Midnight Debate Confessions

no more hate language... — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:59:07 GMT

I wonder if he and the parrot palin will continue the Hatemongering tomorrow.

I hope not because we need to hear about the REAL issues, not what the other person WON'T do, but what their plans are.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Randy E (CT) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 05:59:30 GMT

Chuck, when Pat Buchanan admits that it was Obama who landed the one "haymaker", in reference to the "Bomb Iran" and "annihilate N Korea", then McCain did not win the foreign policy debate.

Education was mentioned once and poverty zero times.

Midnight Debate Confessions

STOP HIM — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:00:17 GMT

Obama is the ""ANTI CHRIST"" STOP HIM NOW!

Midnight Debate Confessions

Marion, Ms. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:00:45 GMT

While I agree that the economy plays a part in the current standings of the candidates, the question I have (and one I would like to see discussed on your shows) is, Who the heck is running McCain's campaign, what is their strategy, and why hasn't he fired them yet?
Really, what is his strategy, as he likes to say. We have seen tactics (picking Palin, etc) but I still can't say what he would do for the country.

Going back to the Dem primaries, I had the same question about Hillary's campaign. Perhaps the strategists for Obama make Hillary's and now McCains campaigns like they are amateurs.

Midnight Debate Confessions

buymerc, lost altos — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:01:20 GMT

It was terrible on radio - which is how I did this time. Its just play back of their rhetoric. I think the make no mistake is not giving a fair deal to the audience. On this one, I have to blame the media having become too 'gotcha' with any non-standard word uttered.

I don't think this will ever come back unless the medium is changed away from Television. Perhaps in a decade or two.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Failure, lies, sickening B.S — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:04:19 GMT

If obama has to ask his wife??? What in bloody hell are you idiots voting for????

Midnight Debate Confessions

L Wood Framingham MA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:04:19 GMT

Considering that McCain wanted the "town hall" type debate he looked uncomfortable. I saw the president I trust to lead our country, that one, Obama!

Midnight Debate Confessions

Joe Don, Topeka, KS — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:04:25 GMT

Before this faulty history gets further out of control, let's be clear: Obama didn't refust to do town hall meetings with McCain – they disagreed on the number, and McCain quit talking about it once he decided he had a phony issue he could use against Obama. As this post notes, McCain was successful getting the media to mischaracterize the matter.

Midnight Debate Confessions

chris, los angeles, california — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:13:38 GMT

McCain looked uncomfortable all night long. It seemed as though he couldn't wait to leave.

He was uneasy with Barack Obama.

He was unsettled with the moderator.

At times he looked irritated with the audience.

Even when he made a good point he appeared to be uninterested in the subject and was trying to remember the talking points.

He stumbled badly tonight. He was much better in the last debate.

Sorry Mr. Buchanan, McCain lost every round. Your line that McCain (or Palin) WON the fight on points is getting old. Go work for FOX.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Mike Fort Wayne Indiana — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:15:59 GMT

Did anyone catch the fact that McCain refused to even shake Obama's hand at the very end of the debate? It appeared that when Obama held his hand out, McCain motioned him toward his wife instead and then turned his back on him. I found this very disrespectful and disgraceful. No matter how you feel about Obama or his policies, he still deserves to be respected as an equal.

Midnight Debate Confessions

swing voter, fl — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:16:34 GMT

They (the Obama campaign) would regret not having more town halls because what, a 10 point win on Nov. 4th isn't good enough? :)

Agreed on Health care...this is an issue that came up in all 22 Democratic debates this primary season, while the Republican debates were focused on who was more serious about extending Bush's tax cuts. The fact is the issues are just with the Dems this year, nothing McCain can do. Maybe it's the economy, maybe people are just tired of the culture wars in general. I guess McCain should have just sucked it up and picked Romney? At least he wouldn't have had to pull out of Michigan...in theory anyway...

Midnight Debate Confessions

Ian — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:19:05 GMT

Obama actually failed to answer a couple questions although, on the whole he did pretty well and looked presidential. His performance will soon be forgotten though...

McCain made that a certainty with that bizzare pronouncement that Tom Brokaw would not be his choice for Treasury Secretary, and with the surprise announcement that he plans to buy every failed mortgage in the US (the base must be thrilled), and with stupid jokes/interuptions poorly delivered, and with the unfortunate "that one". Ouch.

