The Debates Thread- Page 4

[courtnyj]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:34pm

"Could be that Clinton supporters are judging Obama overly harshly? She is a much better debater than either Obama or McCain."

Okay, yeah. I can admit that that is true for me. I believe so strongly that Obama and the Democrats have the right answer that I want Obama to send McCain crawling away from this debate. He hasn't dominated like I wish he could and it does make me think "what if..." questions about how the debate would have turned out if Hillary were up there tonight. But hey, I'm still gonna vote for Obama...I'm just glad there's no clear "winner" yet because I really, really want him to do well.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:35pm

One other major difference in approach:

Obama rattles of a bunch of facts, rather sharply. A barrage of facts. It could be coming right out of a text book.

McCain speaks about stories and people, calmly and confidently. He's more anecdotal and conversational in his points.

That's a huge difference.

[ShbrtAlley44]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:38pm

Obama also seems kind of pissed off.

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:40pm

If you're not pissed off- you aren't paying attention.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:41pm

The analysts are definitely throwing it to Obama, no question.

I saw something different at home on my TV set.

[courtnyj]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:42pm

It's close...too close.

[clever name]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:42pm

LIBERAL MEDIA!!

[ThankstoPhantom]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:43pm

This was the best political debate I've seen in some time. There were no circles spoken.

McCain was much more impressive than Mr. Obama. I do not have a decision made as to which man I'm casting my ballot for, however, at this time, I am not won over by either man. I'm just waiting to see what happens these next two months, and spending time reading up on each man. For me, these presidential races start too soon and become a stupid competition that I have no interest in. The race really shouldn't be such a focal point until this time. Let the parties choose who they wish to present and go from there.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:43pm

You're obviously not watching Fox News.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:44pm

Nora O'Donnell made an excellent point by saying Obama said, "John McCain is right..." on several occassions.

[madbrian]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:45pm

The analysts seem to think that McCain's body language and overall contemptuous manner toward Obama may not play well with independents and undecideds.

[courtnyj]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:45pm

My doctor ordered me to stop watching Fox news. It's bad for my health both mental and physical.

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:47pm

"Nora O'Donnell made an excellent point by saying Obama said, "John McCain is right..." on several occassions"

Yeah, I didn't get that either...why concede to your opponent? Why not say..."John and I agree" or "John agrees with me on this point". To say that your opponent is right makes it sound like you were wrong.

Updated On: 9/26/08 at 10:47 PM

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:47pm

No, JB2.

I'm not watching the Cartoon Network to see what they think, either.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:49pm

I cringed each time Obama said "John is right..." and each time McCain said "Senator Obama doesn't understand..."

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:50pm

JustaGuy, and as Nora said, it will definitely be used in a commercial for McCain!!! Let's see how quickly they act on it.

[shira467]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:50pm

PJ, me too. It was an exercise in political courtesy.

[PalJoey]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:53pm

Uggghhh.

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:54pm

Hopefully Obama won't make that mistake again!!

[madbrian]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:55pm

Bottom line: how will this play with independents and undecideds? Neither one of them mucked enough to give their supporters reason to change. If you trust the CNN tracker (and I'm not saying that I do), Obama seemed to track better among the independents.

[JohnBoy2]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:55pm

I wasn't implying that you should watch it. I was just making a point about the statement of who won, is very much based on which channel you're watching. For the record, I didn't watch the debate. I really was watching Godzilla vs. Mothra, but I turned on Fox, with about 30 seconds left, and their analysts called it a draw.

[best12bars]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 10:59pm

Godzilla vs. Mothra was FAR more impressive, I'm sure. Even with the rubber suits and plastic models.

[courtnyj]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 11:00pm

Well according to CBS's "scientific poll" of uncommitted voters Obama had the edge over McCain.

I polled my mom, a wounded Hillary supporter, and she basically said they both sucked. I had hoped the debate would convince her to become an Obama supporter but damn she's stubborn!
Updated On: 9/26/08 at 11:00 PM

[JustAGuy]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 11:05pm

"...but I turned on Fox, with about 30 seconds left, and their analysts called it a draw".

I'd say that Obama will be lucky if most analyst call it a draw. I thought it was a pretty underwhelming performance. Not memorable, or inspiring.

Because the expectations for McCain were so low...I think he actually came off the best. Aggressive and cranky, yes, but he was certainly there to mix it up. Obama was just too damned nice...and sort of boring.

[madbrian]

Posted: 9/26/08 at 11:06pm

Some immediate polling reported via www.fivethirtyeight.com :

Independents in the MediaCurves focus group gave the debate to Obama 61-39. They also think he won every individual segment. Republicans gave the debate to McCain 90-10, Democrats to Obama 93-7.