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Obama-McCain Miss. Debate Live Blog

By Jeralyn, Section Elections 2008
Posted on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 07:55:00 PM EST
Tags: Barack Obama, John McCain, Mississippi Debate (all tags)
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The Mississippi debate between Senators Barack Obama and John McCain begins at 9pm ET on CNN. They will probably stream it if you're not by a tv. Big Tent Democrat, the TL Kid and I will be live-blogging.

The live blog stays below the fold so that it can be a bit wider than the front page allows. Just click on the "There's More" button or bookmark the permalink to go directly to it.

You can comment same as always in the comment section below. You also can send us live messages through the software. Only comments you post below will appear on the site.

I'll be putting up some polls during it to see how you think the candidates and questioners are doing. [More...]

< Pre-Debate Open Thread | Obama-McCain Post Debate Thread >

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    Obama-McCain Miss. Debate Live Blog | 220 comments (220 topical)
    CNN is showing the audience reaction (5.00 / 1) (#1)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:02:44 PM EST
    meter at the bottom of the screen instead of just online. I like that.

    Lehrer sez economy (5.00 / 1) (#2)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:03:02 PM EST
    I'm shocked!

    McCain mentions Teddy (none / 0) (#4)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:06:32 PM EST


    Parent
    Which comes off like a cheap stunt (5.00 / 1) (#7)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:08:16 PM EST
    even if he means Kennedy well..

    Parent
    I didn't think so. They have (5.00 / 1) (#20)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:54 PM EST
    been in the Senate together for eons.

    Parent
    I realize this, but it still (5.00 / 0) (#77)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:34:48 PM EST
    comes across as an insincere move here.  

    Parent
    Some folks are too cynical n/t (5.00 / 1) (#105)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:45:55 PM EST


    Parent
    Some folks think McCain insincere, yes. n/t (5.00 / 0) (#160)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:04:14 PM EST


    Parent
    I guess I already know he is for the Dodd bill (5.00 / 1) (#3)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:06:08 PM EST
    But I wouldn't know it by that answer

    McCain seems a bit more relaxed than Obama (5.00 / 1) (#6)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:07:40 PM EST
    I like his less formal approach to answering the question, but the substance is a lie. He does not support the package.

    Interesting... (none / 0) (#14)
    by k on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:12:42 PM EST
    My sliding screen door fell off so I was outside trying to fix it and only heard each answer. Obama sounded strong and McCain sounded really shakey.

    Listening now while typing he still sounds the same way.

    Parent

    Yeah, I thought Obama sounded (5.00 / 1) (#22)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:14:48 PM EST
    brisk, forceful and no 'uh' and hesitancy.

    Parent
    Obama just doesn't have this in him (5.00 / 3) (#10)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:10:36 PM EST
    I need a drink.

    I'm having a mojito (5.00 / 1) (#31)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:16:58 PM EST
    It helps.

    Really though, I don't think McCain is doing that well.  Just repeating his campaign speeches.

    Uh-oh - words for Obama not to say in a debate: "Senator McCain is absolutely right."

    Parent

    Red, red wine for me... (5.00 / 1) (#40)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:21:38 PM EST
    Not helping.  Because I have to agree with BTD - not a great start for Obama.

    Parent
    join me! I have plenty. (none / 0) (#19)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:41 PM EST
    The audience reaction on CNN is fun to watch

    Parent
    McCain just does not hold my attention (5.00 / 1) (#13)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:12:27 PM EST
    I think Obama does better in that way.  But I agree I wish he would be more specific.  I think I've said that in every one of his debates.

    Lehrer is v. good - (5.00 / 1) (#15)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:12 PM EST
    I liked his 'talk to him!' comment!

    Jim Lehrer doing therapy? (5.00 / 2) (#16)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:16 PM EST
    He wants Obama and McCain to interact with each other.

    Haha! (5.00 / 2) (#21)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:14:17 PM EST
    Like marriage counseling. . . "and how do you feel about what he said?"

    Parent
    exactly! "don't say it to me.. (5.00 / 2) (#25)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:15:48 PM EST
    say it to him"  :)

    Parent
    Gosh (5.00 / 1) (#17)
    by Steve M on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:21 PM EST
    Obama is pressing hardcore on the politics of contrast tonight.  The audience reaction doesn't seem to be all that favorable though.

    McCain kinda comes across as a dead fish, as always.

    why oh why!!! (5.00 / 1) (#23)
    by AscotMan on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:15:06 PM EST
    ...is he not talking about what to do rather than who is to blame??!! No...no no.....!!

    Is the follow-up question on "will you (5.00 / 1) (#28)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:16:26 PM EST
    vote for this plan" like asking Palin about the "Bush Doctrine"?  What plan"  Aren't there at least three proposed plans now?  Why don't the candidates pin down Lehrer and then just answer the question yes or no.

    You know, (5.00 / 2) (#29)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:16:29 PM EST
    when McCain starts to tell stories, I sorta tune out. McCain is supposed to be the direct one. IMHO, skip the story, answer the question.

    and about those G.D. earmarks, (none / 0) (#38)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:20:03 PM EST
    I know $18B is alot of money, but J.C.! It's a drop in the bucket compared to financial nightmare that we're going through right now!

    Parent
    Wrong answer on pork barrel spending (5.00 / 2) (#32)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:18:02 PM EST
    Obama.

    He should have hit back, hard, on the fact that Republicans have, by far, created more debt for this country than Democrats.  He should talk about how Clinton left a surplus and Bush wiped it out and tripled our debt.