Did I mention his age? No need. It was obvious.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Marcia Gerber, Moline, IL — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:21:38 GMT

Barack Obama could out do John McCain standing on his head. Talk about stage presence - while Obama was speaking, John McCain looked as though he tried to be in camera range. When it was his opportunity to speak he sometimes wandered off - almost out of camera view. Over all, I think Barack Obama looked better and was more poised and confident.

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Andrew Komba, Ned. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:22:00 GMT

Obama is just the man for the US presidency right now. He simply connects well with all the major issues.

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Nikki Hodges, Santa Barbra, CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:22:33 GMT

Were we watching the same debate? McCain was stronger on foreign policy?? He tried to be however there is no getting around it....he is just too old. He is old, he looks old and his ideas are old.

Sen McCain needs to retire to Sedona and Palin needs to go back to Alaska where she can keep a watchful eye on Russia!

Midnight Debate Confessions

Kim G, Eugene OR — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:25:12 GMT

I agree about the body language aspect of the debate being quite noticeable. McCain looked totally uncomfortable moving about, and several times awkwardly shuffled into Obama's camera shots. Obama always appears to be listening intently to his opponents. I found myself wondering what he was thinking at those moments.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Tim Schutz Chester New York — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:25:36 GMT

Finally i am not scared anymore about the election since I'm confidant that Obama has this.

Now i have something new to worry about which is the whole world going into a rescission caused by are stupid government when we need to change many things.

it takes a crisis for people to actually vote intelligently

Midnight Debate Confessions

Shelley, Ca — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:26:05 GMT

I'm interested in Chuck's analysis that McCain was strong on foreign policy. Certainly, her was stronger there than he was on the economy, but Obama had, on balance, much clearer and more cogent, detailed answers than McCain did...McCain's line seems to be "I know how to handle foreign policy...just..believe me..don't make me give you details". Obama had a MUCH better response, for example, when discussing Pakistan. McCain's answers, even in his purportedly strong area of foreign policy, seem to meander through a maze of generalities. Obama, for the most part, gives strong, substantive answers. I would agree with Todd that McCain won the Russia question, at least initially, but that was about it.

McCain is also CLEARLY agitated and upset when Obama answers the foreign policy questions (watch his body language change as Obama answered the first foreign policy question of the night) , even if he isn't saying something that McCain disagrees with. It's almost as though he is angry that Obama knows what he's talking about...sometimes better than he does.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Davy Eugene, OR — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:27:04 GMT

Yeah; I'm tired of the overused cliche 'game-changer' too. But it is what the McCain campaign needs. Incidentally, it was good to see the debate at Belmont University in Nashville at the bottom end of Music Row. I worked on Music Row in the '90's and delivered presentations at Belmont back then (when it was called a college). It was good to see the crowd that showed up were mostly Obama supporters. It made me feel good that Nashvegas is Obama leaning (I live in Oregon now). I don't really follow football but; GO TITANS! Could Tennessee turn blue?

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tom pavone — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:27:19 GMT

Thanks Chucky T. for burning the midnight oil...

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K Ortega, So CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:37:27 GMT

Am I the only one who noticed that the priveledged John Sydney McCain III tried to "relate" to the unmentioned middle-class by talking about his mother raising him because his father was gone most of the time? He realizes That One's story is more like many in America's, so NOW he panders to the voters he needs the most?

Too little too late old man. As the great Chick Hearn used to say here at the end of a spectacular LA Lakers game, "Close the refrigerator door! The eggs are cooling and the butter's getting hard!"

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Ruth — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:38:06 GMT

Speaking of body language.....Did Senator McCain really refuse to shake Senator Obama's hand after gesturing to Mrs. McCain for his handshake at the end of the debate. Why was he moving around so much. Was it to distract Obama or was it jus plain poor sportsmanship?

Midnight Debate Confessions

Thed Weller, B'ham, AL — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:40:55 GMT

@ this point, i think it's like Neo was told in the Matrix...Most voters have already made their choice, they're just trying to "understand it".

Midnight Debate Confessions

smarter-than-todd — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:43:02 GMT

CHUCK TODD, HERE'S A FREE TIP FOR YOU...
Obama "lifts up" anyone on stage with him. That's why it is not to his advantage to have had umpteen town hall debates with McCain (or Clinton). The biggest danger for Obama is that his opponent will try to out-Obama him, rather than be themselves and self-destruct (as McCain is doing and Clinton did).

