First thoughts: A shift toward Obama

Posted: Monday, September 29, 2008 9:31 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
*** A shift towards Obama: As the slew of recent national and state polls suggest, our new map reflects a shift in Obama's direction. Four new states have been added to our Toss-up category: three red states (Florida, Indiana, and North Carolina) and one blue state (Pennsylvania). This gives Obama a 212-174 edge, after his more narrow 233-227 lead last week. What's interesting about these shifts is that while Obama is showing an improvement in fast-growing states (CO, FL, NV, NC, VA), he can't seem to put away the Northern tier states of slow-growing states (MI, PA, WI) or make progress in what some believe is still the all-important state of OH. BTW, how is it that, nationally, Obama's numbers are going up but he's struggling in big states like MI, PA and OH? Is this about Obama's inability to make the sale with older white voters? If he can change the electorates in these Southern and Western states, he can afford to lose two of those three industrial states, but it puts more pressure on him to win two of the following three: FL, NC and VA.

Likely Obama: CA, CT, DE, DC, HI, IL, ME, MD, MA, NY, RI, VT (157 electoral votes)
Lean Obama: IA, MN, NJ, NM OR, WA (55 votes)
Toss-up: CO, FL, IN, MI, NV, NH, NC, OH, PA, VA, WI (152 votes)
Lean McCain: MO, MT (14 votes)
Likely McCain: AL, AK, AZ, AR, GA, ID, KS, KY, LA, MS, NE, ND, OK, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, WV, WY (160 votes)

*** Hoosier toss-up: The most surprising move in our map is Indiana, a state that no one believed was a new battleground -- even when Obama's team was first laying out its 25-30 state strategy. Indiana, in fact, is probably the surprise of the cycle. It's a state that probably is somewhere BETWEEN Lean McCain and Toss-up, but because the state's poll numbers look more like a Toss-up state than a Lean McCain state, we're tipping it into the Toss-up category for now, especially since the RNC has decided to ad the state to its TV buy list.

*** Could election night end at midnight: With the Toss-up list expanding at this point in the campaign, it gives the opportunity for either candidate to end up winning somewhat comfortably in the Electoral College. In the last two elections, the candidates basically split the final Toss-up states in half. Two weeks ago, we appeared to be on a similar trajectory. Today, that doesn't seem to be the case. The one thing the public may have learned about the candidates is that the two have VERY divergent worldviews. There's a bright line between these two candidates; it's not a case where both are trying to blur their views.

*** Bill is back … back again … Bill is back … tell a friend:

The 42nd president did it again: He's put into doubt how much he really supports Obama. His non-response about whether Obama -- like McCain -- was a "great man" made some wonder if Meet The Press was running the Darrell Hammond SNL parody yesterday rather than the actual Bill Clinton. Seriously, watch Hammond and Clinton side-by-side on the issue of Obama, you can't make it up.

*** Losing the mo’: At the end of August, it appeared McCain had the momentum in the presidential race. And a month later? Well, just look at today’s rough day for McCain in the op-ed pages. Left-leaning EJ Dionne declares that the Arizona senator lost the month of September; Paul Krugman (normally left-leaning but hardly an Obama fan) writes that McCain “scares me” if the next president has to answer a 3:00 am phone call on the economy; Fareed Zakaria bluntly says that Palin isn’t qualified to be VP; and even McCain friend Bill Kristol admits that McCain “is on course to lose the presidential election.” So how does McCain get his groove back? Whenever the pressure's been on McCain to change the trajectory of the race, he's figured out a way -- so get ready for a wild week. We're guessing lots of stuff is going to get thrown on the wall to see what sticks. Kristol, perhaps the most listened to of the McCain backseat drivers, even suggests (among other things) playing the Jeremiah Wright card.

*** Do we have a winner? On Friday night, it wasn't clear who won the debate. For as many people who thought McCain won, there was a smart analyst who picked Obama. But three days later, it's McCain -- as we mention above -- who’s dealing with how-does-he-turn-things-around? stories, not Obama. And it's Obama who is receiving a poll bump. We're not fans of insta-debate polls, nor weekend tracking polls. But every single one of them shows movement in Obama’s direction. Could it be that voters were judging Friday night's debate in the is-he-ready? prism? It's the most logical explanation for the Obama bump, even when arguably, on a point-by-point scoring system, McCain may have gotten the best of Obama on debate night.

