Kondrake is bloviating on FOXNews.

No, He did not

boring debate.

like watching the detroit lions vs the st louis rams

The msm will spin this as a tie.

I think it was fairly clear from the Pakistan answers that 0bama is woefully unprepared for this job.

He didn't hit a home run but he certainly didn't strike out.

Not a home run, from what I saw. A solid base hit. But that's not what he needed.

Mac Knocked it out of the park!

Anyone who says otherwise simply wasn't paying attention.

No knockout punch, but Obama revealed himself (again) to be a babbling bullshitter.

At least he got on base. The big O bunted and tripped on the way to first.

Nope, he didn't do it. :-(

He should have pounded the Fannie/Freddy thing more, but I'm glad he at least got a shot in, and 0bama didn't even refute he took the money.

Still haven't seen the end of it (TIVO). McCain's did better than Obama. Not a knockout but a good victory.

McCain won - a better man all around

I have to agree with Mort/Fox. Mac was stronger, but he won't get a bump out of this.

No hard hits by McCain to my eyes.

NBC radio says BO won. He is more concerned with the private citizen, as per the talking head. Bo has the advantage in confidence and clarity.

Australia, Japan, and Hong Kong markets down 3% to 4%.

/meh

The only blunder that Mac made was the buying up of the loans thing - what the hell was that?

I love how McCain pointed out he didn't have a deadbeat dad! I can't believe BO said he got food stamps!

re: #6 Cognito

Not a home run, from what I saw. A solid base hit. But that's not what he needed.

He got at least a double. He can get home in the final debate.

Obama is an unqualified boob.

but what's so depressing is that the reactions of the idiots at that CSPAN coffee shop.

Lots of cheers for the moron !

re: #7 Racer X

Mac Knocked it out of the park!

Anyone who says otherwise simply wasn't paying attention.

I agree but there was such little emotion in his delivery - I fear it will be reported otherwise.

Basically, I'd give it to McCain on substance. Obama has no concept of either economics or foreign relations. However, McCain did not take the opportunity to get in Bambi's face, which I would have given a major organ to see. The questions were utterly moronic.

no home run, but no errors. I think those who actually listen to the words will think John won, and those that simply like hearing Obama speak will think he won

re: #8 Who Watches the Watchmen?

No knockout punch, but Obama revealed himself (again) to be a babbling bullshitter.

True, but most will buy it.

Fox News is hammering McCain on his comments on buying up bad mortgages. I can't disagree with them...

I don't think he hit a home run, but he did get the field goal.

/okay, I don't watch sports much

I'm glad I didn't see it.

McCain's bit about subsidizing mortgages was crap. There's no incentive for the rest of us to scrimp and save and put down a decent down payment and live within our means and make our payments.

The party is happening over at the big expensive house paid for by... well, the rest of us.

No home run for McCain.
But he did seem likable. And he did answer questions.
Obama didn't stumble as much as expected. He didn't answer questions. But no one will care. :(

McCain won. It wasn't a KO but McCain shows he is the master and Obama is just Grasshopper again.

The scary part is, The one's fans, both in the MSM and out, swoon when he opens his mouth, no matter what comes out of it.

/He's like Sun Myung Moon in a lot of ways. Worrisome ways.

cheers

eon

Nope!

Man, LGF crated for me about 30 minutes ago.

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

And NBC is in the tank for 0bama anyways so anything they say is BS.

re: #16 Walter L. Newton

NBC radio says BO won. He is more concerned with the private citizen, as per the talking head. Bo has the advantage in confidence and clarity.

That comment was written about 3 hours before the debate. Pay no attention. Obie is about as clear as mud.

A double.

I'm incapable of being objective considering Obama's horrific litany of flaws.

But I empty my brain and try to think like an undecided voter.

I'd say 55 McCain, 45 Obama.

/Which isn't enough to make a difference
//so come on, 527s. Let's bring it.

I think he hit the ball 550 ft. out of the park.

He was amazing.

re: #24 Brigman

no home run, but no errors. I think those who actually listen to the words will think John won, and those that simply like hearing Obama speak will think he won

well stated.

re: #20 Dark_Falcon

He got at least a double. He can get home in the final debate.

ROTFLMAO.............cognito is Dan Rather.... What were you expecting him to say?

Personally, I think it was a tie. Both strayed from the questions to get in talking points and both went over time. Unfortunately, I think the MSM and the general viewing public will claim Obama won. The MSM because they are in the tank and the public because they haven't been following politics closely and don't know what a waffling, lying fuck Obama was tonight.

I was very apprehensive at first - Mac looked out of breath and old. From the middle on he just destroyed Obama.

Lame!

Need to get the debaters to pick their own topics like in a real debate.

The election will be won by Palin and blogs and shit coming out about The One and people just not trusting him enough to pull the lever for The One because I know it is not a nice thing to say but .............. he just does not seem to be FOR AMERICA or like most Americans

re: #6 Cognito

Not a home run, from what I saw. A solid base hit. But that's not what he needed.

I think so also.

He needed to hammer Obama into the ground. He had several opportunities to do it.

Did Brokejaw squelch the Ayers, Wright, Resko questions?

re: #24 Brigman

no home run, but no errors. I think those who actually listen to the words will think John won, and those that simply like hearing Obama speak will think he won

Well, NBC radio talking head is going down a list of mistakes McCain made. It sounded like hair-splitting, but it's evident that NBC is SO in the tank for BO.

re: #19 tigerwoman

I love how McCain pointed out he didn't have a deadbeat dad! I can't believe BO said he got food stamps!

Yeah, I wouldn't be too proud of that, either. Oh, geez, that dope Frank Luntz is on again.

I was disappointed with McCain. Obama was thoroughly disgusting, unfortunately McCain did not give him the beatdown that he deserved.

A home run? Not that I saw.
But I only caught the last 10-15 minutes.

Hopey Changiness is still in the air, I'm afraid.

McCain hit the fairway with a 3 wood. Hit the green. Two putted. Nothing fancy.

Obama made a bogey, but he gets a stroke from the MSM so they gave him a par

/ another sports analogy

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

re: #1 Jetpilot1101

Kondrake is bloviating on FOXNews.

What an a-hole. He totally annoys me.

re: #24 Brigman

no home run, but no errors. I think those who actually listen to the words will think John won, and those that simply like hearing Obama speak will think he won

Some hippie prof on with the perky one just said that, he like the way Obama presented.

If you read the transcripts, I bet Mac looks great. His answers were, well, answers. They had substance. Obama came across as smooth...but what the heck did he say?

Idiots. Where do they find these clowns and did they listen to the same debate I did?

re: #7 Racer X

Mac Knocked it out of the park!

Anyone who says otherwise simply wasn't paying attention.

Knocked what out of the park? Be specific, now!

John McCain needed to hit a home run tonight. Did he?

No -- not a chance did he hit a homer. I think that he did a good job and got in some good jibes. BHO is just spouting BS -- we need to have a G--Damn fact checker on site!

No one's mind was changed tonight. We need to have another Sarah vs. Joe. She effing KILLED

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

A looser, eh?

0bama screwed up big time on Pakistan and openly saying we'd talk with our enemies.

I just don't think that's what the American public wants- sitting down with Iran.

re: #40 doriangrey

ROTFLMAO.............cognito is Dan Rather.... What were you expecting him to say?

That's not really true. Cognito is sane, and he can admit when he is wrong.

Luntz's focus group sucks. Major league.

I don't get these swing voters. McCain and Obama are so far apart, a swing voter is someone who is completely uninformed.

John McCain needed to hit a home run tonight. Did he?

No

But I can handle that.

If Barry is going to be president his first foreign policy crisis might be Texas.

re: #58 Occasional Reader

Looser than loose.

re: #45 jcm

Did Brokejaw squelch the Ayers, Wright, Resko questions?