Midnight Debate Confessions

Jeni — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:45:24 GMT

McCain looked like an old old man with old old ideas. I felt sorry for him as he kept saying "my friends". He couldn't even bring himself to shake hands with Barack at the end of the debate. Shame on him! It will be a good day when he gets over himself and realizes IT'S OVER.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Gwen, Rogers, Arkansas — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:45:54 GMT

Mr. Todd, your observations about the candidates' "body language" are interesting. A couple of points:
(1) It appeared that Senator Obama was more attentive (or even "actively listening) to Senator McCain's "speeches." It seemed to me, that Senator Obama's eyes and body followed Senator McCain when he spoke. In contrast, when Senator Obama was speaking, Senator McCain often appeared lost in thought, taking notes, or looking at a different part of the audience or Tom Brokaw.
(2) Senator Obama spoke to the questioner. When responding, Senator Obama looked at the questioner for longer periods before his focus shifted to other segments of the audience. Even if not looking directly at the person who posed the question, I don’t recall an instance when Senator Obama turned his back to that person. In contrast, Senator McCain spent a shorter time looking at the questioner and in his “wanderings” around the room he sometimes had his back to the person who had asked the question.
Although Senator McCain’s actions were not so obviously disrespectful to Senator Obama, as his conduct in the first debate – it was extremely disrespectful to the audience/questioner. So, then the question becomes, do we really want a president who is disrespectful to us, “the voters.” You know the ones who can choose to put Senator McCain in the White House – or not.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Tim — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 06:49:42 GMT

Dear John,

You had me at "maverick" in 2000 - now you're just a grumpy old man with few real solutions - I'll stay of your lawn, for sure, but my vote will avoid you too...

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Cynthia — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:00:01 GMT

Obama seemed very calm and in control - very presidential. McCain tried very hard tonight to turn turn things around, but he didn't.
At times over the last few weeks I have felt quite angery with McCain for attacking Senator Obama, and at others I have felt a rather deep sadness for him. him. He has been a fine American and I think it's obvious he would like to continue to serve the county he loves, but honestly, he just isn't well suited for the presidency. He often seems irritable and even mean. I don't agree with him on issues, but that aside, he has been eratic and the negative attacks magnify an appearance, (and I tink the fact), that he is the wrong choice. He seemed agitated tonight, and I heard a hint of shakiness in his voice. This tells me how important this is for him, but for his own sake, I wish he had enough perspective to see beyond the campaign. When it's all over, no matter who wins, it's important to keep one's dignity.
By the way Chuck, don't you ever sleep?
Obama 08/12!

Midnight Debate Confessions

Mister Anderson (The Matrix) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:07:57 GMT

I agree that nothing new is really coming out of these debates for anyone that has heard each candidate on every key issue. I think more people are focused on the style and visuals which Obama is sweeping by a landslide.

Bottom line, the Republicans CORE argument is that Obama is not fit to be President. But every test put before him, Obama rises to and exceed the challenge. A generic Democrat wins this election by a landslide. This race is only remotely competitive because people are unsure about Obama. Well, every speech and every debate, Obama reassures another 10,000 voters and that's being reflected in the polls. To the Republicans dismay, he has NEVER had this Couric/Palin interview moment. Reverend Wright and Bitter-gate were his only slip ups in over 2 years, but that was nearly 6 months ago which feels like 6 years go.

McCain has a week to change the dynamics of this race. If the next debate is a "tie", then Obama should win going away because I think the Republican base is demoralized again with the economy crashing.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Lisa French Smith, Northport, NY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:11:21 GMT

Obama was strong again tonight. Although both candidates many times did not answer the question put to them which I imagine annoyed the audience member that asked it. It's sort of all starting to sound the same. Nothing new....guess it's time to vote. Too bad we have to wait another few weeks.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Fine Day — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:14:42 GMT

Obama is so right about health care insurance. Insurance carriers are sitused in certain states because of the regulations (or lack of) In some states, the regulations governing insurance apply to the residents, regardless of where the insurance carrier is sitused.( I have adminstrated these benefits, working with one company, doing business in 3 states.) Without some kind of federally mandated standardization, complete uniformity within the health insurance industry, COMPLETE CHAOS WOULD ENSUE. Everyone would pick a new insurance carrier? How much more would you like to pay for the cost of changing the insurance? (It would cost the insurance company, it would create jobs there and the costs would be passed along to the insured.) This is how lack of regulation will drive up financial costs. How many people are knowledgeable about health insurance and would like to shop around? Big difference between group rates/individual rates and the coverages are very different.