    He needn't answer on this little stuff.  Just hammer the Republicans on spending - hard!

    Two answers. . . (5.00 / 3) (#37)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:19:56 PM EST
    1. John, you chose for your vice Presidential candidate the biggest earmarks abuser in the country.

    2. All those nasty lobbyists pushing the earmarks?  John, they're running your campaign!  Those are your people.


    Parent
    This is just sad. n/t (5.00 / 1) (#33)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:19:12 PM EST


    First "my friends" (5.00 / 1) (#41)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:21:49 PM EST
    Doesn't matter, McCain is still killing. Why are we still talking about earmarks?

    No. (5.00 / 1) (#52)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:26:51 PM EST
    No killing so far.  Just two guys rabbiting on.  But no killing for Obama either.  Blah, blah, blah.

    Don't like McCain's underlying narrative so far, however -- Obama is untrustworthy.

    Parent

    Worse (5.00 / 1) (#53)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:27:46 PM EST
    why is he killing on the economy?

    Parent
    Why (5.00 / 3) (#42)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:21:55 PM EST
    are we talking about PORK BARREL SPENDING

    when the economy is exploding all around us?  This is ridiculous.  McCain is on his turf.

    Obama shouldn't let McCain go on about (5.00 / 2) (#44)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:22:22 PM EST
    ..earmarks. This is comfortable territory for McCain.

    Earmarks corrupt people? (5.00 / 5) (#45)
    by liminal on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:22:40 PM EST
    McCain thinks a whole bunch of innocent Republicans were corrupted by a bunch of evil barrels of porky earmarks hanging around the capitol.  I have an alternate theory.  A whole bunch of corrupt @!#$@#%ing Republicans looted our government.  

    There was nothing (none / 0) (#49)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:24:40 PM EST
    about this comment that I didn't like =)

    Parent
    I liked his answer on tax cuts (5.00 / 1) (#51)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:24:54 PM EST
    Obama, that is

    Well, we know that McCain isn't fighting (5.00 / 1) (#58)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:29:38 PM EST
    for Iowa anymore. No more ethanol subsidies, he says.

    That wasn't ... (none / 0) (#86)
    by AscotMan on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:37:11 PM EST
    "not fighting" for Iowa, it was...gaining a solid 5 - 7 points in Michigan

    Parent
    I wonder where Bill Clinton is (5.00 / 2) (#62)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:30:06 PM EST
    I bet he is screaming right now.

    Obama does not come across as a good politician when he debates.  Where is his political IQ tonight?  This current answer on what would be cut from his budget due to the bailout started out bad but ended ok.

    McCain says liberal record - now Obama should rip him a new one about his 90% voting with Bush record.

    He _almost_ said it just now. n/t (5.00 / 1) (#69)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:32:35 PM EST


    Parent
    God bless Jim Lehrer (5.00 / 2) (#65)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:31:16 PM EST
    He makes sure they answer the questions he asks.  And they are good ones.

    McCain is a liar - (5.00 / 4) (#72)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:11 PM EST
    trouble is, he makes it sound so plausible because of the way he delivers his lies.

    Obama comes across as hesitant, and his choppy speaking style is not helping him here.  

    Obama has to call him out. (5.00 / 1) (#78)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:35:07 PM EST
    Ridicule him a bit.  Ask him to come clean.  Ask for some of that old straight talk -- we miss it John.

    Parent
    McCain mentioned collaborating with (5.00 / 1) (#81)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:35:56 PM EST
    Clinton, I thought I heard, too bad our own candidate is not doing that!

    What was the comment about makeup about? (5.00 / 1) (#87)
    by jawbone on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:37:25 PM EST
    McCain has some good points, but sometimes doesn't clinch making the point.

    Obama has made some good points, but also as this goes on seems to get into the tall grass he likes to wander through.

    But I was very impressed he didn't hem and haw during his first answer.

    Oh, my, Obama is wrapping himself around the Paulson Fix (Is In) As "Fixed."

    Got off that old line, McCain! Medicare is a Federal health care program, and Medicare recipients can make more decisions about their docs and going to specialists than I can. And for a whole lot less money.

    Obama should be able to blow that one up.

    Did I hear McCain say (5.00 / 1) (#106)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:46:43 PM EST
    health care decisions should be between patients and their decedents?

    Also, did Obama say we need to "look at" getting out of Iraq.  Step up, man.

    Parent

    Obama finally calls MCCain out on supporting (5.00 / 1) (#90)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:38:17 PM EST
    Bush budgets.

    Obama mentions Bush and (5.00 / 1) (#91)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:38:25 PM EST
    McCain voting for all of Bush's nonsense.
    Finally!!!

    What is his f-ing (5.00 / 2) (#95)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:40:23 PM EST
    definition of victory, because inquiring minds want to know?!

    Ouch, that was a good line by McCain (5.00 / 1) (#99)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:44:02 PM EST
    about the next pres won't havie to decide whether to invade Iraq.  wish Hillary had used that.

    BTD disagrees on that (none / 0) (#109)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:47:39 PM EST
    I thought it was effective because it brings it to the future.

    Overall I think Obama is going great here.  

    Parent

    Lehrer should have hit. . . (none / 0) (#110)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:47:47 PM EST
    him for that.  The question was lessons learned.

    Parent
    They both kind of stink (5.00 / 4) (#100)
    by kenosharick on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:44:16 PM EST
    We sure could use Hillary right now!!