Well, since he picked the questions, I guess you could say so.

re: #7 Racer X

Mac Knocked it out of the park!

Anyone who says otherwise simply wasn't paying attention.

do tell.... I was on the edge of my seat all friggin night. what did i miss?

Please be specific.

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

I have never been so repulsed by a pol before. . .Obama is a snake! The smarm factor was sooooo distinctive, but I suppose that passes for charm some places. . .he did not answer a single question clearly, and he prefaced every answer with an attack. . .sheesh!

re: #60 Dark_Falcon

I do appreciate that, but don't bother. He seems to have a bit of a fixation.

re: #17 Palandine

A

ustralia, Japan, and Hong Kong markets down 3% to 4%.

Nikkei is down 4.5%

Objectively, I'd say it wasn't a blowout. It was more of a tie. McCain did not hit Obama as hard in person on the financial crisis as he should have, and I wish he'd brought in Obama's friends and associates. It was a great opportunity to truly expose Obama for the complete fraud he is, to his face, and that didn't happen.

There is too much pretending by everyone that Obama is in ANY way, shape, or form fit to lead this nation! It must be shown that the would-be Emperor has no clothes!

But I disagree that McCain "needed" to hit a home run. This debate will not decide the election.

Believe me, when it comes time to punch that ballot, in these scary times, people are NOT going to want to turn things over to the "kid." All the hopey changey and "green" stuff sounded good when people didn't feel like they were looking into the abyss. They are going to be thinking much more practically now.

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

Sigh.

I want an ad from McCain tomorrow hammering on 0bama's money from Fannie & Freddy.

re: #60 Dark_Falcon

That's not really true. Cognito is sane, and he can admit when he is wrong.

Put the crack pipe down and back slowly away from it....

re: #56 NomadOfNorad

Knocked what out of the park? Be specific, now!

He made Obama look like an amateur on foreign policy.

re: #51 Attaboid

As opposed to a tighter?

re: #55 Outrider

Idiots. Where do they find these clowns and did they listen to the same debate I did?

1. They find them in unemployment lines and Wal-Mart.

2. Clearly not.

re: #67 Charles

That sucks, but yeah.

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

As apposed to a tighter? I think you meant "loser" here, not "looser." Unfortunately, if Obama looks like the winner here, we ALL might be the losers! Big time!

re: #35 Sharmuta

And NBC is in the tank for 0bama anyways so anything they say is BS.

Oh, I know, I'm just reporting the bias. It's really gone so far out of control. SHit, this makes William Randolf Hearst look like a PTA newsletter publisher.

re: #47 doppelganglander

Oh, geez, that dope Frank Luntz is on again.

With his roomful of "undecided" fools who, of course, consistently pick the Obamessiah as the winner. (And as I recall, even when the room seemed to be favoring Palin in the VP debate, he kept asking the opinions of the ones who didn't prefer her...)

A waste. No change one way or another. Static format. Damn shame. Don't think anyone learned one single new thing from viewing this.

re: #61 Vet_Missing_Parts (1LT, Ret)

Luntz's focus group sucks. Major league.

I look forward to the day when I won't have to hear the name Frank Luntz. When I won't have to see his fat gut on my TV, and when I won't have to see or hear the idiots in his focus groups

Holy cats, McGovern is taking on the unions?

It's the Apocalypse!

How are the Cubs doing?

/Oh, wait ;)
*Hides from Mama Winger*

re: #78 Cognito

That sucks, but yeah.

oh no, I agree with cognito

re: #24 Brigman

no home run, but no errors. I think those who actually listen to the words will think John won, and those that simply like hearing Obama speak will think he won

Frank Luntz' group of moonbats seem to disagree. Sort of.

No homerun for McCain, however, he hit an RBI

re: #44 JacksonTn

The election will be won by Palin and blogs and shit coming out about The One and people just not trusting him enough to pull the lever for The One because I know it is not a nice thing to say but .............. he just does not seem to be FOR AMERICA or like most Americans

Like McCain said at the end, what I don't know is what everyone doesn't know ...what's going to happen in the future.

Sadly, I missed this debate. Had more pressing matters. But the instareaction appears that I didn't exactly miss much. I'm sure that the media will fill me in on all that I need to know - and who won...

Wow...George McGovern is doing ads for some group that opposes the "card check" deal for union elections.

I'm shocked.

Dude, did you just see the McGovern commercial on Fox? He just came out against the card check law. I can't believe I agree with George McGovern.

McCain hit a ground rule double with the bases loaded for me. FINALLY he got the point in about Obama getting all that money from Fannie and Freddie and that they started this fire.

Whilst I ponder this question, I can't help but think what an awful shame it is that McCain would be required to hit it out of the park on this, considering the undeniable hideousness of his opponent.

re: #89 lawhawk

Sadly, I missed this debate. Had more pressing matters. But the instareaction appears that I didn't exactly miss much. I'm sure that the media will fill me in on all that I need to know - and who won...

you saw the first debate, then you saw this one

re: #83 Shug
4 years ago the 'independents' all thought kerry won the debates.

re: #89 lawhawk

Sadly, I missed this debate. Had more pressing matters. But the instareaction appears that I didn't exactly miss much. I'm sure that the media will fill me in on all that I need to know - and who won...

Big yawnfest. McCain landed a few blows, but nothing like a knockout punch.

McCain didn't need to hit a homerun tonight.

Both candidates spouted talking points and campaign stump speeches although McCain showed a willingness to mix it up.

This debate won't change anything. McCain and Palin need to get back to ripping the hide off this anti-American radical pretending to be a moderate. It will work!

I learned nothing new in this debate. Brokaw stunk as a moderator and I wasted 90 minutes.

re: #67 Charles

I don't even want to say what I thought. This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment. I don't think he came off well.

I agree. I listened, didn't watch. McCain sounded nervous, at times he sounded like he was straining, like he wanted to get mad but was holding back. I don't know what the visuals were like.

I don't think this was McCain's best moment. But I had more than a few laughs from Obama so that's gotta help McCain.

The thinking man can't help but vote for McCain. Let's hope that more thinking men go to the polls in November than non-thinking men.

Horrid. Dreadful. McCain is not only unaware of Obama's history of suing Citibank claiming that the failure to loan to unqualified mortgage applicants was racist, he seems unaware that Obama had the opportunity, while on the banking subcommittee, to vote to reestablish loan credentials and failed to do so.

McCain was able to get Obama riled up. Unfortunately, he didn't push hard enough to make Obama explode on-stage.

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

Who's the bigger loser -- the loser, or the one who can't even spell "loser" properly? :D

Great. Time to gird up the loins to help save the Republic.

And all w/o the help of the top of the ticket.

Is it too late to put Palin on top of that team?

What is this economic crisis we are in, for the love of Pete? I was on the freeway today, it was so full of cars that I had to slow down to 55mph. Then I stopped at my bank, it was open. I got my cash and went to my well stocked grocery store and bought dinner. The food was cheap and abundant. I came home, the lights worked, and I had a place to pard.

Where are these horrible conditions that BHO spoke of?

re: #74 doriangrey

Put the crack pipe down and back slowly away from it....

What?! I did not insult you, sir. Why did you just insult me?

re: #26 bnichols10

Fox News is hammering McCain on his comments on buying up bad mortgages. I can't disagree with them...

Can't disagree with them? THAT position is EXACTLY the one that would make me vote Obama. Just to spite my fucking nose. How's THAT program going to work John? How does THAT fit into free enterprise?

Ugh.! Do i really HAVE to vote for this guy.

re: #92 LEGION

McCain hit a ground rule double with the bases loaded for me. FINALLY he got the point in about Obama getting all that money from Fannie and Freddie and that they started this fire.

At which point, I noticed, the focus of the "random" questions changed.

McCain brought up 0bama's connection to Fannie & Freddy- barry didn't even refute the money he's been given.

