A crazy, compressed season

Jan, Chapel Hill, NC — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:11:42 GMT

Why do you say McCain on the right side of the tax issue? Both of them will be cutting taxes about the same amount (McCain a little more) but in McCain's plan most of the money goes to people/non-people (corporations) that are not "us".

A crazy, compressed season

Jen, Sandy, UT — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:12:26 GMT

Opening:
Here we are at one of the most critical junctures in American history and we're cramming six months of a general election into six weeks? Crazy.

Closer: There's not much more information left to learn.

I think you answered your own question there, Chuck. We spend a lot of time narrowing it down to 2 candidates, and then we choose between the two. "There's not much more information to learn" is your closer, so why are you puzzled and bemoaning that we don't spend another year or so learning nothing? Crazy!

A crazy, compressed season

Clint, Ohio — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:13:22 GMT

"but what does it say about our presidential election system that we spent 15 months on the primaries and approximately 75 days for the general (conventions to Election Day)?"

It shows that our primaries are waaaaay too long!

A crazy, compressed season

Jim Tabor — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:14:41 GMT

For God's sake, don't these pundits and "experts" like Todd look at their own websites? E-vote counts on both MSNBC and CNN websites were showing that Obama beat McCain, 85% to 13% as of midnight EST. Yet Todd and others, who should look at their own websites, kept talking about how close this debate was. Duh. Maybe for you, but not for the American voters who, happily, are apparently much better at seeing the obvious.

A crazy, compressed season

Alexander Chambers, Baltimore, Maryland — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:39 GMT

There actually ARE issues more important that money. People are more than just an income/benefits spread-sheet. What's in a person's pocket just ISN'T so important as what's in his/her heart and mind!!! Or have we really become so base as to believe that ONLY the state of economy is important? Mass vote registration fraud is NOT a distraction. A pledge to take public funding, that turns into a cynical LIE is NOT a distraction. A relationship with a professor of education who just LAST YEAR spoke publicly in VENEZUELA about the use of public education to overthrow capitalist society is NOT a distraction. What good does even the best economic proposal do, when a nation truly comes to believe that ethics and honour are mere distractions?

A crazy, compressed season

bob the electrician — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:15:52 GMT

mccain is irrelevant

A crazy, compressed season

Tom Kaye — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:16:00 GMT

Yeah . . . McCain had some fire under him but as you say, the only ones who enjoyed it was his base.

I don't believe McCain swayed any undecideds, independents, or anyone else who are voting/leaning toward Obama.

As usual, Obama was cool, calm, and responded in a reasoning, even tone, even smiling when McCain attacked him.

Obama shows he has the temperament to be President. McCain only showed his angry old man side that will not garner much sympathy.

Obama by 8 points for the President!

A crazy, compressed season

Victor D. Turner Sr, Swansea, Illinois — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:16:44 GMT

Good Morning. I listen to the debates last night and was highly impressed with how Senator Obama remained cool and presidential like under fire. He was under a flurry of attacks and a last ditch effort by Senator McCain to cast doubt on who Senator Obama is. Senator McCain looked beaten,defeated and not someone that I would want to see TRYING to run our Country. I have just retired from the US Air Force and truly I do not want to see another 4 more years of a George Bush clone. Senator McCain stated last night to Senator Obama "he is not President Bush." You could have fooled me, he talk like him politically, and he voted with him 90% of the time. I have learned if you walk like a duck and talk like a duck, well. God Bless our next President, Barack Obama!

A crazy, compressed season

Paul Miller, Woodbridge, VA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:17:23 GMT

"Forty-some" debates. That's more than two per month, even if you start counting from the early days when candidates were just announcing their candidacy.

And John McCain wanted 10 more? And because he didn't get what he wants... that's why he says he launched all those negative attacks?

Anyone else getting a mental picture of a kid throwing a tantrum in a supermarket check-out line?

