CNN

OBAMA LOOKS LIKE STUDENT ,McCAIN LOOKS LIKE PROFESSOR.

I'm independent and haven't made a choice on who to vote for – and I honestly would prefer to have some better options! So, my unbiased, neutral reaction to the event is that McCain was the better debater last night. Whether he was 100% truthful is to be determined but, Obama did not come across as knowledgeable and spent a lot of time saying the same things he's said before. McCain repeated some of his campaign quotes too but he also added a lot of historical information to support his ideas.

And the person above who said that McCain was disrespectful watched a different debate because Obama was the one who kept calling McCain John while McCain called his opponent Senator Obama.

But, people see and hear what they want to see and hear....

Now we know what Obama will do. Spend money like its water and thats not what we need right now. Thats just crazy even when Obama was asked what would you cut he added more programs he will have us go bankrupt in no time. Plus he has no clue how to keep us safe from attack.

Not that you'll post my comment, since you never do CNN but why even have a biased poll towards the Democrats? Talk about " in the tank" politics... People are not that stupid.

Obama did well holding his own against Mccain. He was supposed to be this inexperienced , wet behind the ears newbee from chicago. But he actually looked presidential and had command of his delivery. Most importantly held his cool amidst continuous barrage of repeated "you just don't get, you just don't get.

Mccain was good as we all expected on foreign policy, but Obama looked fresher on the issues and mccain was a bit too old school. He lost me in the whole history lesson of alexander the great and kissinger references

Senator McCain looked completely out of his comfort zone. He was programmed to be on the attack instead of having a discussion. He would not even look at Senator Obama .

All I could think was that Clinton would have easily beat both men in this debate. If only the Democratic superdelegates had selected her.....like the primary voters did

I'm still split on voting for Clinton as a write-in and voting for Obama (and only because I live in a swing state would I vote for someone other than Clinton).

Too much has been made of Obama's withdrawal PLAN! He has said many times that he will sit down with the best there is to hammer out a plan that will be in the best interest of all! His AIM is a quick withdrawal, but his actual plan is yet to come. He is no dictator or know-it -all like the other candidate. As Biden, who has been everywhere McCain has been has said, just because you've been there, doesn't make you right! McCain spent most of his time visiting the troops, because they think he's so great. a real ego boost! There's not a lot you can learn about the war from the men who are fighting, other than their own personal feelings, which can be varied. That doesn't mean his visits there make him more in on the actual events. Both candidates have met with the head honcho over there and have taken away their own interpretatation of how the war is going. But to hear McCain talk he's the only person in the world who is capable of handling it!!!! NOT! He is a service man first, one of the guys, NOT A LEADER!!!!
Many have noticed that McCain NEVER looked at Obama during the debate, even when they shook hands. Interesting behavoir! The reason behind avoiding eye contact is, "lack of confidence and low self esteem". Can you picture that man talking with a leader of another country??? But of course there would be preconditions before any talks take place, kind of like a matador who waits before he goes in for the kill! Let others do all the work and then you can take all the credit, sort of like the talks on the economy now. Others have spent day and night hammering out a bill that was said to be acceptable to both sides. Swooping in comes McCain and the Republicans pull out. OK They had to have the debate but McCain will be back to take credit for whatever solution others have found.

McCain was, as usual, his same smug self. He looks as if he has been embalmed and garners the same goofy grins and smirks as George Bush.
Hmmm...birds of a feather.
Also, being a POW does not qualify you for the position of President of THESE United States.
He should keep his war record at home for a change and stick to the issues at hand.

Hell no. In CNN's defense, they not only put the fact that more Dems responded to the poll in regular lettering, not "fine print," they have failed to mention even once that the 6-person BIPARTISAN (and yes, some of them are clearly partisan) panel of score-keepers can out with a net score of Obama 44, McCain 22. This entire weekend of news about the debate is a complete and utter equivocation job, not OBJECTIVE journalism.

While the $3 million earmark spent on grizzly bear DNA came up again, I wish Obama would have pointed out that McCain voted for it. I find it hard to believe that McCain would stare down a Putin like leader, when he could not even look at Obama. I am still for Obama.

Last night debate was a clear victory for Obama. Americans saw a smart young man who knows the subject and ideas how things work and how things should be; On the other hand, McCain looks confused, angry and stucked in the ideas of the past.

John King of CNN doubted his own CNN poll last night about Obama's victory -this is how bias John King has been since this election period.

McCain was rude. He never even looked at Obama while speaking. He also can't get over the Vietnam War. He lives in the past and he is all about war. His maverick temper is going to get us further in trouble with other countries. We need someone like Obama to be willing to negotiate things out vs. sending troops in and getting more of our young men and women killed. We have so much wrong with our own country right now, we need to be taking care of business at home vs. worrying about how the rest of the world is doing.

Obama/Biden '08!

Well Fox had a totally different poll so I am not surprised CNN has this one. As far as the debate it was a sideshow and the blame game especially from Obama. Obama forgets he has only been in the Senate a short time, so him siding with Bush is about 95% of the time also if you look at the proposals he voted for. Obama orated better than McCain, but it was so rehearsed, and when confronted he got flustered and said I didn't say that, or no thats not true like a 3rd grader. He kept harping on his tax cuts for 95% of Americans. So is the other 5% suppose to pay for all this in new taxes? The math on that one is totally ridiculous. The debate didn't accomplish anything but just more bickering. They both lost IMO.

