What struck me most about the debate was the contrast in generosity between the two men.

McCain is backward-looking, angry, and (needless to say) feeds on resentment. He does not stand for "change" or (to use the unfortunate catchphrase adopted by the Democratic Congress which McCain has appropriated, a 'New Direction").. And when he reaches "across the aisle," he is careful to avoid Obama's grasp.

I was very moved by the moment early in the debate when Obama commended McCain for his opposition to torture. (And I was very glad this issue became a part of the discourse. People need to be educated on this issue, it is destroying our own culture as well as our standing in the world.)

I liked the way Obama called Palin a "politician" who had fired up the "base." He allowed McCain to launch a ludicrous attack against Biden, in the process hanging himself with his own rope- Iraq (the surge's 'success' is limited to the MSM). Obama came across as patient, measured, while McCain was rabidly denouncing the credentials of a man who, whatever mistakes he has made, is infinitely more qualified for office than Palin.

The word that resonated most for me from this debate was "fairness." This gave depth to his defense of Roe v. Wade, and made his proposals to engage us all in New Frontier-style citizen engagement (Peace Corps, military service, etc.) an integral part of his commitment to allowing us all to contribute.

Bush, who told us to go shopping after 9/11, was not allowing us to contribute: his aim was to cut us off from America's policies.  And he did this very effectively, circumventing our democracy and making this generation the most alienated from America's ruling class in history (yes, even more than the 60's). We have become alienated, and McCain's references to "transparency" and "accountability" (to We, the People) were apt reminders of why a Republican should not be elected to office this year.

Can this nation be ours again? I feel more hopeful after last night.