A crazy, compressed season

soldier — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:17:28 GMT

I just like to add to the Joe the plumber debate. I'm happy for him, but FOR A SERVICE MEMBER WHO PUTS THEIR LIFE ON THE LINE EVERDAY, I DON'T MAKE CLOSE TO TO WHAT HE MAKES...And that says to me and should say to the country something is truely wrong with the tax code.

A crazy, compressed season

KJ, Dallas, TX — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:17:45 GMT

This Just In: Joe "the alleged plumber" is the son-in-law of Keating of the Keating Five. This guy is a fake and a plant by the sorry McCain campaign. Is anyone surprised???? NO!

OBAMA/BIDEN, 2008!

A crazy, compressed season

Jeff M. Boston , MA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:19:17 GMT

I think the one thing people saw in these debates was that Obama has a strong grasp of his issues and is able to present them in a clear, easy to understand, way. He speaks like both an expert and a leader.
McCain is all over the place, and often has trouble stringing a sentence together.
If I were to pick someone to represent the USA on the world stage, I would want that person to possess all the qualities Obama has, and none of the ones that McCain has.
Who asked for a maverick anyway ???

A crazy, compressed season

JPM - askwritefish — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:19:59 GMT

While there is something to like about McCain's feistiness, unfortunately for him, he comes across as an angry man who might just invade rather than talk, fire people rather than work to change or improve the system, and make important decisions based short-sighted gains (Fey-Palin). Obama was “on defense,” but not “defensive” and, while many would have liked to see him punch back, hard, and knock out his opponent, he remained as we’ve come to expect, calm, methodical, and clear-headed. What does this country need now? What do you need now? The polls show it.

A crazy, compressed season

Dave Hansen, St Charles, IL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:20:31 GMT

Obama should emphasize that taxes are on NET income. After Joe the plumber pays his employees and his business expenses, I doubt he'll see a $250K income. If he does, he should be taxed at a higher rate than me, living on my pension.

A crazy, compressed season

Mark W, Chicago, IL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:21:14 GMT

Obama Wins!

Joe the Who?

A crazy, compressed season

George, Cheboygan Mi. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:21:41 GMT

America needs a big change and I feel Obama can do it though it won't be easy with all that needs attention and fixing, McCain looked like he was out of place and angry, with his temper, I wouldn't let him near a button to start a war, like Bush together they are not fit to be President. With the soilders having to go through this back door draft and McCain wanting to stay in Iraq I feel so sorry for them and McCain pretends to care about third graders what a laugh, think of all the chirldren who won't have a Mom of Dad because of this unjust war and the horrifying lose of so many Iraqis what a great lose all around and all our wounded, physically and mentally.
We need a big change ASAP

A crazy, compressed season

R. M. Rivera NY NY — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:22:38 GMT

I did think Obama won the debate. I was getting so tired of McCain negative attacks last night and acting so angry. It was a real turn off. Although, he fought harder,and I'll give him credit on his, "I'm not George Bush line... McCain is worse than Bush.

A crazy, compressed season

Phil, Gallitzin, Pa — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:23:39 GMT

I completely disagree with you on Obama. I felt he took on McCain's attacks and fired back. McCain looked angry and sarcastic. Someone with a reasonable temperment and who is thoughtful is what is needed now and John McCain is neither.McCain is going to freeze all spending and also increase funding and lower taxes and balance the budget. Sorry, I didn't just fall of the Turnip truck.

A crazy, compressed season

Joe Plumber — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:24:07 GMT

It takes a lot longer to clean up a mess than it does to create one.

Assuming both candidates genuinely wish to bring America into a new direction and "clean up" Washington, I don't see much "change" in the next 4-8 years.

People want instant results these days, and no matter who wins, something tells me everyone will be less than satisfied in the years to come.

