Your Thoughts On The McCain/Obama Debate.

Actually, McCain did a lot better than I expected.....

Did you see McCain say that medical decisions should be between the patient and physician without interference from the Federal government? Obama's healthcare plan is essentially to aid people in buying insurance, no governmental oversight on care, so obviously McCain was saying he is pro-choice.

I am still voting for Obama. I don't agree with McCain on most things. A lot of his viewpointns on the opinion of Iraq were based on families viewpoints during the first tour. Now that most everyone is at least on there second - many on there fourth - it is a lot differant. As for healthcare - it isn't a matter of patients and doctors. It is one gient fight with insurance companies and lots of paying for things out of pocket - even with the best insurance.

I am actually watching the spin now. It is making me sick, to me John McCain clearly won, but the liberal media is of course sprouting out O'Bama's praises. O'Bamo keeps pushing government health care, honestly do we really want the government being in charge of our health care, don't they have enough to deal with and clean up, do we really want our health care screwed up. I like McCains idea of giving each person $5000 to purchase insurance.

Yes Rich I noticed that also.

I think McCain was strong tonight.
Obama often seemed to be getting angry.

I beleive McCains knowledge & experience blew Obama away.

I don't know...I think it's hard to judge these things.

I was hearing that McCain won...how can their really be a winner?

DIDN'T WATCH THEM, GOING OT WRITE IN MIGHTY Mouse's name when I VOTE..

McCain. He was so strong on his foreign policy comments regarding Russia and the former countries of the U.S.S.R. Obama simply agreed with him on the point McCain was making. He's clueless. Also, Obama will bring our troops home to bring the MONEY home for his programs of healthcare, government run preschools, as he mentioned in his comments tonight. This is wrong in my opinion. We need to stay and fight the enemy so our kids or their kids do not have to go back to fight again in an even more hostile part of the world so Obama can have his Socialist government. It's McCain for us, all the way to November!

My biggest concern is that I DO NOT want gov't health care. yes, our current system sucks. But, I prefer it over the GOVT telling me when I can get treatment, what I can get treatment for and not caring if I might die before THEIR time frame became convenient....

I agree this was probably not a slam dunk for either candidate. Because this was the "foreign policy" debate, and the expectation for Obama was lower, I might give him a narrow win.

McCain seemed to focus on two things: his history (wide sweeps, no real specifics) and declaring Obama was naive. I am concerned that he thinks a voting record showing less than 10% difference from Bush separated him from the current president. To his credit, no serious senior moments. To his detriment, he was icy -- which isn't a great setup against the talk of tirades.

Obama seemed to focus on two things: judgement and "big picture". He looked presidential, but did not really "connect" personally. He spoke well, philosophically, to differences with McCain without attacking (known to be his style) ... something that some will wish he did.

There are differences between these candidates. I have done some serious review of written policy papers, etc .... what I heard tonight did not change my current pick.

Sad to say, I thought Obama was very disrespectful and rude to McCain. If he's this disrespectful now, what will he be like if he gets in office?

For anybody who's interested, here is a good analysis of the debate I read over at Yahoo News......

Barack did more than held his own on McCain's turf. McCain seem to fumble the economy related questions so I'm going to say slight edge to Obama or maybe a draw.

Hmmmm, interesting takes on the debate. Clearly McCain needed cheat sheets, where Obama stood high in intellect and foresight. and yes, Obama was born in Hawaii, not Kenya. Faux News continues to be mainstream. Try BBC or a real news organization.

This is a copy and paste from another article I have on the topic:

I support McCain, and I thought he did really well. He was able to point out key differences between him and Obama on both the economy and foreign policy. The way it played out however, I think both sides are going to claim they "won."

I thought it was funny how Obama wanted to equate McCain's $300 Billion in tax cuts vs. his $800 Billion+ in extra government spending (which he's going to have to cut if this bailout ends up going through). Tax cuts aren't economically static--meaning they're based on a percentage, and if people are encouraged to make more money through incentive the government wins as well. With government spending, once it's gone--it's not coming back, with the only exception of a government program that's ever produced more than it's taken being N.A.S.A.

From a business perspective--lower company taxes encourages growth, more jobs, and more companies wanting to relocate here as opposed to another country (not to mention existing companies wanting to stay here). I'm self-employed right now, but I'm not against growing and helping other people once I know I'm stable--if there's no financial incentive to do it however, less business owners will take the risk. I know because I've looked at the eventual possibility of what it would take to have employees--it's so much hassle in the beginning that financially it has to be worth it, as well as with each new person you bring on.

What's worse is if you raise taxes on the so-called evil rich people, you end up discouraging the segment of our population who actually has the means to grow and invest in businesses right now. If your town has 10,000 people in it, do you want to hinder around 500 of those who likely own local businesses that either employ you or provide services that can help you if you're self-employed. If they have to make cuts due to higher taxes, they're going to protect the stability of the business first or risk losing everyone. That's not helping "Main Street," as everyday life for most Americans is now being called.

