CNN

yeah, i'm proud i'm voting for Barack!!

Yes, me too. I don't want a leader who cannot even look his opponent in the eye. Even when he is addressing him. It was utterly desrespectful, and McCain came off as very arrogant.

We should have gotten Osama Bin Laden first. Iran was not a threat like the Bush administration led us to believe, and used General Colin Powell, who left the administration for this precise reason, THEY USED HIM! John (George) W. McBush is too old school, and his policies will get us into war again.

He thinks Obama does not understand, and Obama underscored and proved his case for the need for change. When we try to turn our back on countries who offend, we laugh at us. we do not have the respect of nations around the world like we used to, and have to regain the worlds respect by showing cool calm determined but forceful diplomacy. the bible says a soft (but firm answer) turns away wrath but grievous words stirs up strife. Obviously McMoney never heard this before.

I wonder what type of diplomacy Sarah Palin would use, lipstick? hunting rifle ala Dick Chaney? throw snowballs?, ride a sled over them? That Katie Couric interview was the saddest thing I ever saw. The only thing sadder is watching poor kids here in the United States and abroad drinking contaminated water and dumpster diving just to get something to eat. Sad sad sad sad sad.

I agree. McCain made my support for Obama even stronger.

McCain did a great job. Obama was rude and looked as if he was going to lose his cool a few times. Obama is NOT what I am looking for in the POTUS!

Mr. McCains performance showed that hes is just a Bush clone. It really showed me that Mr. Obama is the best choice for president for our country.

McCain has a temper, and it showed in this debate..this is not presidential and shows contempt for anyone challenging him.....how is he suppose to negotiate with world leaders???

I too, am proud to be a Southerner, an American, and a Barack Obama supporter.

John McCain came across very condescending, when he kept his rehearsed 'Obama doesn't understand...' sort of thing after each follow up question and never looked at Barack, while Barack did just the very opposite, giving credit when it should matter. Thats a sign that the americans should never vote for McCain. Barack was very presidential, showed john how an opponent should be engaged by looking into his/her eyes. McCain is best talking always about winning, a sure sign that he will be confrontational with other nations. That will be terrible for the USA, worse than G W Bush. What the USA needs in the next President is a healer, not a 'want to win the battle' minded guy. By the way what is this talk of winning a war in Iraq? Its an occupation under a false pretense/ lies of WMD. Is there such thing as a winning a war of occupation. Bush & McCain had just made Iran that much stronger now. It Americans are going to vote for McCain come Nov 4th, 2008, than only God can help the USA.

Ir Leo Antony

McCain didn't stumble badly but he can be on the public stage one time without mentioning he was a POW.

What is really interesting is that conservatives are calling for Palin to resign for the good of the party – and probably saying privately, for the sake of the country.

With all his experience, with all the places McCain has been and the people he met, why choose a VP after just meeting her once??

Yeah, Barack Obama knock it out of the park!

After watching tonight, I can honestly say that I'll be more than proud to vote for Barack.

After watching tonight I can say that I'm even more proud to be casting my vote for Barack.

Barack Obama demonstrated to the country tonight that he will provide effective, fresh, new leadership and can think outside the typical Washington box.

Scary scary scary...I know people are going to try really hard to spin this is some way to make McCain seem like a good later, but frankly, the feedback I got from other people that watched the debate is that he is very scary, not in a good way. This man is so eager to go to war and so stubborn and set in his ways he will make our standing in the world even worse than Bush. Obama made some major points one of which is that a country that is economically weak appears weak defensively as well.

We have an old saying where I'm from.

YOUR BEAT; Johnny

Now Kick Bush's corrupt failing butt out of the white house.

Being a Hillary Clinton supporter that is voting for McCain/Palin, I found that OBAMA IS NOT READY TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY!

McCain showed that he had the strength, experience, knowledge and talents to lead our country back from the mess that Bush and this 110th did less than nothing congress, which by the way has the lowest approval rating in history.

And this "less than do nothing" congress wants to give Bush a $700 billion dollar check, when the majority of the American people do not want to bail out the big banks on Wall Street.

McCain/Palin 2008

Hillary Clinton 2012

I was bothered by McCain's lack of looking at Obama during the debate. It took him quite awhile in before he looked at Obama – and then looked at him only one other time I saw. That is not very polite or diplomatic in my opinion.

How can he be 'proud' of the things he said in this debate? He basically said he isn't willing to sit down with leaders of other countries, and if I heard him correctly, he advocated going to war with Iran, Afghanistan and Russia on top of wanting to continue the current war in Iraq.

I wish someone had asked McCain whether he advocates a military draft. Where does he thinks the troops will come from to fight wars in 4 countries?

Yes Mr. McCain you made me proud!! Proud that I'm supporting Obama, thank you.

Yes Mr. McCain you made me proud tonight. Proud that I will cast my vote for our next President Barack Obama. Thank you!!!

I second FL Dem's comment!

Obama was perpared tonight this man is truly our next President. The Republicans and going to try and spin this McCain's way but all of the polls and I do mean all of the polls I've seen tonight gave Obama a clear victory (CNN, ABCnews, Politico, MSNBC, Gallup and even Fox, yes I did type fox.)

The media's predisposition to cover the two main political parties is unconstitutional.

Where is Sarah Palin, why didn't she address the media after the debates about the candidates view, that man j. g. is he going to take her place.She was terrible with Katie other day, so I will say he might try to be vp. .

I am not American, but I am here and the result if this election will effect me and my future. I am most curious to know why is there a minimum age for president and not a maximum? It seems to me that we should somewhat certain that the person who is in office would remain there and be fit to run until their term is up. McCain is 2 years younger than the average life expectancy of an American male, this is a very scary thought to me indeed. Someone please explain the reason why there is no maximum age? It seems only right, most people will not get hire over the age of 65 in this country. Why is it that the most important job in the country would welcome this? I mean no respect to the aging population, however, I believe 72 years old is quite old for this task. If this country does not repair itself in the upcoming months and next few years ... I fear that like all great empires have done in the past, it will come crashing down. I sincerely hope that people will realize that voting with emotion is selfish, and thoughtless. Whether it be hate, just because one loves a certain person's fashion style or because they answered a question in a witty and humorous way – is non-rational. I am hoping that people will wake-up, realize that America's decision will not only affect those who live here, here and tomorrow, but also the rest of the world. Because there are other countries lining up to takes it's place, and from what I see ... the choices are not so great. It will not be Sweden, England nor Canada, but China, Russia are among those who will take the reigns. I hope Obama does win, if he doesn't I truly believe we are all in trouble, a hole too large to dig out of ... ever.

I can think of (1) person you made proud! Sara Palin you just had to throw a bit of praise her way! but she, like you haven't impressed many VOTERS or the News Media. you have shown the American voter just how much you care about this country by putting her in position to become "Commander in Chief" with no experience at all!!
and at the same time try to tear down OBAMA for lack of experience.

OBAMA-BIDEN

McCain I thought was very rude, made a funny face acting like an old mad man.
The biggest thing he also did was which I find strange is that he never looked at Obama to acknowledge him, not once.
Why does McCain only talks about war, really who CARES???
We are loosing our jobs and home here do something about that, talk about it.
OBAMA 08

No John McCain did not make me proud , His performance at the debate was childish. Should he not be wiser giving all his great exsperiance. My goodness who really has to ask who proved them selfs to be ready to be this countrys President. Obama is so great. and McCain looked snoty and petty. but some how they will take sour puss McCain and make him look like he is John Wayne + Einstein roll into one. they sold Sarah Palin. Well untill they let her take questions. (well sure. don,t cha know. well heck yeah!)

John McCain certainly made me feel proud. He's an outstanding man with a record to be proud of.

I thought Obama stammered through and maybe thought he was still in debate school because he just didn't come across to our group watching tonight that he was anywhere but ready for this level of command. Almost to the point that I felt O'Bama was a student of the U of M and McCain was the Professor who was explaining why this student is getting a bad grade.

About the only thing that I can agree on with O'Bama is that he agrees very much with John McCain.

The clear and defining moment for me to throw my vote to McCain was when O'Bama spoke about invading Pakistan to try and wrangle in Osama Bin Laden. That would cause three wars and in my opinion frightening to even consider.

To be real,i think obama did anice job,i am an independent and am leaning towards to obama.looks like mccain want to start war with russia and iran and yet we cant win iraq war.what ahell is he intending to put america.i will vote obama.

The "Pakistan was a failed state" remark was a serious misstep for a self-proclaimed foreign policy aficionado.

I was not certain of who to vote for, but after watching tonight, it's Barack Obama. We need "real" change, and he's the man bold enough to make them, yet has the dignity and grace to reach out and form consenss. Unlike McCain who picked a candidate to try and convince voters he's interested in change. If change means selecting a person with NO real world experience, has to be shielded from press, has no opinions of her own (only the same talking points given to her). It's cleary a move to "sway" a segment of voters and not someone who can seriously run the greatest country in the world....it's a joke!

Why did McCain fail to look Obama in the eye? As obama spoke, his line of sight was about 70% on McCain and 30% on the audience and Lehrer. McCain looked at best, like the second string on a high school debate team. His speech was filled with uh, um, uh. I can not tolerate, um, uh, because it usually means you have no idea what you are talking about.
I can never trust anyone who won't make eye contact with me.
It is easy for us to post here on the internet, but nothing beats looking at someone straight into the soul.
The V.P. debate will be a slaughter.

Yes he did, he showed America that Barack Obama is more qualified. He argued that he was more qualified to handle the crisis while he was planning to cancel the debate he was having for the "grave danger of the nation"!!!

You didn't make me proud. You conducted yourself like an Angry, irratic, grumpy old man.

Mcain was miserable! I thought he gonna have a severe stroke! Palin could have taken over and porclaim she can she Russia from her Bathroom!. Mcain is just pathetic!!!

Ditto to FLDem

I was a Barak backer but now I'm positive that I was mistaken. It was nice thinking, for a while, that Obama could carry the country. Experience still trumps a good slogan.

John McCain,

I am very proud of the Nephilim/Illuminati Warrior you have become & I'm sure all of your Nephilim/Illuminati friends & family are too including of course, "The Prince" ! Your training was well demonstrated tonight.. The Force is strong with you. I am eagerly awaiting your reception of the baton from our current Nephilim/Illuminati Knight in the White House so that you solely can continue to push "The Agenda" forward as planned. Even though we only really need "4 more years" to transition to" the Big Event", I believe you have demonstrated strong enough faith to occupy the Presidential position for "another 8" ! I hope that I will be counted worthy enough to continue to positively participate. Thank you.

CHRI$Tian Verde in Liberty Farms, California, USA

This "Country First!"

Let's see...first of all...I am a white woman, 35 years old. conservative, always republican, and I am voting for OBAMA!! I voted for G W Bush, and was never so disappointed in another human being in my entire life...he gives republicans a bad name! I am so turned off by his LIES, the total "skull in bones" B.S. and the rich getting richer while our men are dying in Iraq, while he himself dodged Vietnam, UUUGH! If MCCAIN agrees with Bush, it's a no brainer, he needs to Go!! Obama is going to save the economy, and that is why he gets my vote, THE MAN IS BRILLIANT!! So intelligent, thoughtful, precise, calm, and confident, OBAMA ROCKS!!

John mcain showed why he will win

I don't think either candidate was a raging success however Obama made his points clearer. McCain drifted to often into the same old McWar stance. Obama looked and acted like more of what I would want my President to look and act like. His education and upbringing stood him above McCains bar room fighter stance. Obama certainly exibited patiences and an ability to listen whereas McCain true to his self importance attitude was rude in not making eye contact with Obama. Obama was animated while McCain gripped the podium and glared most of the time straight ahead. Next time I hope they get off their respective stump speaches and tell it like it really is.. I would give this one to Obama, But only slightly.

Isn't NO WAY IN HELL I'd vote for a so called man that is supported by muslims!! OPENLY REFUSES to wear the American flag, wants to tax ALL of us $10-$20G and THANK GOD I don't have to worry about this!!
McCain/Palin WILL WIN and we'll be FAR BETTER OFF!!
~An Iraq veteran that KNOWS we ARE doing good in Iraq!!~

The outgoing commander of US troops in Iraq, Gen David Petraeus, has said that he will never declare victory there.
He said he did not know that he would ever use the word "victory": "This is not the sort of struggle where you take a hill, plant the flag and go home to a victory parade... it's not war with a simple slogan."

Disgusted.

Do you listen to any of the joint chiefs?

The war was won in 2 weeks.

This is not Nam...we invaqded a toppled a dictator we put in power and now have NO PLAN for getting Iraq stable on their own.

Do you read history? Do you understand this is a made up country from WWII that has tribal and religous battles that date back 1500 years?

The "WAR" was won in 2 weeks our policy for rebuilding was Halliburton....defeat? where are the 'copters crashing into the sea?
You are a disgrace to the service.

My Father was a special Opps Ranger 101st in Korea.your pandering with noun verb pow is shameless.

That idiot Palin...well I can see Russia...are you suffering from dementia?

Your autobiog. states clearly you want the prize...you have no concern for USA first it is JM getting the prize.

Scum

McCain TANKED

he smirked, lied, and simply regurgitated his acceptance and stump speech

why can't CNN and the msm just ADMIT that McCain not only lost the debate but is terribly WRONG ABOUT AMERICA?!

I dare the good people at CNN to post this comment but I bet they won't....

I can't wait for Palin/Biden debat. lol, I think that's where the funs at! Hope she doesn't start crying on stage.

McCain didn't let me down. He acted in the same sarcastic and condescending way he always does. He started every subject off on a negative note.
I can't wait until thursday to see the Biden/ Palin debate.

to me McCain reeks of the same old politics of arrogance and self rigthousness that has brought this country to where we are today. he sounded so much like a confused Bush on policy, rambling away his usual political stumps to every question. and did he talk about his POW again?

me too

Thanks Mc cain. obama is my president now. You did help him well.

Obama/Biden 08

John McCain certainly made ME proud tonight. I was loving it when I noticed that John was not giving the "O-Man" (O for zero) a single glance. Why should he? And I was praying aloud that John would continue to ignore the "O-Man". Ah. . .poor little celebrity puppy!

I am so proud of you, John!!!! and I am going to vote for you!!!!!!!!!!!!

A Democrat who is against the liar, Obama!!!!!

Yes john you made me proud to vote for Obama. Thanks

I second that, I let out a huge sigh of relief after that debate, hopefully smooth sailing from here on out.

Same here......

Certainly changing sides... Dems have my vote this time!

I have to say I never knew that Obama had so much knowledge on foreign affairs. We all know that McCain has 26+ years of experience and this is his strongest suite. Obama showed that there is diffrerent way of dealing with the international community. McCain got so frustrated that he Obama kept coming back all the time that finally McCain had to end it with his POW story.

I'm not the least bit proud of a career politician who can't even look his opponent in the eye during a debate....not once...I guess when you align yourself with the worst president in our history so often you CAN'T look anyone in the face, especially the american people..he didn't look at US either!

Hang in ther John, your lifes experiances and abilities willhelp you in these debates as well as in the White House.In the end the cream always rises to the top. We the people are tired of empty promises with the same old results. We beleive in your love for this country, and your true desire to get the goverment back into the hands of the peopleand away from these unreachable, and for the most part undesireable people that are suppose to be our repersentives that have sold out the people their suppose to represent. Of sending tens of and hundred of millions of dollars to these other countris around the world, I think its plain to see that we need to be more frugle with our tax dollar. I think that you and Sarah Palin ahave a feel on the pulse of this country. God Bless

I believde that though both candidates are capable of handling the job, with McCain being a veteran, and Obama being a constitutional lawyer. I believe that Obama will prevail in this election, regardless of his "Beating" McCain (or not) in the debates.

