9:34 CDT: [Nate] The media who wants to cop out from picking a winner will probably just say "Obama wins first half, McCain wins second half". But the first half is likely to matter more because (i) it was about the economy and (ii) this was a boring debate that will have a lot of people zoning out by the end.
9:30 CDT: [Sean] On CNN's tracker McCain is having trouble with independents in some of these answers as the dial goes under the median.
9:26 CDT: [Nate] Odd that McCain paused on answering Lehrer's 9/11 question. Was that for dramatic effect, or did he not prep that question in advance?
9:25 CDT: [Nate] Maybe, Sean. McCain chuckles = Gore sighs?
9:17 CDT: [Sean] But McCain looked angry and unpresidential. His temper was clearly triggered. That matters more than the substance of the argument. How you sound, how you look...
9:16 CDT: [Nate] That Ahmadinejad sequence was the first one I think McCain has won all night.
9:12 CDT: [Sean] Obama: "I mean, Spain!" That went under McCain's skin, comes back with "Obama seal" card. Obama is doing more initiating of these barbs.
9:10 CDT: [Sean] It is striking how much Obama is looking at McCain confidently and how McCain will not look at Obama.
9:05 CDT: [Nate] There's almost a reversal of roles tonight: McCain's answers are contemplative and long-winded, Obama's are much more direct.
9:02 CDT: [Sean] McCain plays "subcommittee meetings" card again.
9:00 CDT: [Sean] They both wear bracelet memorials, McCain gets there first.
225 comments
I think McCain just gave his best answer: focusing on his experience and his reluctance to go to war. Not believable to me, but a great answer in the debate.
Why won't McCain look at Obama? This has to be the equivalent of the Gore sighs.
Yet another McCain reference to committees and subcommittees. Not very Mavericky.
McCain is winning the war debate, but noone cares, it's the economy stupid.
Where's McCain's lapel pin?
Obama sure is calling out McCain far more than vice-versa. I don't know how that will play, but it's noticeable.
Dammit get angry Obama. You've got the truth on your side here.
McCain is really controlling the debate. Earmarks, experience...
Give me more 'Where is bin Laden. Develop our intelligent agencies.'
"Where've you been, John."
Or maybe "Two soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb on the day of your convention speech. Things aren't ok in Iraq."
Say 'I don't think we need another Senator photo ops in a war zone.'
BAH
McCain comes out against a second Holocaust!!! Bold move!!!
A 2nd Holocaust? Does Mccain think that Iran will start setting up concentration camps? Wtf
I would pull a Larry David in that one episode if I had a chance with a few of those "belles" lol
Okay, this will have zero impact on the outcome of the debate, but McCain does not know what the word existential means. Not at all. Ouch, that was painful.
I wish U.S. leaders didn't feel the need to wave their peens around the world militarily so much. Let's spend that money at home.
Iran has the right to acquire nukes. Period.
I don't know which debate you're watching Jay. Mccain's been on the defensive all night.
Link for the tracker please. Do I have to beg?!!!
Never interfere with your enemy when he's in the process of destroying himself. McCain is embarrassing himself badly; no need to risk piling on.
This debate is making me nervous...
Obama is looking weak and McCain is looking strong despite a lot of BS
The frustration against the Republican propaganda is so hard to bare; I hope Obama stays cool and doesn't get pissed like Gore
Not so sure, I think Obama won the early questions, but McCain is winning these.
BO needs to do better, more facts.
Final score for the first section:
O +45
O -10
M +31
M -21
O 35 - M 10
No real contest.
So, what happened to the themes of these debates? i believe both domestic and foreign policy have been discussed.
And what is it with McCain and false calamities? First its precipitious withdrawal from Iraq, then the destruction of Israel... is the FUD approach of this administration (a la bailout) taking over his strategy?
Becky -
The tracker is on the CNN TV feed.
Evidence of McCain's utter failure: No conservatrolls. I'm sure they'll be back, drunk off their collective asses. Obama is the more presidential candidate tonight.
Watch CNN. It's at the bottom.
How is Palin going to Hang with this?????????
When is McCain going to come out against a 2nd Great Depression?
Regardless of who's winning this debate, Obama is showing to the American public that he understands and is comfortable with these issues.
That's a huge win.
Diplomacy! Thank you! Jesus!