*** It's Palin's week, we're just lucky to cover it: Palin's political future is on the line this week. This isn't about Palin performing well enough at the debate to stop the conservative chattering class from wringing its hands; this is about Palin's future national prospects period. Three weeks ago, she was being called the next Reagan. Now the campaign would be satisfied if she could at least be compared favorably to Quayle. But those are "treading water' expectations.

Video: With Obama and McCain having tussled over economic and foreign policy in their first debate, Sarah Palin now faces scrutiny for her grasp of the same issues in her upcoming forum with Joe Biden. NBC's Andrea Mitchell reports.

If she's got true ambition to be the future leader of the Republican Party, she's got to pull out of this perception tailspin and fast. Perhaps it is getting close to being too late: With SNL, Tina Fey, and now the conservative elites, the concrete is drying around Palin's feet. The good news for her is that a record number of people apparently want to watch her debate Joe Biden. She'll have a good chunk of folks watching the debate who are downright rooting for her to not to screw up. A poor performance at the debate and not only will Palin start becoming a true liability for the McCain campaign, she'll damage her ability to transition into a national leader.

*** Four out of five experts agree…: Whatever happens Thursday, you'll know it's a good night for her if a viewer can easily ascertain an issue Palin appears to be an expert on. The campaign wants her to be the energy person, but they've actually done little to reinforce her credentials. She hasn't spent time at key energy symbols (oil rigs, nuclear plants etc.), nor has she spent time with energy reporters. Today is only a taste of the Palin backseat driving the campaign is going to be dealing with in the run-up to Thursday.

*** On the trail: McCain and Palin hold a rally in Columbus, OH. Obama campaigns in Denver, CO. And Biden is down in Wilmington, DE.

Countdown to the vice presidential debate: 3 days
Countdown to the second presidential debate 8 days
Countdown to the third presidential debate: 16 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 36 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 113 days

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Comments

From the debate Friday, I hope to read many comments today form Barack supporters on McCain saying he did not believe he was experienced enough, nor had the good judgment to be President. This left a lasting negative impression with me. The Obama campaign needs to attack this fully. This leaves an opening for Barack to counter attack.

Chuck, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:38 AM)

For one thing:

McCain stated that the fundamentals of the economy were strong, then he reversed himself when the poll numbers were bad for him and suspended his campaign. He got into a photo op, which was destructive for the negotiations, so after the debate he stayed at his Virginia headquarters and made phone calls from there.

Obama has been speaking to Paulson and congressional negotiators every days for a couple of weeks, calling them several times every day behind the scenes. As soon as the Paulson plan was announced, Obama announced a series of principles which should be incorporated into the bill, and they were included.

So who has helped the negotiations? Who understood what needed to be done? And who flailed around in public to try to get attention for themselves?

Mia in Miami (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:40 AM)

What a joy. Not only is my 401K vaporizing in front of my eyes, but now my congress just put me on the hook for bailng out the people that caused the problem in the first place.

Call Me Happy (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:44 AM)

Yeah, a record number of people will watch the Palin/Biden debate, many of us want to see the final nail in her political coffin get hammered home.
Sarah has shown time and time again that she is a light weight that is in over her head.
Should be fun watching this bad choice get worse.

John Alexander,PA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

When the going gets tough, the tough suspend their campaigns.

Then they threaten not to debate unless legislation is passed and debate even though the legislation is not passed.

Finally, they are afraid to even look at their opponent during a debate.

what do the weak do?

ted, New York, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:45 AM)

I have nothing to say to someone like that snot nose. Who would? Has he been a Peeee OH DoubleU? I think not. So don't give me crap about it. I don't intend to pay attention to anybody for the the next four years. That's right John Q Public that means you, too. If you want a conversation you can look up my bar b que recipes. You just don't understand.

navy ball cap (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:46 AM)

I can't wait for my taxes to go up to help out all these failing banks. Those people that bought half million dollar homes with an $80K income, they deserve my tax dollar too. Me? I lived within in my means. Saved 10% of my paycheck, gave another 10% to my church. What a fool I've been.