Unfortunately, it happened at the beginning of the debate and not many people will remember it, but to me, it signals the next salvo on barry's character. I expect ads to follow up.

I still think 0bama screwed the pooch on the Pakistan question, and I do think Americans will notice.

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

So, Obama looked like a tightener?

My man Mitt is on! This man should be Treasury secretary.

I'm just really concerned that somebody'd better have a picture of 0 with a goat.

re: #87 jetprop

No homerun for McCain, however, he hit an RBI

"RBI"? I'm not familiar with that TLA.

Frank Luntz just pissed me off. He asked his group of dumbasses who won the debate with a show of hands. 13 for Obama, at least 11 for McCain, but maybe more, couldn't tell, because Luntz was blocking the left third of the screen when he asked for McCain.

He called it for Obama. That looks more like a tie to me. Then he only asked questions from the Obama people.

Not saying he's biased, just saying he f'ed up.

McCain has aged alot lately and it shows. He rambles rather than speaks. He sounded like a broken record. Ugh.

Frank Luntz focus group says they liked that Obama says healthcare is a right?!

Give me a break...

Maybe McCain/Palin needs to educate Americans on what "rights" we are guaranteed in the Constitution.

Rights are not something that the gov't doles out...oops...sorry...forgot who was making that point.

McCain needs to learn how to get off a punchy line.

He should have said that Obama will meet with Ahmedinejad with fewer preconditions than he laid down for that debate.

i cant stand mcpain....but barry is marxist filth.....so...mcpain gets my vote

re: #67 Charles

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

Charles, you can't torment yourself over this. I know the polls aren't awesome right now and I know this debate was more of a tie. But the fact of the matter is in scary times like this the majority of the people are not going to punch that ballot for Obama. They're going to go for the known, not the unknown.

re: #67 Charles

Uh-oh. Not good.

(Why McCain doesn't kick it into high gear is beyond me. . .)

re: #68 DisturbedEma

I have never been so repulsed by a pol before. . .Obama is a snake! The smarm factor was sooooo distinctive, but I suppose that passes for charm some places. . .he did not answer a single question clearly, and he prefaced every answer with an attack. . .sheesh!

I only listened to the debate; I can't watch him, because I want to thrust my fist through the television.

Plus I grit my teeth whenever I hear "Pockeyston," "Tolleybahn" and my favorite, "tuh." Not "to," "tuh." I guess an Ivy League education doesn't buy you the ability to speak clearly.

AIG Draws Fire for Executives' $440,000 Post-Bailout Retreat at Posh California Resort

Put them in the stocks.

The Israel question is the only one where Mc Cain really hit a home run.

Phew! I got lost and couldn't get back on......and when I finally made it and tried to log back in, I got a blank page with the following message:

"eh?"

re: #102 Semper Gumbi

McCain was able to get Obama riled up. Unfortunately, he didn't push hard enough to make Obama explode on-stage.

I wanted that so badly! He could have done it effortlessly, without looking like a meanie, and Obama would have dropped to about 2% in the polls immediately. Mac is too damned nice and it's going to cost him the race if he doesn't get over it.

McCain fouled out.

Obama stole first, second, third and home.

Then lied that he hit a homer. Scumbag.

Fox News had some group question hand raise at the end and some douchebag said that 0bama answered more questions.......the debate I watched, 0bama didn't answer SEVERAL questions, where McCain didn't answer all, but more questions.....

Once a dolt, always a dolt.

re: #67 Charles

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

He doesn't have underlying principles in harmony with his emotions. He's your typical pragmatist, with a hodge-podge of unintegrated ideas. Palin, otoh, is in sync. She believes what she says.

Now, I think Obama is the same as McCain in that way. He's not emotionally invested in his rhetoric and it sounds mechanical, and a babbles a lot. He creates word salads.

In terms of ideas, McCain wasn't that great either. He was better than Obama, but that's not saying much.

Yeah, but the GOP didn't nominate Rudy or Mitt, and many of you here opposed them too for your variouis parochial reasons. Rudy or Mitt would have been all over O. They would have thrashed him.Why doen't McCain know how to attack a Democrat. It just doesn't sound natural.

Just cut Sarah loose, let her set the tone, and Obama may still lose.

re: #67 Charles

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

He looked out of breath and desperate. His hand gestures--palms up, moving his hand up and down--looked like begging. "My friends, my friends..." just kept sounding like someone begging to be heard. BO was the usual all style, no substance; he just mesmerizes the audience, so they don't listen to the words.

Ok, NBC is interviewing people (over the phone) in key states. One from Colorado and one from Virginia. Both supporting Obama. The dude from Colorado siad he was independent, but after this debate, he is leaning to Obama.

First off this Colorado guy sounded drunk. He said he can't get medical becuase of a pre-existing condition. Then he said he couldn't get a job. Talking head said that's "too bad" and went on to the woman in Virginia.

Well, gee, let's not ask the Colorado dude any probing questions. What can't you get a job? Hhy do you sound drunk (ok, maybe not)? Geeeessshhh... it sounded so set up.

re: #110 gmsc

So, Obama looked like a tightener?

Reverse threaded?

Lefty tighty, right loosey?

re: #79 NomadOfNorad

Loser rhymes with hoser.
/it should you louser/mouser.

re: #122 Ward Cleaver

AIG Draws Fire for Executives' $440,000 Post-Bailout Retreat at Posh California Resort

Put them in the stocks.

Work it off......
Cool Hand Luke style.

First 3/4: boring repetition of stump speeches...

Pakistan question - to McCain

Russia question - to McCain

Israel question - to McCain

Answers to the last question showed the true measure of each man:

Obama - it's all about Me, Me, Me; always has been - always will be.

McCain - it's all about my country; always has been - always will be.

In my little corner of the USA - no contest: country first.

re: #105 rawmuse

I happened across a 17-year-old grocery receipt the other day. Food prices really haven't changed much since 1991.

Which means they must have actually declined in real terms, due to inflation.

barry is so smooth...he's like dope....you feel good while its happening..but after a while...you realize you're still living your parents basement

"Good evening everyone, I'm glad you could make our SA meeting. Who would like to go first this evening?"

"Hello, my name is Barack and I am a socialist."

re: #34 Ward Cleaver

Only 30 minutes? I was ready to kill my computer.

re: #96 buzzsawmonkey

Big yawnfest. McCain landed a few blows, but nothing like a knockout punch.

So, that means that the NYT, CNN and other media outlets will crow that Obama crushed McCain again. Thanks. That's all I needed to know. /heh

re: #93 Magalaga Ding Dong

Whilst I ponder this question, I can't help but think what an awful shame it is that McCain would be required to hit it out of the park on this, considering the undeniable hideousness of his opponent.

Republicans are running against the MSM as well as the Democrats. Republicans always have to hit it out of the park.

That we win as often as we do with the scale of the opposition we face is a testament to how winnable our position is, if we but believe in it enough to stand up and fight for it.

Reagan's genius was in understanding that he did not need to run to the middle, but that he needed to make the middle run to him.

re: #100 ReneeJoy

I don't think this was McCain's best moment. But I had more than a few laughs from Obama so that's gotta help McCain.

I really don't think anyone is going to be deciding on their vote becuase one candidate was funnier than the other. Is that all you got out of the debate?

I'll try this again. A new thread comes up every time I post.

On a my 1-10 scale: JM - 7.5 BHO - 5.5

John didn't do what I was hoping he would do. He was better tonight, and certainly better than Barry, but I feel he came up short. Maybe the format didn't end up lending itself to the delivery of a knockout blow, but the reality here is that the punch just wasn't thrown. I will continue to support and help campaign for JM all the way to the election, but I sure wish he had taken on the socialist pretender full in the face. Sigh.

re: #69 Cognito

I asked you - two threads back - if I was reading you right, that you really dislike Obama?

mccain sounded kinda lame. i cant help but wonder if huckabee would have destroyed BHO

Clair McCaskel (sp?)

