First thoughts: Nothing changed

Posted: Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:30 AM by Domenico Montanaro
Filed Under: First Thoughts

From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, Domenico Montanaro, and Carrie Dann
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Part three of the four-part debate series is now over, and the one big conclusion is that nothing changed. And nothing changing isn't a good result for McCain. In need of a trajectory-changer (we’re trying not to use the word "game"), McCain didn't get it. This now puts pressure on him to make the most of the final debate next week. However, McCain might have lost before the debate ever started -- at 4:00 pm ET Tuesday, when the final curtain fell on another horrible day on Wall Street. And now the Fed has just cut a key interest rate by half a point to 1.5%.

Interactive: Analyze the debate. Scan the video by question and keyword.

*** What stood out: As for the actual encounter, a few things stood out. Obama started strong and was surprisingly aggressive with McCain. We don't know that he missed an opportunity in the first 40 minutes of the debate to attack McCain. And yet, despite the attacks by Obama, McCain may end up being viewed as the more negative candidate, since he sounded so defensive early on and he had the awkward "that one" moment. Obama also was more attuned to the format, constantly framing his answers for average or regular voters. To McCain's credit, he got stronger in the second half and really found his groove during the foreign policy portion of the encounter. If this debate had gone another half hour, it would have done McCain some good. He was just getting warmed up.

*** Strongest and weakest moments: McCain's strongest moment came during the Russia question, which also coincidentally was Obama's weakest. And Obama's best moment was on health care, which -- you got it -- was McCain's weakest. McCain's difficulty connecting on the economy probably explains why Obama scored better in the post debate polls and focus groups.

Video: NBC Political Director Chuck Todd offers his first read on why viewers are giving Barack Obama high marks in the second presidential debate.

*** Watching the body language: Last night’s body language was also fascinating. It appeared Obama, as in the first debate, was more camera-aware during his non-speaking time than McCain. Considering the format and the fact that close watchers of this debate won't have heard anything new from the candidates, the body language portion of the confrontation might be more influential to some viewers. We’re wondering if some Obama campaign strategists are regretting their decision to not agree to some joint town halls with McCain sooner. Bottom line: It was great to see the candidates out from behind the podiums; it created a lively exchange even as it came across at times as repetitive.

*** Needing an economic makeover: McCain still has an opportunity to fix his problems on the economy. Obama isn't winning on this issue because he's winning over folks based on this plans; he's winning the economy because of history and because of Bush. The problem for McCain is he isn't connecting. He attempted to start a new debate on a big idea last night regarding the housing issue, but McCain struggled to sell it. His instinct on how to win this thing appears to be right -- he has to win over voters on the economy. Attacking Obama's character can close the gap, but it may not get him over the finish line. Changing the game on the economy is the only way to do that and maybe it's an impossible task for any Republican, let alone McCain.

*** Is this why Obama opted out of public funds? But just like at the vice-presidential debate when we also learned that day that Team McCain was retreating from Michigan, the biggest news yesterday in the presidential race might have come before the debate even started. Interviewed on MSNBC, Obama strategist David Axelrod revealed that 4 million individuals have now donated to the Obama camp. That’s up from 2.5 million last month, meaning -- if our math is correct -- that 1.5 million new people gave money to Obama. So how big will Obama’s September fundraising haul be? It looks like it might be BIG. Will it top the 100-million mark? (1.5 million new donors at 100 a pop… Well, you get the math.) This all perhaps explains how Obama outspent McCain by a nearly 3-to-1 margin last week, per data from the Wisconsin Advertising Project. Writes the Washington Post’s Cillizza, “From Sept. 30 to Oct. 6, Obama spent more than $20 million on television ads in 17 states including more than $3 million in Pennsylvania and more than $2 million each in Florida, Michigan and Pennsylvania. McCain in that same time frame spent just $7.2 million in 15 states. Even when the Republican National Committee's independent expenditure spending in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Wisconsin is factored in (a total of $5.3 million), Obama still outspent the combined GOP forces by roughly $8 million in the last week alone.”