Although I think McCain did a better job in the debate, I was very disappointed that he did not counter Obama's damaging claim that not taxing people (McCain's plan to cut taxes would "cost" around 300 million, is what Obama said) is the same as spending tax dollars. The reason the Democrats always describe tax cuts as "spending" is because their pet "tax cuts" are nothing more than redistribution of income from those that earned it to those that didn't (the earned income credit, for example). It does not cost the government one cent to let me keep more of my income. It does cost the government (taxpayers) money to take my money and give it to a family that didn't even earn enough money in the first place to have a tax liability and then to call it a tax cut for them. This is political double speak, plain and simple, and that's what Obama is really all about.

Does Palin understand what McCain says Obama does not understand – NOT. I hope she is having a successful cram session before Thursday. Why did she not talk with the media last night?

Obama is a unifier and seeks connection, not division. That's why he said that he agreed with McCain on some issues. It's easier to solve a problem if the commonalitites are laid out first. Obama responded as a person who was looking to solve problems, not create them. That's why he is the person we need solving problems. We've had all we can take of those that create them – the present administration and their wealthy financiers.

My decision is made and I will vote for the Unifier.

How many times did McCain question Obama's judgment and experience during the debate?

After his choice of Palin as VP, how he could even go near the subject of judgment or experience boggles the mind.

Next Thrusday evening there will be a major meltdown and imploison on live television for the world to see when Biden debates Palin.

Rebublicans and Fox blabla, can spin like wash machine all day long! The truth is
Senator McCain past actually impairs him from to be flexible and confront the future with open mind. .Senator Obama foreign policy is moderate but also smart. That helps to keep our friends near, and or foes nearer!
What an ostrich and the Republicans have in common? Let me guess!
An ostrich bury its head in the sand and pretend everything is fine.
Republicans do the same and follow McCain!

What poll is CNN looking at? All the ones I see show McCain won the debate! Dream on CNN- maybe you and the New York Times can hold each others hand and comfort each other.

MCBUSH HAS REALLY REALLY BAD MANNERS WHEN YOU DEBATE SONEONE YOU LOOK AT THEM I DID NOT SEE THAT FROM MR MCBUSH. MR MCBUSH IS BUSH

Notice how Mccain could never look Obama in the eye? I am convinced this man is intimidated by Obama. He proves this time and time again when he puts out those ridiculous ads bashing Obama. He's jealous and he cannot contain it. He also has contempt for Obama, and he showed this as time and time again Obama gave him credit where it was due, yet he could not do the same. He has no respect for him and I think that makes McCain even less of a man. I don't care that he was a POW. Doesn't make him qualified to be POTUS. He's served his country well, and now it's Obama's turn to do his country well by being the most qualified and having the best judgement. He held his own last night, I was so proud of him!

"John McCain speaks words with action and will get the job done at the end of the day." says AnnR ..

Then explain to me why, after decades, McCain is unable to make any progress on the elimination of earmarks, unable to lead his own party into being fiscally responsible instead of "borrow and spend" , unable to reform Fannie & Freddie in 2005, when his own party was in complete control of Congress and the White House.

McCain lectures: he can not lead if no one is following him! Conservatives now are even calling for Palin to stand down for the "good of the party"...

First of all Obama made mccain look silly, mccain was scared and nervous.

Let me see now-

The majority of those polled were Democrats.
McCain was more accurate than Obama.
CNN contributors gave Obama a 3 (avg) and McCain 3.2 (avg).

But, the polls like Obama better so he is the winner.

CNN do you know why more Democrats watched CNN than Republicans or Independents. Think about it-you can do better than that.

John McCain looked older and tired. Same stories and lines.
Barrack Obama was more relaxed and more of a gentleman. He was very tough in an area that was supposed to be McCains. He also brought out McCain's lack of judgement.
Bottom line...Obama was more Presidential.

“It can be reasonably concluded, especially after accounting for the slight Democratic bias in the survey, that we witnessed a tie in Mississippi tonight. "

You mean accounting for a very large democratic bias dont you? The media is so biased towards the Democrat's that even if Obama had said nothing meaningful ( pretty much what he did ) you would have still pronounced him the winner!

It is this bias that is displayed in the media over and over that will come back to haunt you all in the end.

Obama's message/focus was directed at today's problems& solutions; revelant to American's concerns now, at least it h was more impressive to me. I am a retired special ed. teacher; suffering from today's economy. I give him a B+ on this debate...
McCain's message/focus was directed at voters & potential voters reminding and attempting to impress with his experience. Old is not always the best; most times it is slow and fragile, which is not need now! I give him a C- on this debate

I'm not surprised by the outcome of the debate. It takes time to prepare for a debate, regardless of how well you know the issues. Obama spent his time preparing for the debate - politics as usual. McCain spent his time leading our country during an economic crisis. So the real question is - do we want politics as usual or a leader who puts country before self?