    Now (5.00 / 2) (#102)
    by dissenter on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:44:54 PM EST
    that is a line that would go way up

    Parent
    Obama is beating up on McCain (5.00 / 1) (#104)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:45:26 PM EST
    over the war.

    McCain is just seeming nasty now (5.00 / 1) (#107)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:46:55 PM EST
    The tide has turned.

    Agree. He gets that nasty snarl on (none / 0) (#112)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:48:09 PM EST
    his face.

    Parent
    I don't like McCain (5.00 / 1) (#108)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:46:56 PM EST
    I hate when he acts like a patronizing lying little jerk.

    I had to get my (5.00 / 2) (#119)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:15 PM EST
    boyfriend to stop me from throwing my TV out of the window after the "he doesn't know the difference between tactic and blah blah . . ."

    Parent
    Iraq is now a 5+ year issue (5.00 / 1) (#111)
    by MoveThatBus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:48:02 PM EST
    This is a very interesting exchange. I wonder if these two men will ever be able to be in the same room together.

    I am seriously (5.00 / 1) (#113)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:48:31 PM EST
    foaming at the mouth here!

    There was no history of violence between Sunnis and Shi'ites?!!?!?! WTF?!!?!?

    You were wrong. (5.00 / 1) (#115)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:48:58 PM EST
    Very effective.  More of that please, Senator Obama.

    And, oddly enough, Obama seems to be much better against McCain on foreign affairs than he was on economics.

    Indeed (5.00 / 1) (#116)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:06 PM EST
    Amazing.

    And now mccain says that we shouldn't have left in the spring. That's not going to be popular.

    Parent

    Right now, the Republican ain't popular (5.00 / 1) (#127)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:52:42 PM EST
    so it doesn't hurt to say unpopular things as a Republican these days.

    Parent
    The audience reaction on Iraq is... (5.00 / 2) (#118)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:11 PM EST
    ...not good for McCain.

    I'm not surprised (none / 0) (#122)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:51:17 PM EST


    Parent
    Obama is wiping the floor with McCain (5.00 / 2) (#121)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:42 PM EST
    but not as much as he could be.

    These tired old cliches by McCain make me want to vomit.

    Lehrer seems to be trying to protect McCain.

    Lehrer is protecting McCain? (5.00 / 2) (#134)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:54:37 PM EST
    I am feeling the opposite.  He seems more aggressive towards McCain than Obama.

    Perception is everything.

    Parent

    The problem is (none / 0) (#124)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:51:47 PM EST
    that the reverse was true on the economy.

    I hope this is salvageable, but I wouldn't count on it.

    Parent

    Seriously? (none / 0) (#139)
    by Brillo on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:56:47 PM EST
    Even after hearing McCain talking about how he hopes to vote for this package?  

    Parent
    Nice cheerleading but I don't see it (none / 0) (#131)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:54:21 PM EST
    --- Obama is not very clear and simplified in his descriptions, even against McCain, that's a shocker.  It is heartbreaking to watch this.

    Parent
    Note that Obama uses tons of facts (5.00 / 2) (#126)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:52:38 PM EST
    and details.  It reminds me of the Clintons.  

    McCain resorts to sentiment and cliches.  

    This isn't even close.  McCain is toast.

    We're going to see a huge difference in the polls by Monday, and if we don't, then Americans are absolutely hopeless as a people.  Either that or the polls are rigged.

    Ooooo! Obama says. . . (5.00 / 1) (#129)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:53:20 PM EST
    Republicans making us less safe by ignoring terrorists in Afghanistan.

    McCain is having an an angry grandpa moment (5.00 / 1) (#130)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:54:02 PM EST
    on Pakistan.

    Iraq/Afghanistan Obama (5.00 / 1) (#133)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:54:30 PM EST
    is like an entirely different candidate.  

    Why isn't he as good on the economy?  Is there a substantive reason for that?

    He's a senator, not a gov. People (none / 0) (#140)
    by CaptainAmerica08 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:56:53 PM EST
    have to keep that in mind. I agree with your point though.

    Parent
    He really is good. . . (none / 0) (#142)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:57:19 PM EST
    on the Iraq / Pakistan / Afghanistan issues.  Very impressive.  Frankly, I don't think Clinton could have done better than Obama's doing so far.

    Parent
    Mr or Mrs? (none / 0) (#147)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:59:58 PM EST
    Hillary never did better than Obama on Iraq in the debates.  She could do well, but he always did better.  He speaks with real knowledge and poise on the subject.  

    Parent
    Opening for Obama. (5.00 / 2) (#135)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:55:21 PM EST
    Yes, John, I am willing to cut off aid to Pakistan.  John, they're hiding Al Queda.  John, Osama bin Laden is believed to be hiding there.  And you're shipping them billions of dollars?  Where do you think that money is going to?  John, learning from our mistakes means not repeating them.

    This situation calls for toughness, not go along to get along.

    Big deal (5.00 / 1) (#136)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:56:14 PM EST
    you were in Waziristan, McCain.

    If we've got a lot of work to do in Afghanistan, why did you ignore and underfund and underman it for the last seven years.

    Oops, Obama says nobody said anything about attacking Pakistan.  He did.  He simply needed to say that he misspoke or he was misinterpreted.

    Good one, Obama (5.00 / 1) (#138)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:56:43 PM EST
    "extinction of N. Korea and songs about bombing.."