The economy is in trouble, and the last time that we had a sustained control of the government by the republican party (greater than a couple of years) we ended up in the great depression that did not see a turnaround until 1933 when the democrats took both houses of congress, and the white house with FDR.

Our economic cycle does seem to flow along with the repubican governmental control as well, with recessions oddly appearing during or shortly after a simultaneous republican administration/control of the congress.

That said, I am seriously thinking that we should avoid the republican vote at all costs to maintain some sanity in Washington.

We all know what happens to people who systematically and consistently lie..... they didn't get far. unfortunately for mccsame, he didn't learn from that experince. keeps looking back at 30 years of prisoner of war like it happened yesterday. mccsame it's jaded, outdated and worn out. lf you can come up with a reng story besides he wasn't the only POW and certainly wasn't the last one. Get over it johnny.

what is he saying!!! He didn't talk anything on point, just complained about obama rather than talking about his own plans.....Obama was very gracious enough to admit and acknowledge mccains few good work in his long carrier as senator.....and he is trying to sell himself on that...... other then than it was all Obama .... I think Obama is a winner in this debate that is also with huge margin....

“Do you think we showed them who's qualified to be commander-in-chief?”

Oh, John. You don't want to know the answer to that question...

McCane(like walking cane) should've stayed away from the debate tonight and just stayed in Washington. He obvious fell on his face and showed America that he just doesn't have what it takes to be our President. He screwed up Iran president's name and can't control his temper when he's debating. Stay tuned for the VPs turn, it'll be another slam dunk for the Democrats. Also, for those females that will be voting for Painlin just because she's a female, I truly feel sorry for you for not using good judgment and will basically show how pathetic and weak you are.

I thought the debate was a tie. Obama better on the economy, McCain slightly better on foreign affairs.

BUT, If McCain had been less condescending, I would have thought of him as presidential. There is no way I can vote for a man who is afraid of looking his opponent in the eye ... and this is someone who agrees with many ideas and policies McCain has. What will McCain do if the person across the table is an enemy? Not look at him or her? Take a time out? Let Palin take over?

McProud doesn´t understand the 21st century.
His values are out of World War II and this "commander in chief" thing feels like an ill wind.
I think that´s what he really wants to be, the "First Commander".

I felt more confident in John McCain. Obama wasn't the hype that he was all hyped up to be. But one thing I didn't like was McCain wouldn't even acknowledge Obama by not looking at him in the eye. Kind of disrespectful I thought. Almost like he looked down on him like he was a kid.

Agree FLDem

Thank God we will have a president that has expericence, John McCain. Looks like Obama's "TAX THE RICH" has turned out not to be true, he will tax everyone, the largest tax increase in our history.

The Democrats and their "I HATE BUSH" has turned against them. Hate is all the Democrats have. Lets clean house and remove all the do nothing Democrats from the House and the Senate.

McCain 08

Thanks John, as if I needed any doubts aboutmy vote!

I really don't like macain

Barack Obama has demonstrated the spirit of the gentleman, whereas McCain has shown how unscrupulous he can be just to attain his goals.

For the 21st century, war is not important. How can US lead the world with "thought leadership" – that is important. Not with might or power or pride.

In this Obama scores McCain very decisively.

To all GOPs and independents :

1. Talk to a mother who has lost her kid in the war
2. Talk to a family who have lost their family house due to foreclosure
3. Talk to a retired couple who is loosing value in their retirement money
4. Talk to a kid who cannot go to a school, because Billions have been / are being wasted on Iraq.
5. Talk to a person who cannot afford helath care

Then think and decide for yourself

Yes Sen. McCain. You made us proud...proud supporters of Obama

No Mccain, you didnt. You made me sick.

Glad I watched, Mccain has shown that he deserves my vote.

Wow McCain, you put out an ad stating you won this debate long before it even started...your opponent agreed with you 13 times saying "Your absolutely right" and "I agree." The whole time the only thing you said over and over is "Senator Obama does not understand!"
But yet you still got your a$$ handed to you! You couldn't even look the man in his eyes... Is this how you plan to negotiate with our enemies? Obama is definately a standup guy with a lot more integrity; at least he knows how to give credit where credit is due.

War war war! No one wins a war. Everyone gets hurt. You made me scared to death.

It was very clear from the beginning....... even a kid can tell you..... who showed respect, culture, manners and professionalism in this debate.... OBAMA !!!!

Instead McCain was rude, couldnt look into Obama's eyes and debate like a professional, take the debate not as the enemy but just as a debate .... Grow McCain... I think even we MBA's know how to debate..... Go learn some manners and respect from home.... you sucker !!!

Ditto

mccain talks about straight talk but he doesn't even know how manyn houses he owns ..or how many cars he has.. in know what i have ... that be none and 1

Goodbye McCain, at 72 year old and at 5'7' in height and 165lbs power hungry little guy, do all of us a favour...retire

Both candidates peformed exceptionally well tonight, but honestly, Senator Obamba is to be declared the winner of the deebate.

Yes, McShame, proud in my support for Barack Obama.

I am very proud of John McCain. I said before the debate that the media will have said "Obama wins debate" boy am I glad they didn't let me down. This is a message to all of the media McCain will win. I have known this since January, so keep it up media I love the spin.

Why wasn't your sidekick there tonight, John? Biden was.

You were great John. Even Obama constantly agreed with you!

He's a great story teller..He'd make a good grandpa. The funny thing is McCain wasn't wearing the bracelet that the dead soldier's mother gave to him while Obama was wearing his.. It just displays who really has the interest of the people at heart..

I'm still supporing Barack Obama

John McCain, throughout this campaign, has seemed to think that simply saying something outloud makes it true. Keep telling yourself that, John.

I'll second that, FLDem.

McCain's body language spoke volumes tonight. I thought we were going to witness one of the temper-tantrums he's so famous for. He didn't look Obama in the eye even once that I can recall and he just seemed generally uneasy.

Go Obama!! finish this thing up and start repairing the economy.

I know. I can't wait until Thursday night to see Biden vs Palin. I don't think that Palin is going to have a good night.

A bad week for McCain , just got a whole lot worse. Lets see , we have Rick Davis , McCain dropping like a rock in the polls. Then he pulls this political stunt of supposedly suspending his Campaign and claims he has to run back to Washington to save the world. But he failed to mention that he is not part of the committees that were dealing with the bail out , and therefor wouldn't have any input anyway. Then the congressional leaders come out and make statements about not needing McCain or wanting him. McCain shows up in Washington and screws up the entire frame work of the agreement. A very Conservative Republican comes out in MSM calling for Palin to step down for the good of the Republican Party because she is way out of her league , which once again points towards McCain's very poor judgment. Then McCain flip flops again , and decides he better show up for the Debate , AND LOST !

YES JOHHNIE YOU MADE US PROUD! Thank You.

He sure showed those 'uppity Negros' that he won't look at them or talk to them as equals!
McCain's display tonight was disgusting. I am ashamed to be an American.

McCain did a great job tonight. He has real experiences to back up is positions.

The answer as to what caused our countries financial problems all stems back to the Community Reinvestment Act.

I was never President Bush's fault.

John McCain was much too gentle in not exposing the transition from beginning to now.

There is a good blog on amazon.

I put my faith in McCain/Palin to clean up Washington.

George W. MCSame gets toasted by Barak Obama. MCMoney was called on the carpet for his misdirected McWhaler Lies, and when he was exposed could not stop lying. My God he almost looked like Sarah Palin in ancient butch. His foreign policy is so ancient history. He picked a VP that is a big joke, what was e thinking, what kind of judgment is that???????

I am mystified, (Hey He did leave his first wife for a younger prettier thing, think this is the real reason he picked her?? NAW! he'd never leave the deep diamond encrusted pockets). Palin can not do his bid any good now. She is not qualified, and she shoots his credibility all to hell. Palin reminds me of a numb minded character in the movies that just stumble their way into unrealistic and unbelievable scenarios. This election is totally clear No More George McBush and certainly no Sarah Palin.

Yes Senator McCain, you made me proud ... proud that I'm an Obama supporter.

Senator McCain, You certainly make us very proud tonight.

Tonight was supposed to be Senator McCain's night. It wasn't. Senator Obama more than held his own. I'm a Democrat but I'm not a big fan of Obama. I have always respected Senator McCain but I think Senator Obama comported himself more like a president tonight.

Unlike Obama, John McCain sure looked very angry at some point in the debate. Surely, Obama will now have my vote.

You did John especially when I heard you were going back to Washington to work in YOUR JOB as Senator. Thanks for coming and winning this debate.

Senator Obama is going out campaigning tomorrow. I believe in NC. I think he should also work in His Job as Senator. Until the stiuation is worked out with the bailout.

Laura, Boston

Obama made me feel more proud of being an American.

John McCain reminds me of George Bush.

It is OVER. Sarah Palin will NOT be one heart beat away from the presidency during these most critical days.

Tonight Barack Obama showed he is READY. America is, indeed, READY for this change.

Our long (8 year) national nightmare is nearly over!

If McCain had kept the same nice tone he made his first remark with he could have won the debate. But, Mccain got kind of crazed. He made faces and would not look Obama in the eye. He kept his head down and made creepy smiles and did the snake tongue flicking thing that Kerry did that grossed me out so much in 2004. Yuck. old and creepy and mean spirited. He is no Ronald Reagan, at all. McCain seems too moody and kind of scary to me. I did not vote for Kerry because he creeped me out and I can't vote for Mccain for the same reason plus he seems unstable to me. Obama seems more like Reagan to me. A good leader even if i do not 100% agree with him on some issues… which I don't. But Obama seems like an even hand in a strom. Smart, strong and thoughtful.
Obama made me feel for proud of being an American.

Obama should quit being such a gentleman...it's elections!You don't win by being true to yourself and the people out there..you have to manipulate, just like MCSame!

John McCain did not really know what he's talking about. He's just into himself.

Sen. McCain you almost let down the people of Ole Miss and america by wanting to backout of this debate by stating that you wanted to focus on the current economic situation, that's all good but, we the people need a president who is able to multi task. We don't just have one crisis going on in our country...several things is at stack. That maverick and straight talk theory is something Ole John Wayne would say. Stop looking at those old movies and start watching CSI. This is a new time and we are looking for new solutions. That's why Sen. Obama has proven that he's our man.

Yeah this is a great fluff news piece! Debate was simple McCain advocated for the failed Bush policies and Obama advocated for a new course. Glad he talked to supporters and all and CNN feels the need to report it but I was really dissapointed tonight. McCain was disrespectful and just flat stupid through out the debate. If McCain want's my vote he first needs to proove to me he can look Obama in the eyes and spar with him over present and future decisions. I get that he has past experience but running on past will get you no where today and no where tomorow.

I disagree. I am undecided but it seems McCain clearly is much more knowledgable in foreign affairs. I was leaning toward Obama because of the fact he is a breath of fresh air in politics but McCain is without doubt a patriot, Obviously will back the veterans based on his background. Obama's Idea of national healthcare is scary in my opinion since ANY program run by the federal government is always a extreme waste of time and money due to red tape. I work for a company that was recently taken over by the huge corporation that does mostly federal goverment work and now we spend at least 25% of out time wasted reading company guidelines so they can qualify for the government work. Also, we are threatened on a daily basis that we will be terminated if we do not follow thier rediculous amount of red tape rules, thus is why I will be on a job interview this week looking to work elsewhere. It is amazing how much they have tried to control our lives both in the office and at home too. When you hear about corporate takeovers it is disheartening but when you work for the company that has been taken over it becomes clear that the federal government just does not protect or care one bit about the american workers. Also this company which does government work sends much work overseas (not sure if it government work they send there) as they claim they cannot find the engineers they need in this country, yet in our office since they have taken over engineers have been layed off and it is just the start of the layoffs. it is all fake, all a lie and I will never work for a company that does federal work again.

the debate sure made it clear to me who represents the future and the aspirations of main street

Obama ROCKED!

I would also like to interject that if McCain is aiming towards transparency if elected as our President then why did he not tell all of us (Americans) that there was no Republican elder that would be at the Economical Bailout and that was why he flew back to Washington? Instead he put everyone into a tail spin because we did not understand his position. This tells me that he was making a political attempt to throw the entire debate and the polls to slant his direction because he KNEW he was loosing ground....

Obama was deliberate, precise and was very Presidential – he gave Americans confidence during the debate….

mcCain enrgy plan for 2030 is out of touch he wount be there

McCain talked to much about the 26years he had been in Washington and to much about Reagan. This is not the 80's and Reagan is not the president. I thought he was arragont and condsending when he kept telling Obama that he just didn't understand. Obama understood foreign relations better than I thought he would. I liked it when he said McCain was right and then went on to state his views. I think it showed respect to John McCain, it's to bad McCain couldn't do the same. I think Obama came out better than McCain.

Obama has a lot of honey on his tongue which makes sense because he needs it to backtrack on what he's said previously. All talk, no walk. He's for change alright. He changes positions regularly depending on who he's speaking to.

If you believe Obamas generalities, McCain is not your man.

If you think for yourself, have a job and don't live on student loans, McCain is awesome.

McCain Republican- I've always voted Democrat but I'm excited to have McCain.

Senator McCain surely renewed my support for Senator Obama.

If McCain had kept the same nice tone he made his first remark with he could have won the debate. But, Mccain got kind of crazed. He made faces and would not look Obama in the eye. He kept his head down and made creepy smiles and did the snake tongue flicking thing that Kerry did that grossed me put so much in 2004. Yuck. old and creepy and mean spirited. He is no Ronald Reagan, at all. McCain seems too moody and kind of scary to me. I did not vote for Kerry because he creeped me out and I can't vote for Mccain for the same reason plus he seems unstable to me. Obama seems more like Reagan to me. A good leader even if i do not 100% agree with him on some issues... which I don't.

If John MCCain cannot engage his Democratic rival without sophomoric smirks and misplaced laugh lines, why should I have any confidence in his ability to respectfully transact diplomacy abroad with Chair Jintao or President Medvdev, much less deal with Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Reid when they oppose his view of American policy?

John McCain i see why you wanted to called off the debate. And for your VP pick Sarah Palin are you feeling the heat.

winning team. OBAMA/BIDEN 08

Senator McCane did just fine. Senator McCanes' TWENTY-SIX years experience in congress, His depth of knowledge in foreign affairs, his intricate understanding of historical foreign relationships, his personal experience in military and staring down death/being tortured and the profound impact to his life and his life's mission makes it irrefutable that He is Ready to Serve As A Defender of America, and the President of the United States of America.

McCane 2008 and beyond

What McCain mostly did during this debate was make simple declaratory statements. It was frustrating to listen to him talk, as I waited for something more than these simple declarations. I will do this and I will do that, the end. Anybody can say anything. He was flat on substance. He was condescending with his "he doesn’t know" statements. I kept thinking, this guy said our economy is strong, that the Iraq invasion was more important that taking care of business in Afghanistan and Al Qaeda, and there he was telling everyone else they are not the superior genius he is. The corker was when he tried to paint Obama as being arrogant like Bush. Man, that was so rich my teeth almost flew out of my mouth.

He came off like an arrogant old man. We have had 8 years of arrogance. We do not need 4 more. He did not make me proud.

as always, I am sure this will not be posted because as always, CNN is ALWAYS for Obama!!!!!! I am so sick of cnn! CNN sees only that whatever McCain says is wrong and their great muslin did nothing wrong! Sorry, CNN because of YOU I WILL NOT VOTE for this man you think is so perfect! McCain gets my vote and I think you should be taken off the air!!!!!!!