Snoozeville.... Bring on the VP debate!!!
Nice response. Obama is winning this question
Obama showing he understands the growth in weapons manufacturing potential in terrorist nations, the Iran nuclear threat, the importance of diplomacy, and the need for strength. McCain looks really off his game.
We're just realize biased huh?
Do you want another chance to say that name again Senator Mccain?
And... McCain fumbles Ahmadinejad!!!
FAIL, foreign policy boy.
Nate was absolutely right. McCain doubled-down so most of the US would be watching the foreign policy debate.
Finally! "The notion that by not talking to people is punishing them is not working.
He said he'd talk with the "head of Iran." That would be the Shah, not some outgoing Iranian nutcase.
Wow. McCain is hitting all the old talking points. Jeebus.
All this History!!!
Ouch, McCain tripped over the president of Iraq's name. I can't spell it, but he couldn't say it. Perhaps I shouldn't be elected president either.
Obama is looking weak and McCain is looking strong
No, McCain is giving simplistic and frequently BS answers, which a lot of people mistake for strength. Obama is giving thoughtful answers, which a lot of people mistake for weakness. It's a problem inherent to any forum that demands 5-minute answers to complex problems.
As in right now. McCain is so full of shit that diplomacy is some sort of slippery slope.
bill p. i'v been here the whole time and i'm a conservative. so you cant say that we'v run off.
and obama has already called iran a little country and not a grave threat. then he said 2 day's later they were a grave threat and needed to be stoped so obama wasnt fully correct on that one.
when he said that he's alway's called them terrorists.
We're 64 minutes into the debate. being biased I think Obama is cleaning the floor with McCain. But I concede that McCain is a tough old buzzard. (A survivor.) But all Obama really has to do is hold his own -- he has -- and look Presidential -- he does.
Game. Set. Match.
(Of course, we've got 53 minutes to go.)
I am amazed that the ancient mariner has not yet blown his brains.
This sets up nicely the debate between the gaffe machine and the know nothing.
Has McCrappy Old Pappy even looked at Obama ONCE?
Yes. Mention the Shah. Make it look like McCain doesn't know who the head of Iran is.
McCain dates himself, frankly. I'm almost 50 years old, and he's talking about stuff that occurred before MANY voters were even born.
Obama - yeah on Ahmadinejad!
Obama: See? I can pronounce 'Ahmadinejad'.
Heh heh.
jay, the mullahs on the revolutionary council are the most powerful people in Iran.
The kissinger line was another big punch in.
Nixon and Mao is all he needs to say
Obama is blasting him on the Iran issue.
Well played, Mr. Obama
23 minutes. Now. 20.
Obama is running with it. Gawd, I'm impressed with him tonight. He's just really good at seeing both sides.
Nice answer Barack
No-one is going to agree on who won the debate.
At this point we can't even agree on the basic facts of reality.
I guarantee you you will hear plenty of triumphalism from both Obama and McCain boosters, because they're using vastly different criteria (read: anything that makes their candidate look good) to judge the winner.
Not so much triumphalism for McCain here yet, but wait until VACon, Pete Kent, etc. get here.
Go Shah!!
Ok Obama is controlling this debate now.
I knew his foreign policy was his strength, and that the economic talks would muddle both of them down.
Obama: You own President agrees with me. You fail.
Yes, Obama is winning, lots of facts
joshua -
Granted. And if McCain were doing well here, he'd have mentioned that.
Therein lies my point - bad debate for McCain.
How is CNN ticker now? I can't get the stream
uh, obama it didnt work he tried what you guy's wanted and it failed.
Obama knows his foreign policy people.
Obama calling John on the Spain gaffe!!!!!
McCain is afraid that if he looks as Obama he will have a nuclear brain meltdown. Since Obama is 666 -- the Debbil. He has been speaking in tongues with Sister Sarah while they both were handling snakes and looking for witches to burn.
Ouch. The Spain card!
He got McCain angry!!!
LOL Spain!
I think this is a close contest. people who have made up their minds will think their guy is winning, and those who have not will divide on the basis of knowledge - hi-info for Obama, low-info for McCain. Which reflects their respective campaign strategies.
"He would not meet with prime minsiter of Spain"
Yes!!!!!!
Whenever mccain smiles or chuckles, he's pissed.