Obama was the clear winner. While McCain told us time and again that he had been all over the world, knew its' leaders and had the experience to be Commander in Chief, he never gave us a clear picture of what he would do to stabilize growing world tensions and eliminate Al Qaeda. "Trust Me" just doesn't cut it. That's what got us into this mess in the first place. Obama, on the other hand, showed a clear understanding of what is at stake if we don't concentrate on Afghanistan and Pakistan and send in more troops to root out our true enemies. And when McCain tried to link Iraq to Afghanistan, Obama pointed out, rightly so, that Al Qaeda wasn't in Iraq before we invaded. It was George Bush's poor judgement that allowed both Al Qaeda and Iran to gain a foothold in Iraq. Surge or no surge, McCain's defense of the Iraq invasion tells me that he is NOT qualified to be President. OH, and then there's SARAH PALIN!

I think Senator McCain clearly won the debate. He has so much more knowledge and wisdom in dealing with the economy and most definitely in dealing with foreign affairs. Obama scares me. It's as if he is not living in the real world. He promises solutions and says what he thinks the people want to hear without really having the experience or the expertise to perform. In many ways I think Senator Obama is such a polished speaker and has so much charm that people are taken in by it and not really hearing the message he is speaking which in my opinion is so shallow in substance.

My prayer is – May the Best Man Win and I hope it is Senator McCain.

Disgusted with CNN. Supposed to be an independent news channel but in fact an attachment to Obama campaing. Will quit watching it. Do not like communists.

I think the decisive voters are not represented in the polls. those are the undecided. If I were undecided I would vote for McCain, I feel OBama did not have the knowledge and he appeared red faced and ready to get defensive. A President can not show anger at a simple debate. A President must show strength I saw that in McCain's stance and attitude. McCain has much more knowledge of the world, war zones and those who are there. I fear OBama will allow terrorist to enter this country and we will eventually belong to another country.

no body polled me and I am a democrat . I thought mccain had the edge.

Obama CLEARLY WON..... McCain is extremely angry, and negative, hostile, and has a childish attitude with a 20th century mentality. McCain lives in the PAST... Obama is extremely smart, and has prudent judgement.

McCain seemed dangerously stuck in the past last nite. I mean he still won't concede we made a mistake going into Iraq. Also who wants a POTUS who can't even look his opponent in the eye? That's just weird!

At one point during the debate my girlfriend called from work, and was asking me did I just see what Obama had said, and of course I had. I had turned the volume down on the TV for a moment so I could here her better, and what was clear from no sound and just visual Mccain= Surly,Bitter,Contempous,Angry Obama= Energetic,Thoughtful,Conversing,Engaging If nothing else Mccain Looked like Nixon Obama Looked like Kennedy

OBAMA/BIDEN 08'

It is crazy that the Repubs don't watch debates or read anything, and then blindly goes with a Rebub just because... they are still calling Obama a muslim!!! Repubs please read and get your facts straight!!! Mccain is a dunce. Palin is a greater dunce!!! To McCain's defence, he has been a public figure for years, and this gives him a decent amount of non-academic knowledge, but he is still a dunce. Also, he rode the coat tail of money and fame, not the education or law degree, and political science route that I've always thought was a prerequisite to become a world leader! McCain got the hook up, and Palin who is dumber than a brick ... and very ambitious... is trying to inject herself into the highest position ever... without even earning it.

Obama campaign says to watch the debate on CNN. We all knew CNN was the Obama network and this just proved it. So much for your fair and balanced news and you can tell this by these headlines. Is it a surprise to you that your polls show Obama won with you being Obama's network. Look at the blogs most people have moved to other blogs because you are so biased.

Obama was prepackaged and seeemed to have meorized his lines. He made faces and was on the offensive. He said I agree with John just like he did with Hillary. He does not have one idea of his on. He also lied about Kissinger. I would not trust Obama to run anything, let alone this country. McCain was much more sure of hisself and knowlegeable than Obama.

Both men performed well. However, if one had to pick a "winner", it was obviously Obama.

Somemof mteh mistakes that I think McCain made were:

1. He never looked at Obama, even once, during the entire debate.
2. He never looked into the camera and addressed the people head on, as Obama did consistently.
3. McCain said at least a dozen times that Obama did not understand and did not get it. He was in full attack mode and it was obvious taht he was trying to contain his famoous temper.
4. He continually referred to 20, 30, 40 years ago, which just reminded one of how old he is.
and:
5) He said over and over again things that he knew could easily be proven as lies, distortions, etc. Yet he continued to say Obama did or Obama said.

After next Thursday's debate with Biden, Palin will implode and she and McCain will plummet in the poles.

My prediction is this: COme Monday or Tuesday of next week, an announcement will be made that Palin is dropping out of the race, for whatever bogus reason, and McCain will pick a MAN for the position hoping that with so little time left the new candidate will not be subject to nedia scrutiny.

Ha!!! What a joke this poll is. Obama just got a history lesson. If some how people thought he came out on top they are really drinking the kool-aid.
McCain/Palin 08
Hillary 2012

Obama was more polished, informed and, in my opinion, "presidential". And equally important, he looked John McCain directly in the eye...which McCain refused to return the same courtesy. If McCain can't look his competitor directly eye to eye, particularly when he is challenging his competitor's record, he certainly won't look the American people in the eye and give them the straight story.

Racist comments in Barrack's books
Photos of him in his Taliban uniform
McCain in his US of America Military Uniform
Let's not forget 911 – what better way to attack us than from the inside out.

Obama showed last night his pushy side wanting to walk all over McCain when McCain said something he didn't like. Obama agreed with McCain's comments over and over again and tried to push President Bush at McCain.