    Colorful songs (5.00 / 1) (#141)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:57:13 PM EST
    about bombing Iran - - I loved it!!!

    McCain is losing now (5.00 / 1) (#143)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:57:35 PM EST


    Yeah (5.00 / 1) (#153)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:01:50 PM EST
    There is no way to defend this idiotic war.  I'm glad they did this last.

    Parent
    he's getting tired (none / 0) (#152)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:01:24 PM EST
    while Obama is getting stronger

    Parent
    No decisive moments yet. (5.00 / 2) (#144)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:59:44 PM EST
    A lot of fibs from McCain that, if they're taken up by the media (normally, I'd say Ha!, but it's been happening some this year), will make him look bad.

    give me patience (5.00 / 1) (#145)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:59:45 PM EST
    I'm going to hit the teevee.

    Strange digression from McCain (5.00 / 1) (#146)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:59:48 PM EST
    about wearing some bracelet.

    McCain is not (5.00 / 2) (#148)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:00:21 PM EST
    winning me with his stories. Just answer the f-ing question.

    You're not in play. . . (none / 0) (#151)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:01:15 PM EST
    at least, I presume not.

    Parent
    No I'm not, (none / 0) (#162)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:04:58 PM EST
    but is to too much to ask from any candidate to tell me his/her vision without sidelines and tangents and sad stories to go along with every single answer?

    Parent
    He was ready for the bracelet story (5.00 / 1) (#155)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:02:32 PM EST
    Major points for the way Obama handled the bracelet story McCain pulls out at every campaign stop.

    McCain addresses the bomb Iran story by sentimental muck about Reagan and Beirut and a whole lot of shaky voice rambling.

    Uh oh, is McCain starting to lose his temper?

    I hope so. (5.00 / 1) (#164)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:05:25 PM EST
    Big win for Obama if he can get McCain to lose face.

    Parent
    I'm trying to remember what it was (none / 0) (#170)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:07:56 PM EST
    that set McCain off.

    This is moving so fast that I don't recall what the previous statement was.

    Parent

    McCain seems mean and nasty (5.00 / 1) (#156)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:02:43 PM EST
    He's falling over himself.

    I got a bracelet too!!! (5.00 / 5) (#158)
    by Stellaaa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:02:58 PM EST
    the sum of this presidential race. Two mediocre candidates.  So sad.  

    Repitition works great. . . (5.00 / 3) (#159)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:03:01 PM EST
    for Obama.  

    You don't muddle through, you don't muddle through, you don't muddle through.

    You were wrong, you were wrong, you were wrong.

    Audience reaction on CNN to Lehrer (5.00 / 1) (#161)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:04:51 PM EST
    now has me fascinated.  Democrats don't like him?  

    Ha, I really would have liked being able to watch audience reaction to the awful moderators in the primaries.  I bet some would have scored lower than the candidates.

    Democrats not used. . . (5.00 / 6) (#167)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:06:26 PM EST
    to a moderator who doesn't clearly favor Obama.

    Parent
    That is surprising (5.00 / 1) (#169)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:07:24 PM EST
    What's not to like about Lehrer?

    Parent
    He hasn't offered Obama. . . (5.00 / 6) (#181)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:10:58 PM EST
    a pillow.

    Parent
    Audience doesn't like Lehrer? (5.00 / 1) (#171)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:07:56 PM EST
    I always found him to be fair and even handed.

    Parent
    They Didn't Like... (none / 0) (#191)
    by Brillo on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:15:31 PM EST
    Him taking a minute or two out of the debate to tell everyone they were behind on time.  

    Parent
    A second holocaust (5.00 / 1) (#166)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:06:00 PM EST
    Is he serious?  Isn't that taking it a bit too far?

    Especially when we have no idea how many Iraqi civilians have been killed.

    Palin said (5.00 / 1) (#175)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:09:22 PM EST
    the same thing a couple of days ago.

    At least a million Iraqi's have been killed in my guess. Multiply that by six and we might have our own genocide to deal with.

    Parent

    McCain is a schmuck. (5.00 / 3) (#168)
    by lucky leftie on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:06:42 PM EST
    Obama should have visited Iraq? For what purpose? I'm sure visiting dignitaries just create headaches for the military and the staff and what do they accomplish?  Photo-ops.  

    I wish Obama would remind McSame that when he came back from Iraq, he said it was safe to walk around. Then, it was revealed that McCain took his "walk" with 100 soldiers, a bullet proof vest and 5 Apache helicopters overhead.  

    "preconditions" was on my bingo sheet (5.00 / 1) (#172)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:08:50 PM EST
    And foreign policy "expert" McCain can't even pronounce Ahmadinejad.

    Drinks all round! (none / 0) (#177)
    by JoeA on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:09:55 PM EST


    Parent
    How is Obama destroying McCain (5.00 / 1) (#173)
    by JoeA on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:08:51 PM EST
    so badly on foreign policy in this debate?  I thought he was lost without a teleprompter!!!!

    /snark

    The problem was that he spent (none / 0) (#182)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:11:02 PM EST
    too much time preparing for Economy talk.

    Too bad, because he is destroying McCain on FP.

    Parent

    "Senator McCain is right" (5.00 / 1) (#174)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:09:04 PM EST
    - what coach told Obama to keep saying that? Biden?  That is a bad move.

    It's a terrible move (none / 0) (#184)
    by shoephone on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:12:23 PM EST
    I yell at the television every single time he says it.