Cat Food Tastes Good (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:47 AM)

I believe the more the candidates share their views in an in-depth manner, the more the American people will see whether the investment of their candidacy lies with special interests that support their party's views or the interests of the American people in the 21st century, in a pivotal time in American history where change is needed for our nation and our planet that lies in peril. Our vote is how we can take our country back. I believe the polls are showing the direction the country is headed because there exists a deep need in our country to do so.

Si9, Miami, Florida (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:47 AM)

I so hope America gets it and will vote Obama on November 4th. I live in Louisiana and unfortunately, racisim is alive and well here. But I think there might be a hidden vote for Obama that the pollsters have not considered; those who are tired of struggling and want a President they feel will advocate for the middle class ( Obama), but are afraid to admit to backwoods family and friends that they are going to vote for the first Afican American for POTUS, I talked to just such a person last week, She stated, " I have always been Republican, as has my family, but I'm voting for Obama becaue I can't buy gas or groceries. But I'm not telling any of my family that."

Cindi in Louisiana (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:48 AM)

so what happened to bill clintons saying after the meeting in harlem that he would be on the campaign trail on the 29th ( today) . perhaps , with friends like him the obama people feel they don't need any more enemies and are saying " thank you but no thank you"

LN, NM (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:48 AM)

Obama cannot afford to lose two of those three rust belt states, but there's no way he will. He'll carry PA and MI, and then Ohio doesn't matter. He'll carry Colorado, New Mexico, Iowa and probably Nevada, maybe Virginia ... Obama might win in Florida and Ohio, but he won't need either one of them - thank goodness.

A western view (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:49 AM)

Bill Clinton really should (metaphorically speaking) taken out and (politically) shot. What a selfish, impudent punk. Obama did very well in the primaries running AGAINST him and I wonder whether he shouldn't do it again. Obama cost Bill $20MM as well as his enormous ego. Bill C was an 'average' president, at very best.

iowan (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

How could anybody, regardless of Party, vote to put Sarah Palin in the White House? Why is that even an option?

Nashville_fan (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

Debating the debates: I thought Obama was the clear winner, though granted that's coming from someone who is backing Obama. But I do try to watch those things objectively. Whether or not I'm successful at that, well, I think so, lol.

And I differ from the pundits who say McCain sounded well informed. Exactly which answer were you guys getting that from?

Yes, he's traveled a lot and he's met a lot of people. He also screwed up two of the six or seven names he dropped.

But more importantly, can anyone watching that debate honestly tell me it gave any insight into McCain's foreign policy vision?

We did get an insight into Obama's vision. He wants to get us back to a foreign policy that is more pragmatic and less antagonistic. One that tries to lead through reason rather than billigerence. And, of course, regarding al Qaeda... one that wants to focus on al Qaeda by actually focusing on al Qaeda.

But what's McCain's vision. He's traveled a lot and he wants us to believe Obama "doesn't understand" McCain's positions. But what exactly those positions are, I don't think McCain ever said.

Obama did miss a couple great debate points, I believe. For instance, he should have said, "John, as you often have throughout your career, you can't seem to get that when people don't agree with you, its not because they don't understand your points - its because they do understand them, and still don't agree."

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:50 AM)

THINK HISTORY. MCCAIN WAS COUNTED OUT OF THE NOMINATION PRIMARY. MCCAIN IS THE 'REAL' COMEBACK CANDIDATE.
.

McCain Will Make A Comeback to WIN ! (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

It's good to see that the polls show that Obama won the first debate and that the Dumb and Dumber ticket is in panic mode. I think middle class Americans saw who was providing real leadership the past two weeks and that's Obama. They saw through the petty partisan political gimmicks of "Desperate" McCain.

Now we'll get some comedic relief on Thursday night as a whole lot of Democrats are going to watch "Sinner" Sarah do her airhead act on national tv and there'll be no editing to save her from her silly answers. Going to be a lot of laughs debate night as we watch the Dumb and Dumber ticket self destruct. Plus she'll provide more material for Tina Fey to show us the real action doll bozo.