I think that McCain clearly WON this debate, and Obama although a good speaker, didn't do as well as these polls are showing.
That is my opinion and I'm voting ALL AMERICAN MCCain-Palin for President 2008.

After watching the debate if I was an undecided individual I would clearly be able to make a concise decision from body language and content of this debate.

McCain appear afraid to answer on what he would do on a bailout I think that might be cause he did not want to say on national tv that he would have to agree with Bush once again. His facial expression showed anger but he contained himself but i thought he was gonna explode

Obama on theother hand was poised and looked presidential. He had eye contact when speaking which is a very important thing thought to many as a child to they should have eye contact with someone when speaking to them cause in my opinion that McCain's lack of eye contact would make me consider that he was less than honest with the american people.

Overall imy grade for them

Economy
McCain D
Obama A+

Foreign Policy
McCain C
Obama B

Body language
McCain F
Obama A+

I fully expected that Barack Obama would win this debate and I feel strongly that he did. I am an Obama supporter. John McCain, however, did better than expected despite his attempt at bailing out of the debate. I disagree with McCain but felt he held his own.

When McCain kept pounding on Government spending, I thought Barack did a great job of bringing the topic back to reality by giving an idea of the real expenditures the government is faciing vs the earmarks that McCain rails against.

On the Economy:
McCain: "We should decrease regulation and allow the market to correct itself."
Obama: "We did that and the economy is in ruins so now what?"
McCain: "There should be an increase in oversight of wall street and more to protect the tax payers if there is a bailout."
Obama: "I am glad to hear you like my suggestion."

On Health Care and Education:
McCain: "We should privatize health care and education."
Obama: "Let say we do that, then what."
McCain: "Then the people will be free to choose for themselves the education and health care they want."
Obama: "Okay, so everyone wants the best health care in the nation. Everyone wants to go to Yale, Harvard, and Stanford. Because they are privatized we are all going to get that right?"
McCain: "No, the market will dictate the level that each person gets."
Obama: "So your proposal rewards the rich and punishes the poor. Those who have more private income will get better health care than those who only have the privatized health care. Those with more money will get to go to Yale, Harvard, or Stanford while those with less will be forced to go to what ever school they can afford. Interesting that the choice you offer people is the choice to have substandard health care or education because they do not have their own private fortune.

I feel that Obama did a great job in the debate. The fact that he told the entire country when he felt Mc Cain was right is the sign of a great leader. He gave credit where credit was due. Mc Cain on the other hand constantly telling Obama You don't understand is the sign of an arrogant old man. You never make yourself look good by trying to make someone else look bad. The fact that he disagrees does not mean he doesn't understand. CNN comending Mc Cain for remembering names and places is ridiculous. All he did was name drop.

Obama had a much better stance on the economy. He actually has a plan that will benifit the larger majority of Americans. McCain struggled with this part of the debate. But when it came to foriegn policy, McCain stepped up his game. Unfortunately for him, Obama has a very stong grasp of our foriegn relations. I have to give it to Obama in the end because McCain just doesn't have a strong enough grasp of what we are going through here at home. I think Obama should have him as his Secretary of State after the election. He seems to know a lot of foreign leaders ... he must have better teachers than Sarah Palin.

I was completely disappointed in John McCain last night. His sharpest jabs were the same old and tired lines he's used for 2 years on the campaign trail. It's as if he couldn't come up with anything fresh. I know he's not "Miss Congeniality" already. Tell me something new!

The only thing more old and tired than McCain's platitudes was McCain himself. He huddled over his podium as if the burdons of the fight have brought on osteoperosis.

This debate convinced me that it is time for a calm, intelligent, adult to run the strongest nation in the world. McCain is a petulant little jerk. He couldn't even look Obama in the eye. Was this shame because he knows he's run a dirty campaign or contempt? Either way, it was deplorable.

McCain needs to support the American people on many of the critical issues and I have yet to hear much. McCain is very strong on his knowledge regarding International affairs, but that does not mean necessarily that the American people support his strategy. McCain ending up in Washington regarding the Bailout and attemptiing to not show for the debate and not appearing on Letterman, did not score points for McCain. Obama did not do this, and it appears that Obama is more concerned for the American people. Hopefully, future debates will be more meaningful.

McCain did a lot better than I expected, because I've seen him bumble through his stump speech several times- However, many of his answers were simply recycled from the very same stump speeches, and I was not impressed.

Overall, McCain came across as mean-spirited, condescending, and since he refused or was unable to make eye contact with Senator Obama, he seemed very insecure.

Obama, on the other hand, kept his trademark "um"s and "ah"s to the barest minimum, rarely pausing, and demonstrated a complete grasp of the subjects he discussed.

IF I were undecided? I'd give this round to Obama.

I thought Obama's " You were wrong on Iraq..You were wrong that it would be easy.." comments were very good at bringing it to McCain.

McCain did ok but he did not overpower Barack. In the end Obama hit a triple play while McCain hit a double play. Unfortunately there were no Home Runs in my opinion!
I wish McCain would stop talking about "The Surge" that is a tired argument and he uses it way too much!
In the end I am glad McCain decided to show up! And it was a good debate.

Still Obama/Biden in 08!