A crazy, compressed season

felicia, atlanta, ga — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:24:26 GMT

i don't see how anyone thinks McCain won. he was more aggressive, but he still wasn't speaking to the independents. he wasn't promoting his policies. instead, he spent most of his time trying to discredit Obama by referencing William Ayers, ACORN and the comments made by John Lewis. he needed to convince the independents that his policies were the best for the country and instead he was trying to convince the democrats that we were voting for the wrong man and that was futile.

A crazy, compressed season

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:24:53 GMT

The debate format allowed McCain to run out the clock, but Obama still brought out enough of the facts and consistently corrected McCain. The truth was on Obama’s side. 4 debates, 4 wins for Obama-Biden.

A crazy, compressed season

Travis, Billings, MT — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:25:26 GMT

McCain is on the right side of the tax issue? Gee, Chuck, I wonder how much you make a year...

A crazy, compressed season

Ellen P Carsluith, UK — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:25:36 GMT

Version II (sorry VI was too long and opinionated)

I came into the primaries liking John McCain - no more, no less than Barack Obama. Even after many policy ideas and choices I disagreed with, I kept giving him the benefit of the doubt - and have (I believe)forgiven him much. But between the last 2 weeks of negative campaigning and passing up his chance to redeem himself in the last debate, I've given up completely on him. As I think, he's given up on us - independent voters.

Thus, the winner of the debate Bob Scheifer - the best moderator so far - he let them speak and even goaded them to say what they said they were going to say. Good man. Gwen Ifel tried so hard to not take sides that she didn't hold anyone to anything. Tom Brokaw was a bully, interfered too much - and as for the 1st debate? I can't even remember - an eternity ago.

The loser of the debates - from those I heard interviewed - the undecided. Reminded me of a jury selection where people don't tell the truth, to be chosen to stay on. As the Daily Show put it - attention seekers. I think they were already in camps, but wanted their 15 minutes to voice their opinions. I didn't find any of them believable - not to be trusted.

If the Obama camp asked me I'd say - just consider all the undecided for McCain - then go from there.

A crazy, compressed season

Leo Motter, MD, York, Pennsylvania — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:25:53 GMT

Let me get this straight. McCain's representative of working class America, Joe the plumber, is upset because under Obama his taxes would go up slightly on his income of over $250,000? I'm a doctor, and I don't make anywhere close to $250,000. My grandmother was right. I should have been a plumber.

A crazy, compressed season

Glen, Orlando, Fl — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:26:50 GMT

What stuck a chord for me? McCain seemed like he had just taken some ADD medication. He was nervous, jumpy, and yes, erratic. Kind of scary if you think he wants to be the president.

A crazy, compressed season

Teri from Ohio — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:27:58 GMT

The American people are NOT buying into McCain's lies and smears. Sure he was "aggressive" but again it was LIES and SMEARS that have been factchecked and PROVEN FALSE! His running mate hasn't helped him either. We are SICK of her and see through her charade! Joe the plumber is NOT undecided - he's in the bag for McCain!

A crazy, compressed season

Rick in Raleigh — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:28:59 GMT

As a democrat and Obama supporter, it pains me to say you're wrong, Chuck. He found a way last night to not only talk to his supporters, but to paint Obama as someone dangerous - or who at least appears dangerous to his base. But he also found the one way to show everyday Americans who are uncertain of their pick this year why they should vote for him. How?

He put an everyday face on it.

Joe the plummer may in fact turn this election around. He will be taxed more becuase he's "rich". This man who worked hard to get where he is, who lives in a modest home with a basketball goal in the driveway, this guy is everyone's every man. That means the spin will have a face that their coming after me, they'll come after your too.

We've talked about scare tactics before, but this is one that will hit home. And as it's a true scare tactic, there's nothing Obama can do about it.

Ladies and gentlemen, meet the new face of the McCain campaign.

A crazy, compressed season

Aida, Fort Myers FL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:37 GMT

I'm glad this was the final debate. As much as I love politics, I'm getting burned out and tired of hearing the same catch phrases over and over again. Although Obama touched on it a few times, I feel there was no real discussion on college tuition, one of my top issues. They spend so much time attacking each other, that to me it didnt feel like a domestic policy debate. It was a "who is going to increase your taxes more" debate. But overall, I think McCain seemed angry most of the time while Obama seemed composed and that says a lot about their characters and their future abilities to handle tough decisions.