Yup we should know that Obama is the winner early on Election Eve. Going to be fun watching the repugnant ones cry their eyes out when they lose big.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

McCain was a rude, cranky man at the debate. He interrupted Obama, breaking the debate rules. Why hasn't he been called out on that more?

Carrabou Barbie, aka Princess Palin, is such a piece of work. I just hope someone is counseling Biden on how to deal with debating a woman who will act like a victim after the debate.

Obama should be taking this race away in states like PA, OH, Mich., etc....and we all know why he isn't doing so there - race.

As for Bill Clinton, it pained me to watch him Sunday morning. I have no idea what he's doing. I am really getting to believe that he's trying to sabatoge Obama for his wife's 2012 run. Notice, he said he will only campaign for Obama "if asked"..."I will do whatever they ask of me."

Finally, happy Rosh.!

Pat Huntington NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:51 AM)

I hope and pray that the trend towards Obama continues. Perhaps Americans are beginning to understand that despite our reservations about Obama, the alternative (McCain) is not what our great nation needs over the next 4 to 8 years. America needs a total shift in ideology and philosophy in order for our nation to survive the coming decades. We need to restore our influence in the world and strengthen our failing economy. We need to improve our military that McCain and Bush help to destroy. We need to uplift the middle-class and ensure that education and healthcare are accessible for all Americans. We need real change and that change is Obama-Biden. If I am willing to vote Democrat this year, then everyone should be. The Republicans, I am sad to say, have failed miserably at managing this nation and it is time for a shift in leadership.

Lifelong Republican for Obama, Columbia, TN (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:52 AM)

The American public is coming around. When it comes down to it, and they're in that voting booth, they're going to think about the last eight years, and how disastrous they were.

And any chance of voting for McCain will go right down the tubes.

Tom, Edison, NJ (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:54 AM)

As an undecided, I feel bad for Palin. If she would have been properly vetted, the McCain campaign would have known that this may be too much for her to cram in all at once. Not that she can't handle it, I think she is intelligent and if she were more aware of what is & has been going on, she would be just fine. The problems come into play when she seems so lost in current events, they are hiding her from the press, have to fix or spin everything she says and now so many top Republicians coming out against her. It's almost like Alaska IS seperate from the US. Where has she been?

Biden has been in Congress for a long time. He is very intelligent and well knowledged in all areas. But, I don't believe Biden matters to her. She won't be debating him. Watch her go after Obama...

Nothing else makes sense. Which is sad because it's not for her to go after him now, we still don't know who she is or what she stands for. Her going after him may cause harm. We saw her go after him often, but there is still this question of who SHE is and SHE believes. Her interviews have been bad and she seems to be overloaded with manditory talking points, so they all come out at wierd times answering direct questions. I feel bad for her.

Instead of being prideful, why not just say -- "I Can't Do This". Country First? Or No?

Mrs. Jones, Chicago, Illinois (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 9:55 AM)

Based on the way McCain treated Obama during the debate, it reminded me of "To Kill A Mockingbird".

Sherrill (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:06 AM)

The point about the debate is McCain did not do all that well and this was a debate for him to overwhelm. He did not do that, nor was his performance that great. He never counter-attacked Obama on any issues Obama accused him of.

Do they think America is stupid?

McCain did not over take Obama in this debate, so this is a lose on a subject right for him. Surge, oh please! What about the decision to go in?

What about us borrowing money from China to fund this war? How can McCain reduce the deficit and fight this war and rebuild our economy?

Where does he get troops and the money? These are 2 questions that were not asked of McCain.

Michelle Zee (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:06 AM)

When Bill Kristol caves and is throwing in the towel on McCain, you know it's bad.

chris, SC (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:06 AM)

Is this the first election since '64 where Indiana is in play?

Gary Raleigh NC (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:07 AM)

im a democrat and my wife is a moderate republican but she felt Obama won. She couldn't stand the comments by McCain constantly saying he was "naive" or "not ready". SHe hated his body language as well and felt that McCain did not show Obama any respect at all. I bet that didnt play well with a bunch of undecided women voters.