*** Biden’s back: It's a big day for Joe Biden, NBC’s Ron Allen reports. Biden’s returning to the trail after spending several days dealing with family matters. And we've been told he's going step up his defense of Barack Obama and himself given the negative tone of the campaign. He's in battleground Florida all day, and then off to Missouri tomorrow. This weekend Biden has a joint event with the Clintons in Scranton, Pennsylvania. This morning, the campaign thrust Biden front and center on the morning shows for post-debate spin. On TODAY, Biden accused McCain and Palin of heading down an ugly slippery slope with the "character" attacks of recent days.

*** On the trail: McCain and Palin are back on the trail together, holding rallies in Bethlehem, PA and Strongsville, OH. Obama has a rally in Indianapolis. Biden returns to the trail after the death of his mother-in-law, stumping in Florida. And Michelle Obama attends a rally in Keene, NH before heading to New York City to appear on the Daily Show.

Countdown to the third presidential debate: 7 days
Countdown to Election Day 2008: 27 days
Countdown to Inauguration Day 2009: 104 days

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Comments

Déjà vu- Two Good Men

American Voters: *Senator McCain, did you order the negative campaigning?*
Fox News: You *don’t* have to answer that question!
Senator McCain: I'll answer the question!
[to American Voters]
You want answers?
American Voters: I think we’re entitled.
Senator McCain: *You want answers?*
American Voters: *We want the truth!*
Senator McCain: *You can’t handle the truth!*
Son, I mean Senator Obama, we live in a country that has morons, and those morons have to be pummeled by Rush, Sean, Sarah and me with lies. Whose gonna do it? You, Senator Obama? You, Senator Biden? I have a greater disability than you could possibly fathom. You keep pulling ahead in the polls, and you have a great campaign. You have that luxury. You have the luxury of not knowing what I know; that the gullibility of many voters, while tragic, might save my ass. And my existence, while grotesque and incomprehensible to you, saved the GOP. You don't want the truth because deep down in places you don't talk about at parties, you want me to forget the economy, you need me to negatively campaign. We use words like Ayers, Muslim and liar. We use these words as the backbone of a life spent attacking opponents. You use them as a punchline. I have neither the time nor the inclination to explain myself to a man who rises above the very civility that I can only pray for, and then questions the manner in which I mock it. I would rather you just said “what a loser”, and went on your way. Otherwise, I suggest you pick up a ballot, and vote. Either way, I don't give a damn what you think you are entitled to.
American Voter: Did you order the negative campaigning?
Senator McCain: I did the job I...
American voter: *Did you order the negative campaigning?*
Senator McCain: *You’re damned right I did!*

On November 4, vote for Senator Barack Obama for President and Senator Joe Biden for Vice President.

Chuck, Ny (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:34 AM)

This about says it all:

From an email I received from the Obama Campaign:

The truth makes it even clearer why a senior McCain adviser admitted to a reporter, "If we keep talking about the economic crisis, we're going to lose."

From last night’s debate:

McCain: “Barack Obama doesn’t understand foreign policy “– or something to that effect.

Obama’s response: “John is right. I don’t understand why we took our mind off of finding Osama Bin Laden and went into Iraq” – or something to that effect.

“The Republican Party does not know how to govern.” – John Dean

The GOP – so out of touch for so so long. And soon the election will reflect this.

Hats off to the Obama volunteers all across this country. It’s simply stunning the dedication and perseverance they have shown this past year. Senator Obama couldn’t have done this without
their help. And the polls are starting to reflect this.

This will be as much as victory for them as it will be for Barack Obama. They are my Time Magazine’s Persons of the Year for 2008.

Pat, Boston, MA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:35 AM)

While the press is making a big brouhaha out of McCain referring to Obama as "THAT ONE" I found another comment more genuinely offensive.

McCAIN:

“But you know, one of the real catalysts, really the match that lit this fire was Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. I'll bet you, you may never even have heard of them before this crisis. “

Oliver asked the question and the comment would have been demeaning and presumptuous to a white or black person but the fact that Oliver is black will almost certainly stoke the media fire.

Margaret (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:37 AM)

Obama owned last night's debate. His answers were far more specific and substantive, his demeanor was more presidential, and he demonstrated that he has a better understanding of the issues that are important to the American people. Ultimately, he proved himself to be a much more capable leader than McCain.

In contrast, McCain's performance was sub-par. His lame attempts at humor fell flat again and again, even becoming awkward at times. His attacks on Obama's record were quickly refuted, and his inability to defend his own record of deregulation was noticeable. Lastly, I found his referring to Obama as "that one" to be very dismissive and disrespectful. I don't know if it was an attempt at humor or just his inability to hide his contempt for Obama, but it did not come across well at all.