McCain's plan is a complete nightmare-for the insurance industry, everyone-you don't try to reinroll an entire nation in the middle of an economic crisis, it would tie up insurance payments for months. How angry would the doctors and hospitals get? How many people want to be put in collection? And McCain wants to tax on the American people on this? Who comes up with this stuff?

Midnight Debate Confessions

Nana, Phoenix,AZ — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:28:56 GMT

Thank you for not using the word "game." And I also did not see "brand," thank God! I also wonder why pundits like you talk about "body language" or a candidate's use of a phrase like the "that one" that McCain used. I think you all make such a big deal about these things that most of us.

On substance, I thought both candidates were a bit flat and did not offer any new "news." I'm not even sure why people are talking about McCain's offer to buy mortgages as a new plan when it is right in the $700 billion bailout...I mean rescue...plan. Perhaps that is why you all are focusing on the other mundane stuff.

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Denise Brinkman, Eugene, Oregon — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:32:17 GMT

I noticed something pretty significant that illustrated the difference between the McCains and the Obamas - and no one else is talking about it. When the debate ended and the wives were summoned to the stage, Cindy McCain stood by John's side as he shook a few hands. Michelle gave Barack a quick kiss and then disappeared - to meet and speak to the audience. Bigger still is that, after McCain shook a few hands near Tom Brokaw's desk, he and Cindy simply left the stage! But Barack and Michelle stayed and greeted audience members, had their pictures taken with the audience and Barack was signing autographs. The main camera view covered this activity for several minutes while Chris Matthews was on a sidebar. All this while McCain - the down-to-earth candidate - left the stage and missed a huge opportunity to "connect" with his "friends".

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Diane Haines Urbana, Ohio — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:36:05 GMT

I did not appreciate McCains reference to Obama as "that one".
I am appalled that a US Sen. and a Gov. will stand by as people in the crowd yell out "terrorist" and "kill him". They never raised their voices against this flaming of a US Senator.
I had a great deal of respect for McCain, no more.
Enough...

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pagen grey — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:38:00 GMT

Speaking of body language- what was all that manic writting McCain kept doing? He hadn't even fully sat down on the stool and he started scribbling like he'd was going to forget to pick up the milk on his way home if he didn't jot it down.
He spent 90 minutes stomping around like an angry troll with periodic weird outbursts that were supposed to be jokes?
He comes off kind of creepy- I think he needs to be behind a podium for our sake.

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Shawn Curley, Northwood , New Hampshire — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:44:46 GMT

I was dissapointed in McCain's attack on Obama in the foreign policy side of the debate. It was not as if Obama was willing to bomb the country of Pakistan. If there was actionable intelligence(yes that is a quote), on terrorists especially Osama bin Laden then he would order to take him out. This argument is getting old and even his running mate, Governor Palin disagrees with him. Enough already. As far as the economic side I did not hear Senator McCain offer just more of the same.

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David Harris, Huntsville, Ontario — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 07:59:39 GMT

I realize he can’t help it, but as McCain kept moving around the stage his obvious hampered physicality did not serve him well. It looked like if America chose him it wouldn’t be long before we'd get Sarah Palin. Ouch, on both counts

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William Baez, Ramstein AB — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:07:15 GMT

thank you for being unbiased, again, with your review. I don't know why I thought more sparks would fly during the debate.

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Steve W., Williamsport, PA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:38:54 GMT

I mostly agree with this article. You're right, Chuck, McCain's best moment and Obama's worst involved the Russia question. Ironically, however, McCain took one of his biggest hits in the foreign policy section of the debate. He went back to his favorite line about Obama not understanding, and got nailed with one of the best counterpunches of any of the debates. When Obama said "it's true. I don't understand." and went on with his littany of Bush and McCain's errors in judgement after 9/11, he negated all of McCain's arguments about his foreign policy superiority. That fact that he did it so completely with so few words is rather impressive.

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Lorenzo, Vista, CA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:47:24 GMT

Hi Joe and the Morning team, I just wanted to say that in last nights debate Senator Obama picked up a line from Senator McCain which stated something about shopping for health care in different states. Senator Obama said that the health care providers would look for the states with the loose laws to set up shop like the credit companies do in Delaware. My rhetorical question is that isn't his running mate Joe Biden a senator from Delaware.