A crazy, compressed season

Gregory Peek, Birmingham, Alabama — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:56 GMT

A sweep. 4 debates, 4 wins for Obama-Biden.

A crazy, compressed season

Mike, Hopewell Junction, NY — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:30:57 GMT

McCain although a true American hero and has America's best interest at heart, comes across as a bitter man. Another "my way or the highway" president is going to be an absolute disaster for our country at this stage in the game. The debate last night underscored for me.

A crazy, compressed season

Diane, CT — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:38:35 GMT

What in the world was McCain talking about when he proposed to eliminate the certification requirements for members of the military who want to go into teaching?!! As a parent and former teacher myself, I was shocked.

A crazy, compressed season

Barbara, Midlothian, Virginia — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:38:43 GMT

Maybe you can answer a question... it is not a big election-changer, but something that struck me. Both John McCain and Barak Obama mentioned special needs children, specifically those dealing with autism, as an issue, implying that Sarah Palin was dealing with this. I thought her child had Down's Syndrome. Is this the same as autism? I'm not saying that any of them are not sympathetic to all children's needs, but if I'm right it made Senator McCain, especially, look out of touch. Overall, the debate was interesting and I think Obama is looking presidential and McCain is looking desperate and angry. McCain repeatedly complimented Obama on his eloquence as if that was a bad or suspicious thing. Could he be jealous?

A crazy, compressed season

Kim Burkhardt, Harriman, Tennessee — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:38:45 GMT

I watched the all 3 presidential debates and how do you think Sentator Obama is going to get his health plan into action ....higher taxes! as for Sentator McCain's television ads being 100 % negative WRONG Senator Obama came out with the FIRST negative television ad.... Sentator has never aplogized for anything .....where as Sentator McCain has repeatedly apologized on different issues .

A crazy, compressed season

Steve, Downingtown, PA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:41:33 GMT

Chuck:
You ask what it says about our system? It says that the primary system is horribly broken. Every autonomous state "wants its voice heard." Great. I'm thrilled...but when we have 49 debates in the course of a year and a half? Gimme a break.

Regional primaries are the answer. C'mon...if the BCS can come up with a playoff system that (mostly) works, so can the parties.

And the presidential debates? Arf. They were nothing more than a series of rote-repeated talking points. If this is the best that Gibson, Brokaw and Schieffer can do, then give me a tag team hosting duo of O'Reilly and Olbermann. At least those two will insist that the candidates get past the pablum, and will not hesitate to call them on nonsense.

We need serious, specific answers to the questions that are asked; these are serious times. And we just didn't get the specifics we needed...from either guy. (Exhibit "A": "Which of your proposals will you have to scale back or cut, given the economic conditions?"

Ah, well...we get the government we deserve.

A crazy, compressed season

Tachea Rivera Beach, Fl. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:42:02 GMT

McCain has had three debates with Obama now and he's coming across as a "Grumpy Old Man". I think we need to stop blaming his campaign, and the economy for the mistakes McCain is making he is ruining his own campaign. So much for the fighter. The more he tries to make Obama look un-presidential the more presidential he looks.

A crazy, compressed season

Rod Norgren - Leesburg Fl — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:42:12 GMT

This debate was hyped and dubbed as a "take the gloves off" debate. I think it failed the people making their decision. Barry Obama at least responded, for the most part, to the actual question asked. John McCain used the question to spout his "talking point" rhetoric. This is a most serious time for the nation...We deserved a more detailed and on point discussion of how these two candidates would deal with the very issues facing them on day one. We have become a "gotcha" audience, influenced and exacerbated by the media, to the "reality" type "Simpsons Level" intellect. This does both the candidates and the nation a diservice.