It was more then an edge Obama was the clear cut winner. Mccain talked about the past and the good old days, Obama talked about our future and how to get us there. Mccain talked about war and taking on the world alone, Obama talked about diplomacy and how to work with the rest of the world.

BARACK THE VOTE!!!!!!!!!

I believe a person should look another person in the eye when speaking to them. It's what I teach my students and my son. This debate had two people participating and interaction was encouraged by the moderator. It reinforced my opinion that McCain doesn't have the temperament to be President.

Let's face the facts. These debates don't usually tell the average American enough details for them to choose a candidate. All that it does is pit two rivals against each other to see how they react under pressure. I felt that Obama showed strength, composure, and respectfulness. McCain got heated, wavering, and quite honestly-disrespectful in his comments towards the other candidate.
I say Obama took the first debate. Kudos!

Obama excelled in explaining his stand on policies – both domestic and foreign policy issues. He was giving a more realistic and balanced approach.

McCain's focus was only attack politics, and sly smiles. He even seemed to frown at Obama, and scold him. Not once did he recognize Obama's accomplishments. Whereas Obama gave credit where it belongs – even to his opponenent, many times. This clearly shows how good a concensus-builder Obama can be. How can McCain claim to be a consensus-builder if he treats his opponents this bad? I wonder ...

Just an example of McCain's unrealistic policy suggestions: His "bold" approach for handling the current level of deficits plus the additional $700 Billion that Government has to come up with for the Bailout Plan was: How about freezing everything except Defence and Veteran affairs!!!! What a short-sighted approach it would be – how about education, universal health insurance, energy independence initiatives etc. etc.?! If McCain's suggestion is adopted, it will result in putting the future of America at stake! He seems to have no clue about how to uplift the people of his own country. God only can Bless and Help America!

In my opinion Obama remain the better President for the American people.He a young with a big dream to lead the World to greatest high and peace.Not a Government focusing her policies on terror and colonization of the islamic World.

Thanks:
From:Nigeria

Curious who CNN used for polling purposes after the debate....??
Did they actually watch the debate ?...listen to the discussions...?
Even more important....did they have any understanding of the issues ?
My best guess is, no they did not...but then again, I've grown to expect a biased opinion from CNN...always promoting an agenda...
Hopefully America will decide and vote based on integrity, qualification, experience, and patriotism.
Oh, for the days of simply reporting the news.....

Obama was the clear winner. His opponent told so many lies in this campaign that people did not know what to believe. I think he surprised many people with his foreign policy knowledge. Plus I think people are just tired of MCthusela's gimmicks. Vote Obama and end this drama!!!

How about "I have a bracelet too John...uh uh but I don't remember the name of who it is from...." Obama is an empty suit – a toy put up by the Democratic Party. How disrespectful to call Senator McCain by his first name. I'm proud of Senator McCain who called Senator Obama by his proper title. Obama is just propelling the disrespect that is at the root of the cultural problems in this country. McCain is someone we can believe in to keep us safe and to keep decisions about how to spend our hard-earned money with us. I work too hard to be paying for disrespectful lazy people to automatically 'have the right to a college education and home ownership'. This isn't a socialist nation – you work harder than the next guy and you get further ahead. These socialist ideals are forcing the racial lines deeper and deeper. And if that's what America wants, thank God we're only here for 80 years.

Obama has the essential ingredients to be a leader. If you watch McCain it is important for him to be right rather than doing the right thing. That message is constantly embedded in his lectures every single time. Oh by the way McCain doesn't understand that we are in the 21st century-need to move forward and need to change!

Come on CNN, where is the headline:

BARACK OBAMA WINS THE FIRST DEBATE!

Someone tells me where Obama gets permission to call someone who not only knows about military affairs, but who has overseen them and suffered for five years because he had the guts to fight for his country "John" It's Senator McCain to you, law school professor and state senator., and, oh yeah, "community organizer."

Obama definitely came out on top of this debate. I felt he offered enough salient points to engage the viewer and to create the impression that he has what it takes to lead this country out of its current doldrums. McCain, on the other hand, seemed not as well prepared. He kept going back to his comfort zone of "when he was a POW", and offered little in the way that would make inspire confidence in his ability to heal our economic woes. I found his repeated statements of "Senator Obama not understanding...." to be a poor choice of words and somewhat demeaning of Obama. It could easily be said that a man who has supported the current President 90% of the time, clearly doesn't understand the severity of the mess we are presently in. GO OBAMA!!

McCain saw things in black and white, right and wrong–very narrow. Obama showed the correct judgment and vision, and showed that he can lead. McCain is a step backwards.

Obama-Biden 08'

Obama CLEARLY won.... McCain is extremely angry, and negative, hostile, and has a childish behavior with a 20th century mentality. McCain is full of WAR desires, and lacks prudent judgement.... Obama is extremely smart, Obama is GREAT for our country around the world.

McCain needed a clear win and didn't get it. Now he needs yet another 'game changer', 'October surprise'. Watch him dump Palin before her debate with the obviously far more qualified Biden. McCain's running out of time for stunts. He looked old and stiff. Obama was relaxed, informed, and looked – well – Presidential!

Why couldn't McCain look him in the eye, 90 minutes and not even a glance? Very telling......