Best zinger: Obama turning McCain's "Obama doesn't understand" line into a powerful attack on McCain's judgment.

Also, did anyone else notice how much of a poor sport McCain was at the end when he refused to shake Obama's hand? What an ass.

Ms Jenny (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:38 AM)

7 1/2 YEARS OF GEORGE BUSH

George Bush has been in office for 7 1/2 years. The first six the economy was fine.
A little over one year ago:
1) Consumer confidence stood at a 2 1/2 year high;
2) Regular gasoline sold for $2.19 a gallon;
3) the unemployment rate was 4.5%.
4) the DOW JONES hit a record high--14,000 +
5) American's were buying new cars,taking cruises, vacations overseas, living large!...

But American's wanted 'CHANGE!' So, in 2006 they voted in a Democratic Congress and yes--we got 'CHANGE' all right. In the PAST YEAR:
1) Consumer confidence has plummeted;
2) Gasoline is now over $4 a gallon & climbing!;
3) Unemployment is up to 5.5% (a 10% increase!);
4) Americans have seen their home equity drop by $12 TRILLION DOLLARS and prices still dropping;
5) 1% of American homes are in foreclosure.
6) as I write, THE DOW is probing another low~~ $2.5 TRILLION DOLLARS HAS EVAPORATED FROM THEIR STOCKS, BONDS & MUTUAL FUNDS INVESTMENT PORTFOLIOS!

YES, IN 2006 AMERICA VOTED FOR CHANGE...AND WE SURE GOT IT! ....

REMEMBER THE PRESIDENT HAS NO CONTROL OVER ANY OF THESE ISSUES, ONLY CONGRESS.

AND WHAT HAS CONGRESS DONE IN THE LAST TWO YEARS, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.

NOW THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT CLAIMS HE IS GOING TO REALLY GIVE US CHANGE ALONG WITH A DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS!!!!

JUST HOW MUCH MORE 'CHANGE' DO YOU THINK YOU CAN STAND?

Anyone but Obama (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:39 AM)

yes there is a change and that is mccant is falling further and further behind and a landslide is starting to rumble in Obamas favor

thats a fact jack (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:40 AM)

"Pauper" McCain is on the federal dole and his campaign is being outspent by the free market campaign of Obama/Biden. So many people are cutting and running from the big fat elephant because they finally see the truth, that this global financial crisis is the fault of Reagan, Bush and especially Bush.

Good to see Joe Biden back on track making smart comments and bravely taking reporter's interviews while his counterpart ducks and cowers from the media.

So despicable to see the Wicked Witch of Alaska whipping crowds into a frenzy about Obama. All she offers is hate and fear, no real answers to any real issues.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:42 AM)

...the one big conclusion is that nothing changed.
*****************************************************

= a win for Obama.

http://thepajamapundit.com/

the Pajama Pundit (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:42 AM)

Obama is winning on the economy b/c he's the only one who gives us nervous nellies out here any sense of confidence. McCain's pacing around and tight jawed responses last nite just make me more nervous.

"That One" Supporter (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:43 AM)

With Obama raising and out spending McCain by such a large margin is this whne the Republicans start saying that McCain followed the rules and Obama didn't which is why McCain is loosing. Is this when they complain that if they had the same amount of money they would be leading.

Or is it going to be that McCain is the white guy which is why he is loosing.

What about the issues versus the negative junk?

David Missouri (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:44 AM)

Eight years of Bush-McCain policy has left us with loose-loose options for the economy. The differences are choices between how much of the benefit and how much of the harm is sooner and how much is later. What guides those choices? Politics.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:45 AM)

FR - your title for this piece suggest that because John McCain did not fare well in the debate last night.

It basically meant nothing - will I got news for you it meant a lot.

A lot of people that were still on the fence - made up their minds because of last night debate and it favors Barack Obama.

You guys know that - but yet you contend that it was not a game changer - you are right - it was not a game changer - it was a game winner, for Barack Obama.

John McCain did nothing or said nothing that would make if a game changer for him and for a lot of Americans we knew that would happen before the debate even started.

Most undecided looked and listen to the debate to see what Barack Obama had to say and he did well and said plenty.