Cripes... she shouldn't even be in the senate. Her husbund won that race, she wasn't on the ticket.

*spit*

re: #137 tronix

barry is so smooth...he's like dope....you feel good while its happening..but after a while...you realize you're still living your parents basement

...and your only asset is your beer can collection

McCain didn't do his best but I still think he won. It really irks me that they expected he had to hit a "home Run." Obama is an empty suit who can only win by cheating in the battleground states. Something is wrong here.

It's over.

Hopefully Obama, Pelosi and Reid don't destroy us completely.

re: #136 Dar ul Harb

I should say, despite inflation.

Oh, how I despise my Senator, Claire McCaskill.

For those of you not from the Show-Me State, she ran as a bitter clinger, pro-life, pro-gun conservative Dem in 06. Snowed a lot of people, and beat an honorable conservative, Jim Talent.

Then she became an Obamaton.

Don't trust "conservative" Dems. Except for Liebermann, they've been hunted to extinction.

Claire wanted to make me puke......

re: #108 jwb7605

At which point, I noticed, the focus of the "random" questions changed.

You know, I was watching Fox just prior and the guy being interviewed was telling us how the ONLY person who know what was going to be asked was Brokow. The rest of the people who submitted questions didn't even know if they were going to be called upon. Well, honestly, i was pleasantly surprised that there were NO sniper shots by Brokow. If anything, I would argue that this was actually a fair playing field.

BREAKING NEWS!...Claire Mckaskill is FRIGID

I wish this would be settled by ideas and plans instead of grasping for the 4 sec sound bite.

Claire McCaskill? Why is it that every woman in the House and Senate has a room-temperature IQ? Surely Sarah Palin isn't the only intelligent woman in American politics.

Tom Brokaw asked garbarge quetions. This was not a town hall. Half the invitees should have been GOP and half dem, and they should have been randomly drawn. Each should have been assigned a random number and a fair lottery held as to who would ask the questions. Those who were selected should have been given at least six weeks to develop a list of 5 questions, in case others had already been asked.

And everyone should have been asked to develop questions that don't mirror the campaign speeches on the trail.

Oh, and every other question should have been asked by a person who affiliates with each party.

Brokaw was less effective than if he hadn't been there.

I gave the night to McCain on points, no KO. He did get around to mentioning Fannie/Freddie, but not enough repitition to drive the point home.

Buying up mortgages sounded a bit dumb. I can see how it might help, but if everyone decides to get their's negotiated down; talk about government intervention. What is it going to be, mortgages acquired w/in the last 10 years?, ARMs?, what?

Obama sounded more American tonight than I've ever heard him. Notice his multiple references to "last century" thinking as a way to play the age issue. He stumbled and stuttered less than usual but his answers were almost always pulled from inventory.

You know, I'm starting to feel like Ensign Pulver with Captain McCain keeping a muzzle and chain around the potted palm, Jeremiah Wright. I'm ready to march up to the bridge and throw it overboard. The MSM has already branded you and Sarah as racists. Not talking about Wright won't change their mind.

You had better have some dynamite stuff on Ayers, like proving he ghost wrote "Dreams of My Father", to provoke doubts about Obama. Right now, you haven't.

Obama was weak on foreign policy.

To continue with the sports metaphors, someone needs to inform the McCain campaign that trying to run out the clock when you're behind is not a winning strategy.

Looser,loser,louser.

McCain lost this one. Blew it big time. Didn't come out on the offensive.

re: #106 Dark_Falcon

What?! I did not insult you, sir. Why did you just insult me?

If you think cognito is any more capable of admitting when he is wrong then you haven't read enough of his posts. cognito is Dan Rather is a metaphorical statement, both cognito and Dan rather sold their souls to the MSM, they are as the saying goes cut from the exact same cloth. They are, if you will, the Boy's from Brazil.

Charles wrote:

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

I think he came off slightly better than Obama's and his content free answers but McCain needed to be aggressive and hammer that lying socialist jackass and he just didn't seem up for it. I wish Palin could have stood in for him - " Say it ain't so, O".

-Gallatin

Fuck it. Another thread up above, already. I give up.

/throws up hands, walks away

re: #121 shibumi

I only listened to the debate; I can't watch him, because I want to thrust my fist through the television.

Plus I grit my teeth whenever I hear "Pockeyston," "Tolleybahn" and my favorite, "tuh." Not "to," "tuh." I guess an Ivy League education doesn't buy you the ability to speak clearly.

I was really freaked out by the baby powder in his hair. . .weird like Gore's make up on 2000

John McCain needed to hit a home run tonight. Did he?

No, I'm sorry, will someone please publicly call Lord Obama a socialist? Americans, for the most part, understand that word and don't like it. Publicly calling Lord Obama a socialist would create a media frenzy, shake the race up.

/and it has the added benefit of being the hard core truth, otherwise, welcome to Europe

re: #157 really grumpy big dog Johnson

Brokaw was less effective than if he hadn't been there.

You mean like Congressmen?

Obama has the bigger hurdle to jump and I know that from talking to average people here in Illinois a state that Obama will take for sure.
People just don't trust him and know enough about him and tonight did nothing to change that.
Who says McCain had to hit it out of the park? I think Obama needed to and didn't.
When you have to fly through a storm who do you want for a pilot? The guy that just got his pilot license or the guy that's been flying for years?
It will boil down to that when people pull the lever.
Don't trust the polls.

Simply, no.

2 things:

1. 'Health care is a right'-0bama
This should frighten people, but it won't. Luntz's focus group is anecdotal proof of that.

2. I give McCain some credit for trying to nail him on a couple issues, perhaps the campaign trail will bear fruit in the next couple weeks. I hope next week's debate will not be the yawner this one was.

re: #146 Vet_Missing_Parts (1LT, Ret)

Clair McCaskel (sp?)

Cripes... she shouldn't even be in the senate. Her husbund won that race, she wasn't on the ticket.

*spit*

No, that was Carnahan who died, and his widow was named to the ticket, defeating Ashcroft. Talent defeated her after 2 years...then THIS horrible thing happened.

FUCK!

What was that? I thought the gloves were coming off?

I am so disappointed. It feels EXACTLY like it's 1996 and we have Dole being too goddamned nice. Another old outta touch Republican is what the sheep will see.

Barry needs a pop in the mouth! This is the most dangerous and unqualified person to ever run for POTUS and we have McCain just playing softball.

"no, don't wanna sound mean, don't wanna bring up the hard stuff."

We get it John. You have served this country. You have experience...no one, not even your detractors can deny that.

Rezko! Ayers! Wright!

over and over and over until the word gets out to thru the MSM filters.

Jesus I am so pissed off right now. That was 90 minutes of soft shit.

re: #51 Attaboid

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

Um... Did you mean "loser"? ... duh.

re: #67 Charles

I don't even want to say what I thought.

This was not John McCain's best moment. And he really needed a best moment.

I don't think he came off well.

Charles, some of us just pray about it and put it in God's hands.

It's not over yet.

re: #136 Dar ul Harb

I happened across a 17-year-old grocery receipt the other day. Food prices really haven't changed much since 1991.

Which means they must have actually declined in real terms, due to inflation.

Same here; I've noticed a small increase in a few staples (like milk) whose costs are directly tied to the spike in corn prices thanks to the ethanol boondoggle, and certain high-end "luxury" foods (imports and gourmet brands) have gone up, but most of the "standard" stuff I buy seems to have not changed that much.

I think a lot of the people who are whinging about their grocery bills are the type who are accustomed to shopping at places like Whole Foods Market or buying only the politically-correct "gourmet" brands.

re: #159 sngnsgt

Obama was weak on foreign policy.

Speaking from the stand point of ideas, he's weak on everything. This is what is disappointing. He's very easy to nail.