A crazy, compressed season

Ronald Hernandez, miami, FL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:42:14 GMT

obama killed mccain last night, but i got to give it to mccain he did a better job than the last debates;
it was not enough to stop obama!!

A crazy, compressed season

Bob Bianco,Providence,RI — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:42:53 GMT

Joe the plumber !!! Please, give me a break.I have a small business and I do not make $250,000.00 a year.This guy works 15 yrs.,has an opertunity to buy a business that will earn him 250K a year and does not want to pay 3 percent more in taxes! How greedy can you get???

A crazy, compressed season

Jim Vance — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:43:23 GMT

If I understand correctly, the plumber is objecting to raising the marginal rate from 36% to 39% for a tax bracket that he is not in. Assuming a 20% down payment, to buy the business he describes should require about a $2,000,000 loan. Lots of luck, Joe. Hey, Joe, who is your banker?

A crazy, compressed season

Eric Last, North Bellmore, NY — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:43:41 GMT

I'm the father of a 14 year old daughter with Down syndrome (of whom my family is incredibly proud!, so my wife and I are well aware of issues affecting "special needs families." Was it just us, or did it seem like McCain thinks Sarah Palin's child has autism and not Down syndrome?

A crazy, compressed season

Dawn M. Wiesel — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:45:35 GMT

A simple question -- Do we want a President who can barely contain his emotions when challenged, or a President who can thoughtfully and calmly weigh the challenge and respond accordingly? McCain proved once again his volatility under fire. I was nervous just watching his face whenever Obama spoke.

Dawn

A crazy, compressed season

katiec Pekin , IL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:46:47 GMT

Chuck
Without a doubt Barack Obama did better with the debate and "tried" to tell voters what they wanted
to hear. As usual, it was false accusations from
Mccain.
Was disturbed about how much talking time Mccain
got. Clearly much more than Obama. Would like for
someone to give us total minutes of each.

A crazy, compressed season

Ken, Saint Peter, MN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:46:58 GMT

I have one question. Where is McCain's Flag Lapel Pin? No one seems to care abouth the Flag Lapel Pin anymore. Obama had one on!

A crazy, compressed season

GS Jamison, PA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:48:22 GMT

Chuck, I usually agree with you for the most part but vehemently disagree that McCain won the convention season.

His convention was angry and extremely negative and Sarah Palin was an embarrassment to women, which it only took a couple of weeks for most of the rest of the country to figure out. Everyone else talked trash, including McCain. What we don't need in 2008.

Obama's convention was positive and only negative when it was appropriate. What we need in 2008.

McCain's negativity is extremely inappropriate given the current situation and he started that negativity with his convention. Sure Obama's been negative, but not nearly as personal. McCain has been erratic and lurching from one solution or plan to another. Nowehere in the dictionary are those words defined as old. That's the media spin. On the other hand, McCain, himslf or his surrogates who speak on his behalf, have passionately questioned Obama's patriotism, his motives and his beliefs. The results of which have festered into pretty dispicable behavior at McCain events and there is no excuse for that. It is just wrong on every level.

McCain's biggest problem is his inability to contain his contempt and anger. Easily contained and kept as secret as possible in Washington, on a national stage you can't miss it.

A crazy, compressed season

Joe the teacher, Ellenwood, GA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:51:17 GMT

McCain is out of touch with America.

A crazy, compressed season

Patience — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:51:49 GMT

After the selection of Gov. Palin as VP candidate, in my opinion, the rest of McCain's campaign is moot. He could promise me a fat WallStreet-like check/tax-cut, and I still could not vote for his proposed administration. I mean really, how is he going to run a complex country like ours when he cannot even make a REASONABLE VP choice.

A crazy, compressed season

Mary Winstons, Ithaca, New York — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:51:55 GMT

I do believe if one belongs to the Right they come with their own set of listening devices where the facts as they stand are gleaning out leaving only those untruths that they believe and want the American public to believe.