I also think McCain showed familiarity and confidence on the issue of foreign policy--an area where his experience is a strong point. He's had more time to establish relationships and is level-headed on the issue of our military. He has no spending distractions he has to pay for to take troops out of Iraq prematurely--we all want out, but how we do it is extremely important. Giving hard time tables (like 16 months) is like announcing to terrorists when they can come back into the country again without fear. His stances on Russia and Iran were appropriate as well.

That's what stuck out to me. I'm interested in other people's thoughts as well.

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Obama showed just how unready he was. His lack of understanding of the things talked about was very evident, while McCain had good replies, from experience on presenting them underpressure. Obama let McCain get to him way to much, and was visibly shaken a lot.
McCain laughed a lot at Obama's comments showing that he was comfortable in the position, and very sure of himself, as well as keeping Obama on the defensive. He even managed to make Obama look the fool once, and then Obama managed to make himself look the fool as well, especially when the guest shouted "Bull" to one of Obama's responces.
Obama never had any solid ground, and McCain clearly dominated the whole of the debate.

Obama came off as commanding and presidential and knowledgable. McCain although I dont think he did poorly he came off as outdated.

I think they both did pretty well. It was interesting for me. Didn't change my mind 'cause I'm not a socialist but from where I sat it was a good game.

One look at Obama's facial expressions, clearly showed he "cracked" under pressure, would not want him in the Oval office. And if you read "The Obama Nation" on the New York Times best seller, you won't either.

I thought McCain was impressive as he spoke specifically and succinctly to the issues. His demeanor was clear and compelling and he displayed a vast knowledge on the subjects.

It was curious that Obama couldn't decide if he wanted to address McCain as: John.... or Senator McCain. hmmmn

I thought Obama was rude when he would interrupt McCain. That was just plain immature, kid stuff and did not reflect favorably on one seeking a high office.

Obama... Period!

I thought they both did a decent job. I thought McCain seemed nervous, and I thought Obama seemed more at ease.

Well, I didn't watch the debate because I knew it would most likely make me angry and I only get to relax Friday evening and Saturday each week so I didn't want to spend it worked up over the debate. Since I already know I'm voting for McCain, I didn't really see the point. I'm sure others will find that infuriating but I work two jobs and am in the process of starting two businesses simultaneously and I need the 24 hours a week I get to relax to do just that.

Obama clearly does not understand foreign policy, and when McCain pointed that out, he smirked and got angry. That's not presidential, and if he did get to be president, I would fear he would do that same thing with foreign leaders. Not good.

McCain looked great tonight. He knows foreign policy and his ideas about the economy and taxes make so much more sense than the Robinhood mentality of Obama....who wants to spend a ton more money and not pull the reigns in on government spending.

"no governmental oversight on care, so obviously McCain was saying he is pro-choice"

Obviously, you think that a baby is not a human until after it leaves the womb. Is it a human the day before it is born? You might want to keep adding a day and consider when you think that fully formed baby has rights.

McCain trounced Obama... good to see McCain taking charge.

Obama clearly established himself as knowledgeable on foreign policy and established some differences with McCain. McCain should have blown Obama out of the water on this topic and failed badly to do so. McCain appeared angry at one point and was actually insulting to Obama, though Obama did not react to it at all. He was pretty cool all the way through the thing.

Really, both of them did a credible job! I'm sure that no votes were changed by this debate but some undecideds may well have solidified on a candidate. The differences between the two candidates were often negligible in spite of their efforts to capitalize on them. McCain criticized Obama for a statement when it was a mirror of what McCain had also stated.

I think that for all his experience in foreign affairs, McCain still does not represent any change from the current administration and change is what people are looking for! Experience which has led to erroneous decisions and actions do not benefit one in an election. That tends to negate Obama's lesser experience in that area.

Obama's grasp of foreign policy was greater than I had expected. I didn't think he thought in the detail of such things very much and this debate proved he could get down to details, such as the number of centrifuges owned by Iran.

The money McCain wants to give to the rich cannot be paid for by his cuts unless he comes up with a lot more than evidenced in this debate. Were it that easy to reduce the budget, it would have been done by every president for years! I would hope that small savings are possible but don't for a minute believe either candidate will cut the number of programs that would be necessary to sustain their spending habits.

Discussion of the bail outs was minimal. This was a disappointment as there are a lot of unanswered questions about this. There was little disagreement between the candidates on this issue.

On the issue of the national debt, someday we are going to have to raise taxes and pay that off! It would take less increase now than later. I fault both candidates for wanting tax cuts of any kind. That is simply pandering and both of them are doing it, just to different audiences. The money we are currently spending on interest to service the national debt is a major part of our budget, and that is without paying anything on the principle. Those funds could be used for a lot of needed things including both potential tax cuts and health care!

McCain was surprisingly effective. Obama was scary...very neocon. Seems he likes this pre-emptive war stuff. He and Bush are on the same page on Pakistan, while, McCain was correct in telling Obama that you have to work with countries not lord it over them. I'm sure antiwar people, such as myself, took note of this.

McCain did pass up an opportunity to firmly oppose the Democrats and Bush's proposed handout to Wall Street. Obama hasn't on clue on foreign policy...he wants to invade Pakistan, while, at the same time criticize Russia for repelling Georgia's attack on Ossetia, maybe Obama will make Condi his' Secretary of State, also.