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Ben Earwicker — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:53:29 GMT

I was hoping to hear a question or two about the strategies and tactics being used in the campaigns, particularly the McCain campaign's recent announcement that it would be shifting focus off the economy and attacking Obama's character. I think someone ought to have taken McCain to task on that count, given his "straight-talking" rhetoric and wanting to be seen as a clean fighter. Judging from reader/viewer commentary, few are still buying McCain's lines, anyway.

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Chuck, Crestview,Fl — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:03:53 GMT

Chuck I see you are still singing the praise of Obama I hope he is paying you because no one will ever belive that you are a news person anymore. It is a shame we can not belive the news we read and see. I check this sight to read all the hate remarks from Obama's followers and read the Obama's press corps which you are a part of ABC, NBC, CBS, and most of all MSNBC are so in love with Obama its not even funny anymore and you wonder why FOX NEWS has more people watching. As for the words you enjoy saying so much (You don't get it)

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Barbara Klugh — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:14:38 GMT

I noticed that McCain often was gripping the back of his chair. I thought that maybe he was afraid to sit down--that he would have difficulty getting back up. Obama looked relaxed and graceful.

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Lee NY, NY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:18:08 GMT

Y'know, in retrospect, I get the feeling that McCain just doesn't want to be there -- or he so dislikes everything about having to do these things to become President... Maybe it's just hard to have the old sound new - and I mean policies. Obama, on the other hand, sounds fresh, though he's been spouting mostly the same things for months - and they are new ideas. I get the feeling Obama believes and McCain believes in nothing except his own contempt for Obama and not getting to be annointed.

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Debrah Tabor, Ellabell, Ga. — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:28:05 GMT

I found the body language of the candidates interesting also. Obama seemed more open and connected, while McCain came across as if he were giving a lecture. I felt McCain talked down to us and that Obama talked to us as peers or neighbors.

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Chas. F. Bain, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:41:56 GMT

As a lifelong Republican, with no intention of changing my registration, I just want to state that as a party we have put up the poorest of tickets. When we take back the party from the theocrats and, again, make it the party of Lincoln, we will deserve the loyalty of the American public.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Rev. Robert A. Ross — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:43:48 GMT

Please, Please, Please, why does no one talk of this. I have a friend who is in his young sixties, he suddenly out of no where had a major stroke. He is lost for all practical purposes even after a year of recovery. John McCain at his age could have a similar event happen in his life, or cerebeal hemmorage. This is real. If so who would be President, a women who had hands laid on her by a minister who beleived in witches. John McCain said it best we do not have time to teach on the job. Think people we can not afford this dangerous women getting her foot in the door. Think, let in a new freash breath of air. John McCain is too risky and most assuredly is Palin, one heart beat away from calling in her witch doc to help her lead.

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Chas. F. Bain, Las Vegas, NV — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:44:33 GMT

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John Doe, Seatle, Washington — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:48:42 GMT

Chuck,
What would be a good Russia answer according to you? I did not see a difference in substance between the two candidates. I would be very interested if you can enlight us on their respective positions on Russia.

Midnight Debate Confessions

pj, Lincoln, Nebraska — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:59:13 GMT

I agree, both canidates did well; but I think Obama did better. McCain was more specific, but not by much, compared to the last debate. Obama, I thought, listed specifics and that helped clarify some of his positions.
McCain remained hostile and dismissive; Obama polite and more engaged. And I know it's off topic but McCain's "that one" along with his and Palin's dangerous/hateful speeches recently just turned me off! They are setting civil rights back and McCain continues to think he's fighting the Vietnam war all over again.
Mark me down as voting for "That One"

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Cher Rogers, Orlando, Florida — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 09:59:57 GMT

It's painful to watch McCain move about. He looks so stiff. Not sure I want that in my president. Obama speaks to the people on a level that everyone can understand. I think Obama is on the right track and has his priorities set to move this wonderful country in the right direction. However, it won't be easy.

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randy — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:18:20 GMT

mccain scare my cats and dog my son keep trowing the toy bommerang at him thinking he is the joker my daughter thinks he looks like grampa munster then heis boring and dont have a comfortable answer then he was rude to call obama that one is he racist

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janice — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:24:18 GMT

Do Seniors’ Deserve This?