A crazy, compressed season

PITTSBURGH STEELER FAN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:53:11 GMT

We don't need to worry about Joe the plumber, he is going to be rich after this.

A crazy, compressed season

Jane, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:53:39 GMT

McCain came across as a grumpy old man. His endless referrals to "Joe the plumber" and his pouting about the nasty things someone not connected with the Obama campaign said about him remind me of my father-in-law who had Alzheimers'

A crazy, compressed season

Sandy, S. Fl — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:54:13 GMT

The average American woman cannot afford even one dress that Cindy McCain seems to have in abundance. She and her husband know nothing about the economy and are totally out of touch with the average American. Obama has what it takes to be POTUS and McCain is looking more sorry every day. He is too old and has changed his position so many times I don't see how anybody could seriously consider voting the McCain/Palin ticket.

A crazy, compressed season

John, Raleigh — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:55:44 GMT

I'm still trying to figure out how McCain is going to pull off this "spending freeze" while at the same time adding money to programs like education.

The harsh reality here is: McCain's out of touch, he's out of ideas, and he's out of time.

A crazy, compressed season

Patrick, Mass. — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:56:55 GMT

McCain needed a really big moment or two to shift momentum to him. It didn't happen. Unless something more important than a global economic crisis comes up, game over.

A crazy, compressed season

Southside Republican, Chicago — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:57:12 GMT

Let's see...all you naive dems/indies thinks obama is going to put more money in your pocket with his tax plan...well then answer me this..why does the same state, the same city, the same county he lives in Chicago, Cook County, IL have some of the highest taxes in the country. We have the highest gas prices in the country DUE to democrats taxing gas prices to the EXTREME!! check cook county's sales tax compared to neighboring county's who are majority republican...this is a joke, obama's a joke, and whoever votes for him is a joke..if he can't keep the taxes in a small part of the country low (est. 9 million people), what makes you believe he's going to be able to lower taxes for the WHOLE country (over 300 million people)

The answer to that my fellow American's is Obama WON'T and CAN'T..hell do you know to rent a car in Chicago it cost you about 30% in taxes..RIDICULUS

p.s. I live on the Southside of Chicago about 15 minutes away from Obama's Yuppity Posh neighborhood

McCain & Palin in 08'

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Paul McGowan — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:57:13 GMT

Watch out! Joe the plumber (a.k.a. Joe 6-pack) could be the next Republican nominated V.P or Presidential candidate. The party specializes in nominating the clueless.

A crazy, compressed season

Janet, New Milford, NJ — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:57:33 GMT

Janet the nurse has lost half of her 401 K, and never has to worry about making more than $250,000. Obama IS running against the George Bush's policies which McCain voted for 90% of the time. It's time for the Maverick to hang up his six-shooter and ride into the sunset.

A crazy, compressed season

Keith Glegg — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:57:35 GMT

Quite apart from anything that Senator McCain might or might not have done to have him now trying to swim in a current far too strong for just an old man, is the astounding risk to which he exposed the American people in what might have been the accidental Presidency of Sarah Palin!! Fortunately, the astounding risk, imposed on the American people in a maverick overplay, has become increasingly clear to the voting public of whatever persuasion, and is definitely a contributig factor in the declining fortunes of Senator McCain. Yes, he should pay the ultimate price of losing for having done such a mindless thing, but spare him for a few years of quiet retirement, on his return to the Senate.

A crazy, compressed season

Carrie G. MN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:58:03 GMT

On a side note, did anyone else notice that when the Obamas left the stage, Sen. Obama let Michelle walk in front of him with his hand on her back, and Sen. McCain walked off the stage leaving Cindy standing behind him, walking off by herself and looking like she was forgotten. This speaks as much to me about Obama's temperament and consideration as anything said in the debate.