    Parent
    McCain is losing it (5.00 / 2) (#176)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:09:34 PM EST
    But I hope Obama owns up to the mistakes he made in saying he'd talk to Amadinnerjacket without conditions.  Hope he doesn't simply deny it.

    McCain has his scary smile on now. (none / 0) (#183)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:12:18 PM EST


    Parent
    Nope, Obama sez Kissinger sez so (none / 0) (#185)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:13:04 PM EST
    and Kissinger is a McCain adviser, so McCain must mean it's okay to talk without preconditions with . . . Iran.  Obama is not going near the trap of that name.  (Love your take on it.:-)

    Not a good move, let's not get into some of these advisors.  They have caused problems for both candidates.

    Parent

    If Hillary were debating now (5.00 / 1) (#179)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:10:39 PM EST
    she would bring up her umbrella of deterrence idea re: Iran/Israel.

    BUT...Obama is holding his own and that slam on Kissinger/preconditions was good good good.

    It's past McCain's bedtime (5.00 / 2) (#180)
    by shoephone on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:10:44 PM EST
    He's getting very cranky and messing up words and names.

    Filthy McNasty vs. Ineffectual Eddie

    What a depressing debate this is.

    Hahahahahahahaha, oh, that's just mean n/t (none / 0) (#187)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:13:57 PM EST


    Parent
    Mispronunciations on both sides (5.00 / 1) (#196)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:17:55 PM EST
    but Obama's was not of a name.  He just talks too fast at times for this venue.  That loses the advantage of his far better (low, resonant) voice -- and makes him harder to follow at times.  

    I wish the talking over the other guy, the interrupting, would stop.  Sounds too much like crazy rightwing radio or tv.  I just turn that off.

    Any snap polls of undecided voters out there? (5.00 / 1) (#197)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:18:03 PM EST
    i can't be objective about how it is coming across because I agree with Obama so strongly here.

    In Foreign Policy (5.00 / 2) (#198)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:18:29 PM EST
    Obama is regularly getting good reviews from Repubs, Indies, and Dems.  I bet half of it's because his debating style on this issue, as opposed to McCain's, is much more level-headed and much more factual.  His rhythm on FP is great.

    McCain in contrast sounds inconsistent and less of a safe choice.  

    To be fair. . . (5.00 / 3) (#204)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:21:39 PM EST
    McCain has a very good grasp on the factual situation overseas.  His prescriptions are wrong, and different from Obama's, but he knows what's happening where.

    Parent
    What I mean (5.00 / 1) (#207)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:24:14 PM EST
    is that Obama is staying on point with facts and observations, and McCain is filling his responses with weird stories and "I was there!" examples.  May not've been clear though.

    Parent
    McCain is defending Georgia (5.00 / 1) (#199)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:19:27 PM EST
    totally stupid on policy.

    Focus group like it though (none / 0) (#205)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:22:38 PM EST


    Parent
    So help me (5.00 / 1) (#200)
    by clio on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:19:44 PM EST
    if McCain says once more "Senator Obama just doesn't understand..."  and then starts to whisper as if no one else is around...

    What is this?  
    A presidential debate or a junior high locker room?

    I was this close (5.00 / 3) (#203)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:21:22 PM EST
    to punching my TV . . .

    let us pray for the safety of all the TVs in the US tonight. . .

    Parent

    Um... Senator McCain? (5.00 / 3) (#202)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:20:38 PM EST
    We don't have any friends and allies anymore, thanks to you and the psycho president you voted in support of 90% of the time.

    McCain reminds me of... (5.00 / 2) (#210)
    by lucky leftie on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:26:45 PM EST
    ...one of those dolls with a pull string that repeats the same half dozen phrases again and again.  Tedious.  

    McCain is a patronizing putz (5.00 / 2) (#212)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:31:23 PM EST


    McCain (5.00 / 1) (#213)
    by sas on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:32:10 PM EST
    kicked Obama's rear on "pre-conditions".  I watched Obama with Hillary when the question came up and she said she would not meet these  ppl withoutPre-conditions.  Of course Obama said he would have no pre-conditions. He'd meet with 'em without pre-conditions.  

    Now exactly what does that meant to him?   Well who the hell knows - now he's faking it to say "preparations". Now he says he would not mee with them without preparations.  Duh! Hey Barack - there have to be preparations- AND there have to be preconditions.  One "p" word is not a substitute for the other.

    McCain was ssmiling that whole conversation, because he knows Obama has no clue, and revealed himself to be a neophyte when it comes to foreign policy.

    This was supposed to be McCain's debate (5.00 / 1) (#214)
    by samtaylor2 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:32:13 PM EST
    He needed to destroy Obama to shift the focus of the campaign.  He needed, in terms of the commander and chief test, and in terms of the foreign policy stuff it was at best a tie (and personally I think Obama won).  This was a bad night for McCain and a good night for Obama.

    I am pissed... (5.00 / 1) (#215)
    by laila on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:32:47 PM EST
    What a false sincere crappy spiteful old man.  I swear to you Obama is not the same amount of time.  Little twerp.  all I see is a napolean.

    Even Rep.'s reacted well to CEO remarks. (none / 0) (#5)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:06:42 PM EST
    Independents and Rep's went down when he blamed Bush. ??

    Indies and Reps (none / 0) (#8)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:09:32 PM EST
    went down when he took a shot at McCain.