While the cost of living has quadrupled, the group of people most negatively affected gin the society is the seniors, who are on fixed income. And some of us who had managed to invest in stocks and lived on interest incomes during the boom years in the mid to late 1980s have just witnessed the major evaporation of savings we made over our life time disappear in a span of weeks. We not only lost the interest income but the principle amounts as well. Surprisingly, it does not appear that this down slope of our standard of living would soon improve. On Sunday, I could not believe listening to statements by Douglas Holtz-Eakin, Sen. McCain's senior policy adviser that if elected, Senator McCain intends to reduce medicare and medicaid spending to offset tax cuts to pay for his proposed health plan. He further elaborated by saying that the savings would come from eliminating or reforming payment policies to lower the overall cost of medicare and medicaid. In addition, he will increase medicare premiums for the wealthier seniors.

On Tuesday October 7, 2008 while in Pensacola, FL the VP candidate attempted to explain the matter but made it worse. She said that if her ticket was victorious they would give every middle class American family a 5,000 dollar tax credit to pay for health care. But, she did reiterate that their administration would impose a spending freeze on government that would cover all, but the most vital functions, “We have to do this. You know, we’re in a hole. What do you do when you’re in a hole? You don’t want to be there. You stop digging.” The more I listen to these candidates the more I get distressed that the ills of this generation are being pushed to its seniors or passed to the future generation - our grand kids.

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Flow, Asheville, North Carolina — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:24:49 GMT

Body language, tone and tenor. These are all things that reflect what the candidate is thinking. But, not so fast my friends. I am for an Obama presidency, I am worried about all the stories coming out about voter fraud, and worse, voter roll purging which works more against African-Americans that any others.

Vote early, so if someone did purge you, you can fix it. Do not vote prov. ballot. It can be thrown out later without you being there to defend it.

Also, bring your ID with you, so you can prove who you are.

Again Vote early!!!!

Midnight Debate Confessions

SUZANNE JEFFERSONVILLE, INDIANA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:33:44 GMT

BARACK OBAMA DID NOT LOWER HIMSELF TO JOHN MCPALINS LEVEL!!

MCPALIN DOESN'T HAVE A CLUE!!!!!

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Boyet Rabe Philippines — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 10:56:50 GMT

Thanks to the Debate... It shows that Sen. Obama is more mature than Sen. Mc Cain. Open your mind American the world needs a true leader a wise and precise with clear understanding and can answer a very elementary question and a tough one.

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Alexa Fahner, Berwyn, PA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:00:58 GMT

I agree with all of Chuck's observations. Unfortunately, since there was very little new content to glean from the candidates, I also was watching all the body language. Obama seemed so comfortable, relaxed, poised, Presidential. In the first debate I felt they both looked very Presidential, and coming just a few days from our current President's address to the country (where he looked tired, scared, and very unpresidential)I was happy to see both candidates look so prepared. But last night I felt that McCain looked old, a bit feeble, stumbled on some phrases and did not look "up for the tough job ahead" in my opinion.

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Carmen Nashville Tn — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:03:07 GMT

Obama looked and sounded so Presidential. He really out did Mcshame at every turn. Mcshame I think his time has past. It's Obama time.

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Voted for "THAT ONE", Columbus, OHIO — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:04:15 GMT

EVEN on McCain's own terms, the senator from Arizona is a dud. McCain's odd attempts at jokes fell flat. He tried to connect with the voters in the room, but ran away at end like a coward in retreat, leaving even those who were leaning towards him feeling abandoned. Obama seized upon McCain's distortion of his record to throw jabs he was initially going to refrain from, fearing coming across as ill-tempered and aggressive. Obama was cool headed, even under attack, was gracious, and respectful. We need a leader that has exactly that temperament when dealing with our allies and adversaries. We don't need a leader who gets up and wanders off in the middle of what could have been the defining moment of his career.

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carol panama city fl — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:09:58 GMT

Sen Obama as far as I'm concerned won this debate, he knew his stuff..he was calm, poised, explained well and as usual WAS respectful.
John McCain on the other hand showed yet again what a
derespectful man he is, calling Sen Obama "that one"...I find that very offensive and he should be ashamed of himself.
Still, when we see what McCain has out there in Sarah Palin as his attack dog, his rude remarks fit right in!!!!
The McPalin ticket is the worst I've ever seen....no respect....no decorum....no sense of truth and absolutely no solutions.