Get it right FR - you guys have to know that we are not going to listen to the BS, if you can't seem to get the story right.

Thank you and GOD BLESS AMERICA

The - Democrat Soldier (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:45 AM)

Ron's Thoughts: "Nimble" vs. "Stiff and Sore"

You could see the difference while they walked around on the stage. That's the physical part. The "sore" part is that McCain is sore and feeling contempt at "that one".

But what was not said and didn't happem?
1) McCain did not talk about the middle class, even when ads were out there pointing that out. Why? McCain really has no connection with the middle class, never did.

2) Did not hear McCain talk about cutting entitlements which include Medicare and Medicaid. He talks about it in private, but not for Florida voters to hear. When he talks about cutting spending, Medicare is one of the things he is talking about.

3) Didn't see McCain take off the gloves and come out swinging. He said he would and pundits thought he had to to change the game. So why didn't he? The straight talk truth is that McCain was afraid to. Intellectually, he knew he could not devend an Obama counter-punch. It was safer not to go there.

The best line of the night came from Brokaw to McCain. "Please get out of the way so we can get on with it." Funny how one line can say it all.

No game changer. Only the Supreme Court, an act of God, or Ahmadinejad can influence the outcome.

Ron Indiana (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:46 AM)

Obama is steady, strong and grounded. In contrast, McCain is erratic, angry and unethical. This is an easy choice. As a Democrat, I am just thankful McCain chose to walk away from the man he once was in 2000. Not sure we could have beaten THAT stranger.

Life really is all about choices. I am choosing to help elect the best candidate for the job. That man is Barack Obama!

Clara Kansas City, MO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:47 AM)

Funny, I thought one of McCain's weakest moments was on Russia. Looked into his eyes? GWB called and wants his line back.

Susan, NC via LA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:47 AM)

From First Read - McCain grew stronger, was strong on foreign policy and if the debate had lasted longer he was just warming up.

I don't know what debate you guys were watching but McCain was weak, flustered, angry and provided few if any policy details. He was not the stronger of the two on foreign policy and certainly was not stronger on the economic issues. As the debate progressed Mccain became more agitated. Agitated to the point that he immediately left the stage after the debate without greeting the audience. If the debate had lasted longer McCain would have become even more confused and agitated.

Obama was the clear winnder here. Looked and acted Presdiential. McCain was an idiot. His attempts at humor fell flat and he continued attacking Obama with innuendo and lies about Obama''s positions and record (like accusing Obama of voting 94 times against tax cuts that we already knew was not true).

The CNN poll had it Obama 54, McCain 36. Frankly the outcome was more like Obama 80, McCain 20. And that is the truth 'my friends".

C A, Tuscaloosa, AL (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:47 AM)

"This morning, the campaign thrust Biden front and center on the morning shows for post-debate spin."
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

And did the McCain campaign do the same with Palin? NO! Because McCain picked someone who's so incompetent that they don't even trust her to give interviews on her own. That's pretty sad. Think about it - John McCain claims that she is capable of running the country by herself, but he doesn't trust her to give interviews.

Ms Jenny (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:47 AM)

Eight years of Bush-McCain policy has left us with lose-lose options for the economy. The differences are choices between how much of the benefit and how much of the harm is sooner and how much is later. What guides those choices? Politics.

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:48 AM)

With McCain and Palin both losing in their debates and the poll numbers going against them, the question of the day is How low will McCain/Palin sink to today in stump speeches? They are desperate.

Seattle Sue (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:49 AM)

I disagree with "he's not winning over with his plan". Oh, yes, Obama does have an excellent plan and that statement cheapens it. Obama has a clear plan on taxes, healthcare and energy. Honestly, do you read? I like Obama's plans, his presentations and his reasoning. I also like his plan of how to handle foreign affairs.
Take what you said back right now!
Senator Obama does have a plan and he has told us is plan unlike mccain who just keeps hollering "I have a plan" and NEVER tells what it is other than to 'freeze' governement. Wow, that's a no plan!

Senator Obama has an intelligent, reasonable plan for the US (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:51 AM)

Both candidates missed an opportunity - the stock market plunges 500 points...and no one said anything about that...It's the Economy Stupid....I hoped Obama would have picked up that banner and run with it...He did ok - but I wanted him to mentioned the drop and how this effects everyone's retirement, jobs and so on...because it seems not be getting any better...