    Parent
    I agree re Obama's makeup. (none / 0) (#9)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:09:46 PM EST


    Agree 100% with BTD (none / 0) (#11)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:11:42 PM EST
    This might move some votes. That's how bad Obama's performance is tonight.

    McCain did better with Ind on that one per (none / 0) (#12)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:11:49 PM EST
    CNN's lines.

    Obama gets in a nice attack (none / 0) (#18)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:13:23 PM EST
    there on the "fundamentals of the economy are sound" line.  Didn't think he'd be the first to punch.

    Obama is right now not offering anything about HIS administration though, what it would be like.

    I heard a surrogate of his tonight (none / 0) (#34)
    by JavaCityPal on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:19:22 PM EST
    say he was going in fully prepared with a bag full of one-liners and personal digs. I hope we see much, much more of it.

    Parent
    Personal digs from Obama? (none / 0) (#137)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:56:24 PM EST
    I'm disappointed in that.

    I was hoping to hear more about what he plans for his 1st year as President and what his administration is going to look like.

    Lacking substance, as usual

    Parent

    McCain is going to go after earmarks (none / 0) (#24)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:15:24 PM EST
    he's wiping the floor with Obama. pitiful.

    Obama needs to start doing the (none / 0) (#26)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:15:54 PM EST
    "As President of the United States..." thing.  So far he's been simply analytical.

    Forget about Florida, worry about Virginia (none / 0) (#27)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:16:17 PM EST
    and Colorado.

    It's not THAT bad andgarden. It's early. (none / 0) (#47)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:23:22 PM EST


    Parent
    It started off that bad (5.00 / 1) (#50)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:24:41 PM EST


    Parent
    Oh Please. (5.00 / 1) (#150)
    by Brillo on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:00:53 PM EST
    The audience didn't like either man during the economy section.  They're pissed.  People are totally pissed off about the 700 billion dollars.  They're projecting it onto both men for talking about it without basically saying 'no deal'.  

    Parent
    He's going to veto (none / 0) (#30)
    by joanneleon on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:16:30 PM EST
    every single spending bill that comes across his desk?

    LOL

    with that very old pen too. (5.00 / 2) (#39)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:20:52 PM EST


    Parent
    He's gonna have to (none / 0) (#35)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:19:23 PM EST
    after this 700 billion bailout.

    Parent
    why did he let the (none / 0) (#36)
    by Jlvngstn on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:19:32 PM EST
    chris cox comment go, even the WSJ said it was a dumb comment

    I have a question: (none / 0) (#43)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:21:55 PM EST
    does a U.S. company still have to pay U.S. taxes even if they move their operations overseas?

    I don't know but it is interesting (5.00 / 1) (#70)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:08 PM EST
    that McCain mention Ireland, b/c Irish are no small part of the vote in Ohio and Great Lakes and PA, many Irish are really concerned about KEEPING US companies in Ireland I heard last night.  So, one might guess that they pay less taxes.

    Parent
    Well, Himself the McCain won't win (none / 0) (#92)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:39:04 PM EST
    the city more Irish than Dublin.  Chicago.  It belongs to O'Bama.:-)  

    But yes, the Irish population is huge around the Great Lakes -- and into the Northeast, yes.  But sizeable pockets elsewhere, as in parts of the Northwest.  Actually, more than 40 percent of Americans claim Irish heritage.  

    Parent

    I like this answer on tax loopholes (none / 0) (#46)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:23:14 PM EST
    by Obama.  

    God - but he botches the healthcare tax (5.00 / 5) (#48)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:24:21 PM EST
    does not explain it right. The employer does not pay the tax - the employee does.

    Parent
    Obama is totally on defense (none / 0) (#54)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:28:25 PM EST
    and very ineffective, sadly. He is not delivering effective punches.

     Why also does he keep looking at someone in the bottom of the screen to his left?  LIke the third base coach is there.

    How are the visuals? (none / 0) (#55)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:28:39 PM EST
    Does McCain look tired?  Can you tell Obama is taller?

    Obama looks flustered (5.00 / 1) (#61)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:30:06 PM EST
    McCain looks ok.

    Parent
    No and no. (5.00 / 1) (#80)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:35:25 PM EST
    McCain has very good makeup, if a touch peachy-toned.  Obama looks a bit gray and could have used a last-minute shave of the upper lip, but it's not bad (I'm just sensitive to that since the infamous Nixon debate loss).  And it's closeups, not long shots that would show height difference.

    But those are details overall.  The visuals are good for both.  I think Obama is wearing better suits, definitely a better shoulder line . . . and maybe it's the lighting or maybe it's Grecian Formula, but that sprinkling of gray in the hair is gone.:-)  Or maybe it's that his hair is a little longer than he has been wearing it, and longer is a good thing for the camera.  (Obama has looked almost as skimpy on top sometimes as McCain.)

    Obama even made eye contact with the camera once.  Better than usual on that.  Oops, he's doing the looking down now.  That does not work well and can be so misread.  And oops, here's a long shot, despite what I said -- but the height difference has been minimized.  Interesting.

    Now, back to content. . . .

    Parent

    Height issues. . . (5.00 / 1) (#88)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:37:39 PM EST
    always carefully negotiated between the parties.

    Parent
    Not in the primary debates, from what I saw (5.00 / 1) (#97)
    by Cream City on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:42:33 PM EST
    but good that it's dealt with here.  Most important, though, is the change in moderators.  If we must have media, let it be the likes of Lehrer.