SPAIN SHOT!
as an american who is OBSESSED with spain, I love that Barack just did that.
Fearmongering.
good Spain tag. do it again, Barack.
Obama doing a great job of showing the difference between discussing and capitulating. Shame on John McCain for conflating those two concepts. Shame.
Does he have a folksy story about Iran?
McCain just misquoted Kissinger on meeting with Iran. And is now expounding on this misstatement. UFB.
Sister Sarah was already called out on this by the heavyweight interviewer, Katie Couric.
And now Johnnie is slamming North Korea.
What's next? Extolling the virtues of apple pie?
"Legitamize those comments" such BS
i cant figure out why mccain wont look at obama. does he think he's going to bite him if he does? he looked once, but not since then.
CNN scorecard:
O 50
O 10
M 32
M 23
And then there was something about North Koreans being 3 inches taller?... WTF?
WHy is McCain constantly holding a pen? Is he TRYING to evoke memories of Bob Dole?
Obama quotes the even more ancient Henry K as supporting him -- which is correct. Smack down!
If Obama can keep the story what it is now on CNN:
"with McCain saying the U.S. is winning in Iraq after the troop "surge" and Obama saying he was right to oppose the war from the start"
Then he's got it to an effective draw and he's done a good job. Still plenty of time left to change that narrative, though.
Zapatero!
McCain STILL mispronouncing the Iranian president's name...and getting very crochety.
obama got alittle mad at that.
McCain hitting back well
You shouldn't be proud of knowing Kissinger. Lame.
Oh god McCain just lost it
McCain turns away from Obama. He won't acknowledge his presence. It's like they're debating via satellite. Stop being a dick, John.
The average S Korean is 3 inches taller than the average N Korean!
And the Israel stuff is disgusting pandering. As a Zionist Jew, I am increasingly irritated by it.
Oops! Couric follows up with Kissinger says he would talk to Iran with out preconditions
http://journals.democraticunderground.com/sabra/9111
Laughing means he's nervous.
Is Kissinger a Dr?
McCain is getting petty and pissy
Ahmadinejad, McCain.
Obama is being all charming and gentlemanly to Lehrer. He radiates class. McCain radiates anger and moth balls.
McCain just rattled Obama
If only McCranky could use The Google, he might be able to fact check.
@raukodraug
McCain is not holding a pen. It's a syringe with some medicine in it to keep McCain awake.
>>Is Kissinger a Dr?
Yes
I think lots of people will simply vote for Obama because they dont want to see McCain´s smile on the TV for the next 4 years.
That was McCain's best exchange of the debate. Obama doin well on Russian now.
Wow McCain! You can't lose it like that in a debate when your opponent hasn't even done anything against the rules.
So far Obama's owning the Foregin Policy part of this debate. He actually knows who's in charge of the countries. The first thing you have to do in order to deal with a country is know who to talk to in order to actually make things happen.
Kissinger has a Ph.D. So he's a doctor you wouldn't want to have a heart attack in front of.
"You can't be a 21st century superpower and act like a 20th century dictatorship."...Obama
GREAT line!!
Georgia started it, McCranky.
Doesn't matter what the audience thinks. Obama is coming off as more articulate, addressing the big issues, putting his agenda forward. McCain on the other hand is REACTING to Obama, it is not the other way around. Thats why I think Obama is winning this although we are all biased for Obama.
But seriously McCain is so far down in the polls, this was his change it isn't happening.... congrats president Obama.
@ stepper...
HAAA!!! Good to know....good. to. know.
He looks into the most popular leader in Russia's eyes and sees nothing but a KGB agent? That's nuance for ya.
That childish view of foreign policy is just scary.
McCain doing a bit better now?
McCain did well on the Russia issue.
Obama's doing well too.
This IS very reminiscent of 1996, though. A young, charismatic Democrat vs. an older Republican senator and war veteran... with a pen fetish.
The key comment tonight from McCain: "Senator Obama doesn't seem to understand..." He's said it a half-dozen time...is it sticking?
McCain's smirk is annoying -- will it play well with audience ? Or will it reinforce the impression that he is cocky and erratic as his behavior has shown in the last few days ?
How soon after this debate will there be polling on its effect?
That would be McCain's unilateral, cartoonish approach to Russia.
Love the bullet points strategy, it forces Sen. Obama to focus on succinct answers.