Jacie, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:51 AM)

poor joe biden and his wife.

i love obama, but i hope he refunds some of that money. it makes me a bit uncomfortable, to say the least, that people have to donate so much money to politicians in these rough days. i know people want to because they like obama, but that system needs to be reformed. i'd love it if obama would say something about it.

happy, boston, ma (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:51 AM)

I like many others thought the bail out was to
help people with their mortgage problems.
Obama is right. The irresponsible spending
and perks of the CEO's during and after this
crisis are criminal. They should be made to
pay back everything and at the very least,
be fired from their positions.
As an Obama supporter there are many of us
who donate $25 each time, not the $100 you
state, once again proving middle class support.

katiec (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:52 AM)

You know, I think the narrative that Senator Obama hasn't given specific plans is a bunch of bunk.

- He has a specific plan to get us out of Iraq

- He has a specific plan to provide access to affordabe healthcare to all Americans

- He has a specific plan (including number of troops required) to regain our footing in Afghanistan

- He has a specific plan to provide tax cuts and financial assistance to the middle class

- He has a specific plan to keep Social security solvent

John McCain has spoken in generalities about most of the above issues, and yet the media has not pressed him for details of his plans.

Quite promoting a narrative that is not true. Senator Obama has DETAILED PLANS for America!

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/

Nashville_fan (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:54 AM)

McCain looked like a bitter, feeble old man, wandering around that big stage with no where to go. He was lost - physically and mentally. Who prepped this poor fellow? He couldn't even remember the name of the questioner!

If I didn't know better, I'd believe tat Obama had a staff member prep McCain. And if he says, "my friends" one more time - I'm gonna scream!

Kevin, Evansville, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:54 AM)

The Straight Talk Titanic hit an iceberg from Alaska and is sinking in it's own hubris. Thanks "Sinner" Sarah for sinking the grumpy old man's campaign. Better stick to those friendly crowds of small minded people so you can whip them into a frenzy of hatred. Joe Biden is back and he's not hiding from the media.

Typical that the repugnant ones are trying to blame minority lending and trying to get minorities into home ownership. It's part of their racist approach to blaming the politically convenient. The real blame lies at the feet of Ronny Raygunz and his Voo Doo Tinkle Down economics that have left our economy all wet with the wrong kind of Golden Shower. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were not supposed to lend to anyone who came in through the door but to give minority borrowers a hand up to buy their first home. Plenty of white people took out loans that are now going bad because there was no supervision of the process the past 8 years. This mess didn't happen on Clinton's watch.

I so enjoy laughing at the poetic justice that this whole global financial crisis is blowing up on "MBA Dunce" Bush's watch and is sinking "Bush Hugger" McCain's campaign. The biggest laugh I got last night wasn't from the Daily Show or Colbert Report but a little after 11PM Pacific time just before I turned off the tv CNN went to breaking news that Japan's markets melted 10% and other Asian markets dropped 5%. I couldn't stop laughing to go to sleep knowing that the world's markets are doing the wave, waving bye bye to trillions in wealth.

Go Obama/Biden 08/12!

Eric, Salinas, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:54 AM)

"That One" '08!!!

Sorry, McChicken, you've lost!

Pete - Albany, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:55 AM)

happy, boston, ma (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:55 AM)

lad that Senator Biden is back! My sympathies to his family during this time of loss. Too bad that Sarah Palin didn't follow the unspoken rule about NOT attacking any candidate during such a time! But, very few suggest that she is a "classy lady".

"That one!" did a fine job last night and I am proud of him. Such a fine young man - so intelligent - and such concern for the American people. He can certainly relate to our plight.

I'm a tad upset about the use of the term "that one" - what will it be next? - - - "You people!" Everyone knows EXACTLY the hidden meaning of those terms. So - let the rest of us turn that into a positive instead of the negative that Senator McCain intended.

By the way, Governor Palin and Senator McCain need to realize that the Democrats have a large pile of stones they could be throwing. I think they may be counting on the good nature and kind spirit of the candidates too much. These negative campaigns have already changed the minds of many voters - my daughter included. We don't need a mean (and not too smart) President!

