Obama Won Hands Down
By Justin Gardner | Related entries in 2008 Election, Barack, Debates, McCain
In the first two debates I basically called them a tie.
Actually, the first debate I thought was a tie, so it went to Obama. The second one I thought Obama was much stronger at the town hall debate, but since I hate the whole “lowered expectations” game, I thought McCain lost more than Obama won.
Well folks, Obama won this one tonight.
On policy he was specific and with every attack on his policy point, he parried effectively and hit back at why McCain’s claims for sometimes even factually wrong. Also, and this isn’t surprising, Obama was calm, steady and simply owned a closer, personal format. At points he talked into the camera to the American people when it was appropriate and then engaged his opponent respectfully and directly. He also avoided opportunities to attack Palin’s experience, and as such was showing the post-partisan tone he promises to bring to Washington. And I think that’s what some swing voters are looking for.
On the other hand, while McCain had his own specifics on policy his temper still got the best of him. He was testy, interruptive and if I’m an independent voter at home, I don’t want to spend 4 to 8 years with this guy. And he just doesn’t seem to have the temperament to lead this country out of an economic crisis. Maybe if we were in the middle of a hard war, this would have been McCain’s year.
Oh, by the way, McCain brought up Ayers, but only after being prompted by the moderator and Obama answered it very directly and honestly. He owned that question, as well as the one about ACORN. They’re paper thin and it’s now evident to any voter who watched this one.
Obama is now 3 for 3.
Game over.
This entry was posted on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 and is filed under 2008 Election, Barack, Debates, McCain. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:17 pm
As I mentioned in the open debate thread, I have my doubts that McCain even really still wants the job. Not that I can blame him for getting cold feet, but such a one-sided presidential campaign as this can’t be good for democracy.
With the financial crisis looming, McCain had to give voters a damn good reason not to punish him for the sins of his fellow Republicans. That may have been too tall an order to begin with, but he’s looked like he’s not even trying anymore. I have my problems with Obama (actually more with the prospect of Dems controlling both the White House and Congress), but at least he still looks like he wants the job, understands it and is enthusiastic about it. McCain, not so much. Now I’m also starting to get cold feet… about voting for him.
October 15th, 2008 at 9:18 pm
[...] As I said, Obama walked away with it. McCain’s temper hurt him badly tonight. [...]
October 15th, 2008 at 9:31 pm
[...] like to give this debate to McCain. He was at his strongest (although others disagree). And Obama was almost too laidback, too sure of his own staggering intellect and ability to reason [...]