Debate?

Overall I'd say it was a tie.  Pretty much a yawner IMO.

I went into it an Obama supporter and certainly saw nothing that changed my mind.  I expect the same thing is true of McCain supporters.

I think what tells the tale is that all the polls of independent voters I've seen so far are going towards Obama.  And probably the fact that foreign policy is supposedly McCain's strong point, and yet so many people see the debate as a tie, has to mean in some respects that it was a win for Obama.

I've been reading the comments on several blogs this morning, and it seems that quite a few people did not like McCain's physical demeanor (hunched over the podium, total lack of eye contact) nor his attitude.  I saw the words "grouchy" and "condescending" used frequently.

And the talking heads this morning are pointing out the fact that Palin was nowhere to be seen in the post-debate interviews.

 I thought McCain gave more definitive answers, while Obama spoke in vague terms.  The expressions and posturing I see as just part of the debate process.  I'm still up in the air, mostly because of McCain's age. 

I forgot to record it when my best friend and my brother dragged me golfing last night (btw, golf is just as awful as I always imagined! lol). Anyone know if it's online anywhere, or if it's going to be aired again?

OK - here's my two cents.  I support Obama and nothing I saw last night would change my mind.  I thought McCain's behavior and attitude however were rude, uncalled for and totally disrespectful.  I don't think I've ever seen a debate where one participant absolutely refused to look at or address his opponent ... in spite of the many times that the moderator urged them to "speak to each other." Obama had no trouble looking at McCain, addressing him by name and speaking directly to him.  McCain on the other hand kept his head down looking like a sour old grump, then kept looking at the camera saying "Senator Obama just doesn't understand."  "Senator Obama just doesn't get it."  It was pretty obvious to me that Senator Obama does get it and he does understand - he just doesn't agree.  Maybe the VP debate will  be a bit more interesting.

Joyce

chelsea_b

Anyone know if it's online anywhere, or if it's going to be aired again?

I know either CNN or MSNBC was going to replay it sometime today and again tomorrow afternoon.  But I can't remember which network.

 From am outside view with bias towards either man, I would have to say that 'John' at this point certainly is a better public speaker. Maybe just a little too smooth? Obama had a bit of trouble wrapping up his thoughts at times. As for the actual message of the two candidates I think Obama did a good job hammering away at McCain's 8 year support for Bush, despite McCain's attempts to distance himself. I personally think this will prove the biggest obstacle for for McCain. Where McCain does excel is his ability to wrap everything in the warm fuzzy United States and apple pie context where Obama presents himself as more pragmatic.

I agree. I am an Obama supporter, and I believe it was a tie as well. Neither of them were inspiring, and Im a big fan of Obama's speeches. I was not exactly disappointed, but certainly not moved.

chelsea_b

I forgot to record it when my best friend and my brother dragged me golfing last night (btw, golf is just as awful as I always imagined! lol). Anyone know if it's online anywhere, or if it's going to be aired again?

You can catch it on youtube.... 

I probably won't repost on this thread, but I would like to comment.

As eloquent as his prompted speeches can be, I thought Obama had trouble at the beginning of the debate. And, political views aside, I don't feel that Obama has enough experience to take control over a troubled country in the next four months. I do believe that the next president should have greater leadership experience within the federal government, especially when it comes to foreign policy considering we are still involved in a war. We also have an economic issue to fix. Is either candidate a perfect choice? No. However, I feel that Obama is idealistic. He may know what needs to be done and has a better way to present the situation, but his solutions, in my opinion, are less realistic than they should be.

McCain was a bit brusque, even biting, at times, and I think Obama expressed himself better. Then again, I think public speaking is one of Obama's strong suits. That's not enough to be president. Neither is being a war hero or veteran. My FIL is a war veteran (I wear a pin from his division, 9th USAF 410 Light Bomber Group) from WWII. But he's not cut out to be president of the US. Mstr Sgt Reeves was wounded in combat and fought his way out of an ambush in Viet Nam and came home with a nasty scar and PTSD (as in flashbacks and episodes of lost time). Not suitable to run the country. But, I might ask who has the better track record of trying to fix things in government. That would lend me to think, IMO, who might be better suited to be president.

So, I agree with some that McCain could have handled himself better but yes, Obama fumbled here and there. And the debate and exit polls will not determine the election. And open debate is a campaign manager's nightmare. Whatever you do, don't let the candidate speak his/her mind.

ron2

 Whatever you do, don't let the candidate speak his/her mind.

I noticed in the paper today that the next debate between the two of them is going to be in a Town Hall format with questions coming from the audience and on-line.  That should make for a more interesting evening.

Joyce

Thank you guys for keeping this from getting nasty.  Overall I just wasn't horribly impressed with the debate, on either side.  And, I agree Joyce, that the next one sounds better.

I think the Bidden/Palin debate will be a deal maker/breaker for her.  Already I'm reading that folks are calling for her to step down and I think that if she doesn't do an absolutely sterling job on Thursday, well, it may be all over for Palin.  I feel badly for her on a personal level that she'll be up against a professional, pitbull type politician in what could be a make or break situation.  But personal feelings shouldn't enter into something like htis.

I think she's probably being drilled and educated right now non stop on the items she is weak on...which seem to be many. Maybe she has a very very good memory and will be fine. I know people that once they read something once recall it forever. That'd be immensely helpful in public life. She's comfy in front of people so if she has a decent memory she should be okay I would think. I don't know if the debate will even be about foreign policy which seems her real weak spot...if they step around that subject I will not be amused.