If he can't look Barack Obama in the eyes when he talks to him he will never be able to be have an intellegent conversation with anyone. He showed little to no respect to Barack or to the Jim Lehrer. McCain is someone I do not want to represent me or my country. As I do not want Sarah Palin to represent me either. And by the way where is his flag pin on the lapel? His trip back to Washington.....another political stunt.

All that arguying and talking and talking around and around after this explanation and proove is just waisted time af stuborn arguying with not logic, based only on sen.Mc Cain "CONVICTION ..HE IS RIGHT AND THE OPPONENT IS WRONG...!
THE COMMON SENSE – LOGIC of Sen Obama is the thru...!

P. S. Can't wait to see Biden thoroughly destroy "Don't meet the press" Palin next week:)

I am scared for McCain. He's scaring me.. He's looking and acting SO OLD!! He looks backward, his comments always go backward. This election is about the future. John McCain: You need to look forward. We're waiting for leadership as it addresses our future.

Umm....yeah more secure that this country will take the right direction and vote for Obama.

Did you notice Senator Mccain couldnt even look President Obama in the eye? Pure disrespect and i was offended.

He didn't make me feel anything. I went into this one knowing that Sen. Obama would do well, and he did that. McCain, you are in trouble. And Palin........I feel sorry for you.

He told the truth. He refuses to cut the baby in half to get ahead. I am Very Proud. It is time for the media to get back to the truth.

The Public News reported as slanted academic opinions and editorials lacking truth and fact and masking their agendas threaten the very constitutional amendment to the constitution for which my fellow soldiers fought. Sensationalized news reporting without complete fact and truth is a subversive social suicide. It will destroy the very freedom we cherish.

John McCain, the next President of the United States of America, made me very proud. !!!!!

I second that FLDem. McC

McCain may know a lot bout the past, but certainly not enough about how to lead us into the future.

Actually, he didn't do nearly as bad as I thought he might. Not that this fact and the solid and complete freezing of the entirety of hell would convince me to vote this man into office even if god himself bowed down and begged me...but still.

I thought perhaps I would hear McCain speak of this new change that has overcome his campaign. All I heard was him defending his Bush like ways. I guess apple trees still grow the same old apples.

Ok, I have made my decision, I will NOT be voting for McCain, final! I saw an educated leader in the debate and that was Obama. I did not see a leader in McCain at all.. but someone with ADD. It reminded me of bush actually in a way.

“Do you think we showed them who's qualified to be commander-in-chief?”

Why is it he always refers to the post in military terms? Hillary also did this, but Obama, Ron Paul and other candidates have always used the term "President."

If McCain is elected, expect war to rage and the draft to suck in our young people. Then republicans, mourning their children, can explain to me why they made the right choice.

McCain started off in the muck: he invoked Ted Kennedy in the most egregious and blatantly canny attempt to drag the viewers by the heart into his camp.

McCain went on to like a kicked dog through the rest of the debate, fearful of ever looking Obama in the face, even as Obama directed his comments straight at him. Never once did McCain direct a comment at Obama.

In every question, McCain seemed to get more flustered, and was even making sniffing sounds like he was ill near the end of the debate. Obama's demeanor was always prim, calm, and intelligent. McCain's was confused, ill-equipped, and angry.

Barack Obama won the first debate handily.

McCain keeps mentioning '"VICTORY IN IRAQ". What exactly does that mean? A democratic Iraq? Sorry to burst anyones bubble but there will NEVER be a democratic Iraq so we might as well leave now and avoid killing more than the 4000 american troops that have already been killed (and much more maimed and disfigured). "Our trooops will have fought in vain if we do not achieve victory" Are you kidding me? In vain? I don't think so. Let's pull our troops out now and avoid killing more of them. Not to mention that Osama Bin Laden is still alive and sending out new videos frequently. Obama is right, we should have never attacked Iraq, it was the biggest mistake the U.S. has ever made. To bad we can't bring Saddam back to Iraq to keep the peace.

MCCAIN SHOWED WHY HE IS THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB!!!

Where was John McCain's flag pin!!!!!!!!!

McCain was condescending and snippy and will not look Obama in the eye like Obama is beneath him.

GO OBAMA!

Seems Obama was a little hecklish a couple of times.....gee he must have been nervous. A+ for John !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Does the person to leave the last comment actually watch the debate? Obama did very poorly towards the end of the debate and McCain touted his national security experience to much avail.

Sen. McCain You Did Sir. Thank You . After Watching The Debate Tonight , I Bet Obama Wished This Debate Had Been Canceled . ROFLMAO !!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for making me a proud supporter of Barack Obama, McCain.

Me too.

I felt that Obama could have been more agressive, but he did very well overall.He drove his points home when he needed to.

I'm proud to be voting for Barack Obama. I don't trust anything John McCain says anymore. He used to be a straight forward guy, now he just wants to win an election. I thought Obama looked more presidential tonight. And I trust Obama/Biden a lot more than McCain/Palin. Palin scares the heck out of me. She's out of her league big time.

Barack will be the next President.

McSame is no leader. Told you he would blink and not stand by his convictions to stay in D.C. until the bailout was complete. Totally erratic. On again/Off again. The fundamentals are strong – all the way to no debate, but then he did debate – or gave the same old speeches – including reminding us all that he was a POW.

Yes, McSame, we know and you have been thanked to the nth degree. But you are not the only ex-POW in the world. Move on already and stick to the issues. And you had the nerve to be condescending to Obama. BTW, you, McSame, do not understand the difference between a tactic and a strategy. The surge was a tactic for an overall strategy. DUH!

FLDem: "John McCain certainly made me feel better about my support for Barack Obama."

Ditto.

McCain know his job. Obama tries to bluff his way through!

Yep, McCain definitely showed that Obama should be commander-in-chief.......

McCain could not even look at Obama.Whats up with that? Kept on making silly smiles Was he trying to say Obama doesnt know what he is talking about? I liked the way Obama Looked at him and addressed him. Obama has my Vote

I agree Florida Dem Obama makes me very proud!!! T

About the hard discused the subject of "YES or NO" THE SURGE OF ADDITIONAL TROOPS RESULTED IN LOVWER CASUALTIES....!
The proove of the TRUTH, is the report obtained from "SATELLITE IMAGES SHOWING ETHNIC CLEANOUT IN IRAQ..!
The images support the view of intl. refugee org. and Iraq Experts that a major population shift was a key factor in the decline in sectarian violence, particularly in the Iraqi capital, the epicenter of the boodletting in which hundreds of thousands were killed.
Minority SUNNI Arabs were driven out of many neighborhoods by SHIITE millitants enraged by the bombing of the "SAMARRA MOSQUE in February 2006. the bombing, blamed on the Sunni millitant group AL QAEDA, sparked a wave of sectarian violence.
"BY THE LAUNCH OF THE SURGE, MANY OF THE TARGETS OF CONFLICT HAD EITHER BEEN KILLED OR FLED THE COUNTRY, AND THEY TURNED OF THE LIGHTS WHEN THEY LEFT," geography profesor John Agnew of the University of California Los Angeles, who led the study, said in a statement.
"Essentially, our interpretetaion is that violence has declined in BAGDAD because of intercommunal violence that reached a climax as the surge was beginning," said Agnew, who studies ethnic conflict.
some 2 million Iraqis are displaced within iraq, while 2 million more have sought refuge in neighboring Syria and Jordan. Previously religiously mixed neighborhoods of BAGDAD became homogenized SUNNI or SHIITE MUSLIM ENCLAVES.
THE STUDY, published in the journal "ENVIRONMENT AND PLANNING A, provides more evidence of ethnic conflict in Iraq, "which peaked just "! BEFORE US PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH ORDERED THE DEPLOYMENT OF ABOUT 30,000 EXTRA US TROOPS!"
THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE TROOPS BUILD-UP HELPED HALT IRAQ's SLIDE INTO SECTARIAN CIVIL WAR HAS BEEN DEBATED, particularly in the US, with SUPORTERS OF THE SURGE, saying it was the MAIN CONTRIBUTING FACTOR, AND "OTHERS ARGUING IT WAS SIMPLY ONE OF A NUMBER OF FACTORS....
OUR FINDINGS SUGGEST that the SURGE HAS HAD NO OBSERVABLE EFFECT, EXCEPT INSOFAR AS IT HAS HELPED TO PROVIDE A SEAL OF APPROVAL FOR PROCESS OF ETHNO-SECTARIAN NEIGHBORHOOD HOMOGENIZATION THAT IS NOW LARGELY ACHIEVED," Agnev team wrote in their report.
"AGNEW's TEAM USED PUBLICLY AVAILABLE INFRARED NIGHT IMAGINERY FROM A WEATHER SATELLITE OPERATED BY THE US AIR FORCE.

He made me feel better about supporting Obama also. I can barely stand to watch McCain, especially when he gets that smirk on his face and his holier than thou attitude. As for this visit, get a clue people, he doesn't really care about any of us, just winning the election and then he'll go back to all of his rich cronies and deregulate another portion of the free market.

John McCain told supporters he wouldn't let them down. Did he actually see the Couric-Palin interview?

Jhonny boy you lost tonight and you will loose in December. Nonetheless please shut the door as you leave. And Oh we love you too.

Time gave McCain B-

Time gave Obama A-

Obama/Biden '08 We're taking our country back for us. NO MORE WARS FOR OIL.

Obama has no experience and it showed tonight. McCain may not have the flashy, say whatever you want to hear delivery, but he is so much more qualified to be President. Fall for Obama's charisma, then pay higher taxes and watch this arrogant man drive this country into financial chaos.

What is CNN trying to pull? I just put my grade for the candidates and your site CHANGED MY GRADE. If you people want to know what we think don't change it to what YOU want us to think.

BHO the student, Cain the teacher. Did BHO say, "we would take them out?," talking about Pakistan?

Yes, my friend. You made me proud of my decision to switch from Republican to Democrat.

Proud to vote for Obama.

Proud to be part of the solution, not part of the problem.

I'm very proud.

Thank you.

My friend.

OBAMA 08

Opps my bad! McCain saids he will put a freeze on all government spending accept for the Military and Veterans. Well God bless the Vets they do deserve more. But once again McShame what about the rest of Americans who are hurting? Everyone isn't on welfare or looking for a handout. We need healthcare reform now, and not that sorry tax credit to purchase your own. Question? where is the money suppose to come from to purchase private insurance? Tax break! not to mention private insurance min. about 12,000 per year. Hm... who is going to foot the bill for the remaining $7,000 this type of deception makes me mad as he11! One more thing couldn't even look Obama in the eye disrespectful. How well is that going to go over with world leaders you disagree with! You wont be able to drag someone across the table this time! .

...Yuck. I agree with FLDem. Proud to be an OHDem myself.

John McCain attempted to make Barack Obama seem clueless on topics that Obama was clearly correct and he was dead wrong.

That the Surge was a strategy not a tactic
That Kissinger did not agree with talks with Iran
Constatantly distorting obama's stance

He couldn't even Look obama in the eye

As a democrat, I am disappointed that I am growing so disenchanted with Barack Obama. I may have to sit this one out.

McCain made himself look even worse than before if that's possible. He was rude and even talked over the moderator. Nothing but lies came out of his mouth. Stick a fork in him, he's done!

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

"Mr." McCain. You did make me proud. Proud that I am more convinced than EVER to realize we do NOT need attitudes like yours in the WH ever again!!!!!

Who cares who got in the best one liner? We need to deal with the real issues facing our country like healthcare, global warming, gasoline prices, ending the war in Iraq, home forclosures, and the economy. I want to hear what is going to be done about these problems, not who is the better speaker or who misspoke about an issue. The election is less then forty days from now and the American people deserve better.

Why wouldn't he look to directly to Obama?

I've always learned that people are lying or afraid when they don't look directly to other peoples eyes. This was really strange.

I am not sure why it always seem that if I write more than two (2) sentences, my cimments never get posted, So I am writing this again! Sen. McCainyou did not make me proud. You kept saying that Sen. Obama did not get it, but Sir. you are the one who does not get it. You don't get the fact that Americans want to live in a country that is not always at threat of going to war. I firmly believe that if you are elected into the White House, there will be a 50/50 chance that we will be involved in another war. (other than the 2 that we are currently in). You don't get it!. I have a son who has served 5 tours in Iraq. Sen. McCain no one should have to serve 5 tours anywhere. He's had to do that because we have stretched our military to the breaking point, not to mention their families. With you as president my family and I would not benifit from your proposed tax package. I've actually put both side by side. My family and I will not benifit from your child tax credit and quite frankly there's nothing else that will help us. My husband and I are both college grads. and together we make a good living. However, with the constant increase in gas, utilities, food, insurance prems, mortage, car notes, you know just the everyday to day bills, we are finding it harder and harder. Less vactions, less eating out, less everything. This certainly does not help a very sick economy. Sen. McCain you don't get it. The trickle down economics that you are baseing your tax package on (and you are) does not work. If it did, we would all be receiving some trickle and the economy would not be in current condition. Sen. McCain you don't get it!. Do you actually know how much a gaoolon of milk costs? You do not share the same views as myself and family. I thank you for the service that you have given to this county, but Sen. McCain we can't afford to have you as President of these United States.I wish you well in your future endevors

I agree with FLDem. He even wore the Bush Smirk.

Of course we're proud John. Who wouldn't be (other than an aloof chump who prefers domestic terrorists and racists)?

Obama said it best, "John is right." Obama is wrong. For America.

John McCain has had a rough week, and this debate wasn't much better for him.

Obama took him to task on just about every point.

I think that the debate did show who is qualified to be commander in chief: both candidates. Both of these guys beat out extremely competitive opponents in the two most prominent political parties in the United States, and the poll results between these two have been consistently ambivalent for months now. That's no coincidence. But judging by McCain's demeanor - particularly his unwillingness to even look in Obama's direction - it would seem that he disagrees.

Since comments closed so quickly in the other blogs, I also want a chance to comment regarding the newly released McCain video which cites Obama's "Senator McCain is right" quote excerpts (and I call them quote excerpts because they omit Obama's counterarguments that inevitably followed). If McCain intends to claim the helm of mending partisan gaps and finding common ground, why is his campaign outright mocking Obama for doing just that? Will I also be mocked because I concede that he, too, has qualifications to be commander in chief?

But there's a difference between presidential qualifications and presidential quality. In my opinion, McCain surrendered a lot of presidential quality with his behavior and the behavior of his advertising campaign tonight.

The Obama campaign can easily brush off this attack by 1) framing the ad as McCain mocking Obama's gestures of nonpartisanship, and 2) asking, "If McCain can't even look across a stage at his opposition, how can we expect him to reach across the aisle?"

Block, punch. An easy 1-2 for the Democrats.

He keeps betting his chips on Obama's inexperience. The truth is I rather see a mule administrating this country then have McCain. And since he's being supported by one he has even less going for him. His cheap shots can only go so far. I think the population is the country is getting tired. They talk about going into a recession, this is already a depression and nobody seems to acknowledge it. Obama is not going to be a miracle worker, but if given power he can make the right decisions necessary to see us thru these times.

I am rooting for you OBAMA.

I hear Obama keep bragging about the fact that he didn't vote for the war. Did he think there were wmd's like everyone else,and if so he just didn't care? Maybe he knew they wouldn't find them there,after all it couldn't be that 14years is long enough to hide them elsewhere or could it,maybe Obama knows.

John McCain showed he has the experience this country, Obama only showed how of a corrupt politician he is and how rude he is.