You shouldn't be talking about cutting anyones taxes while at the same time asking the American people to dish out billions to Wall Street, which, incidently, I hope Obama knows is not really 700 billion, but, more like 1 1/2 trillion or more.

McCain clearly was more substantive and consistent in his policies...they were not self-contradictory. Obama is beginning to look like Bush III on foreign policy.

McCain won...as it seems he will come November.

I had to bring my daughter to the emergency room tonight. While we were waiting to be seen the debate was on the television but the volume was off. I did not get to hear the debate but did not like the faces that McCain kept making. It was like he was smirking.

The polls already give it to Obama.
I was amazed McSame did so well. He kept hammering away at only he could handle foreign policy while Obama used quotes from McLame's own people to discredit him. Obama also exposed some of the LIES McSame said about him.
Of course I am bias but it seemed that McLame came out the mud slinger, Liar, and too desperate.
On foreign policy, I think Obama will charm the pants off friend and foe alike.
McLame will anger our allies and mobilized those already who distrust us.
I did miss about 5 minutes of the debate when Obama questioned McLame's song about bombing Iran. I laughed long and hard for at least that long.

I didn't watch the debates, but now I wish I had. It's interesting to read all these comment and how people who saw the exact same thing had such opposite impressions and reactions to some of the performances.

Can we start all over again with new candidates?

I greatly enjoyed it. The first one I have ever seen all the way through. I think it was a draw, with Obama doing slightly better.

I think the debate didn't change anyones mind one way or the other and they should have stayed in DC and worked on the crisis

Shawn, I agree. I am still voting for Barr. Even though McCain clearly put Obama in his place, it was not enough for me to chjange my vote. Putting Obama down that easily was not a hard thing to do.
But both their ideas on economy are bad, and neither one has any isea what to do with the political mess we're in with other countries, nor the issues on hand in the many areas.
Yeah, McCain won, but that only proved he was the smarter of the two idiots.

not sure yet!

From all I could tell the liars contest was prety much of a draw.

Here's an AOL poll, after the debate, 27 Sep 08, for those who enjoy polls:

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

We weak people are so fortunate to have Bill B. in our midst. McCain scored more points than Obama who stuttered and was set back on his heels several times. He kept interrupting and saying the same old rhetoric. I am a Libertarian and probably won't vote for either.

McCain won, hands down, which if you watched, Obama's hand was up a lot! Pick me, pick me, sort of thing. Juvenile. Then, when Obama wasn't handed the floor, he walked over McCain's speaking. More juvenile, rude, disrespectful. I'm sorry, but Obama is not the choice for this household. Actually, his continued repeating of how much it costs per month for us to be in Iraq was very telling. He can taste that money as he says he will bring home the troops to distribute that money into more government programs, including national healthcare, early childhood education, and others. That's growing the government, not shrinking it as McCain advocates. But, more importantly, by doing that, he will put our kids, their kids at risk of having to go back into a more hostile mid-east and that is just too high of a cost for me. We need to deal with the mid-east NOW, not later, not ever.

I thought kind of a draw.

"Obama supporters...McCain supporters...........I'd spit on every last one of you if I could. God knows you deserve it."

Ah, one from the "Live Free or Die" state.... please, of those two choices the latter sounds good.

And not for nothing, but NH has the first say on who the nominees will be. Nice job, moonbat!

"I will be voting for the only man running that's worth a damn. Chuck Baldwin"

I voted for Romney in the primary. Now I'm voting AGAINST Obama. You are simply wasting your time and putting us in danger of getting a true socialist as our next POTUS. Not very smart if you ask me.

Anyone who, with a straight face, can call Obama a socialist is ignorant of socialism.

Obama has shown some social democrat leanings but certainly can't be compared with Eugene Debs or others.

All in all, the wrong candidates are running, America where is your mind?

Obama looked presidential and was fact based, McCain looked petulant, scornful, and aggressive, and based his arguments on fear and resentment. next question.

The CNN poll results are clear:

Who did the best job tonight?
Barack: 51
McCain: 38

Who would better handle Iraq?
Barack: 52
McCain: 47

Who would better handle the economy?
Barack: 58
McCain: 37

Obama, hands down!

Wow Prima you mean the hardcore conservative viewers of CNN (LMAO) thought Obama won the debate. I'm shocked.

Ah, yes, a CNN (Obama Campaign Headquarters) poll.

Felix,

I recognize part of your comment as simple partisan talking but when you claim that Obama wants to invade Pakistan, I have to ask if you listened to the debate! If you want war, vote McCain. He is an old warrior and that is the solution he has been taught and practiced. If you want any diplomacy, better stick with Obama.

We can argue on Gather just who won but Obama got a nine point boost out of it!

Your comment just above is ridiculous to the point of laughter! There is no wide spread liberal press in this nation. The just aren't as conservative as those on the extreme right and appear to them as left leaning because that is the same direction. Think for a minute, The media is owned by rich people. Rich people tend to be Republican. The press is a bit more lenient on social issues than is the radical right wing, but they are still predominately conservative.