    The primaries would have gone so differently, I think, if there had been different moderators.  But then, I still want to bring back the LWV.

    Parent

    McCain's tie reminds me of a (none / 0) (#123)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:51:42 PM EST
    barber shop.

    Parent
    I just noticed his hair looked longer too (none / 0) (#128)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:53:11 PM EST
    I don't know - the part right above the forehead is catching the light funny. Not sure it is a good look.

    Parent
    McCain does not look tired to me (none / 0) (#60)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:29:55 PM EST
    On ABC anyway, they don't show may wide angles, so I can't tell if he is standing on phone books.

    Parent
    McCain doesn't look tired because (5.00 / 1) (#149)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:00:42 PM EST
    he didn't have to go on the Late Show with David Letterman LOL

    Parent
    Both of them are doing the condescending (none / 0) (#84)
    by MoveThatBus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:36:58 PM EST
    laugh at the other when they say something about the other. It is a terrible visual, but Obama is actually making his laughter heard. I hope he stops doing that, it isn't at all presidential.

    Parent
    I think he sounds stiff and way too intellectual (none / 0) (#56)
    by gish720 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:28:42 PM EST


    I'd like more specifics (none / 0) (#57)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:29:01 PM EST
    about his education plan, but I know he only has a few minutes, so I'll find out later.

    UGH!!!!! (none / 0) (#59)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:29:55 PM EST
    McCain + "most liberal blank" = shoulin4-rabid-hatred . . .

    McCain's line went up even with Dem's on the (none / 0) (#63)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:30:41 PM EST
    defense spending stuff.

    If this is the audience line (5.00 / 1) (#64)
    by dissenter on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:31:15 PM EST
    remember it is in mississippi

    Parent
    It's their focus group (none / 0) (#73)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:21 PM EST


    Parent
    And Obama's line went up big... (none / 0) (#71)
    by Maria Garcia on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:08 PM EST
    ...with Dems and indies when he bashed Bush!

    Parent
    what channel are you watching? (none / 0) (#76)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:34:02 PM EST


    Parent
    CNN. Obama wins on health care big. (5.00 / 1) (#85)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:36:59 PM EST


    Parent
    thanx (none / 0) (#132)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:54:24 PM EST


    Parent
    Tom? (none / 0) (#66)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:31:58 PM EST


    oh - Tom Coburn (5.00 / 2) (#68)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:32:34 PM EST
    there's a relationship to brag about, Obama.  Pleeeaaase...

    Parent
    No. . . (none / 0) (#75)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:45 PM EST
    it was a good bill, and undercuts McCain's ridiculous claim that Obama is "too liberal" to reach across the aisle.

    Parent
    I'm so SICK of hearing about Colburn (none / 0) (#67)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:32:22 PM EST


    Hatchet instead of a scapel (none / 0) (#74)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:33:21 PM EST
    that was nice.

    I completely agree n/t (none / 0) (#79)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:35:08 PM EST


    Parent
    Ok, Obama is finally hitting his stride (none / 0) (#82)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:36:07 PM EST


    He needs to stop with the facial (none / 0) (#96)
    by MoveThatBus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:41:17 PM EST
    expressions and not give away what he is thinking while McCain is talking. He should stand there with confidence that he can easily counter any criticism with contrary facts.

    These two men really don't like each other. Does it stem from their early conflict in the Senate?


    Parent

    McCain mumbles about health care (none / 0) (#83)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:36:40 PM EST


    Thanks for watching for me. (none / 0) (#89)
    by Fabian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:38:13 PM EST
    I'm listening to a Les Paul interview.  It calms the soul...

    Thank you for the TalkLeft blog and all you poster (5.00 / 1) (#163)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:05:16 PM EST
    you are keeping me up to date on this debate.

    I'm watching "Judge Judy" instead.  Now that's reality Hahahahahaha

    Parent

    the Miss Congeniality line again (none / 0) (#93)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:39:39 PM EST
    ::yawn::

    wasn't Palin voted Miss Congeniality?

    How many times with McCain says (none / 0) (#94)
    by JoeA on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:40:03 PM EST
    hes not Miss Congeniality?

    How is the audience reaction measured? (none / 0) (#98)
    by caseygoose on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:43:46 PM EST
    Can someone explain this to me?

    Each member of the focus group has a (none / 0) (#120)
    by MoveThatBus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:18 PM EST
    handheld device where they are rating positive and negative to what they are hearing.

    Parent
    McCain speaking about Iraq - (none / 0) (#101)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:44:32 PM EST
    I can't hear him without seeing red.  

    Lies and damn lies.  

    I agree - bring on the prez - HILLARY! (none / 0) (#103)
    by nulee on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:45:14 PM EST


    I like the fact the question is on the screen (none / 0) (#114)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:48:57 PM EST
    throughout the purported responses to that question.  At least on C-Span2.

    I gotta be petty here, sorry, but (none / 0) (#117)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:50:08 PM EST
    Barack needs a hair cut.  Sorry, I just had to say that.
    And did they color in his eyebrows?

    They look really dark and really large.

    I'm a petty woman, what do you want.

    CC, below. . . (5.00 / 1) (#125)
    by LarryInNYC on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 08:52:07 PM EST
    says the longer hair works better for him.

    I'm not noticing the difference on the radio.

    Parent

    John is getting cranky (none / 0) (#154)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:02:25 PM EST


    "You don't muddle through" (none / 0) (#157)
    by lilburro on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:02:46 PM EST
    This is good.  And McCain really is petty on this subject.  

