While I would agree that the debate was an almost factual draw, I would suggest that McCain achieved his primary psy-ops objective, to Obama's detriment.

The Rovians have always been less interested in facts than in *perceptions* - controling the **framing of an issue**, so that their "talking points" are what prevail - *emotionally* - in an undecided voter's psychic takeaway.

On this score, McCain did very well in keeping Obama on the defensive, not permitting him to effectively tie McCain to the errors of the Bush era, and with Obama far too often starting a response with "I agree with John, but . . ."

Watch for the GOP to come out with a slyly edited spot that makes it look as if Obama's a McCain fan.

Again - on a factual basis, and on stautre, both men did very well, and fought to a virtual draw.

But I would suggest McCain achieved his greater, underlying psychological objective of controlling the discourse, and getting across his underlying message - "I'm experienced, he's wet behind the ears."