McCain will win come November! and he won the debate tonight!!

John McCain proved he has a clear plan for the country. He was calm, cool, and collected. Obama was nervously drinking water, hand shaking and speaking in vague terms spending most of the time responding to Mccain by aggreeing with Mccain.

Obama looked like a naive ill-prepared child who has no business being in charge of this country.

You sure showed us John. I'm voting early tomorrow...for Obama.

Also...I AM NEVER LOOKING AT FACTCHECK AGAIN! They are so much in the tank for Obama...Its like every time obama says something its true...and everything mccain says is a lie???? Please...even mccains not stupid enough to lie about that much....Once again a media source shows liberal bias! Everyone keeps pointin fingers at Palin for "troopergate" and about how she was blessed by a priest who "witch hunts"......the media is all over that.....but hmmm...they dont seem to be investigating all of Barack Obamas connections...Bill Ayers? His two maniac preachers? Lobbyists?? His wife who said she wasnt proud to be an american until her husband decided to run? BTW PEOPLE...sarah palin isnt running for president...so the libs are wasting their time....OBAMA WILL LOSE BADLY....this race is not as close as the media keeps trying to make it.....and like i said...i dont even like mccain

MCCAIN WILL GET AT LEAST 300 ELECTORAL VOTES!!!

Mccain has no plan for anything new, 4 more years of the same.

On every single point McCain lost this debate, I have to say that he sounded like my grandpa. Old and well meaning but out of touch. I think this was his to lose and he did.

John we know!!! You didn't win the Miss.Congeniality award this year! Nor will you win this Presidential race! :p

Sen. McCain did not do himself proud by his unpresidential behavior. While he answered some questions very well, he was condescending, insulting, and barely containing a hostile attitude toward Sen. Obama. I want a President who will conduct himself with respect for other Heads of State even when he disagrees with them.

Sen. Obama can be proud that he projected intelligence, knowledge of the issues, and the ability to communicate his vision and ideas very well. And he conducted himself with dignity, and respect for his opponent, the voters, and the office he's seeking. He understood that he was at a job interviewed.

As a hiring official I would not hire anyone who conducted himself as Sen. McCain did tonight. The office that the candidates aspire to requires dignity and respect for self and others.

McScared never looked Obama in the eye. He did not make me proud.

Johnny boy is out Barack Obama is in.

not sure I understand the rules, one was respectful to the older one, acknowledging when he thought his opponent was right, yet that was considered a weakness....the other "just made up stuff" and was gruff while saying it, and that is considered a winning point...the whole thing eludes me.

the 1 thing that made me wonder is when mcain mention something along the lines of "league of democracies", sorry but it was something like that. is that to replace nato? don't you think then there would be a new warsaw pact??? russia..china..venezuala..north korea..ect.

can anyone say WORLD WAR 3???

John you made me know that you are tough and always ready for a fight.
But Mr.McCain this country is not ready for another fight.
Its clear Obama is better at the economy than you are,so there is where my vote is doing.

John McCain owned obama...and i dont even like mccain...and its funny to watch the media try to act like Obama held his own...and IMO...i think alot of liberals including the media knew john mccain would own obama at this foreign policy debate so they made the candidates talk about the economy for a while so their messiah obama could try and sound right about somethin...theres a debate for the economy...they couldve waited until then to talk about their plans.

I am very proud.........that I am voting for Obama.

I might have to replay the debate to see if he made a point or not all night. John couldn't have dumbed it down more. What scares me is that Bush did the same thing – and won.

Well, he didn't implode. Maybe that's a victory. What a great day for America.

while it may be a fact that mccain agreed with bush a high percentage of the time, your article would have been more meaningful, and therefore appear less biased, if you had given details about the times when mccain did not agree with bush. of course, given your proclivity to be biased, i can understand your reluctance to share that information.

We have less than forty days until the election. Senator Obama haeld his own against Senator McCaine. Its time for a change. Vote for Obama.

I felt really proud McBush. I felt proud to support Barack for President. The sideshow continues.

I agree with FLDem

No Way No How No McCain and definitely No Ms Alaska

Just as I thought, Obama is an empty suit. No way he could be in charge of anything more complicated than maybe an elevator in Chicago.

He was 90 minutes of platitudes and liberal dogma that has failed for the past 50 years. His ideas are the regurgitated Soros, move-on.org crap that came from Hubert Humphrey to Jimmy Carter, to Gore, Kerry and now Obama.

did not include Clinton as he is really less liberal than the others and would not like to be included with such a group of losers.

These goons just parade Obama around like a rock star and don't understand they will not win an election just by repeating liar, liar. They don't want any details exposed and truly get angry as they feel like it is a moral imparative for them to win.....just cause they have lost so many times.

They resort to race, try to make voters feel guilty and/or racist if they don't support the empty suit. He is affirmative action's shining star, but not equipped to be President.

Once again, liberals lose in the arena of ideas that are American in nature....Obama would be perfect in Germany or France.

McCain is Horrible, Obama won the debate without a doubt. Can't wait to see Biden eat Palin alive.

I am more certain than ever that I am making the right choice in voting for Obama.

I agree FLD, I'm an Independent whose vote has solidified for Obama....

I can see CNN already jumping overboard that the debate was even...yeah right! Sometimes I wonder if all the CNN contributors back Obama because their views are always leaning on one on-side. I though that the work of a "Contributor" is to give his/her views on both candidates fairly...that is something that has lost in this Election. They always find something negative to talk about McCain and yet not say anything about Obama. The media caverage is written Obama all over it but Americans know who will be the next president of the USA. In this debate, I clearly think both candidates had good points except for Obama had no tangiable experience to back up his points. It was like looking at a student getting a lecture from his univerisity professor! At one point, Democrats must admit that one thing the media can't take away from McCain is "Experience". The whole McCain-Bush link is getting old and this might be the right tym to change the tactics. Most Americans don't believe that these two men are the same and that's why Obama can't seem to close the deal! The bottom line, McCain WON this debate and that will reflect on the polls if CNN can actually find the decency to poll fairly on both sides.

McCain/Palin 08

McCain made me think. Despite CNN's coverage with the partisan panel and the "OBAMA" panel (please that panel with Campbell is all pro OBAMA....), I felt McCain had the most substance, facts, specifics and ideas...... Obama had a sermon. I'll hear that on Sunday, feel good till Monday morning and then all but forget about it.
McCain, you the man. You made me proud.

No McCain!! You didn't make me proud. You actually messed up everything. Obama pushed you towards the Walls and nailed you very well. I'm sorry about that but i think you need to recheck your Facts. You say Change but there is no change in your foreign policies

Thanks McCain how well you made all Americans feel to know that you will freeze government spending, and noone will be able to send their children to college! More money to the Bush/McCain War Machine while the country falls further behind China! But what more can I expect from a man out of 899 people graduated 894 you dumb...this mean you never cracked a book!!!!!!!!! How disgraceful this is why you have no value for education. Not to mention you graduated becuase of who your father was God bless him! Trickle down economics old man doesn't work! The greedy bast.... who control these Corporation who you give tax breaks, and provide tax loop holes pocket profits and outsource jobs. Oh should we just mention Wall Street! no regulation Thanks John for that great idea! experience my..... One more mention of Reagan and I'll just throw up! The man was no saint! one more reminder how you are living in the past! News flash there are a lot of people who suffered under Reagan Adminstration or how would you know with seven houses, and 13 cars. Please spare me the ignorant comments how wonderful McCain vs Obama comments. To vote for McCain/Palin is insane. Even it you are well off is still insane! You don't have to be an Obama supporter to look at the facts!

In another post to this site (re McCain's voting record v Bush), the article says "In 1995, McCain voted with Bush 77 percent of the time". I'd be interested in how he managed that. Or was he voting in Texas?

I thought Obama won hands down.
What I’ve found most interesting over the whole course of the Election season Primaries included, is how truly lazy the American public is when it comes to our government. 20 out of the last 28 Years we’ve had a Republican President and 14 out of the last 16 Years, the Republicans have controlled the Congress, even now people think the Democrats control the Senate, but it’s 49 – 49 with 2 Independents that lean toward the DEMS, but no where close enough to overturn a Presidential Veto! Plus People talk about Experience as an Issue, and I have to say President Lincoln had less than Obama and Our Founding Fathers had less than Obama and between them we Formed a Nation and survived a Civil War, It was their Vision and Inspirational Leadership that did it, as Most Good Presidents do!
People just want to be fed the information not do their own research, very sad, but very true

I couldn't say it better myself FL Dem!

I thought McCain came across as petty and angry...not exactly presidential qualities.

You came off as a hot-headed blow-hard, who can't let go of the past. Granted, knowing foreign policy is important, and no one can't say that BOTH knew a lot about our enemies. But Mr. Obama's policy is the only one that makes sense. You Republicans always spout off about Reagan as your hero, but are completey missing out on being part of Reagan's legacy. He TALKED to our enemies. He had wonderful, but not perfect, foreign diplomacy. No one dies when you talk out your differences. Yes, there are a lot of huffing and puffing about who's right and who's wrong, but in the (PEACEFUL) end, there is a comprimise most can live with. What's wrong with that???

McCain came across as a complete jerk tonight. He was incredibly condescending, never even looking at Obama or engaging with him. Obama, on the other hand, kept looking at McCain, addressed him directly, agreed with him at times. He was not only much more gracious, but much more presidential. McCain came off like an irritable old man.

It's either McCain has a desdian for Obama or he hates black people. He couldn't even bring himself to look Obama in the face. What a guy. The only he had going for him was POW and stories about the past but no solution for the future.

Agreed on feeling better about supporting Obama...Umm...Does McCain talk about anything other than Iraq??? And his buddy Petraeus??? ho cares if I spelled his name right or not...Memo to McCain...Just because you suggest that someone doesn't understand or that they don't know what they're talking about doesn't make it a fact.....Just makes YOU look stupid!!!

Obama Rocked!

I would also like to interject that if McCain is aiming towards transparency if elected as our President then why did he not tell all of us (Americans) that there was no Republican elder that would be at the Economical Bailout and that was why he flew back to Washington? Instead he put everyone into a tail spin because we did not understand his decision. This tells me that he was making a political attempt to throw the entire debate and the polls to slant his direction because he KNEW he was loosing ground....

Obama was deliberate, precise and was very Presidential in the debate – he gave Americans confidence….

No, John, you didn't make me proud. I appreciate your POW experience but I really have a hard time listening to you use it to get votes. This election isn't about your POW experience, it's about who I want to be my president.

I was on the sidelines here. Undecided. I will wait to make my final judgement after the VP (really scaring me) and the next presidential debates.

What tonight has shown me is that you have a temper, that Obama has knowledge on foreign policy too and that it seems to me Obama cares more about me paying $4.00 a gallon for gas than you do.

I really didn't know your mother was an oil heiress until 20/20 tonight. Money has always been with you it seems. Explain to me how a person who has never been without money can understand what it feels like? Your 7 or 8 houses and 13 to 15 cars almost had me. But now, with Palin the illiterate and your giving rich more money has pretty much done it for me. I'm sorry, you are a hero, but I can't vote for you.

I'm a bit of an undecided voter, but I think I'll go Republican. McCain is more down to earth and his talk is straight.

McCain has a really creepy smile...

He needs to work on that...

As a resident of your state Senator McCain you filled me with shame with your harsh nasty attacks and even refusal of basic human decency to look at your opponent. This clearly shows you agree with fully and will continue the Bush bully and intimidate foreign policy refusing to negotiate and endanger our great nation through financial collapse due to your love of war – even a wrong war. SHAME ON YOU! I am voting Obama after tonight.

Well it apears to me o-bambi is still talking in circles. Like he has always done.

Yes, Senator McCain, you did.
You were Presidential, direct, and unambiguos. Gave answers and did not dance around things. Even BO agreed with you in several issues.

CNN ought to be ashamed of all the pro-Obama commentators they have. None show objectivity, even the Republican ones (only two Castellanos and Sanchez....hardly offering ANY balance) have been affected by the company of Donna Bazile, Gergen, Borges, Begala. They all saying innacurate things about McCain and stating there were no sound bites.
"BO does not understand, BO does not get it......He is not naive......He is dangerous."

How about Obama calling McCain not only John but Tom ?????

Lets see if CNN posts this......doubt it.

McCain just looked like an angry old man. Not someone that I want sitting down with world leaders! Barack Obama did a wonderful job. He is firm where necessary and clear on principles and objectives and strategy. John McCain couldn't even glance at Obama much less look at him. Rather childish don't you think?

My vote goes for Obama!

After watching the debate, I was not swayed one way or the other. Either candidate will make a better president then the one we have in office now.

The choice is clear...if the past is what appeals to you, by all means vote for McCain with al my blessings! If he future is what appeals to you, you have no choice but vote for Obama....if you can get past the fact that he's black that is....otherwise McCain is your guy! Safe elections you all!

Thank you John McCain for choosing Pailin as your VP. I have been laughing more in the past 2 weeks than I have in the past 10 years. I will miss the whole train wreck debacle once Obama is elected President of the United States of America.

P.S. Keep eating your fiber.

What a fool John McCain is and he didn't answer any of the questions. He is always referring to the war at all points, even if the questions has nothing to do with war. What a joke!!! Go Obama!!!

Not me...probably made Senator Obama pretty happy tonight.

Obama had a better big picture grasp of issues, and their likely implications in the 21st Century. McCain was holding on to tired, threadbare positions of the past, but he did have some funny one-liners; "I looked into (Putin's) and saw three letters KGB".

TWS Exclusive: Kissinger Unhappy About Obama

Henry Kissinger believes Barack Obama misstated his views on diplomacy with US adversaries and is not happy about being mischaracterized. He says: "Senator McCain is right. I would not recommend the next President of the United States engage in talks with Iran at the Presidential level. My views on this issue are entirely compatible with the views of my friend Senator John McCain. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree that any negotiations with Iran must be geared to reality."

McCain was great, he answered the questions,he looked confident and in charge.
Obama lost this one. Obama looked childish, inconsiderate, rude and lacking in knowledge about how to behave during a debate.The faces he made were like those of a school boy being scolded by the teacher.He couldn't remember John McCain's name or the name of the soldier who's mother had given him the bracelet.He gave no specifics about anything–just stuck to his dog-eared script. If you've seen Obama once you've seen it before.

Sen. Obama has informed we, the people of all the debts that we have occur because of Bush's adm.
McCain does not understand!!!!!!

I think McCain did well on the debate. He strengthened my support for him–I know who I will be voting for this election. I was a Hillary supporter, but with her out, I feel McCain is our next best choice.

McCain made me very proud because I don't support him. Don't know who could.

I'm glad McCain waxed so happy after the debate tonight. Poor guy ... he needs a little sense of euphoria before his whole candidacy finally implodes on him. I don't begrudge him his mistaken felicity.
Let him smile while he still can ... he'll find out the awful truth soon enough.

Can't wait, tho, until he HAS to look Barack Obama in the eye and call him "Mr. PRESIDENT!" Oh, happy day!

As for Barack Obama ... go get 'im, Tiger! You constantly prove to me that nice guys CAN finish first!

Baci* e amore,
Mary

My vote is now solidified for Obama. I doubt we'll see Texas turn blue, but there still is over a month to go. McCain should have made other points than what I've heard him say on his stump speeches and at the convention.

Undecided. Decided. Obama.

You certainly made me proud, Senator McCain. You are a man who knows who he is, what he believes, and where he wants to lead this nation.

Senator Obama votes "present" on all three.