I couldn't get on to Lgf...(and I didn't watch the debate -- I can't stand obama -- i despise this person...) I listened to Glenn Beck instead...On Beck's program tonight was a feature about ACORN and how they round up fraudulent voters...and how Obama was ACORN's Lawyer -- giving ACORN people the pep talks and how to defraud elections...yeah, what else is new? And, it was noted that in a speech given to ACORN people, Obama stated how they were marching "arm in arm" together...I still cannot get over how this utter scumbag has a chance at becoming the POTUS...A liar, a fraud, a supporter of terrorists...

McCain came across as a dottering old fart and Obama as a slick inexperienced liar.

Neither was impressive on the economic crisis, but on balance McCain was a bit better because he articulated more of a plan.

To my horror McCain came across as weak on Israel, in that he said that China and Russia would prevent the US from striking Iran if Iran attacks Israel. Obama was actually stronger in his professed support, and it is only because I don't believe or trust him that I didn't give the debate to Obama right then and there.

I think McCain said everything he could and should say, but I don't think it had the desired effect.

I'll tell you one thing that drives me absolutely up the wall, is after these debates the inevitable "undecided" voter who says, "Well, I just felt like [name of Democratic candidate here] cares more about common people."

It also burns me up when the "undecided" voter says why they think the Democratic candidate did better, and the reasons happen to coincide with the current Democratic talking points.

re: #128 Archimedes

Obama seemed to have picked up on Palin's debate style and is using it on McCain.

re: #1 Jetpilot1101

I can't stand Mort the Dork. The man thinks that being right in the center of any argument is a virtue.

Anyhoo, McCain did well, but it was no home run. And Sheena was right, WTF is with putting homes that irresponsible buyers can't afford on OUR backs?

Obambi showed once again how he is entirely unqualified to lead a troop of girl scouts. But from what I can tell from Luntz, etc, his endlessly repetitive "the middle class is hurting" BS made the undecided fools think that he feels their pain.

effing politics...

Imma go play Dungeon Siege.....

re: #169 DM Glampers

This should frighten people, but it won't. Luntz's focus group is anecdotal proof of that.

That's the problem around populist statements - particularly when they are not aggressively countered by facts. Facts counter populist drivel.

This is starting to look more and more like 1976..........

The idiot quotient on this topic is appalling. We have the MCain looked like a looser crowd, and the McCain looked tired and old crowd.

The one person who looked uncertain and fragile was McCain's opponent.

I only really watched the last 15 minutes or so, which McCain won easily on substance, even though he was too laid back. The first 45 minutes were a total bore and I couldn't even pay close attention. I don't think many minds will get changed by this "discussion" tonight. My wife and I howled every time Barack said we must cut our oil consumption. We also howled when Barack answered the stupid "What don't you know?" question by saying, "Here's what I do know." Putz.

End result: No change in the dynamic.

I have to agree with Charles. I was disappointed, almost frightened to see Obama, the smooth but empty suit babbling what he thinks people want to hear, and 95 percent plus of the American people have no idea WHO that man is. McCain seemed almost incoherent at times, and he did look old and tired. This was not a good night for him.

I was also disappointed to learn that what was supposed to be a Town Hall meeting turned out instead to be just more of the same media-moderated garbage. The questioners might as well have been robots, and the questions were picked by an MSM talking head, not the participants. That made the whole thing, IMHO, meaningless and unfair to McCain since it let Obama stroll around looking cool and collected.

I don't think this "debate" will really have that much effect. The groundswell of criticism of Obama that was started by Sarah and picked up by McCain will only grow, and we have four weeks for the story of the "real" Obama to get out to voters, most of whom are only now beginning to pay attention.

One more note: I went to the Albuquerque West Side McCain office today to see what I could do. They had a phonebank setup with about 25 phones -- and not a single volunteer working. I spent a while talking with the campaign field manager, and she was frustrated that she is not getting volunteers. She told me that at the nearby Obama center the place is always filled with college students manning the phones. It was disturbing, but again I don't think phone calls from college kids are going to make the difference.

Biggest problem is that McCain won't support W where W has been right. 2003 W and SOT went to the Hill over Fannie and Freddie. McCain doesn't want to bring that up, and will only go back 2 years, which was probably already too late.

Ya know, if they can't come up with something new or hard hitting, then the debate defaults to style over substance.

re: #180 hepcat

Obama seemed to have picked up on Palin's debate style and is using it on McCain.

No. Obama doesn't at all come across with the fire and directness of Palin. Palin also has much more confidence, because she believes in her self.

Obama has the smooth voice and style, but he creates word salads that often don't have much meaning.

I think on substance McCain won big and acted presidential.

I was nervous in the beginning because HE was looking and sounding nervous. Luckily, though, 0bama sounded like crap for the most part.

McCain deserves kudos for socking it to The One on Fannie & Freddie. It amazed me Obama didn't refute it, as he loves to lie. Sadly, McCain didn't hit him as hard as we all would have liked.

Not a home run by any means, but a good solid double.

McCain & Palin have been firing their shots across the bow and it's resonating with people. "Drip, drip, drip" can work as well as a dramatic hammering. The key for them is to keep it up.

What's the story about the tortoise and the hare? Slow & steady wins the race . . .

/my 2 cents

re: #158 Billy Hank

Buying up mortgages sounded a bit dumb. I can see how it might help, but if everyone decides to get their's negotiated down; talk about government intervention. What is it going to be, mortgages acquired w/in the last 10 years?, ARMs?, what?

Whatever it is, if we're going to do it, IMO it should be limited only to those mortages which were taken out for a primary residence, and for which the mortgage holders can show continuous residency in the property from no longer than 30 days after the paperwork closed up to the present day. The "house flippers" can go hang.

re: #51 Attaboid

Actually McCain looked like a looser.

I'm amazed at the number of people who mis-spell the word "loser," as you did. I think that may be irony, but I'm unsure of the actual definition of that word.

I thought this was a lame debate.McCain allows Obama to lie about him with no rebuttal..."Bush's and Republicans fault for the economy" nothing from McCain about Frank Raines /Barney Franks/Chris Dodd/etc.
LAME Questions,except for Israel/Iran. McCain was just ok except for his closing statement. WISH SARAH COULD DEBATE OBAMA!

THe fat lady isn't singing.

Thankfully, Palin's in shape....and hopefully McCain can get there soon. Obama hasn't run away with this because he isn't what people really want.

What the EFF is a green job? I'm not uneducated, but I have never heard of a green job.

Health care is a right. In a nation as rich as the US, no one should be without health care.

McCain was a disappointment.

re: #178 sparrowlake

...To my horror McCain came across as weak on Israel, in that he said that China and Russia would prevent the US from striking Iran if Iran attacks Israel. Obama was actually stronger in his professed support, and it is only because I don't believe or trust him that I didn't give the debate to Obama right then and there.

Huh? I heard him say that we would step in to help Israel, without waiting for approval from anyone. Did I mis-hear?

re: #186 Ruthless

Your right, it was like the interviews they show on the nightly news, made to look random and on the street, but hand picked by the producer to say exactly what the network wants you to hear.

re: #194 Orangutan

THe fat lady isn't singing.

Thankfully, Palin's in shape....and hopefully McCain can get there soon. Obama hasn't run away with this because he isn't what people really want.

Palin is the x factor. How often is a vice presidential candidate so much more effective than the presidential candidate. That could be the ace in the hole for republicans.

I hope there's an October Surprise still coming that will bring Obama down. I saw tonight missed opportunities for the fighter pilot in McCain to rear its spirit, to have boomerang back to Obama his many lies and shifty past. For example, why didn't McCain bring up Obama's support for PLO operatives when the subject of Israel was raised? Or that he spent 20 years in an Israel bashing cult church? Or when speaking of the troops, why didn't McCain recall Obama's negative remarks about US soldiers -- how soldiers attacked civilians and raided villages? McCain needed to come out swinging like a prize fighter. What I saw was a couple good hits but mostly limp-wristed jabs. At no time did I throw a "yes!" fist in the air. And Obama still remains unexposed for the liar he is.