GO OBAMA/BIDEN 08

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Steve Rampley, Dallas, Texas — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:15:30 GMT

"That one" for president.

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bill — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:19:50 GMT

I want to hear some one address the condecending way that Mc Cain spoke to the young black man in the audiance. I think this shows the true John Mc BUSH he really is. Talk about ELITE! Go back to Arizona JOHN BOY!

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Danny - Dallas, TX — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:20:13 GMT

I've decided to boycott this years election. Neither one of the candidates are worth the powder to blow them to hell.

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Teirah — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:20:15 GMT

I'm just wondering if McCain knows in his heart that it's over. I get the impression he is having a terrible mental struggle going through the motions on advice of his campaign strategists to say things he doesn't want to say, and to sound bullish when in reality his performance is more 'calf-ish'

Midnight Debate Confessions

Mike Terwilliger, Ithaca, NY — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:24:25 GMT

McCain is honest.
Obama is a liar. Obama lied about Ayers, Wright, Rezko, Johnson, Raines, James Cone and he lied about his connection to the John and Richard Daley Political Machine in Chicago.

When will the news media investigate Joe Biden as thoroughly as Palin?

When will Biden’s record in Congress and personal history appear on the front pages and the lead story on TV news networks?

When will the news media investigate Obama as thoroughly as Palin?

Obama has been running for President for two years and we still don't know the truth about him.

When will the news media send lawyers, reporters, and staff to Chicago and Delaware as they have to Alaska?

In 2008 America saw the complete collapse of non-partisan journalism. Everyone at NBC and MSNBC are in Obama's pocket.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Becky Etown ky — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:25:43 GMT

I heard about that guy that wrote "Obama Nation". He went to Kenya, but was deported. That is a shame, He was going to give Barrack's brother $1,000 to help him. I didn't know that Obama's brother lives in the slums, and only gets $12 a year. What comes around, goes around!

Midnight Debate Confessions

Cindy, Northern, VA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:26:11 GMT

McCain didn't deliver? Says who? Could it be the MAINSTREAM LIBERAL MEDIA!!

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Robert, Boulder CO — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:27:27 GMT

I agree with the comment about Russia. Obama kind of flubbed that one. But otherwise, Barack Obama was strong particularly when he stated he didn't understand why we went into Iraq, a country that had nothing to do with 9/11.

Its not that John McCain did poorly; he actualy showed why the townhall is a good format for him. But Barack Obama was definitely on top of his game.

Maybe the Obama campaign is regretting not agreeing to more town halls, but it seems more and more likely it is a moot point. I expect the polls to continue to trend even higher for Barack Obama after this debate and with all of the negative economic news.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Peter, Minneapolis, MN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:30:00 GMT

What about Waziristan? McCain keeps mentioning that he's been there, but there's no evidence that he's ever gone to this extremely dangerous place. It's where bin Laden went after fleeing Tora Bora. Saying that he's been there is like Hillary's "Bosnia under sniper fire" story.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Ruth Schoenhaut, Richmond, VA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:30:01 GMT

I thought Obama won hands down. He was much more focused, although he had to get in points he wanted to make. McCain was very repetitive but not on the right things. They were all general statements. I will concede that Obama was repetitous as well, but on facts.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Erik, Mechanicsburg, PA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:30:05 GMT

The first debate, regarding foreign policy, was supposed to be a McCain strongpoint. Obama won.

Last night's debate, the town hall format, was supposed to be a McCain strongpoint. Obama won.

I'd love to see how McCain would fare in a debate the experts predict he'd be BAD at.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Sam, New Haven — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:30:07 GMT

Obama looked confident and comfortable, poised and relaxed. McCain was trying too hard. It's a small thing but I noticed when McCain needed the question about priorities repeated and then had to write it down...a sign of a declining memory?