Sorry to be a pain but...CNN ticker anyone?
Segways into energy policy. Nice.
Score it 10-8 Obama, if I look at it through my most unbiased lens. McCain had some moments, but didn't do nearly enough. From my partisan standpoint, McCain got served.
I just talked to a low info voter, thinks McCain is doing pretty well.
Insane to me.
Obama is definitely a class act. It makes me feel proud.
Is it just me, or does McCain keep repeating things like "I've been there." I think he is trying to highlight his experience, but it comes across as being repetitive.
Was Obama wise to spin the Russia question rebuttal back to alternative energy? I sort of see the connection, but I don't think most people will.
"Segue"
Just for future reference :-)
The price of uranium is skyrocketing.
Nuclear power is not a long-term solution.
Jim Lehrer is biased. Plain and simple. But Onbma should cut him off.
This is the
MOST. BORING. DEBATE. EVER.
I bet most viewers have either changed the channel or fallen asleep.
Commissions are Mavericky.
Obama is totally in control. He ALLOWED Jim to move the debate on. Notice that?
I you're a warmonger, you'll love McCain's rambling insanity.
Obama's consistent.
Looking at it directly through my biased lens...I have never thought Obama has debated well...in those 21 debates he never came off well in my opinion...but tonight he is destroying McCain in my view. This one is not close.
@ fred
I dunno.. I don't think McCain is bombing... he's holding his own but the differences are apparent.
I noticed that too, jj. Obama is projecting 'I'm in charge' extremely well.
Why did you vote for watreboarding them, you senile bastard?
This has been his best performance by far.
Certainly no knock-out punches by either man tonight...
Cnn Thingy
O+53
O-17
M+45
M-26
Is anybody taping this?
To riff off what Nate just said about McCain's chuckles being like GOre's sighs... I see a youtube video of McCain's repetition and chuckles.
I think Obama won tonight
McCain got great reactions all around from his Russian aggression and 9/11 talking points, but slipped with INDs and DEMs after responding to Obama.
McCain a bit better here, but Obama returns serve well, bringing up that OBL remains at large.
McCain dodged the "reputation" question.
CNN numbers?
If you go by the Independent "tracker" Obama has won.
It is a bit boring, but I guess the fireworks will come next week with Biden vs. Palin. And boring actually plays to Obama´s strength.
McCain has hopped back into Iraq where he is strongest. Good move for an endgame
This debate is a tie. Both are on top of their games. There can be no doubt that this is Obama's best debate ever.
Let me start the post-debate analysis a little early: it's an Obama win. Here's why. I have no idea how the pundits will react, but this is clearly not an Obama loss. This was supposed to be McCain's strong suit and he did not have a clear win. Given that Obama is ahead in the polls and has momentum on his side, it's hard to see this debate turning that around. CNN's tracker of independents (and others) suggests that Obama actually won the debate, but that is less important than establishing that Obama didn't lose. No loss = win.
Ties goes to Obama, I think he has a slight win based on the economy answers
Yep, tie the econ to Iraq.
Abe Simpson and Carl Carlson.
Obama personalizing veterans issues before McCain does...wow. Just wow.
Abe Simpson vs Carl Carlson
Moderate/slightly pro-Obama, and I really don't see what you two are seeing. Content seems somewhat even to me, and style leans slightly McCain (more fluent). I think very slight bump to McCain but not enough to ultimately change things. But it is the kind of debate where everyone will see what they want to see.
I know McCain is passionate about it but I don't think this constant reminder that if we fail with Iraq then Al Quida wins- will go over well. The only people who believe that are already voting for McCain, it puts the moderates off.
Obama is talking about the cost of this war now and our fiscal priorities and I think its a winner FOR OBAMA.
The war was a mistake, lets move on, its over.
When Obama talks, CNN audience reaction tracker rises - everyone, Dem, Rep, Ind. When McCain talks, one of two things happen: either Reps like it and everyone hates it, or everyone is equally lukewarm on it.
So far, Obama is in the lead, without a doubt.
Obama is cleaning McCain's clock. He tied the war with the economy!
Uuuh... so obviously McCain wanted to show that Obama "doesn´t understand" - if that was his aim he failed.
Get him on veterans, Obama!!!!
Debate is a tie.
Debate about ties? What was McCain thinking? His tie makes my screen flash.