Todd Moore Winfield kansas (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:07 AM)

Sure, people have a good laugh with the SNL skit, but this is definitely no laughing matter. Palin is a heartbeat away from being the CIC, and this should frighten the h*ll out of the American people. Americans, this shouldn't be treated lightly. We have some very, very serious stuff going on here, so lets not forget this when it's time to vote.

KJ, Dallas, TX (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:07 AM)

Pleeze. Don't insult the American voter anymore by declaring Palin could be an "expert" on ANYTHING. She is a joke and a slap in the face to every Hillary supporter (or woman for that matter)out there. Her interview the Couric says it all; the woman is NOT very intelligent. Don't we deserve something better than a "soccor Mom" a heartbeat away from the presidency? Don't we deserve the "most qualified" America has to offer? It took her attending 6 colleges to finally get her degree. Don't we deserve they guy who TAUGHT Constitutional Law??????This would be funny if it wasn't so serious. COMMON SENSE should tell you Palin isn't ready to be President of the PTA let alone POTUS. Obama/ Biden '08/'12

Diane from Illinois (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:08 AM)

If they'd let her be vetted by the media, at least she could grow a spine. They are so busy covering for her, she can't toughen up. Obama had to be toughened, McCain is toughened. Clinton had to toughen. They all have to be allowed to get some hard knocks.

Her handlers can't protect her like some child and expect her to be become a worthwhile candidate. They have to give her a chance to sink or swim.

Michael Buie, Raleigh, NC (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:09 AM)

McCain's team is playing the Jeremiah Wright card through Mike Huckabee's new show on Fox. It was the first subject brought up for discussion. I turned it off! What a sleazy, low-down way for Huckabee to kick off his new show for ratings. I can only imagine he did it at the behest of the McCain campaign.

Linda,Allen, TX (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:09 AM)

Well, First Read, I have finally discovered why (a) you are Obama's pep squad, and (b) why you print 20 or so pro-obama posts to every one McCain post:

It was reported this morning that there are prosecutors in several states who intend to prosecute people making anti-Obama remarks in newspaper 'Letters to the Editor', blog spots, and at public rallies.

I suppose that we can expect to see Joe Leiberman, Sarah Palin, and John McCain himself arrested and charged with making not-so-nice remarks about Senator Obama.

If this doesn't scare the pants off voters, I don't know what else will.

no joe, no bo, NJ (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:10 AM)

I can't wait for Thursday night when the Dumb and Dumber ticket will look it's dumbest. I wonder how they'll try to extricate her fropm her impending doom? She better get with the debate camp business instead of campaigning because she has a lot of learning to do in a short time.

Considering that it took her 6 years and 5 colleges to get a college degree we know she's slow on the uptake. I don't buy her excuse as to why she left the University of Hawaii because of a little warm rain. She could endure the harsh winters of Alaska and she couldn't handle a little warm rain? Nope she couldn't handle the academic rigors and had to find a dumber college for her dumber intellect.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:10 AM)

To the writers here.The older white people from these regions will NEVER vote for a black man.So please stop with the scrach your head stuff,this is the facts.Period.As for Slick,he has been campaigning for Hilly,they still are hopeing for 2112.Glad to see that the repubs are spending in Indaina,that has to hurt.And one last time I hope,The election is not won by national polls its won state by state.

jesse St.Paul Minnesota (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:11 AM)

Chuck - I saw you on MSNBC this morning talking about North Carolina now being a "toss-up" state. I AGREE!!!

I live in Cary, NC, a suburb of Raleigh. Let me give you my take on what is going on here in NC.

I have NEVER seen such excitement for a Democratic ticket as there is for Obama and Biden. There have been MANY rallies all over the state where the crowds are just enormous. Two recent examples - last weekend Obama was in Charlotte and had a 20,000 crowd, with many thousands more in a 'sound only' space. This past Saturday Obama and Biden appeared together in Greensboro to another overflow crowd topping 20,000!! Yard signs are everywhere for Obama - I have yet to see a single McCain sign. Obama is running TONS of ads here. McCain has some, but not nearly as many. Voter registration is substantially in the Democrats' favor. Most polls show a deadheat, or have Obama with a slight lead. This is in NORTH CAROLINA which has not gone Democratic for over 30 years!!!!