McCain was far too laid back. And I'm glad I wasn't playing the "my friends..." drinking game or I'd be in an ambulance right now.

He did a good job of pointing out the problems with Obama's policies, but he sounded like he was talking to a 8 year old. Policy wonks will nitpick it, but seems like a draw to Joe Six-Pack.

Palin probably ruined her motel room with a hockey stick yelling "Hit him already!"

re: #115 hepcat

McCain has aged alot lately and it shows. He rambles rather than speaks. He sounded like a broken record. Ugh.

He sounded tired and distracted at the beginning.... repeated himself too much. But i think somebody must have slipped him a RedBull about 1/3-1/2 way through because he tightned up and finished up strong.

I listened to it on the radio so YMMV.

Hey 3 wood, or any smart lizard:

How low can the market actually go, numbers wise? It can't go down to zero, because tens of millions of us have 401ks that "buy" shares for us every payday, and we're not getting out.

What's the worst "bottom" there could be?

Glenn Beck (or one of his guests) noted that there's a "tipping point" -- in that if you get enough people in a nation "hooked" on Socialist style handouts -- get enough of the people "on the dole" -- then you'll forever be getting more Socialists into power. Also, one of the reasons that ACORN is feeling so enpowered right now, is because they figure that Obama is going to become Prez, and once Obama is Prez, they'll be on easy street -- there will be no more prosecutions of ACORN fraud artists who are scamming up voters for Democrats...Obama will close his eyes..."What, ya mean ta say a single voter can't cast the multiple votes for the same candidate?! just what kind of a democracy is this in the Amerikka?!"

re: #195 lazydaisy

What the EFF is a green job? I'm not uneducated, but I have never heard of a green job.

An environmental wacko job. In this case it's a make work program, because it'd be paid for by the government, which means more taxes, less productivity and less jobs in the private sector.

McCain had the better and more substantive arguments, as well as the sharper attacks, but no, sadly, he didn't knock it out of the park.

I actually though Obama did better this time than last time, though he still lost this one handily.

Game changer? I don't think so, but I can't see this one having hurt McCain.

On Ayers, I just don't see how McCain could have worked that in without seeming like a total a-hole given the time constrained format.

He did make an allusion to (Biden's) hair transplants, and Obama even seemed to get it, but it probably went over the head of 99% of the audience.

McCain might have shoehorned Rezko in there when talking about housing, so that was a potentially missed opportunity.

re: #173 Ward Cleaver

Charles, some of us just pray about it and put it in God's hands.

AMEN back atcha... and an upding! :-)

re: #197 scratch

No, you got it right. And Obama never answered if he would support Israel without waiting for UN support.

I'm amazed people were looking for McCain to "hit a home run"

Seriously? That's what would change the hyperventilating over these polls in swing states? This debate went exactly like everyone KNEW it would, but wished it wouldn't.

The fight is out on the streets ... the lines have been drawn. This will be decided on the campaign trail.

You either want an dangerous moronic embarrassment like Barak Obama for a President, or you don't.

I sure as hell do not.

Lord help us if we get a Obama, Pelosi, Reid trifecta.

OT - before the debate my wife and I went out to eat - Japanese...
Two liberal couples were there and just started railing on Republicans, loud and obnoxious.
my wife kept me settled - through how NPR was the best news source, McCain crashed every plane he was in and how stupid he was, just on and on....and one son of a bitch just kept getting louder and louder.
Finally he said that Palin appealed only to stupid uneducated housewives and his abused looking wife tried to laugh.
that was enough, and I called him out. He bowed up in his chair and started rambling about his first amendment rights.
I walked over and said the only problem with first amendment rights is when conceited liberal assholes think it gives them the right to get in everyone's personal space. They make the 1st amendment bigger and bigger and bigger into a bullshit bubble until it hits the 2nd amendment. And when that happens, the 2nd amendment pops the 1st amendment loud and quickly.
I opened my jacket and let him catch a glimpse of my .38.

He and his friends then left quickly. My wife and I enjoyed our dinner as others came by and shook my hand.

sorry, but I'm tired of those assholes.

back to the debate stuff...

re: #210 iceman1960

Lord help us if we get a Obama, Pelosi, Reid trifecta.

Talk about Hell on Earth....

re: #146 Vet_Missing_Parts (1LT, Ret)

Clair McCaskel (sp?)

Cripes... she shouldn't even be in the senate. Her husbund won that race, she wasn't on the ticket.

*spit*

You are thinking about Jean Carnahan a few years ago. Jim Talent beat her and McCaskill beat him last cycle. Interesting how these people can turn into such liars when they get to Washington.

re: #210 iceman1960

Exactly right! I've been screaming that McCain / Palin need to remind people of just who the fuck would be running this country if the elect O'bambi. Pelosi and Reid are even deeper in the public approval shitter than Bush and they will have carte blanche. Where is the mention of little details like the union card check law they want to pass? And the unfairness doctrine? And a million other ways that they will screw this country beyond anything a full scale nuke attack by Putin could ever do?

I disagree with the premise that McCain needed a home run. It would have been nice, but it isn't necessary. Just keep Palin pounding Obama and produce a few could spots, and he'll get momentum back.

re: #102 Semper Gumbi

McCain had a similar opportunity in the first debate to push OB over the edge, but he missed that as well. Senatorial debating is collegial, meaning PC.

We live in an age of the glossy, superficial rock stars. Undecided people are vastly overrated, but in a close election, we follow that "manifest destiny".

Hope it rains on election day.

One caveat, McCain spoke nothing of Ayers, but the media sure picked it up.

Fellow Lizards - nobody is more nauseated and horrified at the prospect of an Obama presidency than I am, and I will try to be cheered by those of you who think McCain did well in this debate. In truth, though, I can't pretend that tonight was anything but a disaster. To me, even though McCain was right most of the time, he sounded bumbling and unfocused in much of what he was trying to say - and was breathing hard and looking so nervous at some points that I feared he might be about to have a heart attack.

The problem is that when it comes to many genuine conservative principles - taxes, regulation, environment, monetary policy, even social programs - McCain is not a true believer, and never has been. That's why he couldn't counter Obama's lying idiocy about deregulation as the cause of the financial crisis; couldn't plainly make the case that nuclear and petroleum are vastly superior sources of energy to the "alternative fuels" pipe dream; couldn't effectively dent Obama's bogus promise of a tax cut for 95% of working Americans; and still couldn't get it straight that Reagan's mistake in Beirut was not going there in the first place, but turning tail and running after the Marine barracks bombing.

The scenario for the coming weeks is rapidly moving from unpleasant to infuriating to downright terrifying: Economic crisis, big Democrat presidential mandate, potentially filibuster-proof Democrat majority in Congress, instability overseas. Get ready for the Second New Deal.

And nuclear war with Iran.

I've always been a huge optimist about this country, and I think if we survived Carter during some very difficult years for conservatives, we can survive anything. But I'm about to the point where I just want to move to Alaska and cling to my gun.

Wise counsel, anyone?

re: #184 really grumpy big dog Johnson

The idiot quotient on this topic is appalling. We have the MCain looked like a looser crowd, and the McCain looked tired and old crowd.

The one person who looked uncertain and fragile was McCain's opponent.

Que?

McCain does get major style points for his little mic-drop after each answer.

#211

In some states what you say you did is a crime. It's called brandishing. Be careful.

Hopefully no one will think I am trolling here, but I have to agree with much of what has already been said. McCain blew a great chance to point out the flaws in the Ones carefully created veneer and really show who is behind the curtain. He failed to deliver.

McCain wins on points but he needed a blowout to shift the momentum.

re: #211 nightintheruts

What state do you live in?