To be fair, I thought McCain was good. He showed a great deal of foreign policy experience. (especially towards the end of the debate)

That said, I STILL think Obama offers superior judgement - on Iraq and other issues that will be important for our national security. McCain shoots from the hip and prefers to clean the problems afterwards.

McCain is reckless and stubborn.

It's all over for my man, John McCain...I mean, if he was unable to trample Obama in foreign policy debate where he should clearly have an edge, how then is he going to debate him on economic issues where he (McCain) admittedly said he is clueless. He might as well declare defeat and either go back to the senate or retire to one of many homes.

His running mate, Sarah Palin is not helping matters either. I mean, this woman has been such a disappointment and bloody embarrasment. I wonder how she made it to governorship in Alaska. Oh, bye the way, I am a die-hard republican but I may either grudgingly vote for Obama or stay home come Nov. 2.

McCain did a great job tonight putting Obama on the defensive. McCain wiped the floor with Obama on foreign policy. Obama is a great speaker, but that's were it ends. First debate goes to McCain.

I was extremely disappointed with McCain's never responding to Obama while looking at him. This was very disrespectful of a fellow human being. What is McCain afraid of? A real man looks another in the eye when speaking to him. Very disappointed with you McCain. You helped me make up my mind tonight and it will be OBAMA!!!
Thanks for trying......but I lost alot of respect for you you are just like Bush except disrecpectful and condecending.
Lorraine Gomez

I thought McCain did an excellent job of demonstrating why he, and not Obama, is qualified to be the next president. It was refreshing to watch Obama's ivory tower smugness brought down a notch by McCain, and his extensive experience.

Stop cryng NOBAMA. wah! wah! wah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Obama is the real Leader based on the his performance in this debate .
Steve,
Canada.

Yes, John McCain, you've made me very proud to be a Barack Obama supporter.

The old man couldn't even look Obama. His barrage of war stories and constant name dropping was hilarious!

Honestly, I think McCain won this debate but I don't think it was so over whelming that it would change my vote. I need to see more debates before I finalize my decision.

I cannot believe that John McCain regrets not supporting Osama Bin Laden since the 1970’s. Bin Laden was a freedom fighter in Afghanistan against the Russians. John McCain stated in the debate tonight, that we never should have stopped supporting these religious zealots. Today we call these "freedom fighters" jihadist. We supported them then because their enemy was our enemy. I wonder if the Russians considered the jihadists terrorists for the same reasons John McCain considers them today… and if he considers them terrorists today, why would he regret the fact that we aren’t supporting them anymore? John McCain just doesn’t get it. You have to know a little history… You have to know that the Shia and Sunni have a long history of violence towards each other. You can’t make decisions based on your gut without doing the necessary, thoughtful research and analytical thinking. It appears that McCain is unable or unwilling to do either.

It bears repeating:
Yes, Senator- thank you for making me proud of the 20's. But you offered nothing about the 21st century and beyond! Here, I learned alot from Obama, not you. Thank you for confirming my decision about voting for Obama as the next President that will move this nation forward!

Obama won this debate, in every way possible; just look up the post-debate polls!

John McCain made me feel proud tonight... proud to be an American... proud to be a free thinker... and proud to support Barack Obama. Thanks John, you maverick you.

John McCain you are the leader America needs.

Your integrity, your conviction, your Principals and your Love for America is what I am voting for.

You had me at Hello. Although I support Obama, I could have seen a McCain administration...that is, before he chose Palin for VP. With McCain's age and her possibly being the President, I am very concerned with the path this country is going down.
I have a 2 year old daughter and I am seriously concerned for her future.

I was unsure just who I would vote for until tonight. It was very clear during the debate who most cares about America and who will keep Americans first! Not Barack Obama, he came up short on the main skills needed to become America's next leader. Our next leader must have the skill-sets and experiences needed to not only understand the many real-world dangers that exist today, but how and when actions are required to keep Americans safe. After all, our safety and freedom is what makes America strong, what many countries desire and what some countries fear because they know Americans will do what ever it takes to protect the safety and freedom we enjoy. I will vote for John McCain and share these thoughts with everyone I can.

John McCain did an excellent job tonight speaking with pride of his country, confidence for the future, and courage to accomplish whatever it takes. He hands down shined when speaking of the foreign politics and conflicts with Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Iraq and Afhganistan. McCain is able to give real life examples. He could name every foreign leader when discussing his stance. He was able to prove that his experience, seniority, and leadership are separate from that of Bush. Obama carried himself well and I thought came out on top within the healthcare and tax discussions. However his lack of understanding and experience for foreign issues, politics and leadership are clear to see. Both men are couragious as this is a tough fight to lead this country.

No you did not. You behavior said it all. Not presidential.

Obama plus on facts, reasoning, calm, Presidential, commander-in-chief, foreign policy, vision and respectful

Minus on too much agreement with McCain and missed oppurtunity on spending issue.

McCain plus on recovering some ground from severe bleeding in the past 2 weeks.

Minus on facts, grumpy, disrespectful, twisting Obama's words, lack of vision and out of touch on Iraq. Doesn't seem to be that experienced on foreign policy issues. Definetly not Presidential.

If that is the best that senator mccain can do, then congratulations....President Obama!

Heck, just this morning McCain didn't give a rats-hat about all the trouble he was causing the folks in Oxford. Now he loves them all.

Thank you, thank you John for making me so proud of Obama!

I felt McCain was condescending towards Senator Obama. We don't need another Bush in office. He was disrespectful.
Sure he has more "experience" then Barack Obama, he's lived 24 more years than Obama!!!

I was very disappointed with McCain not ever looking at Obama when

i can agree w/ that. i have never seen a debate where one doesnt face or talk directlyu to his opponet. Looks like McCain didnt feel comfortable at all, and you could see McCain was frustrated and making faces. We also saw that McCain didnt let Obama respond when he was making these claims, Obama did a good job by not letting it get to him and didnt do anything to lower his standards. McCain didnt win the Debate, nor Did Obama but from my opinion Obama did a better job.

John McCain,
With your misrepresentations about Obama's stances on foreign and economic policy (i.e., "Barack Obama doesn't 'understand' foreign relations because he wants diplomacy" and "Barack Obama is going to raise your taxes."), you, sir, certainly made me sick tonight.

Well done, you lying, dried-out turd!

Come on john, this wasn't a beauty pageant. It was a chance to inform America about your policies and you came out looking like a time-warp-trapped condescending warmonger

I was not certain about supporting Sen. Obama for the Presidency...until the debate tonight. He convinced me that he is ready for it. In fairness to Sen. McCain whom I used to admire before he played footsies with President Bush, Sen. McCain's performance helped me firm up that conclusion.

I hope he talks up reform and change in the next debates. I think that's what put him on top after the Republican convention. He should emphasize that he is capable of changing the situation in Washington, and the lives of ordinary folks.

I honestly thought it was a draw. But it didn't help that he may have sounded condescending–regardless of the fact that Senator Obama deserved it. He is all talk and all about inaction...

Amen to that!!

McCain reminds me of those scammers who email your trying to rip you off, the first thing they say is, Hi my friend, greetings my friend lol....thats when you know theyre trying to get your money....see the parallel? every 2 words is my friends lol no im not your friend McCain....

John McCain showed he had much more experience than Obama in foreign policy.

What was so clearly evident tonight was that John McCain is still stuck in the past and is not ready to move forward. His condescending comments and the fact that he couldn't even look Obama in the eye showed me that he would treat leaders in other countries the same way if they didn't agree with him.

You made me proud McCain. You have my vote.

Sen. McCain bases his entire Iraq argument on the 'success' of the surge, without any mention that direct diplomacy with the warring tribes began the reconciliation long before the surge was instituted. He also leaves out that Baghdad is literally, physically segregated by barriers based on faction locations. Of course it's fragile. Decades of pent up aggression does not go away because we Americans are there. Yes, the surge provided additional security at the end of the process, but it is not the sole reason of 'winning' McCain pushes on us.

couldn't have said it better, FL Dem.

He made me feel better about supporting Barack Obama too. He said he would freeze all federal spending except military budget. He is a war monger.

John McCain was solid tonight. My confidence in his experience and judgement has increased significantly! Eloquence is not a replacement for experience and sound, rational approach to resolutions on the economy and national security.

Barack Obama helped me make up my mind this evening. He was wonderful. I am voting straight republican! NEXT!

Barack Obama certainly made me feel better about my support for John McCain.

McCain was so condenciding to Obama McCain clearly lost the debate.You can not talk to another candidate in that manner and come off as a winner! Who taught him manners in the first place?I realise he is from another era when the dinosaurs roamed free but really how creepy did McCain come off?

John McCain clearly made my choice for Obama feel sound. What a poor performance from grumpy McSame

McCain is a very bitter man and that was why he could not look Obama in the eyes.

You could not make the day 1. It was Mr. Obama who was in the need of the situation with having any preconditions. He will make USA back to normal. It is not you.

obama is a better speaker than Mc Cain. But says nothing that I can agree with. Mc Cain knows how to lead. And will get my vote.

With all that talk about force force force, I am certainly still for Barack Obama, he was calm, cool, and confident. He is for the American people and you can see that.

Vote for the man with one house because he cares about losing his house.

You showed me exactly who is qualified. You talked the talking points, now you should walk away.

Obama Biden 08

Obama made me proud for sure.

Grandpa Mccain entertained me with tales, epics and fables but didn't exactly told me that the Big Bad Wolf can actually eat you alive.....

Wow, what a performance today, I would rate Barack an A+ for his performance, and I would rate McCain an A+ for his honesty and openess. It is time for everyone to open their eyes, and stop being blind followers of empty promises. Look at the experience and the track record. And no, I am not talking about Barack...someone needs to tell him the Empreror has not clothes.

WOW.....just when you would think the Republicans can't stoop any lower than George W Bush....in comes the "Maverick" (so called).

Byron Dorgan from ND makes more sense than anyone I've head speak of the economy. Congress and The Senate, must listen to him,

John McCain made America proud. Woe to this country if he is not the next President according to the performances in the debate.

you sure did ... you made us proud to vote for obama

You could not make the day 1. It was Mr. Obama who was in the need of the situation with having any preconditions.

Dido

McCain proved yet again he is just a Washington insider, doesn't have any new initiatives for the future, tends to gloat on his past laurels. He has had his time. We need to move into the future with a new leader, one with vigor and fresh ideas, one that will restore the confidence of the World in America and that's Barack Obama. He will be a great President after 8 years of right-wing, no good policies of George Bush.

Um no he didnt

Any doubts I had about Obama's ability to be Commander-in-Chief are gone. Obama acted very presidential, gave McCain his due respect in areas where he agreed with McCain, and was strong yet still respectful when he disagreed. Obama is extremely level-headed and did not seem to get angry or lose his cool, yet did not let himself get stepped on. McCain behaved like a spoiled child, and continually referred to himself.

Coming out with that snarky ad minutes after the debate shows me just what a low life McCain really is. Obama has always said he'll give credit when it's due – to anyone. So for him to say John was right on a couple of things, then went on to elaborate what he would do differently, was simple courtesy coming from a genuinely polite man. McCain's slithering campaign immediately released the "you were right, John" ad. So there's your proof that this entire Straight Talk Express is more like the Snake Oil Express.

O-U-T O-F T-O-U-C-H !

I remember Keating five. Does this crisis remind you of the bank keating run to the ground? Does this remind you of the bank john McCain junior run to the ground just 2 months ago?

How many soldiers does McCain want dead before he gives us the green light to go home.

Yeah me too.

Barack Obama certainly made me feel better about my support for John McCain.

I was on the fence until tonight. McCain clearly showed that Obama is naive about foreign policy.
I also didn't care for how on several times during the debate Obama couldn't keep his mouth shut when McCain when he was trying to make a point.

I was kind of hoping that the "Bomb Iran" song wasn't part of the global expertise debate. I was ashamed it was aired outside of this country, and that he didn't even try to deny it.

You made me proud to be a democrat and to support Obama-
Your condescending attitude McCain is very much the same as the Bush administration.

How dare you say you will take care of the veterans. You voted against more help to our veterans.

And I see where you walk off a capitol hill meeting about why the
POWS/MIA records are sealed.

Watching the audience reaction meter at the bottom of the screen it seemed like Obama had a decisive win of independent voters and I was amazed to see republicans far more positive toward Obama versus democrats in favor of anything McCain stated.

So I have to ask – where is the final score of this audience meter? It ran through the whole debate and it seems that McCain was slightly above flat line at best with dems... slightly higher with independents... but Obama had moments where he carried all three lines 2+ points obove 0.

Where is the final result?

DITTO! Obama all the way!

Watched the debate....I thought McCain came out slightly ahead...he seemed to have Obama defending himself during the whole debate. I especially liked McCain's thoughts about our policies overseas. He was far stronger than Obama on that issue.
Both men had some good ideas on the economy...we really need to start thinking positively...we can get through all of this with a lot of hard work. I'm not sure the bail out is the way to go...I especially do not want to see any CEO's getting rewards from this.
McCain did the right thing by doing the debate....he's a strong man.

So Palin has more experience than Obama? WOW. I'd like to see her on stage talking foreign policy with Obama. The "inexpereinced" candidate was awesome tonight! I am so impressed.

To me neither one of them is a winner if you are a Democrat of coarse Obama win....BUT if you are a Republican McCain wins...I turned off my TV?????

Yes, Senator- thank you for making me proud of the 20's. But you offered nothing about the 21st century and beyond! Here, I learned alot from Obama, not you. Thank you for confirming my decision about voting for Obama as the next President that will move this nation forward!

Senator McCain did do his supporters proud - because some of them were worried he wouldn't show up or worse. He will have to do better however, to compensate for his VP's failings.
Someone please tell this man that talking to a group with which you don't agree does not lend credability to or legitimize their views or actions. If that were true, Senator, your favorite president would not have talked to Gorbachev.

The polls speak for themselves...McCain lost the debate.

Here here FLDem! This debate clearly showed that Obama is more than qualified and better equipped to lead. To think that we were once on the defense for supporting this guy.

mccain was so unappealing tonight, not only in his answers, but also his body language. i cannot imagine a man like that leading this nation. Obama has such a broad view of the needs of the ordinary person in america to the needs of the role of the US in our world. He is the man we need leading our country!

I have learned through the years that whoever the press likes the most gets the best positive coverage. Mr. Obama called Senator McCain, Tom and Jim and nowhere have I seen where these mistakes are mentioned. Had the Arizona Senator called Obama by a wrong name I am sure he would have been called senile. Please, I hope others saw through the stuttering and stumbling that Mr. Obama did as well. In my humble opinion the experience and confidence shown by John McCain truly made him shine. I certainly believe in John McCain and hope the American people can see who is the TRUE patriot here and support the Mavericks in this election. I have always considered myself an Independent and vote for whomever I felt the best person for the job, in this time of confusion, I go with McCain.

I am so proud to vote for Barack Obama. It was very presidential tonight. I can't wait to vote for him in November.

Obama/Biden 08

MCSLEAZO PROVED HIMSELF TO BE A SLEAZY

BIGOT ONCE AGAIN. HE COULDN'T EVEN LOOK

BARACK IN THE EYE. HE WAS A CONDESCENDING MAGGOT.

McCain scored big on one point that might get him some points. Not meeting with Iran: OBAMA HAS TO SHOW MORE STRINGENCY TOWARD IRAN. Ahmedinijad, or whatever the hell his name is, is a serious threat to Jews, and they will not be for obama if he does not wholly reject Ahmedinawhatever.

Yes, John McCain, you showed the American people who is qualified to be Commander-in Chief....and from what I heard tonight, it clearly isn't you.....

You must be kidding!