WHY? Several reasons. The economy. The numerous colleges in NC with a VERY enthusiastic outpouring of support for Obama and Biden from campuses like UNC (all of its campuses), Duke, NC State, etc. And a HUGE recent influx of YANKEES!!! We are seeing MANY transplants of people from NY, NJ, New England, etc. to our Research Triangle - places like IBM, etc. AND - NC is the new "Florida" for retirees! Charlotte, Greensboro, and Raleigh have been inundated with people from the north, who in many cases, are DEMOCRATS! Here in Cary our acronym is "Containment Area for Relocated Yankees!!" On our street alone we have had families move in from Massachusetts, NJ, and Rhode Island in just the last year! And they ALL have Obama yard signs!!

I really think North Carolina will go for Obama and Biden this year! I am thrilled! We put Obama over the top on May 6. And I think we will do it again on November 4!!

JB (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:11 AM)

Older white voters, especially those with limited education and exposure to a broader world are not capable of moving beyond their limitations. Thus they will probably not vote for Sen Obama. Which is unfortunate for them and their families.

Recently, I traveled through these large states, and was encouraged to see far more signs on lawns and cars supporting Sen. Obama. This was especially noticable in Ohio where I spent most of my time. Those in rural areas are less likely to be a fan of either one, tho my guess would be they'll vote MCCain.

We have much work yet to do in diminishing racial prejudices. Friday's debate should help as I thought the contrast in temperaments was very distinct. Sen Obama's manners and demeanor were impeccable.

gmhussein, Jupiter Fl (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:11 AM)

Of course Palin's qualified to lead the country. She's Dan Quayle with 'hoots'- what more y'want?

Buzz (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

point by point Obama slammed mccant, Obamma had facts, mccant had opinions.

thats a fact jack (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

pennsylvania always comes across for the Democrat, Trust me. "obama is black & there are some racists in Pa & it's usually the older farmer type ones, But Obama will win in Pa.

g`pa (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:12 AM)

All I can say is, there better be good election judges from each side, and they should be checked by partisans from the opposite sides. We, as a nation, cannot stand another debacle such as we saw in Florida in 2000 - I believe a revolution would ensue if the Repubs even tried another of their dirty tricks (see Tom Delay's thugs in Florida) or the Supreme Court of partisan politics even lifts its head! This election must not have even a hint of taint! It is too important to the future of this country that we all love - we must all be grownups: Republicans and Democrats alike.

Jeanine Mcnail, Hamshire, TX (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:13 AM)

Conservatives were thinking she would be the young, attractive and dynamic ultra-conservative that would deliver their ideas a new era of popularity not seen since Reagan, but to compare her to Reagan? I think they got an empty suit and a huge drag on the ticket. Back to the drawing board. It was a nice thought though, to get them an Obama. The problem is that Obama can hold his own in a debate and talk to the press all day, sell himself as a leader. Not so with Palin. Bummer.

James Parsons, People's Republic of Oregon (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:14 AM)

Obama has a huge ego and that showed Fri night. NOBODY questions Obama on anything. When McCain zinged him on some of his (Obama's) gaffes, Obama looked like a pouting little kid, with his frowns. And, how rude, with his continual interruptions. Is that how he would act in negotiations? Remember that saying: Never let them see you sweat. Folks, if Obama is elected, we will all be sweating, wondering what this man might do since he has basically no record to show what he has done. He has NO foreign policy experience. It's still amazing to me that people say that's okay for him even though he is running for president but they don't allow that for Palin who is running for the #2 spot.

NObama (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:15 AM)

Sarah Palin surfing exciting we called red zebra, most people got this deices in age 12
They think they are telling truth but they are lairing, if you look Sarah speeches or town hall meeting
Her eyes widely open and finger point other these daises can coast to go school or stay same school whole four year
Most people got this trauma drop out and register other college, late their age they become Polities

mohamed woodbridge va 22192 (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:15 AM)

After watching the debate with my family, we decided that McCain did a decent job and exceeded expectations. On the other hand, Obama looked and sounded engaged and Presidential. If America was wondering if BO had what it takes to be the next commander in chief-Game... Set... Match! Now if we can get both candidates to answer questions with specific ideas instead of the standard stump speech. Maybe next time.