A crazy, compressed season

Mike New York, New York — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:59:00 GMT

It is time to decide what and who is best for our country. Putting the sound bites and clever responses aside, it is clear that Obama is by far the best choice. It's time to stop partisian promotion of candidates and stop looking for excuses to support McCain. Let's do want is best for the country..elect Obama.

A crazy, compressed season

Undecided, IL — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:59:25 GMT

I'm surprised, I thought McCain was awful last night. And I say that as an undecided voter. I'm stunned that anyone would have considered that debate a win for McCain!?

A crazy, compressed season

Scott Glover, Norfolk VA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:59:34 GMT

Joe the plumber needs a CPA instead of a tax break. He obviously knows nothing about owning or running a business. If he thinks he can pull a $250K salary from a plumbing business that grosses $250K he's in for a shock! Joe, Get some professional advice and you'll be paying minimal personal income tax.

A crazy, compressed season

JR — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 12:59:53 GMT

McCain looked visibly upset at times; problem being that what the level of upset didn't match the issue he was talking about. Plus, he would contradict himself in the course of the same sentence.Weird. Almost looked like he might invade Venezuela if Chavez called him a nasty name.

A crazy, compressed season

Show Me State — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:01:14 GMT

Ben Smith on Politico has something about Joe the Plumber not being registered. Is this true?

A crazy, compressed season

Michael Collins, Austin, TX — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:01:56 GMT

If Obama is truly for improving the lives of his fellow Americans, as he claims, then why is he dumping $30+ million dollars in ad campaigns instead of donating that money to a worth-while charity?

A crazy, compressed season

Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:02:09 GMT

McCain came off as a doddering old lunatic. He obviously had rehearsed his endless attacks, but he couldn't adjust on his feet to what Obama said. In the whole Ayers thing Obama cooly described all the interactions he had with him, then McCain shoots off with "he's never explained his relationship with this man!!!!!!!!!!!" Umm, he just did. McCain seemed like the crazy old uncle you have to invite to holiday dinners but he just sits in the corner making outrageous arguments.

A crazy, compressed season

T Dot, the Hood, Peoples Republic of NJ — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:02:19 GMT

Barack Obama is a socialist and will put us into a Depression with his high spending and high taxes.

A crazy, compressed season

Michael Alexandria Virginia — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:03:07 GMT

Joe the plummer does not make 250m a year and would actually get a taz break under Obama plan.. Just another lie and half truths from John McCain.. John McCain has 9 houses and 13 cars,he does not know who the middle class are or their problems or concerners.In 3 debates John McCain has not even mentioned or spoke the words Middle Class... Vote for real change vote Obama/Biden

A crazy, compressed season

Denise kisk Mount Perry OH — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:03:11 GMT

I do not understand what is wrong with the American people.We need change in this country and we need it now.Ask yourself before you head to the polls.Are we better now than we were 8 years ago and i bet your answer will be NO.We need change.OBAMA 08

A crazy, compressed season

Don, Crawfordsville IN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:03:29 GMT

McCain's whole evening was centered around 'protecting' someone who is going to make $250,000 - $275,000 a year. That is his 'Middle Class'.
I also found it interesting that ABC News interviewed Joe Biden after the debate, but, when they ask to talk to Sarah Palin they were told by McCain's people, "She is not available". It's apparent that she not only scares me when she talks, she also scares the McCain camp.

A crazy, compressed season

Anthony Thomalla — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:04:43 GMT

There is much talk about the Obama tax increase for persons who make $250,000.00 per year. I think there is confusion over what this figure actually represents. There is a big difference between a person who grosses $250,000.00 per year but, after deducting operating expenses, only nets $100,000.00 and a person who actually nets $250,000.00 per year. I think we could do a lot to clarify this for voters. After seeing "Joe the plumber’s" house I am convinced he either does not net $250,000.00 per year or has several other properties.

A crazy, compressed season

New Indi — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:05:21 GMT

I'm sure Joe is a great guy and I don't want to hammer the fellow just because he was honest in his discussion with Obama but he clearly does not understand how much $250,000 net really is let alone the perks that will come with his ownership.