Yes, you made me and all of my friends very proud to vote for Barack Obama.

Obama/Biden 08

Obama 08 William Bennet Says: Obama Was the nice guy and the traight talker with the American people.

McCain was a sheriff, a shooter, but not a president.

Obama pinned McCain on most of the economic and even foreign policy issues, where McCain had nothing to do but cheap shots with no substance.

McCain was out living in the 17th century. Obama represented the future. Cool, calm and composed.

i am sorry Mccain you couldn't even look Obama in the eye and you used the same lines you been using the past 18months-nothing new same ole mcCain. I am still trying to figure out what mccain meant when he said the South koreans are 3 inches smaller than the north Koreans-did anyone know where mcShame was going????

Where was John McBush's flag pin? I guess he is unpatriotic. Imagine is Obama had not worn one. Sly FOX News would've had a field day.

I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANYTHING AS COWARDLY OR

AS DESPICABLE AS MCBUSH DURING THE DEBATE.

HE COULDN'T EVEN LOOK OBAMA IN THE EYE.

THAT BIGOT SHOULD BE SHUNNED BY ALL DECENT SOCIETY.

OBAMA won the debate

I am very proud of you senator MC CAIN .
You showed who can run our country with dignity and strengt .

Mc Cain you make me proud you're a true american, I will support you even when you have everything and everybody againts you . I will vote for you in november

He also made me feel better about supporting Barack Obama!

This debate showed me who would be a better leader for this country and it is Obama. McCain showed that he had more travel experience than Obama but his inability to communicate in a diplomatic way was further demonstrated tonight. His character over the last 2 weeks and then his unwillingness to not even look at Obama was just a total turnoff. Senator McCain you should retire your days or done.

After this debate, I am definitely voting for McCain. I am a democrat; but I will vote republican for the first time in my life.

mav·er·ick n.
An unbranded range animal, especially a calf that has become separated from its mother, traditionally considered the property of the first person who brands it.
One that refuses to abide by the dictates of or resists adherence to a group; a dissenter.
Synonyms – nonconformist, independent, loner.

I am an Obama supporter and I believe McCain did a good job on this debate. McCain looked very knowledgeable on the foreign policies issues, but Obama did not look weak either but Obama was too defensive from time to time. On the economy McCain did not look as good as Obama, he wasn't clear on what exactly he would like to accomplish in order to help main street on this current economic crisis.

My final verdict on this debate is that it was a tie. I pretty much believe that after next week's debate between Biden and Palin. The eleccion campaign will come to a close. Who ever wins the VP debate will win the presidency.

John McCain indeed looked presidential. I have already voted for him and he will be our next President. We do not need gimmicks from in-experienced Barack. He is fake and he looked fake tonight.

I, too, am even more confident in my choice of Barack Obama for President.

You lost John. Senator Obama won hands down.

YOU ARE ALL THE LIES THAT HURT THIS NATION.

HARD TO LOOK A MAN IN THE EYE, WHEN YOU

KNOW YOU ARE LYING YOUR HEAD OFF.

Senator McCain,

Before tonight's debate I was one of the undecided Independents that I know has become very important in this race. However, Mr. President after you performance I know that you are the man I will vote for. You made me proud,

PJ Cones

THE PRIDE CAME FROM KNOWING THAT SENATOR OBAMA IS THE BEST CHOICE FOR PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, AND McCAIN'S SLUGGISH DEBATE PERFORMANCE DROVE THAT POINT HOME!!!

McCain is very condescending. I am glad Obama put him in his place tonight.

McCain needs to get his anger under control. He tried to smile through the irritation but those muscle twitches at the jaw line say more than words.

Tonight's debate definitely decided it for me. It's Obama. McCain = a word to the wise. You need to talk of the future and not the past, look people in the eye = and LISTEN to what the other guy is saying. Maybe just once you could say" On that point Barack and I agree" instead of smirking.!

Mccain was presidental, obama acted like being in a bar trying to hook up with a chic trying to impress her even she does not believe him

NOTHING ABOUT YOU MAKES ME PROUD.

COULDN'T LOOK THE MAN IN THE EYE.

I thought the debate was pretty good. Both guys did well, however, I think McCain lives in the past. This is a new day, we have many new problems and we need solutions. Also, I do not trust McCain's judgement as evidenced by his vice president choice.

McCain, you did real well tonight. Congratulations.

John McCain made me feel much better about supporting him. He was considerably more mature, reserved and appealing.

Obama honestly has no real answers and continued to party-bash in a crucial time when we need cooperation amongst our lawmakers. He came across as a spoiled child several times.

Yes, Senator- thank you for making me proud of the 20's. But you offered nothing about the 21st century and beyond! Here, I learned alot from Obama, not you. Thank you for confirming my decision about voting for Obama as the next President that will move this nation forward!

Oh and John - try to get a suit that fits reasonably well for the next debate; might want to avoid looking like an oompa loompa....just saying....

WE WILL BE PROUD WHEN OBAMA IS SWORN

IN AS PRESIDENT & YOU GOT TO THAT NURSING

HOME FOR GREEDY BIGOTS. COULDN'T LOOK

THE MAN IN THE EYE, YOU COWARDLY BIGOT.

Sen. McCain, you surely make me sick.

And I am proud. Proud to support Barack Obama!

I'm looking forward to Biden and Barbie next week.

Do YOU know, does McCain know that each American owes China twice as much as $2000 per Citizen Wall Street bail out to Communist China? You also owe Russia big time money and McCain wants to kick those countries out of the G8!
<< Obama and/or Lehrer should have brought this stance of McCain's up!
McCain said 500,000,000 Billion to China, Obama had the correct figure 1,300,000,000 to China!
Why would you want a man who attempted suicide to run your country?

Better to be in agreement with Bush sometimes over the past 8 years than Rev. Wright for the past 20 years. Obama should watch who he points his finger at.

NO, Mr. McCain, you did NOT show me you are qualified to be my commander-in-chief!! However, you did show your rude, arrogant and bullied temperment. If you think by talking over your opponent (during his turn), showing disrespect , not once looking at him, is a sign of a good leader...you are wrong!!! It will be my first time voting and i have no affilliation with any party....so, you could say, my vote is up in an air.
I am sure, especially, after tonight's debates my mind is set. Barack OBAMA 08!!!!!!!
PS..BIG mistake selecting Sarah Palin

Well, I am a supporter of Obama, however, I think McCain handled himself well in this debate after the chaos in his campaign.

Obama, despite his ums and uhs that was criticized by many, has policies are way much better for America, so I am still voting for him.

And for all the women voting for McWar I say send your kids and grandkids first!!!

my "gag" comment is referring to McCain's fake and cheesey comments. FLDem, I agree. I am overwhelmingly in favor of Obama. I can't wait to have someone who is real, competent and ready to fix our nation. If only he could haev come 8 years sooner.

Wheels are coming off the express Johnny.
Tonight was supposed to be in the McCain wheelhouse...McShame came across as confused, bitter, grumpy old man.
Get ready to spin Keating Five....can't run from that, McLiar.

McCain didn't emphasize enough the tragedy he's trying to avert in the new "rescue" bill. Instead of government fronting the money, we should be granting loans to these companies.

Barack proved himself to be well-spoken but inexperienced. In this time of adversity, experience is needed – experience of reform. Barack has no experience with reform – NONE.

NO You DIDNOT.

IN YOUR HALLUCINATIONS BUD !!!

YOU ARE A SMALL COWARDLY SLUG THAT COULDN'T

EVEN LOOK YOUR COM EDITOR IN THE EYE, SAME AS

YOU COULDN'T BRING YOURSELF TO VOTE FOR A MLK

HOLIDAY. YOU ARE EVERYTHING WE NO LONGER WISH TO BE.

i can see why he wanted to dodge this debate...Obama is unflappable..cool..Presidential...

John, you should have respect for your opponent and look at him in the eyes. That is shameful.

McCain definitely makes me feel proud to vote for Barack Obama on November 4th. Thanks John!

John McCain proved tonight that he has a temper issue, he made childish remarks, and constantly tried to make excuses as to why things didn't go as planned. He didn't answer every question, and he rambled on and on telling these tedious stories, and trying to show sympathy for the american people. Clearly its not working, and I dont even think he believes himself when he says he will make things better. Bottom line....... he is just like bush! This country doesnt need anymore lies, or same policy that has done nothing but hurt us tremendously.

I Vote Barack 2008!!!!!!!

Senator McCain underestimated Senator Obama who took strong command over all issues discussed. Senator Obama was the underdog but he won this one hands down.

McCain, you made me proud-proud that I'm on Barack Obama's side.

Senator, please keep your long and off-topic stories about the good ol' days to Family Guy. Obama offered realistic, detailed plans for our future-and offered them with a level of professionalism and cordiality that you lacked tonight.

I think it's clear which candidate is more presidential now.

Obama people need to get across the punch lines to him. He threw in a couple but he needs more that other people will remember. Mccain has not learned anything from having a knee-jerk reaction. He just stated that he will freeze all goverment expense to cut cost. You cannot do that. And what is this whole nonsence about earmarks: folks these are how some important programs are funded like that 300 million dollars John Mccain will give away for development of a better powered electric car.
Also some of the govermental aids projects are just earmarks. You cannot get rid of these.
Mccain will want you to believe that Obama is naive to sit down with a foreign leader – it is not presidential. But it is so presidential to say, 'I looked at Putin's eyes and what I see is KGB'. How will Mccain sit in a NATO meeting with this KGB guy. Hypocritical at its best. Actually worse.
Obama is definitely more presidential than Mccain.

what an idiot. Has he seen the polls?

You just cant believe a word McCain says he tries to be on both side of every issue and it is him that just don't get it

gag.

John McCain reminded me of a grumpy old codger yelling at the TV.

What really stood out was that McCain seems to think there's nothing wrong with the economy that banning earmarks can't solve. He's been in Congress too long–it's left him with a very tiny worldview, mixing Cold War belligerence with Inside-the-Beltway lack of understanding of what real folks are going through.

Obama shut me off tonight for my vote for MCCain. he convinced me tonight that he can handle not only the ecomomy but also the security of the United States.

I just watched the debate and Obama made McCain look like Nixon. I thought Obama was relaxed while McCain look flustered at times. I felt Obama won the debate, but of course Fox viewers from their text poll had McCain winning by a large margin. Fox is fair and balanced? What debate were they watching?

I thought that Obama behaved awkwardly tonight, almost like he did in his interview with O'Riley at Fox. I expected him to be better than he was...like offering something more than his standard canned commentary. McCain does seem to be more poised and aware of the dynamics...better on his feet, so to speak. I really liked McCain's idea on a spending freeze. However, McCain's experience is his halmark and it was evident tonight. I will be supporting the more experienced McCain for the Presidency.

Yes, McCain made me realize that Obama is the MAN to get the job done as President....WE do not need another Bush Puppet!!

John McCain seemed tired, and at times, disoriented during tonight's debate.

I think the poll numbers correctly show that Obama was more Presidential this evening.

And after the debate... Where was Sarah Palin? It looks like the GOP did not want her to speak to the reporters and give her views. Ouch. That is not a sign of confidence.

Obama 08

i was watching the debate and iam very pleased by senator john mc cain`s ability to reply to all questions against him, i wish him all the best aand i know he will be the next president of the united state of america.

I am a registered democrat planning to vote for McCain. I would like to see McCain refute more of Obama's comments that he knows are incorrect.

I liked the way he (McCain) did not get ruffled. One note: I would like to see him look into the camera as he is speaking since he is speaking mostly to us – it is easier to make a connection with what he is saying – when you talk with someone you like to look at them – I like to see someone looking at me – better connection.

I feel that McCain has our best interests in mind but Obama has his interests and those closest to him (yes – even those he has tried to pretend are not close to him anymore) in mind before us.

McCain did not comment on the impending doom that Sarah Palin will face next week at the Vice Presidential debate Thursday.

“Do you think we showed them who's qualified to be commander-in-chief?”

Yes you did!
You told great stories. Great lies great lies. Pakistan wasn't a failed state.

i hope your so proud of me looking away from obama the entire debate. i claim im a hero. but i cant look obama in the face. plus i blink alot when talking. hmmmmmm could i be full of crap.
i look like suspect on the first 48. squirming arounnd like the Turtle I look like

McCain just relies on an old world to validate his readiness for the new. Whenever cornered, he relies on stump speeches and "experience". He's ready for the Joint Chiefs, not the POTUS

Can't wait until Thursday when Joe Biden and Sarah Palin debate; or will she be needed back in Alaska in case "Putin rears his head and sees her from Russia"!! Or maybe she'll be needed in Washington to help her running mate screw up stuff. What a joke!!

John, you lost my vote tonight.

Barack Obama is more qualified to be Commander in Chief and it was evident in this debate. Senator McCain's comments about seeing Putin as KGB and North Koreans as three inches shorter than South Koreans portray again his tone deaf, one dimensional stereotypes that he will bring with him if he ever became President. He seems even more of a war monger than W. He talks often about how he knows how to do things yet gives no specifics as to how we would accomplish them. Senator McCain can't even explain what constitutes victory in Iraq nor what specific strategy he would employ to turn the tide in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

I hated the fact that John McCain did not look at Barack Obama and he kept saying Obama doesn't get it! What doesn't he get? But overall it was a great debate and it was a tie on McCain's soil.

i hope your so proud of me looking away from obama the entire debate. i claim im a hero. but i cant look obama in the face. plus i blink alot when talking. hmmmmmm could i be full of crap.

I am a Republican, but McCain continues to misrepresent Obama. I have had it. I am for truthfulness and integrity. McCain has failed me and I am all for Obama now. At least I can be proud of Obama's precision in handling and communicating his positions – he is very presidential. I will vote Obama.

I certainly know who I am voting for after this debate. John McCain gave all of us a clear image of who belongs in the White House. Obama's lack of competence was so apparent to the educated eye, that it would take the uneducated to continue to follow in his revolution.

Obama was the only one who pointed out the a BIG factor in Afghan, the billion dollar poppy business!!!!!!!

Obama is the man. McCain drop out honourably and we will respect you.

McCain was angry and hostile. Obama was diplomatic and confident. Any questions regarding Obama's command of foreign policy can now be put to rest. He displayed a better grasp of foreign relations than McCain.

Obama/McCain 2008

At least I know that I am proud to be a democrat. What about you Mr. Mc? Can you say the same?

Proud to be an Obama supporter, yes.

Republicans did not like him in 2000 why is he so great now!!

"You're absolutely right", FLDem.

A little bit of debate humor

Yeah John McCain, you totally make me want to work harder for Obama. What kind of man doesn't have the guts to even look his opponent in the face. Some maverick??

Obama 08

Nope

McCain never looking at Barack was unusually rude. It was very unprofessional and unpresidential.

McCain's condescending remarks about Barack's "naivity" were absolutely disgusting and I couldn't help but wonder if there was not a touch of latent racism in it.

On the points, it was probably a draw, but on style: McCain acted like a childish little jerk and Obama was a perfect mixture of strength and grace.

He didn't make me proud, and I'm still not his "friend."

Obama made me proud tonight by extending proper eye contact and acting as a statesman. He agreed to disagree, which is a sign of a true presidential leadership.

McCain avoided eye contact and appeared angry at times, showing a lack of proper temperment.

Obama/Biden '08
Hands down!

I actually wound up liking both guys more... I feel better if either one becomes president now than before the debate. I think both candidates moved closer to the middle for the debate. I just hope they stay there.

McCain is the stronger of these two men. The only one that can be an effective Comander in Cheif!