Midnight Debate Confessions

Carla McCarty Tomball Tx — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:30:25 GMT

I wish they would have spent the time amswering the questions rather than bashing one another. I wanted to know more detail on what their plans were for the economy,health care,housing and foreign policy. Instead they were negative about each other and kept telling us what they had done in the past. I finally turned it off. Very disappointing. They put their need to be president ahead of the needs of the American people.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Give Me A Break, Acworth, GA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:31:07 GMT

Body Language...hmmm. McPain kept prowling around the stage and smiling with that scary smile of his. It's the type of smile that would make a baby cry. Yikes!! If we were voting with the volume turned down, McSnarl would lose instantly.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Sri — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:32:08 GMT

McCain's promise of bailing out homeowners will NEVER work.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Robert, Boulder CO — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:32:38 GMT

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Thank's — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:33:48 GMT

Look at the truth McCain and folks are always saying he wet behind the ears yet Mccain say's his name carries a lot of weight so just wait he should have no problem putting Obama away instead we see a viable candidate pushing his format right through McCain so that means obama is up and McCain is down don't confuse yourselves or just get ready to accept the new President of the United States.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Thank's — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:33:48 GMT

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Margaret Smith, Indianapolis, IN — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:34:21 GMT

Can we also evaluate the moderators performance as well? I was terribly disappointed in Brokaws performance - continually interrupting with time reminders (more pointedly at Obama and not McCain), more questions posed to McCain (with little chance of Obama responding) and a very poor choice of questions.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Cindy Cisneros, Dayton, OH — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:36:17 GMT

Very accurate description of the night. One question I would have liked to ask regards poverty. It would have been effective for the candidates to describe (in layman's terms) how their plans would affect US poverty long term. Especially since the economic downturn could increase this population.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Charles Duffy — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:36:49 GMT

Well, for my wife and me, the election is over. We are working in Rome, Italy but received our "mail in" ballots from Oregon. We woke up at 3am, watched the debate and voted for Obama. They go to the Embassy today for mailing home. Obama 2, McCain 0

Midnight Debate Confessions

RD, Alexandria, VA — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:36:54 GMT

OBAMA won this one. MCCain looked and sounded like an OLD GEEZER!!!!

RABID REPUBLICAN NOW FOR OBAMA!!!

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Jason Fisher, Little Rock, AR — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:36:58 GMT

Obama just looks more comfortable right now, where McCain is really choppy with his answers and erratic with his behavior. What's with him walking out of the auditorium early and not shaking more hands? Obama was smart to work the room until everyone left. And Obama looks more presidential. McCain looks like he's debating on the Senate floor.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Democratic CPA, Washington, Michigan — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:37:31 GMT

Obama strong and rational, McCain questionable and risky. SPREAD THE TRUTH!!!

Obama/Biden '08

Midnight Debate Confessions

the Pajama Pundit — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:38:01 GMT

Chuck. Go to bed.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Ncredble, Greenville, MS — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:08:52 GMT

Senator McCain looks tired. I see him as a person who wants so badly to get the people attention off of Senator Obama when he speaks. Has anyone noticed that? He's always making faces or trying to look at the audience when Senator Obama speaks. It's rather childish to me. Take a look at the first debate and again at the second one. Senator McCain needs to focus more on what we(Country) needs than trying to make Senator Obama look bad. Experience alone does not make him qualified; he needs common sense and he needs to be able to come up with tactics instead of waiting until someone tell him what he should do(Palin). I was at first undecided, but not anymore. Thanks Senator Obama.

Midnight Debate Confessions

Show-me Mom St. Louis, MO — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:09:53 GMT

McCain looks stiff due to his injuries sustained as a POW. When bones are broked that badly, you lose some function and mobility, no matter your age. I have a teenage son that has that kind of stiffness in a leg due to serious injury. McCain has very good ideas on how to get our country through the mess we are in. Our culture is overly fascinated with surface appearances and needs to really look deeply into the issues rather than support someone because they "looked" presidential. What is the opinion of someone that cannot see the candidates but only read about them or listen to them?

Midnight Debate Confessions

Marlo Dugarte — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:09:56 GMT

I beileve Obama is the right ticket to the White House. He is an energetic leader and that is what this country needs in those days. My respect for M'cain but his chance could have been 20 year ago.

Midnight Debate Confessions

don peach mattoon il — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:10:12 GMT

how can any one vote for obama he is anti american
his friends show that in il papers he and his gov from il are being investaged on taking money he talks clean coal then why did he refuse furutre gen a clean coaling burning plant here in il

Midnight Debate Confessions

beebeeross — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 16:11:19 GMT

go ahead and vote for obama if you want radical islam in the white house. he can't even swear in with the holy bible, he has to use the koran. if the next president of the united states cant even recite the pledge of allegience then who do you think his alliance is with? not america. hello! take the blinders off your eyes and vote for the one not needing on-the-job training with over 22 years experience and who clearly is for the american people with a strong record for strong morals and real values. that would be mccain folks! mccain/palin-victory is yours!