Obama/Biden '08/'12

Mrs J - Illinois (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:57 AM)

Missing from last night's debate, and only peripherally present in the news coverage is what Chris Matthews spot-lighted last night. The violent undercurrent against Obama which Sarah Palin is ignoring therefore subtly encouraging at her stump events is terrifying. The media needs to confront Palin and McCain about this. The cries from the crowd of terrorist and kill him demonstrate a desperation among people who fear change out of ignorance. These are crazed fanatics who are easily incited -- and they must be curtailed before it gets any worse. It is inconceivable that Palin is not shutting them down. She must do so immediately -- or be seriously censured by McCain -- unless inciting riots and violence is their true goal.

Jude Kallok (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:57 AM)

I don't understand McCain mocking Obama for saying he would go into Pakistan if we have Bin Laden in our sights and the Pakistani Govt. will not take him out. When McCain said he would follow Bin Laden to the gates of Hell - I guess he means the Gates of Hell BUT not Pakistan?? Also, before we went to war with Iraq - McCain was even on Jay Leno's show saying how we should go to war with Iraq. Talk about showing your hand!!!
Now he is trying to win with a negative campaing. He doesn't care if he can't win on the issues - and can only win with fear - he just wants to win. How very sad for this country.

Jean, Asheville, NC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:58 AM)

If I hear McCain say "my friends" again, I think my head is going to explode. Please. Did anyone notice that McCain's anger was just below the surface the way he could not look at Obama at this debate as well? Not the best debating skills needed for a president who will negotiate with other world leaders. Plus the way McCain referred to Obama as "this one" was so rude. Not becoming of a want-to-be president. You could really get a sense of the desperation welling up in McCain.

chris, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:58 AM)

"Obama isn't winning on this issue because he's winning over folks based on this plans; he's winning the economy because of history and because of Bush."

How do you KNOW that, Chuck? I'd argue that Obama is winning because he has a health-care plan that covers all Americans. He's winning because he has a proposal for creating jobs. He's winning because he's not going to raise taxes on the middle-class. All McCain has is a mantra of cutting spending and no new taxes.

One BIG mistake the MSM, McCain and Republicans make is underestimating Obama and diminishing his ideas and intellect. Thank goodness the American people are making up their own minds.

Obama held his own during the foreign policy discussion, which is supposedly McCain's turf. I loved Obama's answer about Pakistan and going after Bin Laden. McCain's attempt to make Obama appear naive about it fell flat.

The debate, to me, tilted roward Obama. Obama is always going to win on style, and he certainly equaled McCain on substance. McCain's "that one" comment played into the narrative that he's an angry old man, which is not a good narrative for him to perpetuate.

Cindy Lou, TX (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 9:59 AM)

Wake up NBC. McCain's mortgage bailout idea was proposed by Obama in September and again on October 1st.

This was not McCain's idea. Typical McCain, he tries to take credit for something he never thought of.

What's next, is McCain going to propose Obama's 2nd stimulus package of $1000 to all taxpayers and say it's his idea?

Dan, WI (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:00 AM)

John McCain makes me nervous that is one of the reasons I am voting for Barack Obama. He comes across as a angry, grouchy man. He is sarcastic most all the time and wants to use humor to deflect from the fact that he does provide any in depth answers. He likes war because that is what he has done period. Not who I want leading this country. Who would hire a 72 year old worker in the private sector? But it's OK for the office of the Presidency??

Edie Detroit, Mi (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:02 AM)

happy, boston, ma - you are 100% correct.

If the man asked the question, wouldn't you assume he had heard of them before. What an idiot McCain is.

Listen, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac used to run commercials. Moreover, anyone who has ever purchased a home has heard of them. They empolyed thousands of folks in the DC/Virginia/Maryland area so please, this company is not a stranger to the American public. John McCain really IS out of touch and he totally disrespected "Oliver" last night!

jodi, central jersey (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:02 AM)

What a scary comment by McCain about Russia and Putin, I looked into his eyes and all I saw was three letters... K G B. It's beyond embarrassing, he's dangerous.

chris, SC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:02 AM)

I know you are desparate for a horserace but Obama owned the debate. I love how you ignore the objective measures of success (i.e. the "who won" polls) to create a narrative. Pathetic.

CR (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:02 AM)

I cannot imagine that herky jerky mad old man we saw on TV last night leading this nation into the future.