Clearly, Obama showed he's absolutely ready. Obama looked more confident and far more knowledgable about foreign affairs as well as economy.

does he ever understand the poverty, sinking living standard in this country? forgot to mention his 13+ foreign made cars, countless houses

McCain pimp slapped obama.Onama look confused ams flustered.He even look in the aidienve for help/Obama looked highly coached where McCaom calm and compord.The fact that the liberal media and so called umdecided boters wenr for obama shows me he won ,I found myself actually feeling pitty for obama.And did you see the anger in obamas eyes.I knew McCain would win but not this but not this bad.obama has to be worried

Google all of the latest and most violence, INCREASING violence in Iraq. They will want more money soon and idiot McCain Palin and Petreus will call for Whirlwind OR Riptide... MORE GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD!!!

it is amazing how mccain can lie and get away with it because he is old.wow!

Obama is the man. McCain drop out houourably and we will respect you.

Obama keeps re-voting the decision to go to Iraq rather than how to address what we do from here. The next president will need to deal with the present not the past. A wise man once said "you can waste an awful lot of time and energy trying to create a better yesterday". Time to look forward and decide how to deal with the situations (and there are more than one) on the ground.

BTW, Dems, did you take note that Obama is going to increase the number of troops in Afghanistan if he gets elected? Does that mean he is going to be Owarah? I guess a vote for Obama is a reaffirmation of more war. Just something to think about...

Oh, uh, well, uh, oh, let me explain, I agree with Senator McCain that he most effectively demonstrated his command of the issues with many pointed comments and very few generalizations. Obama on the other hand relies on generalities to make his stand. McCain knows the devil is in the details, and that comes from the kind of experience that only McCain has. Obama showed his freshman status over and over. By the way, if Obama is proposing an $800 Billion increase in Government spending on top of agreeing to the $ 700 Billion bail out plan, he could have at least identified a few programs he might have to cut back on. At least McCain is planning to cut back on government spending and in light of the bailout plan, that's going to be critical. I think Obama would agree that McCain is right on that point too. The general public’s opinion is the only one that really matters – I believe they will agree with me that McCain, by a very significant margin is the overall winner tonight.

McCain is an idiot. I agree with FLDem. He wasn't going to debate now he comes at the last minute, McCain to the rescue at the bailout meeting. Dude may as well not have went. He was ineffective and mute. Is that all there is???? Give me Obama any day.

I noticed the following things which are not all THAT important but kinda stood out to me.

1. McCain would NEVER look at Obama and appeared to have his jaw clenched the entire night.

2. After all the flack Obama took for not wearing a flag pin I wonder why McCain refused to wear one tonight.

3. McCain kept repeating laugh lines from his speeches but there was no laughter as the audience had promised to be quiet.

4. NEITHER of the men would commit to ANYTHING involving the near Trillion Dollar bail out.

I was very proud of Barack Obama and I fell at ease with his leadership.

OBAMA LOOKS LIKE STUDENT IN FRONT OF PROFESSOR.

The guy can't look at a person with whom he is having a debate? Is he 90 years old or 12?!?!?!? McCain is INSANE!!!!!

Barack Hussein Obama sure made me feel better about voting for John McCain.

The three (3) main things that are not good for us about the Republican nominees for President and Vice President, John McCain and Sarah Palin are:
• The same camp, i.e. the Republican Party, would provide the Advisors for a McCain-Palin administration as that which provided advisors to the present disastrous Bush administration.
• These advisors would be led by the man who, himself, has accepted having voted 90 % of the time with the Bush administration.
• This administration would have as the back-up for the office of the Presidency the least knowledgeable and worst prepared Vice-President in the history of the United States at a time when we could ill afford such a scenario.

It seems to me that Sarah Palin’s catapult into the Governor’s Office in Alaska was probably by default. I know people in the County in which I live who are better prepared to be Vice President of the United States than she is. If congressman Rangel got flack for saying it, then I’ll say it: Sarah Palin is “disabled”. I will admit that she’s got “a lot of spunk”, but she’s also as ignorant as can be.

The problem with John McCain is that he’s bullheaded and wants “victory” in Iraq much like the victory pronounced by Bush on the aircraft carrier. He wants instant victory. That will never happen. We will be fighting the war against terror and the Islamic extremists for decades to come. That is the reason why we must fight it differently than the way we are fighting it now. We must fight it smarter. That means that, just like a long distance runner, we must pace ourselves. The Islamic extremists are obsessed with killing us “the infidels” and imposing their government-religion on us as well. We must first understand this enemy who is already using our democratic weaknesses to make inroads towards the achievement of its goal. As we get to know this enemy, we must fight it by exploiting its weaknesses. We must also draw a line as to what we are going to accept of Muslim countries from now on. I believe that we have a system of reciprocity with regards to Visas with nations around the world. In that same light we should consider the entry and acceptance of legitimate, peaceful Muslims with treaties of reciprocity, with and by Muslim countries to accept entry in to their countries of Bibles and Torahs and construction of Christian Churches or Synagogues. That is not allowed now.

John McCain has stated that he would have fired the Chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for the failure of Lehman Brothers, Merryl Lynch and AIG. He has also stated however, that he is “always in favor of less regulation”. I guess maybe the best way to describe this is that, John McCain is “politically Bi-Polar”. Let no one be confused with regards to the Billions of Dollars that “were lost” by these companies. The money didn’t disappear into thin air, nor was it burned, shredded or destroyed. That money was hoarded into the pockets of people who sold houses, and the pockets of the realtors who made huge profits on commissions by selling to others whom they very well knew would not be able to pay back the loans. The relevant issue here is that the lack of regulations for the Banking and Mortgage Industries opened the door for this debacle. That lack of regulation is what John McCain and the Republican Party stand for. Make no mistake a bout it.

At this point in the political history of our country, I’m almost to the point of conviction that Republicans really have an agenda against Social Security because it was a Democratic President who introduced it into our way of life. I’m to the point of believing that Republicans wish to wipe it off our history books because they consider it a thorn in their side. If behind the scenes they can do anything to hobble it, they will, “to prove” that it was “a bad idea to begin with”. Republicans and their political money backers will sell the chicken coup for the right price and leave us hanging.

McCain and Palin say they are for less taxes. What they fail to see is that the war in Iraq and the construction of schools and roads and other infrastructure in Iraq is paid with our tax dollars, while our infrastructure is ignored. They also fail to understand that taxes are the glue and the fabric that help hold our country together and they are at the core of the economic and financial relationship among states and between states and the Federal Government. We should never be for less regulation, but rather we should look to improve the quality of the regulations. Likewise, we should always strive to make more efficient use of our taxes and not reduce them when we have a growing population to whom we can provide more and better services.

Finally, someone should explain the difference to Sarah Palin between a deficit and a surplus. It is rumored that when informed and asked by an advisor in the state Cabinet as to what to do with a $20 Million Dollar deficit that Alaska had, she ordered to have it : “Distributed it amongst the needy”. (mind you that’s just a rumor and joke, but I wouldn’t put it past her).

As an engineer, I always value experience, however listening to McCain and Obama over and over; I do not feel the value of experience in politics. After all, Sadam Husain was a president for more than 20 years, what the experience did for him.

amen

McCain has NOT made me proud throughout this entire campaign. He's sold his integrity and NOT put country first! His judgment is non existent and he proves that by his VP pick and "pretending" to be presidential. He has become a very bad joke, I only hope it's not on this country!

yes

OKAY EVERYBODY

DRUDGEREPORT IS HOLDING A POLL ON WHO WON THE DEBATE. SO FAR IT"S 67% FOR MCCAIN and 31% FOR OBAMA...LET"S GO OVER AND FARK IT!

I agree with Barack

"John is absolutely right!"

McCain/Palin

I used to be behind John McCain. Now, I cant remember why. He looked petty and poorly prepared and he came across as a liar.

McCain seemed irritated. I don't want an angry man with a bad temper with his finger on the nuclear trigger!

You didn't, John. You were sad, old, out of touch, and you have chosen a VP running mate about whom even conservatives are terrified. No, John. You made us sick.

Made me proud actually honored to vote Obama

Same here.

I have to say, we need to move forward and in a postive direction.

Go BO 2008

Obama gets points from me in only one area of the foreign policy debate. It was smart to connect our current relationship with Russia and our need for energy independence. Unfortunately, he didn't have me for long. Apparently, the only goal he was willing to throw under the bus in the face of worsening economic conditions was the timetable for his energy policy. Something about that just doesn't seem intellectually honest. Either energy is a high priority or it isn't. Because energy independence underpins any future economic stability for this country, it has to be a top priority, if not THE top priority, even above early childhood education. I mean, let's be honest, how much good is preschool if our childrens' safety isn't secured first?

Otherwise, McCain owned the foreign policy debate. McCain is right. An American president should not sit down with the leadership of a rogue state without precondition. It legitimizes extreme views as something worthy of high level discussion. Of course, I do not consider the president of Spain in that light, but the fact that it bothers the president of Spain that President Bush has not done so is extremely revealing of how these presidential meetings are seen in the eyes of the world.

The biggest gaffe Obama made was concerning Pakistan. I don't understand why this hasn't been seized upon by the pundits. McCain was absolutely right that you do not publicly challenge a new president with a shaky base of support, whose cooperation is definitely needed, with threats of border incursions. The fact that Obama has gone on the record with such statements just highlights his foreign policy inexperience. More importantly, Pakistan isn't just any country. It is a nuclear power. We need their cooperation, not just in flushing out Al Qaeda, but with nuclear nonproliferation. Huge, COLOSSAL mistake!

person to person, eye to eye, fact to fact. it was supposed to be mccains night and his strength topic, anything less than a decisive win means it became obama's night and it was very obvious there was no decisive win.

I will 2nd that Fl Dem .
He sure had a time with his temper and he looks like a ghost .

Obama made me proud tonight.

McCain came across as a tired old man with tired old ideas.

FLDem...you're an idiot....maybe you should start listening to what each candidate....Obama is full of empty promises....he has no substance to any of his proposals.....I always love to hear how he opposed the war 6 years ago.....Was he in the Senate then....I didn't think so...I love how he says we're in an economic crisis that's worse than the depression yet when he can do something about it he says"call me if you need me"..... if McCain is so wrong why did Obama say he agreed with him more than 10 times during the debate....wake up.... Obama is not ready to lead....He talks a good game and that's it...I would never entrust the safety of my family to that type of person

Senator McCain schooled Mr. Obama in every way.

Obama is a socialist and will run this country into the ground.

Sen. McCain, you have certainly not made the country as a whole proud this week. At one time, you were our living war hero, "straight talk" and all. You have lost ownership of the honor those memories once held. McShame, McSeethe, McNot.

Decisons are hard. Debates are hard.

You did just fine, John. I had to laugh when Senator Obama repeatedly answered Jim Lehrer's question about what "you'd cut from the budget as a result of the financial crisis" with places where he would actually increase spending. He just couldn't find a way to accept that things will have to be cut. Funny now, but if he gets elected it probably won't be funny for long.

Obama Gets My Vote! I Have Never Had A Problem Looking Someone In The Eyes When I Talk To Them Or About Them! Mccain Just Lacked The Ability To Face His Opponant And He Did Poorly!

ME TOO! THANK YOU LORD!!!!!

For the future not the past-

Obama/Biden 08/12

Very minor comment. Remember all that Obama was put through for not wearing an American Flag lapel pin??? I heard about it & read about it for weeks, got numerous e-mails.

WHERE WAS OUR HERO (JOHN MC CAIN's) pin ????????

Not a word will be said. Just wondered if anyone other than my husband and myself noticed.

John, Thanks for confirming my decision to vote for Barack. Barack gets it! You couldn't even look Barack in the eye. What were you afraid of? It reminded me of my son, he would never look me in the eye when he was lying.

I can't wait to to see Palin and Biden go at it next week! I felt so sorry for her in that interview. It was hard to watch.

NO McBush!

Great job Senator McCain!! You were the only President on that statge tonight!!

John McCain is a man that stands by his word unlike Barack Obama. I pray that God's will be done. I am a Repulican but whatever outcome comes out of this is GOD will. Believe the end is near!

I thought Obama hit home on more of the issues that the average American cares about.

Obama clearly won this debate from where I sit – It is clear to me that McCain's entire mindset is military. This is very disturbing to me.

I would like CNN and the whole country to note how foul, dirty and untruthful McCain was. How on earth was McCain's campaign able to release a webvideo against Barak with McCain's approval, when he was not even off stage during the debate. INCREDIBLE. I mean did he even watch the webvideo first before approving? Or how could he have seen the video to even approve of it. The odds of that happening is ZERO.

He was also very untruthful in the debate. There were a whole lot of things he said the were untrue. Political thinker is a proof. Even Barak said that to him many times and he still went on lying. I was a staunch McCain supporter, but now I moving toward Obama's camp. He seemed more interested in helping our nation. I rest my case

Obama won . I cant wait to knock them out on thursday.

I can't seem to shake how fake Sen. McCain appears to be. His debate certainly didn't make me appreciate him anymore.

I AM A DEMOCRAT I ALWAYS VOTE DEMOCRAT BUT TONIGHT AFTER HEARING MACCAIN I DEFENITILY WILL VOTE OBAMA THIS MAN IS A DANGEROUS EVIL MAN REPUBLICANS ARE LIKE BABIES MY WAY OR NOT WAY AT ALL MACCAIN DOES IS LIE LIE LIE THIS MAN WOULD SOLD IS SOUL TO DE DEVIL JUST TO BE PRESIDENT HOPELY GOD WILL PROTECT US FROM MACCSAHAME AND THE OTHER LIAR EVIL ONE HO SHE SO GORGEOUS MY GOD I THINK THE WOMEN LOOKS EVIL THATS WHY MACSHAME PIC HER THE DEMON AND THE DEVIL

Yes they absolutely did show who's qualified to be Commander-In-Chief.

But it wasn't John McCain.

Yes Johnnie Mac! You totally agreed with the Fuhrer, called yourself a "maverick" and showed up for a debate after almost pulling the same stunt you did in the California primary in 2000 when Bush was ahead in the polls. To paraphrase the late Nikita Khrushchev , "The Reptilican Party is over! We will bury you!"

Yes, John we are more aware now than ever – Barack Obama must be the next Commander-in-Chief if we are to survive in America. McCain rambles about his past. 1960 – nobody in my house was even born yet. Can he wake up and realize it's 2008.

OBAMA rocks.

No one....but no one but blindly loyal GOPers feel that John McCain won this thing. Think about it...McCain was the home team ...in location (Mississippi – as red a state as it gets – and you know what I mean by red) and the topic Foreign policy. If it was close, the win goes to the visiting team. Obama

Aside from that, Barack handled himself admirably. Steady, intelligent, concise, educated answers. And responded without belittling his opponent. That's why he gets the educated vote.

Of course, John McCain can never look good unless he makes his opponent look bad – What does that tell ya? How about "....I'm a joke so try to make the other guy look bad to distract from the obvious"

You didnt make me proud just scared... We know you like the war and sounds like you want to start more wars which could only mean DRAFT because we dont have enough people for all the wars. You and Sarah Palin are a big disaster for this country and making a laughing stock out of us. NO WAY NO HOW NO McCAIN /PALIN

McCain is angry. I guess he thinks being disrepectful is showing presidential prowess.

Obama was a better debater, hands down.

I feel McCain did very well and made me very proud, he is indeed the best man for the job.

haha I know right... He was dominated. It's sad that it's still this close.

FLDem, me too.
Obama won

You were wrong, You were wrong! Barack said!! yes,

Why did McCain never look at Obama, he seemed very nasty and hostile, he was supposed to look at Obama out of respect, there was none, Obama was the only gentleman on stage....................

