McCain is the only candidate with a history of even attempting to cut spending in any way at all. Obama has done nothing but vote for more spending and more government (both times he actually did his job as a senator).

It surprises me so much that you guys meaning CNN reporters (except you) are unwilling to acknowledge that Obama has no specifics and Mccain came out winning. Obama did not have any substance and he lost me so many times during the debate. It was interesting to listen to Mccain today and frankly for the first time, I have a favorable opinion on him. Please you guys try to be fair, Ultimately its the 'we people' who will elect a President. Mccain is right onon Earmarks of Obama and the Energy Bill, just checked factcheck.

obama is right…..cannot make decisions based on vague outlines….need timetables on exit strategy or at least milestones for logical steps towards exit from iraq. we need investigations into how much profit was made by haliburton and other such companies that profit from military aid / spending….have taxpayers been defrauded??????

I AGREE OBAMA DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTIONS…..HE HAD SOME CANNED SPEECH…………

I agree - there is more going on than this. McCain - did fight for the country but he needs to tell us what he is GOING TO DO… not that I will take care of the veterans - HOW

Quick question around the debate over Iraq. Sometimes I think we overlook wordly opinions, specifically the opinions of the Iraq people themselves.

I am just wondering what the majority of Iraq thinks about US troups, the strength of their infrastructure, and ability to hold a democratic nation. Do they think we should start phasing out or would they portray us as the destructor of their nation whom left it in dissaray?

Obama looks like a spoiled child when he interrupts McCain every time he tries to make a point. McCain is composed and Obama is flustered.

If McCain would face an issue and not wail into jibberish stories he may have stood a chance tonight. Shut him down. He should start writing children's stories. They are long winded and full of fairy tales also.

Obama is being realistic with his answer concerning $700B bailout. It is best not to say anything. It is a mess.

Tough because they don't have any new ideas.

I want ask Macain what do we fight for in Iraq? Who is our enemy in Iraq?

McCain keeps mentioning that he has "been there" regarding his travels abroad. Perhaps the Senate should cut down on trips all over the world and spend a little more time in DC!

They are both tip toeing around this question… I don't think either one has a concrete answer.

Obama is doing better as time goes on shorter answers. I love for him to explain himself isn't that what say all the time "explain their position on the issues".

Obama is doing great. He is offering solutions. Is focused. Honest. Clear and concise. I am so pround of him.Go Obama. You are our man. Standing up and facing the country with accurate, honest, concise answers.
McCain is awkward. Dishonest. Transparent.

Is it realistic to expect either candidate to be specific about bailout related cuts given the uncertainty of the package? Its a good storyline to follow though.

John McCain, in the debate tonight, is NOT telling the straight truth when he said that he opposed President Bush's policies on climate control, spending, energy policies, etc. He voted with Bush over 90% of the time. Before the campaign, I used to think the McCain was a good man. Now, the more I hear and see of him, I believe that he will say and do anything to win this election. I no longer believe anything he says or does

It wasn't hard to figure out what Obama was trying to say. He said he wouldn't be able to do everything he hoped. It would take time. How can the moderator pin him down to specifics when he doesn't yet know what his deficit will be. Remember the republicans aren't done yet and there is still 10 billion dollars each month going to Iraq!!!

He oultined his priorities which were at home. He is too smart to be specific at this stage.

You expected one of them to start answering Questions?

Candy, get real.

$700 billion is a Paulson pipe dream ready to be affirmed by the DEMS if at least 100 GOP members will jump on board

NO 700 BILLION BAIL OUT

Neither can say truthfully what we will do… because of how bad everything is… we don't know what the next President will walk into.

Obama should make his point and stop. He's such a professor.

… 'cause cutting popular promised programs doesn't win elections..