Obama/Biden '08

I changed my vote last night...
I'm now voting for John McCain. His experience and poise really showed last night against Barack Obama. It really occurred to me when Barack Obama kept on saying, "John you are right" that made me change my mind. I was leaning towards Obama the whole election, but last night, Obama really discouraged me and really showed the inexperience that other candidates had targeted him for. My vote is now for John McCain.

Independent for McCain '08

Why has CNN not once stated, referred to or even acknowledged the tally of its 6-member bipartisan panel that was scoring the debate the entire time? The net score was Obama 44, McCain 22. Why have them keep a tally if you're even going to let them say the opposite of what their own scores showed by claiming a tie? This is an equivocating sham to squeeze more news out of the next 40 days.

I feel Obama should have countered Mc Lame on the surge,by reminding the public that .THE US GOVERNMENT gave guns , amo amd money to the enemy in order to have them fight each other. What about all the mercinaries that out number our troops? If the surge worked why are we still there? This is the reason deaths went down not that the surge worked. Just another slime ball attempt to look good !

I watched the debates- tapped it and watched it again. I'm a Democrate but thought McCain did better but again I was one of those persons that thought McCain, Obama and Biden needed to be in DC this week working for us, especially since whoever wins will be holding the bag.

Obama looked very strong and knowledgeable. He also looked forceful and fearless. He engaged the moderator and audience and, most importantly, McCain when on the attack.

McCain appeared subservient by constantly looking away from everyone. His stories about the past were too dated and made him appear old and stuck in the past. When on the attack, McCain was condescending. It's clear that McCain really dislikes Obama.

Obama looked and sounded much more presidential.

Bush Legacy: World War I...IRAQ WAR...World War II...AFGAN WAR...World War III...BAILOUT...HIS BEST DAY IN OFFICE: NOV. 4, 2008...BARACK OBAMA WINS ELECTION..."Signed, Sealed & Delivered"

I think Senator Obama was great Mccain came off as a grumpy old man scolding Obama, Obama came off presidental explaining his vision for the future the way i got it was mccain policies were for the present and the old way obama is for the future and new ways real CHANGE but i dont understand why Mccain did not look at obama?

September 27th, 2008 9:32 am ET
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John McCain’s arrogance, disrespect, and condescension towards Obama in tonight’s debate, and his very refusal to even look at him, is precisely how the American government has historically belittled and behaved towards other nations, and precisely why so many of the world’s people resent and hate us.

It is McCain, not Obama, who “doesn’t understand.” It is McCain who “doesn’t get it.” It is McCain who would countinue to apply that suicidal mentality in his foreign policy.

Do you remember John Bobbit? After his wife, Lorena, severed his manhood, which was surgically replaced, he became hell-bent on making a porn movie to demonstrate that was he still "intact," after that terribly humiliating and (literally) emasculating incident. No one cared, nor forgot what his wife had done to him. McCain is no different.

Emasculated in the air over Vietnam, then mentally and physically broken by his captors in prison, he is now hell-bent on demonstrating his "manhood" through the pornography of continued unprovoked warfare, and reckless economic policy. This angry, hostile, man is simply unfit for the presidency.

http://www.outsidersdc.com/forum/yb/YaBB.pl?board=election

Obama did well. WHat I liked most was how he tied foreign policy to the financial problems in the USA.

We spend $10 billion per month in Iraq when we are at a point where the USA does not have any money. During the debate, Obama noted that Iraq made alost $80 billion from oil last year.

Also, he stated that if we stop our dependence on foreign, other countries may not have so much leverage in comitting the USA to war.

The CNN poll is obviously not a representative sample, as it is skewed toward Democrats and Obama leaning Independents. Why did David Gergen keep repeating that McCain needed an overwhelming victory when the Gallup poll puts them as roughly dead even and Rasmussen is roughly the same? Unfortunately, CNN's panel of "journalists" was just as biased, as Henry Kissinger had to send them an email to point out that McCain's characterization of his position was correct when they once again took their reflexive anti-McCain pro-Obama position on Kissenger's position on Iran. I wish that CNN would put more unbiased people like John King on their panel of journalists because the bias of most of their other political reporters including David Gergen is very obvious.

Debate 1 goes to Obama in my opinion. You could see that McCain was afraind to even make eye contact with Obama and his handshake at the end was so milqtoast....again, no eye contact. Obama attempted to abide by Jim Leher's request to debate each other rather than just focus on him as the moderator but McCain was definitely having no "reaching across the aisle" moments last night. McCain really looked like a poor sport to me.

Obama was great i like this man!

I'm glad Sen. McCain decided to show up to lose.

He should've stuck to his original instinct of staying in Washington to learn how the economy works.

Obama clearly won the debate and with a lot of grace and solid command of the facts. He treated McCain with respect even though the old man was clearly angry.

The debate shows the depth of Obama's knowledge of global political economy – he is simply brilliant!!

The world now knows that Obama will be the next president of USA and what a privilege to have him.

The Facts:

According to an analysis by Congressional Quarterly, McCain has voted for bills favored by President Bush 90 percent of the time. The nonpartisan publication, which has analyzed voting by members of Congress since 1953, said the report took into account all legislation that Bush had taken a clear position on. It spans from the beginning of Bush's term to Congress's recess in August.

In the 100-member Senate, 14 current members — all Republicans — voted with Bush more than 90 percent of the time, according to the report. Six others have a 90 percent rating like McCain's. The report shows Obama voting with Bush 40 percent of the time and his running mate, Sen. Joe Biden, voting with Bush 52 percent of the time during the course of his presidency.