McCain a triple, Obama a double.

Obama is so smooth that he can say one thing, contradict it in the next sentence and make it sound good. McCain had him on the ropes but didn't go for the knockout.

For example, the part when Obama interrupted and started a speech, McCain should not have said anything. He should have let Brokaw *have* to restore order. Then McCain could have pointed out that this was a good example of how the President of the United States must be able to operate within the rules.

When Obama talked about invading Pakistan, McCain should have pointed out that "invading or threatening to invade a country who is our ally is not the way to make friends in the world. I think a lot of people at home who are your supporters Senator Obama would be pretty angry with you. I don't think widening the war will bring the troops home faster."

But then, I'm not running for anything and I'd do a pretty bad job against a smooth lawyer like Obama.

- sk

re: #217 spynverzyon

wise counsel?...TAKE ANOTHER HIT, BROTHER....you seem to be in need

re: #195 lazydaisy

What the EFF is a green job? I'm not uneducated, but I have never heard of a green job.

Imaginary employment in an imaginary "environmentally friendly" industry.

Either that or somebody who mixes green paint at Home Depot.

re: #196 So?

Health care is a right. In a nation as rich as the US, no one should be without health care.

McCain was a disappointment.

I'm sure every medical student will be thrilled to hear that it is your right to their services.

re: #201 Cold Rage

Palin probably ruined her motel room with a hockey stick yelling "Hit him already!"

ROFLMAO!

I think McCain did very well and I disagree with the premise of needing to hit a home run. Following Palin's debate,we are seeing closing in the polls, at least the ones that are not 50/39 dem/repub ratios. He needed to resonate with the voters and reassure them that in a dangerous time, he is the experienced leader. His close was especially strong in that respect and he handed Obama his head on foreign policy.

You are not going to knock out a smooth talker. You have to remind them of his lack of experience and chip away at him.

re: #222 spynverzyon

a red one = )

why do you ask?

re: #178 sparrowlake

...To my horror McCain came across as weak on Israel, in that he said that China and Russia would prevent the US from striking Iran if Iran attacks Israel. Obama was actually stronger in his professed support, and it is only because I don't believe or trust him that I didn't give the debate to Obama right then and there.

Huh? I heard him say that we would step in to help Israel, without waiting for approval from anyone. Did I mis-hear?

McCain said that he would act without waiting for the UN, and I think his final statement was meant to say that there would be little point in waiting for the UN because Russia and China would veto any action. It was a bit garbled, but at least I think that's what he was saying...

Wish I could hang out here a while and read the comments but I can't tonight. I thought Obama bumbled and lied and obfuscated but McCain bumbled worse and the fact that he didn't lie will be lost on the vast majority of viewers and voters.

BUT

It's not over until the last vote is counted. A lot can happen in four weeks.

re: #177 J.S.

I couldn't get onto LGF, but also watched Glenn Beck, and feel the same way you do. I have yet to watch a Presidential debate since what I think was the first on TV..President Kennedy vs. Richard Nixon.

I already know who I am voting for, and the debates have turned into 'he said, he said', and in the case of Gov Polin and the idiot savant, Biden, 'she said, he said'.

I feel that Obama is a clear and present danger to our country, and will never, ever understand how he was selected by the Demonrats...they had 2 terrible choices, and I never thought I would live to say that Shrillary would have been less of a danger than the Manchurian candidate...but yes, I just said it.

She would have lost, but that is neither here nor there. I am not happy with Sen. McCain, but would vote for him in a nano second..actually I did today, absentee.

Now? All I can do is sit and pray that Obama really mucks up, and that in addition information that has been verified irrefutably will be revealed, and make his election impossible.

Where is the pressure to reveal his health records, and also his records from Columbia? He is pulling a Hillary on the university records, and getting away with it.

The only thing that makes me laugh now is my 3 little grandkids, but there are also tears involved, when I think of what a President Obamination will mean to their lives and to my kids.

It is 4 weeks until the election, and I have never in my life been this worried.

The wart-mole was not even visible tonight.

Usually it grows during the day, and shrinks back in the morning.

Pinocchio would be so lucky.

Makeup, makeup, stat.

This debate was a tactic in McCain's campaign strategy. It's a "long war" strategy, and what matters is how it ends. As you all might recall, Obama doesn't know the difference between strategy and tactics.

As I see it, this phase of the campaign is about making Obama play defense. That's what I saw tonight. It worked out great. Obama was having to defend himself all night. Well, when he wasn't agreeing with McCain, that is.

McCain, I thought, mostly answered questions. Mostly. Obama skirted 'em.

I also noted his dropping of the "g"'s all the time, pandering to the southern audience. McCain sounded like he always does.

Commodity healthcare? WTF? A commodity is like, say, wheat or natural gas: everything is the same. Do you want the same healthcare from every doctor? Really? America is where the wealthy from the world over go to to ESCAPE commodity healthcare! Sheesh. Healthcare as a RIGHT? Ask yourself who provides the service. If it's a right, then it should obtain from nature just as, say, an apple falls from the ground for the animals to pick up. (This gets in my craw, not the apple, the idea, being a Canadian notwithstanding!) I wish Ayn Rand were still around to teach these goobers about rights and from where they arise. John Galt's speech should be required reading every year from the 7th grade until graduation from university.

And, clearly, Brokaw knows nothing of "Zen".

re: #196 So?

Health care is a right. In a nation as rich as the US, no one should be without health care.

McCain was a disappointment.

Move to the UK or Canada and enjoy their appalling "right."

#196

Bullshit sir. You have no understanding what constitutes a right.
Defect to Canada.

I sure am glad all we have to do is get that Bin Laden guy and the war is over. If we find his rotting corpse is it still Bushs' fault we are still at war?

The wart-mole was not even visible tonight.
Usually it grows during the day, and shrinks back in the morning.
Pinocchio would be so lucky.

Makeup, makeup, stat.

My wife thinks that Obie had less of the fake grey-hair thing around the temples going on than he has had lately.

Scuse me, Barry, Americans pronounce it "Pakistan". Phonics be your friend.

[Link: blogs.abcnews.com...]

I found the URL -- Shelly Mandel, LA Pres of NOW, has glowing words for Palin.

Thank you Ms. Mandel.

"Shelly Mandell, the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women introduced Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin over the weekend in California, speaking not on behalf of NOW but "as an individual, as a woman's rights activist for 30 years who has worked for all those years to see this day."

Going through her feminist bona fides -- the International Women's Year, the Equal Rights Amendment, Geraldine Ferraro -- Mandell said she is "proud to support Sarah Palin, a woman who will fight for women's rights ... a woman who will, Lord knows, shake things up."

"Make no mistake," Mandell said. "I'm a life-long Democrat ... I don't agree with Gov. Palin on several issues." And yet, she said, "I know Sarah Palin cares about women’s rights, she cares about equality, she cares about equal pay, and as Vice President she will fight for it. She cares about our children and she cares about women's lives. She's an athlete and she knows what Title Nine did for girls like her."

"It is an honor to call her sister," Mandell said as she handed the microphone over to Palin, who would accuse Sen. Barack Obama, D-Ill., of "palling around with terrorists."

“America," Mandell said, "this is what a feminist looks like."

If I hear one more Democrat talk about mom and dad sitting at the kitchen table, wondering how they are going to pay for John's knee and Mary's college, I am going to puke.

Obama now must go into the hospital for nose reduction surgery before the next debate.

McCain just needs a transfusion of Palin's type.

Hey, Barry, introduce Mom and Dad and fricking John and Mary to your money pal, Tony Rezko - he got you a deal on your house and bought that yard for you - maybe he can help them. Or redirect some of those millions you helped Bill Ayers give away to socialist groups in Chicago.

re: #234 Chris in Toronto

This debate was a tactic in McCain's campaign strategy. It's a "long war" strategy, and what matters is how it ends. As you all might recall, Obama doesn't know the difference between strategy and tactics.