I'm more convinced Obama is a better leader for the presidency
chair position . While, McCain should pull out his rocking chair,
retire, and use it.

Mccain me proud in casting my vote for Obama

Yes McCain you made me feel proud that I am supporting Obama, who you could not even look in the face tonight.

Why is McCain so angry...He was the grumpy old man!!!!!

Despite his lack of any substantive foreign policy experience, the Obama campaign continues to bloviate that Senator Obama is best qualified to be Commander and Chief because “only he had the judgment to make the tough decision against the use of force in Iraq”. This argument is not only hackneyed, but blatantly inaccurate.

Even if you believe in hindsight that the use of force against Iraq was the wrong decision, it’s a decision that Obama never had to confront. A decision implies one has the authority and information to make a choice which will affect an outcome. Barrack Obama had neither the authority nor the information necessary to make such a decision, let alone affect the outcome. He could not even cast one of his decisive votes of “present”, because he wasn’t! At the time, he was merely an inexperienced Illinois State legislator, representing a very anti-war district. His so called “difficult decision” was no more difficult than it was relevant.

Mr. Obama had no more information than did I, my butcher, the paperboy down the street, or any other typical American citizen on this issue. He was not in a position to receive intelligence briefings, or even debate the facts. Those who were, such as Hillary Clinton and Joe Biden, came to the same conclusion and made the same decision as John McCain. They each had the authority and the intelligence information that Obama did not, and each voted for the use of force against Saddam Hussein. Obama himself admitted as much. When asked how he would have voted on the Iraq resolution he said: "I'm not privy to Senate intelligence reports. What would I have done? I don't know." (The New York Times on July 26, 2004)

Once Obama was in fact in a position where he had both authority and information to make real decisions on Iraq, he failed in making the correct ones each and every time.

After Obama claimed that he "Absolutely wants to make sure that the troops have sufficient support to be able to win, we must fund our troops” (CNN March 28, 2003), he cast his vote against the funding for our troops in the middle of the conflict. A vote that even Joe Biden, his “experienced” pick for Vice President, has chastised.

During the most difficult times of the Iraq conflict, after public support had waned, Obama made the easy political choice. Only John McCain had the experience and the judgment to make the correct call. He went against Obama, Biden and the democrats (who seemed all too eager to lose the war in order to gain political advantage over the Bush Administration) and also the republicans (who rallied around the Administration and its failing “stay the course” policy). At his own political expense, John McCain called for the dismissal of the Secretary of Defense, Don Rumsfeld, and the very surge policy that has succeeded, while Obama and Biden called for retreat and defeat.

After the surge had been implemented (despite Obama and Biden’s opposition), John McCain, traveling around Baghdad, proclaimed that things were in fact improving and that the surge was in fact succeeding. Senator Obama and his supporters in the mainstream media were ridiculing Senator McCain’s statements as fantasy. Although he will not admit to his failure of judgment, Obama has now stated: “The surge has succeeded in ways that nobody anticipated, including President Bush and the other supporters, it has gone very well. It succeeded beyond our wildest dreams.” (O’Reilly Factor September 4, 2008)

The truth is that the success was indeed anticipated and even reported on by John McCain, months before Obama was willing to accept it. Not only did the surge succeed beyond Obama’s wildest dreams, it succeeded despite Obama’s political dreams and poor judgment.

YES...Very proud of my next President, BARACK OBAMA.

I agree, FL Dem.

There can be little doubt that Obama has the firmer grasp of the facts and the stronger ability to reason from them. Obama came across as the Commander-in-Chief in the wings, McCain as the guy who will soon have ample opportunity tp write another book.

I loved how whenever Obama would speak, the dials showed Obama was received well by independents, and democrats and even republicans for the most part took many of Obama's segments well.

Obama gets points from me in only one area of the foreign policy debate. It was smart to connect our current relationship with Russia and our need for energy independence. Unfortunately, he didn't have me for long. Apparently, the only goal he was willing to throw under the bus in the face of worsening economic conditions was the timetable for his energy policy. Something about that just doesn't seem intellectually honest. Either energy is a high priority or it isn't. Because energy independence underpins any future economic stability for this country, it has to be a top priority, if not THE top priority, even above early childhood education. I mean, let's be honest, how much good is preschool if our childrens' safety isn't secured first?

Otherwise, McCain owned the foreign policy debate. McCain is right. An American president should not sit down with the leadership of a rogue state without precondition. It legitimizes extreme views as something worthy of high level discussion. Of course, I do not consider the president of Spain in that light, but the fact that it bothers the president of Spain that President Bush has not done so is extremely revealing of how these presidential meetings are seen in the eyes of the world.

The biggest gaffe Obama made was concerning Pakistan. I don't understand why this hasn't been seized upon by the pundits. McCain was absolutely right that you do not publicly challenge a new president with a shaky base of support, whose cooperation is sorely needed, with threats of border incursions. The fact that Obama has gone on the record with such statements just highlights his foreign policy inexperience. More importantly, Pakistan isn't just any country. It is a nuclear power. We need their cooperation, not just in flushing out Al Qaeda, but with nuclear nonproliferation. Huge, COLOSSAL mistake!

Good job by McCain in flexing his foreign policy muscles.

You did good my manchurian candidate.

FLDem, +1.
Obama is a winner.

McCain campaign created an ad that said he won the debate when he was still hedging whether he was even going to be there?????

For those who think he "looked weird" its called Botox, thats why his eyes and upper lip did not move when he spoke.

As for the actual debate McCain would make one scary bad tempered twitchy Commander in Chief, whereas Obama was cool, collected and levelheaded with far more grip on world facts than McPain.
McCain did not mention Bin Laden once! Yet he harped on about things that had happened to him 20, 30, 40 years ago!

i stronlgy can say that he made me realize and the whole world VERY SCARED

Quick Vote
Who fared better in the first presidential debate?
Sen. John McCain 27% 33453
Sen. Barack Obama 67% 81556
Neither 6% 6821

McCain, you made me proud to donate another $250 to Barack Obama tonight.

John Mccain is way better than osama

McCain came off to me as a old conniver. The lies just slipped so easily from his lips, gee it's almost like he's been lying all his life.

OBAMA/BIDEN '08

Yes, for sure Obama.

Thanks McCain, after that horrible interview with Palin, and the debates, I am ready to vote for Obama/Biden.

If Senator McCain wants to suspend campaigning pending the bailout, why was his campaign posting ads before the debate was over?

Just wondering.

in proud im not voting for you . you think the debates a joke but your the only joke. go obama

I think that John McCain did his best tonight, which has only bolstered my belief that I am backing the right candidate; Barrack Obama.

Sen. Obama did more than hold his own; he showed mental toughness, intelligence and savvy, characteristics that I feel are inherent to the personality of a great commander and chief.

I believe that John McCain offered up no new ideas. Just because he has been around forever (and ever) doesn't make him the best man for the job. Logically, that makes him part of the problem, doesn't it?

Good Job Obama!!!!!

I was happy to see that Henry Kissinger just issued a statement that he did not say what Obama said. And that Obama misunderstood. It was also reported that he was not very happy with what Obama said. I am a independent/always voted Dem for a President, I will happily and proudly be voting for John S McCain . He was very impressive and I feel safe with him as my president.

How can you be proud of someone who was so disrespectful that he couldn't even look at Obama? His whole body language was almost to have his back to Barack. And he kept snickering. We've put up with eight years of snickering. John McCain is uppity!

Obama did not debate well. McCain aced the debate. Let's wait and see for the next one.
Obama needs to ace the next one if he doesn't he is doomed to fail.

He made me sad to be an American, not proud.

Sen McCain,
God Bless you and thank you for your courage and leadership. My husband also finished up his flight training in an A-4 at Meridian.

Sen McCain, you did an outstanding job tonight and did us proud, and there is no doubt that you do not need "on the job" training. Your education and first-hand experience in leadership through the grueling Corps of Cadets at one of the finest training grounds for leadership in the entire world, the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, demonstrated that it was an education that is measured not just by grades. Sen Obama does not have a clue and that was demonstrated very clearly tonight.

I deeply appreciated how you were able to draw upon your extensive experience and able to put the most pressing national security issues and foreign policy challenges into historical context, and you clearly have thought these issues through and consulted with those who have faced these challenges head on, like Sec Kissinger. I am grateful for the experience and grounding you will bring to the White House.

It is hard for me to believe or accept that Sen Obama is a graduate of Harvard Law. I was always under the illusion that Harvard Law rigorously trains it graduates to be able to debate effectively with polish and poise. Maybe Sen Obama missed too many moot court debates? His continual interruptions and pointing and arrogant mannerisms indicated his lack of poise and diplomatic skill.

I am sure that very few people missed Sen Obama's obnoxious "I have a bracelet too" only to struggle as he had to READ the name of the soldier. This man does not deserve to lead our men and women in uniform, his contempt and arrogance towards those in service to our great nation was demonstrated in that very gesture.

God Bless you Sen McCain and Semper Fi.

John McCain = grumpy old backward thinking neoconservative that got us into this mess.

Barack Obama expressed it best when he said that the problems facing us as a nation must be looked at as being linked to one another. Thus, the economic problems that we face today, it is fair to say, have been exacerbated by the current financial crisis as it places another burden on our central government. Senator McCain’s past as a Vietnam veteran have transfixed his vision at winning the war in Iraq in the short run. He doesn’t understand that the war in Iraq needs to be fought for a long time and that it needs to be addressed from many angles, including dialogue. Senator Obama’s grasp of the whole picture was obvious, where Senator McCain picture of a whole is lacking. Senator McCain stated at one point that, he would hold people accountable for financial debacles like the one we have witnessed in the past 2 weeks. Senator Obama made it clear that firing people after the fact doesn’t work. He made it clear that improved regulations would likely preclude financial institutions from going bankrupt. Senator McCain has said that he “is always in favor of less regulations”. The only conclusion that one can reach, therefore, is that Senator McCain plans to hire “Seances” or “mind readers” to hold positions such as “Chairman of the Securities & Exchange Commission”. This, because without regulations, reports and other accountabilities, reading minds would be the only way for anyone, holding those positions, to preclude endings such as the one that we have witnessed in Wall Street. Senator McCain can try, but can’t get shake his past history of having voted 90% of the time with the failed policies of the Bush Administration. Only someone in denial, of the fact that we have just experienced the worst 8 years in our country’s history, could still say that he or she supports John McCain. In fact, John McCain’s lack of detailed examination at selecting his Vice-Presidential running-mate is a perfect example of his lack of leadership abilities. Sarah Palin’s apparent inability to tune-in to the subtleties of the questions put to her by Katie Couric and others is an example of McCain’s shoot from the hip attitude. Before choosing Sarah Palin, he should have considered much more seriously her ability or lack thereof, as in her case, to lead the nation in the event of his demise. The Republican revolt in Congress against the Bush Administration’s plan for the infamous “Bailout” and the lack of Senators and Congressmen willing to appear before the media, after the debate, to hail John McCain, points to their fears of losing their seats in Congress. In conclusion, the score is Senator Obama 1, John McCain -1.

I was frustrated Senator McCain would not answer questions asked of him, was rude, and would not look Senator Obama in the eye.Clearly he was uncomfortable. He went off on his "old war stories" without answering questions and his words seemed very scripted . "You don't understand" got old fast. I think Obama has shown he speaks thoughtfully and strongly, not an struck in the same rut of the past. I admire McCains service record, but it's the same old, same old . We need a change . He is hung up on war, war, war.

Straight Talk Express now known as the BS Express.

BOJO '08

Sen. Obama 'Held his own' on a McCain turf???
Clearly Sen Obama won!
Sen. Obama was on Point! Knew his stuff and was very detailed!! Obama clearly proved to be very presidential! Sen Obama looked directly at me through the camera, he looked directly at McCain and Sen. Obama was wearing a FLAG PIN!
All of the above which McCain failed to do! Now dispute that!

Anybody in their right mind calls this even a tie is really not paying attention!
You can't spin the facts folks! Sorry not this time!
No Way
No How
No McCain

Barack Obama certainly made me feel better about my support for John McCain.

McCain spouted old talking points, old stories and sounded like a parrot...or actually like a male version of palin-rehearsed and inflexible. He also sounded anrgy, arrogant and very much non-presidential.

This debate has solidified my November vote...I will voting for Senators Obama and Joe Biden.

he sure made me feel better too about my support for Obama.

Yes. John McCain you made it clear that Obama is the one.
It was a poor show from your part John. Can't wait for the VP debate.

Yes

Tonight John Mc Cain introduced his " sneer" campaign by not showing respect for Barack Obama ( not once looking at him) and being persistently overly sarcastic. Neither tactic worked well. These are the tactics of desperation.

I felt immense pride in Obama. He handled himself really well – very presidential. McCain was an angry old man. The country doesn't need an angry old man to running it. He obviously had trouble reigning in his anger. I thought his temper might flair at any time. With such a volatile world, the country doesn't need an angry old man at the helm.

McCain prides himself on having been on all the committees in Washington over the years. Well, for someone who has been in Washington for 26 years, his record isn't as stellar as everyone thinks. Remember the Keating 5??

Obama clearly won this round.

he sure me feel better too about my support for Obama.

O
B
A
M
A

F
L
A
T

McCain is pandering... I've been to Memphis and McCain is nothing like the people of Memphis...

G-------R------E-------A--------–T

B---------------–U-----------T----–

N 0------K--–N----O--–C---–K---0--–U--T

JOHN, you can't make me proud with your constant lying!

******

yea mccain u were excellent tonight!!

(sarcasm)

i agree – if anyone, looks at mccain and thinks that he's stable to be president, they would also want my senile 90 year old grandfather as president.

He Failed Miserably... stop deleting my post CNN!!

If you have to specifically name your vehicle the "Straight Talk Express" then it obviously is a misnomer: you're trying to create an image that may or may not be true.

Such names should be implied rather than expressed.

O B A MA

L A C K

O F

M A T U R I T Y

A N D*************T E M P E R A M E N T

McCain looked like a senile grandfather...talking over others, angry, retelling old war stories, and making historical references most voters don't care to remember.

Henry Kissinger has already come out and said Obama lied about Kissinger's position on Iran. Kissinger said "Senator McCain is right. I would not recommend the next President of the United States engage in talks with Iran at the Presidential level. My views on this issue are entirely compatible with the views of my friend Senator John McCain. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree that any negotiations with Iran must be geared to reality."

So CNN, you going to report this lie or cover it up?

John McCain looked petty, mean-spirited, and like a living time capsule of policy failures.

We need a statesman – not a mental patient.

Y E S ,,,,,,,,,,S I R ,,,,,,,,,,,,O U R,,,,,,,,,,N E X T,,,,,,,C O M M A N D E R ,,,,,,,,,,

I N,,,,,,C H I E F,,,,,,,,Y O U ,,,,,,,,,,W E R E ,,,,,,,,,,, I N,,,,,,,,,C O N T RO L,,,,,,

O F ,,,,,,,, F A C T S,,,,,,,S H O WI N G,,,,,,,,E X T E N S I V E,,,,,,,,,,,

I 'M,,,,,,,,,,, R E A D Y,,,,,,,,,F O R ,,,,,,,T H E,,,,,,,,B I G,,,,,,,,L E A G U E S,,,,,,

McCain was simply ignorant and on the verge of losing his temper half the night. He couldn't even look at Obama.

John made Barry look like a rookie......which he is. How many times did he have to admit that Senator McCain was right? I sure enjoyed that.

John McCain certainly made me feel better about my support for Barack Obama.