Obama surrogates also frequently say McCain voted with Bush 95 percent of the time. This is a reference to the Republican senator's record in 2007. That was the highest percentage in the seven years studied. In 1995, McCain voted with Bush 77 percent of the time — his lowest percentage in those years. "The president and I agree on most issues," McCain said in a May 22, 2003 interview on Fox's "Your World with Neil Cavuto." "There was a recent study that showed that I voted with the president over 90 percent of the time, higher than a lot of my even Republican colleagues."

Verdict: True

John McCain’s arrogance, disrespect, and condescension towards Obama in tonight’s debate, and his very refusal to even look at him, is precisely how the American government has historically belittled and behaved towards other nations, and precisely why so many of the world’s people resent and hate us.

It is McCain, not Obama, who “doesn’t understand.” It is McCain who “doesn’t get it.” It is McCain who would countinue to apply that suicidal mentality in his foreign policy.

Do you remember John Bobbit? After his wife, Lorena, severed his manhood, which was surgically replaced, he became hell-bent on making a porn movie to demonstrate that was he still "intact," after that terribly humiliating and (literally) emasculating incident. No one cared, nor forgot that his wife had cut his d**k off. McCain is no different.

Emasculated in the air over Vietnam, then mentally and physically broken by his captors in prison, he is now hell-bent on demonstrating his "manhood" through the pornography of continued unprovoked warfare, and reckless economic policy. This angry, hostile, man is simply unfit for the presidency.

http://www.outsidersdc.com/forum/yb/YaBB.pl?board=election

To bad we couldn't vote them both in. Obama for our economy and the McCain for National Security

Well guys, it's a clear thing.
OBAMA won that thing cleary, because McCain missed winning that debate clearly, despite the facts that this debate was McCains favourite topic and he often was seen as the better debater.
If he's really much more skilled than Obama in foreign politics and in debating, etc. well then we saw a very poor performance by McSame.

I hope Biden will just grill Palin on Thursday night. I'm looking forward to it.

Round 1 goes clearly to Obama, because he was expected to be the weaker man of the both but wasn't.
And he could make sure, HE IS READY TO LEAD!

It comes at no surprise that the liberal media is picking OBama as the winner of the debate. His followers spend more wasteful time online in the polls while the McCain followers are sitting back and waiting for election day to make their voice heard. If you ignore Obama's well spoken manner and look at his substance it is clear to me that he will increase goverment spending and be ineffective in his plan on foreign policy.

I must say that both senators did well, but with that being said, McCain always talks about experience and his 30 something years in government and Obama's 3 plus years, Senator McCain there is no way using your own words on experience that Senator Obama should have been able to stand toe to toe with you, especially on foreign policy. Senator Obama has proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with and I think this niave attitude of not having enough experience that senator clinton tried to pull in her campaign will also be McCain's downfall. You guys under estimate Senator Obama. Job well done senator Obama. I don't think your foreign policy knowledge will be questioned as much anymore and you sure laid those questions to rest for the American people. Good Job Senator Obama.

Scary though to think about next weeks vp debate! I'm sure they will either replace Palin or come up with some excuse as to why she won't be able to attend.. scary

A Win is a Win ! McCain You Lose. What do You See Now, Ruppert?

McCain appeared grumpy and contemtious. He hardly looked Obama's way not to talk of looking at him. I say it's either he desdains Obama or he hates black people. Obama on the other hand appeared cool and presidential but he needs to be a little more firy.

love the debate obama came out on top yes..............but nobody has asked the ?? why in the hell john mccain did not look at obama at all what he has a problem with his blackness come on cnn some body ask the ???

My headline on the the debate? MCCAIN STEERS WHILE OBAMA SMEARS. Obama attacked last night and Mccain layed out his views and his positions for the most part. Obama made many attempt to rattle Mccain with this connections to bush and his repeated lies...confirmed by fact checks on alternative fuels but Mccain did not take the bait. I felft that Mccain was leading the topics much of the time while Obama tried to dragged him down with attacks. Both men showed some irritable moments but what interesting is that Mccain got irritable when he had to explained again why Obama is wrong on his foreign policy thinking. But Obama got irritable when he can't interrupt during Mccain's turn to talk. All I know is, I can see a president last night in Mccain and I saw a man trying to be presidential in Obama.

I watched the entire debate- which included several moments of that uncomfortable feeling one gets when another person is making a fool of themselves in public. I disagree greatly that Mr McCain held himself well. Many of his answers were actually sidesteps of fluff that never addressed the real issue. I became increasing tired of his repetitive rhetoric (reading directly from his notes) of: "I will fight for our Veterans, I have experience, My colleague is naive", and my favorites, "no more spending, and no dialoge with scum". Even an idiot knows that govenment MUST and WILL spend. As for his experience, I find it to be the type we have had for 8 years. Nothing new came out of that man's mouth. He was uncomfortable, obnoxious and pig-headed in his "stick to the old crap" views. His total inability to accept our position in Iraq was ludicrous. I tried to keep an open mind in this debate, but ended up seeing John McCain for the unintelligent buffoon that he is.
I was heartened by Sen Obama's delivery. he was concise, informed, and had a firm grasp on reality. I appreciated VERY much his notion that we DIALOGUE with our enemies. He has the sense to understand that, without talk, there is no chance for peace. Mr. McCain clung to the Old Boy ideas of isolationist diplomacy- which, as we all know, has failed miserably for 8 years. I WANT the America that Sen Obama spoke of, BACK. I WANT the world to look to us for guidance and hope, as they did many years ago. With McCain, nothing will change- well, it just might get worse. I give Obama an A-, McCain a C-, and that's being generous John.
To close I'll just say that I noticed the green line, or Independants- stayed pretty high on the grid for Obama- and dipped pretty low many times for McCain- the writing is on the wall.