John Mccains time has come and passed. America does not want to go back to the grand old 80's of trickle down our pant leg economic policies and fear mongering about the 'evil emplire'...we've move on dude

Rick, NC (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:05 AM)

When one starts to tell lies it's really hard to keep the facts straight..

He couldn't even remember Obama's name!
He's out of it. John McFactsless your going down!

We need Obama/Biden even more now..

BJ, CA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:06 AM)

If the debates were a post-season series in baseball, Obama fans would come the last debate waving brooms :)

Justin, Smyrna, GA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:07 AM)

Imagine how bad the economy would be if not for Obama's campaign spending!

justin, smyrna, ga (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:07 AM)

Three weeks before the election. There is still time for a change in strategy to make a difference.

Question is, what are McCain's options. The proposal to allow the treasury secretary to revise individual mortgage loans the department buys is in the bailout bill which was passed - nothing new unless he is talking about adding another $300 billion, and I think he might run into some real opposition in his own party if that is what he means.

Having Sarah Palin take off the lipstick and become just a pit bull has not seemed to help much, if the poll results mean anything. I do not believe going negative will much move the people.

More and more, it seems that what we are hearing on CNN and the other news services is true - unless Obama makes some horrible gaffe or something unexpected breaks hard in favor of McCain, the McCain-Palin candidacy is headed for defeat.

Mike, Texoma (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:07 AM)

Republican Party Presidential Candidate John McCain (R-AZ) arrived in Nashville in need of a game-changer. What he received instead was a trip to the woodshed, courtesy of Democratic Party rival Barack Obama (D-IL).

Please read my analysis at:

http://democratictribune.com/obamadominatesagain.html

Democratic Tribune, Tipton, IN (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:08 AM)

The MSM continues to be soft on McCain for his poor debate performance. Bias? I don't know, it could just be fondness for the horse race. That's over, McCain might as well pull up in the final furlong. Even Ed Rollins could only growl "This thing isn't over yet, both sides are down in a touchdown stance." Nice try Ed, except in that position one side is 99 yards from a win.

John B, Des Moines, IA (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:09 AM)

Did I miss the hand shake at the end or did John McCain refuse to shake hands with Barack Obama? I thought I must have been mistaken but apparently some other people notice what I thought I saw, a rude and angry person who is becoming a sore loser before the votes have even been counted. If this is a way to judge someones ability to work with others, and keep a level head when things get hard, I'll take Mr. Obama for president right now.

David Nepveu, Hyde Park, VT (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:09 AM)

I believe senator McCain hit it right on the head last night we do not have time to let Senator Obama have on the job training we need change and we need it now not 4 years of inexpierience and hope for change!

Kevin Springfield MO (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:09 AM)

It is not true that nothing has changed. The opinion of the public had changed even better for Obama. He is now ahead more than ever on just about every category - Leadership for one. That is significant.

In my opinion, McCain lost this election officially when he picked Palin as VP. He could have picked Romney, a businessman who understands economics.

The decisions McCain made in the course of this campaign coupled with his record of siding with Bush and his reaction to the economic crisis spelled doomed for him.
It's a shame because 8 years ago, he very much resembled the Obama of today, at least in some areas of character.

What we witnessed the past 3 debates including the VP were staggering contrast of character. While one team exude class, wisdom, knowleadge and integrity the other is the complete opposite resorting to lies, distortion and character assasination.

A Republican winning this election after Bush is almost impossible. Particularly with one who sided with him for the most part. McCain's slimmest chance diminished with Palin as his VP pick when there were plenty out there who could at least give him a fighting chance.

MCNBC please post this -

Joyce, NY (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:10 AM)

No Hillary until 2016. Go Obama

artz (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:10 AM)

There are several things I've thought about since the debate.
First: What is the difference between telling someone "You just don't say that out loud", and saying something out loud. Isn't John McCain telling everyone out loud he would do the same thing?

Second: Paying taxes and patriotism. No one wants to pay taxes but I was raised to believe that paying taxes protects our way of life. I don't want my taxes raised but I do believe there are many who do not pay enough and there are those who get hit too hard. There are retired people who live in states like Arizona(you know where John lives) that do not think they should have to pay higher property taxes to support the public schools because they have no children. How sad and I would say unpatriotic. If we do not provide a quality education to the young people and look out for the young, who will look out for us when we no longer can?

Sanityfirst (Sent Wednesday, October 08, 2008 10:12 AM)

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