McCain brought up his opposition to torture early on in a throwaway list of acheivements.
Obama just brought it back, crediting McCain, but put it on the level of protecting and enhancing America's reputation...
This is represenatative of how it has gone tonight.
Shut the hell up McCain. I'm tired of hearing about that DAMN SURGE!
Oh god hes comparing Obama to bush now! WRONG MOVE!!!
Another cheap shot
The only person more of a prick tonight than McCain is Lehrer.
Okay, that's pushing it.
Good last speech by Obama
This debate is not a tie. A tie would have been an Obama win too, but it is not a tie.
McCain is doing a lot of direct insults to Obama. If audience reactio is any indicator, it's not going over too well.
This whole experience thing blows up next week, when Palin talks.
All Obama had to do was hold his own with =McCain. While I think Obama cleaned the Old Man's clock, it is clear that he at least held his own.
Obama is Presidential and won. Obama is now winding up with his father being from Kenya . . .
This is obviously a prepped closing.
Let 'er rip.
I can't stand to hear McCain talk anymore! On mute from now on when he speaks.
"I don't think I need any on the job training"
Yes b/c you know the economy is fundamentally strong.
POW CARD
Annoyed Obama didn't hammer McCain for voting against the GI Bill. WHY?
OMG McCain is remidning us he was a POW.
Was he?
I don't remember.
yeah, he talk's about us owing so much money to china yet, he forget's how much money all theses other country's that we offer aid to when they have a crisis or somthing very very bad happend.
and yet we never ask for money in return for us sending them help.
idk why they dont talk about that more all they say is our debt not the debt that other countrys have to us.
It sure does seem like Lehrer is giving the last word to McCain more often.
Everyone is shit tired of your Vietnam stories, granpa.
YEA!!!! I was so worried that we might not be reminded that McCain was a POW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YEA!!!! I was so worried that we might not be reminded that McCain was a POW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
McCain did well, but Obama edges it in my opinion
I'm looking forward to Gwen's moderation next week. She really needs to take over the NewsHour full time.
Cnn Thingy
O+61
O-17
Net +44
M+48
M-27
Net +21
Verdict - Obama +23
I'm looking forward to Gwen's moderation next week. She really needs to take over the NewsHour full time.
As for McCain getting the last word... Obama "won" the toss to start each question, so I gathered that meant that McCain got to end each question.
ABC commentators are saying Obama showed he had what it took- both did well but Obama did what he had to do.
Everybody grab your sister and plant a wet one on her...
Cnn Thingy
O+61
O-17
Net +44
M+48
M-27
Net +21
Verdict - Obama +23
Calling it a tie on CNN, which they consider a win for O.
I still think O wiped the floor with McCain big time.
For the love of god stop with the POW now.
God that was stressful
Mccain campaign has already started an dad on Eww tube with Obama saying "John is right" 3 times. Classless as always
MSNBC is giving it to McCain.
O+61
O-17
Net +44
M+48
M-27
Net +21
So what does this mean? Dems + 61 Repubs -17 etc?
Bill Bennett spinning. McCain the Sherriff. Masterful. Wins on points.
WTF??? Is he kiddin?
Meh. The media won't decide who won until sometime next week. At least that's been the pattern in the last few presidential cycles.
MSNBC is split, that old conservative shitbag buchanan is calling it to mccain though.
The "John is right" is malarky. It's only because McCain got to say it first. It's not that he's saying McCain has good or better judgement. It's that they both agree and McCain used it first.
Pat Buchanan is calling it for McCain. Surprise, surprise.
New Post.
Pundits are saying McCain won!
Conservatives will say McCain won, of course. CBS had a room full of undecided voters who overwhelmingly disagreed with the conservative perspective.
Obama won this debate.
This debate was so boring that I don't think it matters who won because America is probably asleep. I'd be amazed if it has any impact on the race.
zzzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZzzzzzzz...
My prediction was 95% correct. Obama played it safe, complimented on some points. McCain showed ZERO class, far too many cheap shots.
On the MSM needing their Horse Race?
Lehrer and Blitzer haven't disappointed. He let Bill Bennett spin for McCain before going to break.
Obama knocked it out of the park, now it's up to the overpaid suits at CNN and MSNBC to convince us it didn't happen.
Gotta keep this thing competitive for those precious ad dollars.
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