Paul Florida (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:15 AM)

If Obama can't reach older white voters in OH, MI, WI his chances of winning are slim.

The thought that we as a nation might get stuck with McCain/Palin because of a demographic made up of old, bigoted white people in the rust belt is insane.

Don't they know that the only color that counts is green? McCain/Palin represents the party that herded us sheep-like into this current crisis and those voters think we want more!! Incredible!!Unthinkable!!

Wake up America. Don't let bigotry make us a third world country.

Obama/Biden

Sheila Robinson. MD (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:16 AM)

You are quite right that the public was watching the debates with differing measuring sticks than the pundits. This one was looking for calm, reassuring, and thoughtfulness. In other words looking at temprement of each of the candidates. Remember we are not electing a debater but rather a person who we think can handle the vagracies of the presidency. The pundits just had the wrong end of the stick.

Second, we should not be surprised by the difficulties in the states of MI, Ohio, Pa. There are two factors that influence these states: Republican defined cultural issues of abortion, guns, and some bias and not issues (taxes, social security, health care) that would better many of the voters in question. They have a record of voting against their economic interests. Second, is the educational differences in the states in which Obama is charging and those in which he is not. Those who have missed the education boom have good reason to feel left out by those who have received education.

Richard, Delmar, NY (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:16 AM)

Huh, interesting local perspective on the Palin cheesesteak order. Someone from Philly just told me she may have hurt herself more than anything else, because she got them for take-out.

Let me explain. The Philly cheesesteak is ultimate guy food. It tastes great, but it will kill you. Its like a coffee mug full of pure grease on a sub roll.

To really support Philly, you have to be willing to die for Philly, which means you have to actually eat the sandwich, lol. From what I heard, there is quite a raging debate even among Philly Republicans over whether Palin actually took even a bite of the cheesesteaks she ordered.

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

They say you can tell when someone is lying when they can't look you in the eye when they talk to you.

So is McCain who couldn't even face Obama in the the debate while McCain seemed to be stuck in tunnel vision on the "surge".

We need someone who sees the big picture, who can work with someone by giving them credit but by also explaining the best way to proceed.

The polls are just small samples of day-to-day persuasions. Just wait till election day and this country will have our new direction.

BTW the poll persusion on the first debate had Obama winning it not McCain.

Obama/Biden 08

"Thanks but no thanks to McSame/Clueless"

Kathy Shultz, Marietta GA (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

A landslide for Obama, if the people vote their intrest not their racism.

old white lady in S.C.
Obama/Biden

marty holloman,columbia,s.c. (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

First I want to say I love you guys but I have to strongly disagree with you on a few things. IA and NM lean Obama? Out of the last 5 polls I've seen from IA the smallest lead for Obama 7 and I've never seen a poll with him behind. McCain lost there in 2000 and 2004. NM the smallest lead I've seen for him recently is +8. For MI other than your poll done with Mason Dixon Obama has held a 4-13 lead in the polls I keep seeing so with McCain pretty much never leading here and MI going blue the last 4 elections how that is a toss up I dunno. Same goes for WI. While it's been close, it was close 4 years ago too. And how do you move PA from lean Obama to toss up when the polls in the last week haven't changed? Yes those states are close but they aren't as close as the other toss ups in your list.

Tim, South Lyon, MI (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

The bailout was supposed to calm the markets. Have you looked at them this morning? Anything but.

Our national leaders are doing anything but. The world knows a turkey when one shows up. All this is is a bailout written by the Democrats for the rich bankers. The markets are reacting appropriately.

Your Democratic Congress At Work (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

Hawaii became a state after the Presidental Charter, therefore he cannot be president!! I hope the GOP gets him thrown out of office if elected. He is a Muslin !

Right Mike (Sent Monday, September 29, 2008 10:17 AM)

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