As I see it, this phase of the campaign is about making Obama play defense. That's what I saw tonight. It worked out great. Obama was having to defend himself all night. Well, when he wasn't agreeing with McCain, that is.

I agree.

Obama is a target rich environment all by himself for a million jabs/shots at him.

If they're all delivered at once, he could recover from them.

I think it's better to draw the agony out (which is happening daily now.)

I'm voting for McCain, but he really did suck bad. I'm starting to think he's pro-life because this was certainly an abortion of a performance.

What the hell was he thinking with another $300 bln program to bail out people who bit off more than they could chew? Didn't they just pass a $800 bln bailout last week? Didn't we just bail out FNM/FRE to the tune of $200 bln? Didn't we just bailout AIG for $85 bln?

We're going MUCH MUCH lower on the market tomorrow. This was McCain's chance and he f*cked it up.

all we saw was Obama use buzzwords
he seemed very ill at ease
and if you put a psy-op in front of the video
you'd be told how uncomfortable he was
and how he felt inside that everything he himself said was a lie

McCain did not hit a home run
but he scored points on almost every question/rebuttal

Obama simply was overmatched
but McCain missed some good points

for instance, and why the fuck am I the ONLY PERSON to say this:

ok, say we used all our resources to get Bin Laden
then we let Saddam have Kuwait and then Saudi Arabia (remember kids, he had hundreds of tanks on the border if we did not move against him in 1991 and would have again) and control what, 40% of the oil in the world ?

one goat fucker
40% of the worlds oil

how fucking easy is that John McCain ?
say it goddam it

and if we got Bin Laden
how much terrorism is gonna stop ?

re: #189 Archimedes

No. Obama doesn't at all come across with the fire and directness of Palin. Palin also has much more confidence, because she believes in her self.

Obama has the smooth voice and style, but he creates word salads that often don't have much meaning.

That's perfect for a public that's captivated by crap.

Obama makes it up as he goes with foreign policy. A few canned lines and some fill-in patter.

McCain speaks from knowledge and experience on foreign policy and has a lot of depth and wisdom.

Keep both of them away from my wallet.

re: #235 Catttt

Move to the UK or Canada and enjoy their appalling "right."

Agree with you, Catttt.

Also, "So?", health care is already a right in today's America. Access to health care is already a right. Free health care for some, paid for by others, is not yet a right.

"If you think health care is expensive, just wait until it's free."

-P.J. O'Rourke

re: #241 Catttt

If I hear one more Democrat talk about mom and dad sitting at the kitchen table, wondering how they are going to pay for John's knee and Mary's college, I am going to puke.

Democrats live and breathe anecdotes (usually about families with two parents working 20 jobs each and no health care.)

Obama has even derided McCain for not living and breathing anecdotes himself. These anecdotes are emotional whining and say nothing about a country of 300 million people.

They got the idea of anecdotes from inspiring stories of people who have worked hard and done something special, but it's turned into "Here's another family that thinks America sucks."

It's not meant to inspire. It's meant to turn people against America.

It makes me want to puke, too.

One of these fine days, I’ll refine my essay on “Health Care in America from a Personal Perspective”, but tonight is not the night. I’ve been too blown over with the debate and choking on having sunshine blown up my a$$ to even get into that. I watched the entire debate, and think because I did I must be one of those masochists that enjoy sticking toothpicks in their eyes. McCain came out ahead, but neither candidate gives me that “warm and fuzzy”.

Enjoying, anyhow, a lovely cool Carolina evening. Thanks for listening to Grandma.

re: #217 spynverzyon

I just want to move to Alaska and cling to my gun.

Make that guns! Sounds like fun.

I actually thought Brokaw's add-ons were pretty good.
I think that if people were paying attention, McCain made headway with them. If they weren't but were looking for entertainment instead, it was a tie.
I think it would be tough to go for the jugular in a town hall type format.

Obama 'won'.

Meaning his answers were practised, sure and focus-grouped to be on-message.

John McCain 'lost', meaning his presentation was not as sick-making and his answers were those of a man with nearly forty years of experience who knows exactly what the fuck he's talking about.

Irritating.

re: #196 So?

Health care is a right. In a nation as rich as the US, no one should be without health care.

McCain was a disappointment.

No, health care is not a right. If you believe that, then you believe you own the time and effort of others. Nobody does. Individual Rights mean that each man is left free to pursue his life and happiness. When you *force* others, you are violating those rights.

And, to be sure, in a free country, with a truly free market you'd get truly universal health care of the highest quality and at reasonable cost (and it'd continually improve as free markets do). Whereas under socialized medicine people get cut off, quality is bad, and it doesn't get better. So, from both a moral and a practical standpoint the idea "health care is a right" incorrect.

re: #252 grandma

Which Carolina are you in grandma?

re: #196 So?

Health care is a right. In a nation as rich as the US, no one should be without health care.

Healthcare is not a right.

Grow up.

I thought McCain look shakey and tired tonight. He tried to hammer Obama at the beginning but to me, it looked contrived, like he knew he had to score some points against Obama but wandered away from the questions while doing so. I'm a McCain supporter but I think the average undecided voter would not be impressed with him tonight. Obama, despite obfuscating as usual, seemed confident and in control. Damn, John, do better next time.

Allow me to propose a tag-team format, in which the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates all appear together to duke it out.

re: #248 Who Watches the Watchmen?

That's perfect for a public that's captivated by crap.

Tell me about it.

re: #246 Adrenalyn

ok, say we used all our resources to get Bin Laden
then we let Saddam have Kuwait and then Saudi Arabia (remember kids, he had hundreds of tanks on the border if we did not move against him in 1991 and would have again) and control what, 40% of the oil in the world ?

John Kerry used to say in 2004 that everything would be solved if only the U.S. found Osama bin Laden, too.

The idea is to stop America from defending herself by giving America other things that to do first. It amounts to this attitude: "Before we go after terrorists, we should spend the next 50 years hunting down Osama bin Laden and/or his grave so that we can prove we got him while the entire world goes to hell around us."

They want the U.S. to refuse to do anything until this one task is done because they don't want the U.S. to go to war AT ALL. The left always, always, always wants the U.S. to appear to lose wars so that the U.S. won't be tempted to fight in them anymore.

If Osama bin Laden knew that the U.S. was going to invest absolutely everything into finding him until the end of time, he would kill himself and have his body cremated so that America could never be able to win at this one sole task (which would suit the Democrats just fine.)

It's an awful thing to understand how the left thinks (and I think it's a difficult thing to try to explain in a debate.)

re: #87 jetprop

No homerun for McCain, however, he hit an RBI

Would it be too much to ask for a little fire from McCain? Good grief. Borrriiiiing.

re: #257 legalpad

That would be "South". I'm a recently, recovering, relocated, transplant from NJ.

no

If McCain wins this election, it will be in spite of himself. He blew his opportunity tonight to demonstrate how Canadian/European/Venezuelan Obama's ideas are, and how proudly, uniquely American his ideas are. He's a communications failure because he's too nice a guy. And to let the Ayers connection slip by without comment, buying the "guilt by association" nonsense argument, is simply dereliction of duty and political suicide.

re: #229 nightintheruts

It gives me hope that there's still a state where you can brandish a firearm in public (and shut up an obnoxious lib!) without attracting a plague of lawyers.

ok, the Adrenalyn take on health care being a right

if health care is a "right"
then how about a car, I mean you need fucking transportation to get to the goddam doctor

how about food ?
we all gotta eat, feed me dammit, evil whitey

how about housing
FUCK !
they just got me on that one

ok, I quit, we're all fucked

well, I got 2 out of three at least
that's 66%
almost a failing grade
but it still is passing

re: #262 Adina in Judea

I have heard of no evidence that Bin Laden is alive.