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Friday, September 26, 2008

Obama easily wins first debate

We admit that we're biased, but we're looking forward to hearing Republicans attempt to claim that John McCain outperformed Barack Obama in tonight's debate with a straight face. Obama blew McCain away with his calm and determined responses. He appeared comfortable and at ease, while McCain repeatedly looked unhappy and unsure of himself. Obama was able to respond at length to almost all of McCain's attacks, and punctuated his points at times with biting examples.

Lehrer was outstanding as a moderator, and the debate was well paced and riveting, although frequently John McCain's rhetoric was tired, insulting, and dull.

Obama had to interrupt McCain several times during the debate to correct the record when McCain attempted to lie about Obama's positions.

Obama could have been a bit sharper at times, but he turned in a solid performance, and compared to McCain, he was spectacular.

A few of Obama's best moments came when he addressed McCain directly:
At the time, when the war started, you said it was going to be quick and easy. You said you knew where the weapons of mass destruction were - and you were wrong. You said we were going to be greeted as liberators - you were wrong. You said that there was no history of violence between Shi'a and Sunni, and you were wrong. ...if the question is, who is best equipped as the next president to make good decisions about how we use our military, how we make sure we are prepared and ready for the next conflict, then I think we can take a look at our judgment.
Then there was this:
It's been your president who you said agreed with ninety percent of the time who supported this orgy of spending. You voted for almost all of his budgets. To stand here and say that after eight years you're going to lead on controlling spending and balancing our tax cuts for middle class families...it's kind of hard to swallow.
And finally:
John, you're absolutely right that presidents have to be prudent in what they say. But, coming from you, who...you know, in the past, threatened extinction for North Korea and sung songs about bombing Iran...I don't know how credible that is.
Obama scored direct hit after direct hit when it was his turn to speak, coolly responding to McCain's unfair attacks on his record and reminding McCain that the job of president requires character, judgment, and integrity.

Comments:

Blogger chad said...

I'm sorry, but I can't agree- and I was rooting for Obama! When McCain starting riffing about the Ukraine, gone was the endless "my friends" blabber as he reached the full stride of his expertise. At least Barack got in a few licks on Iraq, though they got drowned out by how well "the surge worked!" Gawd!

Well, enough with the angst. I hope he has better luck in the next round.

September 26, 2008 9:41 PM  
Blogger DiAnne said...

The only reason McCain was able to drop a few names about Russia was because his lobbyists are also involved in oil scandal type stuff over there as elsewhere. Anyone believing McCain may as well prepare for WW3 & nuclear annihilation if he ever gets in to office, let alone Palin.

Yeah he dropped alot of names but it was so transparent. Can't wait to see Biden go against McCain's fellow "Maverick" and moron Sarah Palin.

It's not as if he can snow everyone with BS, at least not all of the time. Did you see the panels of Undecided Voters? Even FOX couldn't hide the fact that they were swinging Obama en masse.

September 27, 2008 4:23 AM  
Blogger kleen00 said...

On this economy, I think both McCain and Obama made great points and countered each other well. McCain definitely appealed to the Republicans and Obama appealed to the Democrats. I would have to say that Obama SOUNDED more confident and was more well spoken during this part of the debate, but McCain had a little more meat and substance. Still, it was a very close debate.

Foreign policy wise, McCain had a runaway victory. I don't care who you are, right wing, left wing, or moderate, McCain clearly has more experience and expertise in this area. Obama hung in there for the first 20 minutes and was able to throw some good jabs at McCain, but once McCain let lose with his experience, it was game over.

All in all, good debate.

September 27, 2008 5:54 AM  
Blogger renegade said...

Sent to the PI this morning...

While I know those of us who saw the Presidential debate last Friday night were all distracted by the dismissive mannerisms of Senator John McCain toward Senator Barack Obama, in the split screen view I saw from MSNBC it appeared to me as though Senator McCain was attempting to force Senator Obama to talk to his backside. Considering these individuals were BOTH addressing the future Commander in Chief, not only was the body language displayed by Senator McCain EXTREMELY disrespectful, the racial undertone speaks volumes. Before America jumps to an erroneous conclusion Senator McCain, please explain the reasons for your body language last Friday night...for humanity’s sake, at least apologize to Senator Obama...please!

September 27, 2008 7:27 PM  

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