    I am supprised that McCain didn't (none / 0) (#165)
    by samtaylor2 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:05:35 PM EST
    Wear a camouflage suit

    nice right jab by Obama (none / 0) (#178)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:10:33 PM EST
    Kissinger and tea.

    The way McCain says (none / 0) (#186)
    by andgarden on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:13:56 PM EST
    "you legitimize those comments" is a "lockbox" moment. That's my prediction.

    He had a horrible scowl.

    Loving Obama's bringing up Spain. (none / 0) (#188)
    by JoeA on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:14:08 PM EST


    I actually (5.00 / 1) (#201)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:19:55 PM EST
    give McCain a little slack on the whole Spain thing. The lady who was interviewing him at the time spoke in a very accented English. I hardly understood her and I think McCain just made up a bunch of crap so that he wouldn't have to admit that he didn't understand her question.

    But the shot, none-the-less was pretty good :)

    Parent

    That was a good one. (none / 0) (#190)
    by vj on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:14:56 PM EST


    Parent
    McCaine keeps saying that Obama (none / 0) (#189)
    by vj on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:14:10 PM EST
    "doesn't understand" various thing.

    Anyone watching on CSPAN? (none / 0) (#192)
    by stefystef on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:15:45 PM EST
    What do you think of the split screen to get the reactions?

    I notice that Lehrer gives (none / 0) (#193)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:16:38 PM EST
    Obama the first go round almost always in this debate.

    McCain's getting a little cranky . . . (none / 0) (#194)
    by shoulin4 on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:16:44 PM EST
    Next on WWE LIVE!!! Smackdown!!! McCain vs. Obama, oh so much drama!! Who's going to win the title bout?!!! Stay tuned!

    Audience reaction doesn't like negative (none / 0) (#195)
    by Teresa on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:17:23 PM EST
    from either, but the Indy's are very ready to accept what Obama says. Overall, he does better with them.

    The longer this goes on, (none / 0) (#206)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:24:05 PM EST
    the more McCain sounds like Bush. These stories he tells do him no favors, nor do his references to Kissinger, Petraeus (sp?), etc.  

    The more time elapses, the more this keeps running him down, the better for Obama.

    Agree that the foreign policy section has been the best for Obama.

    The longer this goes on, (none / 0) (#208)
    by snstara on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:25:19 PM EST
    the more McCain sounds like Bush. These stories he tells do him no favors, nor do his references to Kissinger, Petraeus (sp?), etc.  

    The more time elapses, the more this keeps running him down, the better for Obama.

    Agree that the foreign policy section has been the best for Obama.

    OK, that is an MSNBC type question there Lehrer (none / 0) (#209)
    by ruffian on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:26:38 PM EST


    Obama ending strong (none / 0) (#211)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:30:16 PM EST


    McCain was a POW (none / 0) (#216)
    by byteb on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:36:53 PM EST


    Sas (none / 0) (#217)
    by Dadler on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:40:25 PM EST
    Diplomacy is now a bad word.  Great.  I'll assume you were smart enough to realize that when the decision was made to overthrow Saddam Hussein that would automatically strenghten Iran, making them regional partners with Iraq as majority Shiite neighbors.  Isolating Iran, whose population's dislike of its own government is only surpassed by their dislike of ours, makes no logical or political sense.  Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.  It is basic strategic stuff.  But if you only think about short-term chest thumping tactics, then that empty, pointless crap is gold, I suppose.

    Looks to me like we'll (none / 0) (#218)
    by oculus on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:40:50 PM EST
    defend Georgia's purported borders no matter whom we elect.

    Comments now closed (none / 0) (#219)
    by Jeralyn on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 09:41:59 PM EST
    post debate live thread is here

    Obama seemed to understand the issues (none / 0) (#220)
    by Iris on Fri Sep 26, 2008 at 11:41:59 PM EST
    and he really impressed me.  He also answered the questions whereas McCain seemed to know of nothing to say but "cut spending."  McCain seemed like a loose cannon.  Give credit to Obama...when Lehrer tried to corner him on cutting his agenda he said health care and other things that determine how regular people live their lives would be top priority.  He also repeatedly brought discussion of the economy back to the point that it is Republican economic ideology that got us to this point, something I would think fellow Hillary supporters would appreciate.  

    I'm a little surprised at all the criticism of Obama's "looks" when McCain was speaking; Given the fact that McCain tried to lie about Obama's proposals and his record multiple times, Obama was charitably nice to him and went right ahead and argued the point with him in a straightforward manner.  If it was anyone's expressions that were troubling it was John McCain's.  Maybe this was just me, but the whole debate seemed surreal because of McCain's incoherence and nastiness.

    Most bizarre of all was Ralph Nader's screed on Bill Maher tonight about how there is no difference between the two candidates.  No differences, Ralph?  Really?  In a sense, we have seen this movie before, and it was called the 2000 election.  People tend to forget that Bill Clinton ran as a moderate in 1992 as well, but got a lot of good things accomplished.  If Obama was elected we'd basically have a mandate for universal health care; if we don't like Obama's plan then we work on getting HR 676 across Obama's desk and dare him not to sign it.  McCain would veto it with glee; he told us tonight.

    For what it's worth, I know a couple of people who watched the debate here in KY that don't follow politics and didn't like Obama, and they said this debate changed their opinion of him.

    Obama-McCain Miss. Debate Live Blog | 220 comments (220 topical)