Interestingly, the MSM press initially (mostly all) called it for McCain until their polls from viewers were the opposite.

I thought Obama was masterful, especially on Russia.

And I agree, McCain was petty and snide.

Thanks for post. Rec'd.

Don't really have time for much of a comment at the moment, but I'd definitely agree overall (although I'll confess that McCain put me to sleep for a bit in the middle).

At the end of the debate I thought it was a draw. But after thinking about it this morning, I can see how Obama was given the credit.

On every country discussed, Obama mentioned how the Bush administration havs have with the issue, and how that was not working. Then McCain would say "he doesn't understand, I've and I've traveled there and this is how the world works..." In other words, McCain would continue with the same policies at the Bush administration. He never once said he would do things differently, except that he would also piss off Spain.

Obama stood for change. McCain stood for more of the same. For once, the campaign slogan really works.

Good summary.

I found McCain's attempt to diminish Obama with the "He doesn't understand..." line to be singularly ineffective. If Obama had not been confident, calm and obviously in command of the facts, maybe it would have worked. As it was, it just made McCain sound as if he was the one missing something.

McCain's characterization of Russia as KGB was jarring. I wasn't sure if he would be perceived as a heroic tough realist or raging mad. I think Obama won the Russia portion of the debate in substance and style (with his cool calm rational demeanor).

But I noticed a part of me was fleetingly effected by McCain's fearful vision of the world which made me want to question Obama's readiness. I'm guessing that was intentional strategy on McCain's part - The world is too danderous and I'm John McWayne.

Obama did better, but nothing game changing about the debate at all. He hit McCain hard on the wisdom of the Iraq war and owned him on economic policy. The least effective part of Obama's debate was linking McCain to Bush - not that he didn't try. Obama mentioned Bush 10 times - McCain 0. But it wasn't direct enough in my opinion. If I didn't know better, I'd have walked away from that debate still believing McCain is full of mavericky goodness rather than BS. Wonder how true that is for independents and Republicans.

McCain did fairly well and landed some blows of his own. I'll admit the $900 million is earmark requests made me say ouch. I think his arguments aganst Obama re: the surge were also fairly effective, but Obama of course has the upper hand of we shouldn't have gone into Iraq in the first place.

Best performance of the night was Jim Lehrer trying to pin down the candidates on what the bailout would mean for their proposals. Obama danced around it just like McCain did which was disappointing. Which brings me to why I would have preferred this debate happen after the bailout deal though. I want both candidates to have to OWN their positions. This is not just a game of chess or political advantage. I'd like a candidate to deliver the tough truths about the next 4 years and their plans.

So overall I think the debate was a win for Obama, but no aha moments. I don't think many minds were changed by it. Looking forward to the next one, but hope it's less talking points, Russert-like gotcha quotes and more honest dialogue from both sides.

McCain lost this one. He came across as Col. Nathan Jessep - "You can't handle the truth!" - a blustering martinet who doesn't listen, who doesn't collaborate or compromise...a man who gives orders or takes them, who sees the world in black and white.
Time to show these schoolyard bullies the exit. We live in a world that demands leadership and statesmanship, not the cranky worldview of a muzzle-loader. What is it with these short white males who think they know everything but can't make coffee?
Time for a Change.

I spend an inordinate amount of my online time explaining this very thing to rabid voters of all colors, but white voters in particular. Obama is quite capable of being witty and cutting. One need only read his books and personal writings or see him in smaller environments to know this man is nimble with the english language. However, he does not have the leeway to be those things. The inherent fear of many, many, many white voters that an angry black man will seek retribution for all manner of racial wounds they have inflicted over the years is irrational but very real. The minute he weilds his considerable intellect or wit over the white establishment guy he becomes exotic and dangerous - the boogeyman. I've joked only half-heartedly that some white people seem to think the guy is going to enslave them and free all the criminals from prison with EBT cards with no limit. It's crazy but I swear that's what they think is going to happen on November 5. That's what the man has to contend with.

I also continue to remind my fellow Obama supporters that this man has run the most efficient, successful and improbable campaign in the history of American politics. Maybe we can trust just a little that he has a handle on these nuances. :)