A crazy, compressed season

Blanche, Minneapolis, MN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:06:33 GMT

Obama can address this 'redistribution of wealth' issue the same way I have with my Republican friends.
Simply point out the redistribution that occurred in the last 8 years - away from the middle class to the wealth class. Obama wants to get it back in balance. Remember the Clinton years when we all had jobs? We all did well.

A crazy, compressed season

Bee...already voted for Obama in TN — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:06:58 GMT

McCain made me uncomfortable watching last night. He continues to lie, and I don't know why the media doesn't say something. Just because McCain says it does not make it true. McCain did not have on a flag pin...where is the outrage?!?!?!?!?!?!? Was that not a really big deal when Obama did not wear one??? With all the McCain's money why didn't they adopt American needy children and more of them????? Obama is presidential, thoughtful, intelligent and has high morals and integrity. John McCain is an adulterer, and way past his prime. GO OBAMA...go away McCain, and take Palin with you!!

A crazy, compressed season

Glenn, Atlanta — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:07:37 GMT

I think one of the commentators said it best about John McCain last night when they described him as the "grumpy old man living next door, shooing away the kids when their baseball accidentally lands in his yard".

John McCain reminded me a little of Mr. Wilson from Dennis the Menace; lecturing Barack Obama, interrupting him, showing his disdain rather respecting Barack Obama as a US Senator who's won his Party's nomination for President of the United States.

Men may disagree on issues, but they should do so respectfully. When they don't, THAT speaks towards the character of a man more than an affiliation with a noted Professor at a major University in Chicago who is active in a Charity that was headed by a Republican and also included several other Republicans on a Board of Directors.

A crazy, compressed season

David Miller — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:08:58 GMT

Once again, this debate proved that each party thinks that their candidate did the best job. We have to have realized by now, that independents are the only ones taking a unbiased look at these debates. No stead-fast supporter of either candidate is going to be swayed by their comments yesterday. I am a supporter of Barack Obama, but I've always been an independent. I know how politicians work. They all say what we want to hear, but too often do not say what we need to hear. No matter who wins this election I do believe we'll be better off than we were with Bush. All I'm waiting to see now, is whether either candidate manages to accomplish what they set out to do.

A crazy, compressed season

Steven, Cambridge — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:09:36 GMT

Boy...You'd think that snap polls showing a rout for Obama didn't exist reading Mr. Todd's analysis. Thank God we have folks like Mr. Todd to tell us what we really saw and felt rather than what we thought we saw and felt. Whew! What a relief. We could have been SO mistaken!!!

A crazy, compressed season

Right Wing USA, Houston, TX — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:09:44 GMT

wow--some of you democrats can't even spell plumber! Impressive. Perhaps you're in need of McCain's education plan! If only you knew the type of socialist government you're pushing for. You'd have to be on welfare to appreciate Obama's economics. He's all about handouts! Go get a job and support yourself without the government's assistance.

A crazy, compressed season

Ken, Boston — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:10:33 GMT

McCain is done. He should have conceded the election last night so the money spent in the next 20 days could be directed to more important things like helping struggling americans.

A crazy, compressed season

Earl Whyde — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:12:19 GMT

I would like someone to explain to me exactly what Obama means by "making" $250,000. I just sold my half of a "small business" and retired. At the end of the tax year, if we were in the positive numbers at all, we did cartwheels, while we "brought in" over 7.5 mil. For small business' is it gross income, or net profit ? I don't know of any business' that gross 250k per year and could be called "rich" and deserving to be taxed more.

A crazy, compressed season

basil Taha, New york, New York — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:12:45 GMT

After all, it is Obama/Biden. Period

A crazy, compressed season

Ray D - Pittsburgh, PA — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 13:14:22 GMT

I believe that McCain did a good job last night, but any inroads he gains with substance he lost with his lack of style. Voters seen an inpatient iratic John McCain who seemed desperate to connect.