Really Obama had edge !!!!!!!!!!

How many time Obama said John is right

Same thing in primary debate he agree with Hillary

Last night would have been big night for Obama he miss it

Past 2 weeks Mc Cain have lot of problems economy ,Palin etc

Obama should have hammer him last night he miss the chance

I was undecided, but I am going to vote for Obama. He is very intelligent, you can tell everything he says is well thought out, his background working with communities in Illinois, I feel, will benefit the American public. He really cares about our well being. And I also noticed how McCain did not want to make eye contact with Obama. I have seen on other comments and blogs the same, many people observed this also. I don't care for that. My father always told me to look the person in the eye when you speak. He told me to be cautious of someone speaking to you that avoids looking at you, they may not be trust worthy.

Are you kidding me? NoBama didn't have anything on McCain – except for the fact that he said, "I agree with John." eight times.

Let's be real people. Obama didn't answer any questions. He ummed his way through the debate and gave the old..."you're Bush" play too many times to make it matter.

Secondly all Obama would say was, "I spoke out against the war when it wasn't popular." OLD news...move on – like Mccain said...were here now...what are we going to do. Obama doesn't have a clue. Open your eyes people.

PS – read up on his global welare plan. America will sink into debt while "saving the poor countries." And if you know anything you will know that half of that money NEVER makes it to the poor.

Did anyone notice that although Jim Leher was trying to get the two candidates to speak to each other, and that Senator Obama did speak directly to Senator McCain, Senator McCain did not glance or look at or speak to Senator Obama during the debate. As I became aware of McCain's tactic, I realized that he and his team were playing the" race card". An old way of showing contempt is to avoid eye-to-eye contact with your opponent.
What an insidious tactic to use to influence those who find it difficult to vote for a black man. I sent the Obama campaign a small contribution today to show my confidence in this man's judgment.

Obama had the edge because he agreed with McCain most of the time.

The guy's a joke.

This too funny.The liberal smear machine is a t full throttle.Especially since libs love to say its republicans who the smear merchants.McCain looked presidential,kept his cool,had a real understanding of the issues,while obama looked like he was searching for the textbook answer.Also obama loook angry and agitated and at one time was lookin around for help from the audiece.One think we know especially on the right that these polls from the liberal fascist media are biased.So when i see CNN polls complete with so called undecieded voters saying obama won i have to chuckle , because the obama sheep think their candidate won and the rest of the democrats who never think ofr themeselves bye into it too.But us here in real america by a 7 to 1 margin know McCain won.What does the media liberal elite think ?do they actuallt think we are goona go along with their socialists agenda and put the liberal fascist dictator in office.PleeaaseSorry obamabots it was already over for him and now people around me are asking,Why did the dems put this tomatoe can up as their party rep for president.It is insulting to their intellegence.Just had to bring you sorry college punks back to reality.

Obama looked like he was getting a lesson in the REALITY of foreign policy, even though he has plenty of book smarts, and can talk well.
Please don't even say Obama "schooled him", but I admit Obama did fine overall. No real blunders, but not ready to deal with the mean world out there.

Fox's poll shows that McCain won. CNN has a center-left viewership and Fox has a center-right viewership. The polls that show Obama slightly ahead are skewed because Obama always polls better than reality simply because people are afraid to be labeled "racists" by the race-baiting Obamites.

"The audience for this debate appears to be more Democratic than the U.S. population as a whole. Because of this, the results favor Obama simply because more Democrats than Republicans tuned into the debate. The sample of debate-watchers in this poll were 41 percent Democratic and 27 percent Republican. The best estimate of the number of Democrats in the voting age population as a whole indicates that the sample is roughly 5-7 points more Democratic than the population as a whole."
CNN, this is good info to know regarding polls. How about you provide this type detailed info for all future polls (percentage of democrats, independents & republicans for each poll, # of people interviewed, percentage of poll compared to population as a whole, etc.) - since you spend so much time discussing them. It may help to explain the constant movement of the polls in this election.

OBAMAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!

I think That both men did well, However Mccain came off as desperate, Petulant and out of touch with our nations future diplomatic mission.

Obama needs one simple response to deal with McCain. "Now what?" The conversation would go like this:

On Iraq:
McCain: "The Surge was successful."
Obama: "The Surge was the greatest thing in the history of mankind, Now what?"
McCain: "We will come home in victory and honor."
Obama: "How?"
McCain: (Made up answer) "By drawing down the troops and refocusing on afghan."
Obama: (Jokingly) "I am glad to hear you like my plan."

On Taxes:
McCain: "We need to cut taxes across the board."
Obama: "Okay let us do that. Now what?"
McCain: "Then we will cut out earmark spending and decrease government."
Obama: "Let us do that. Now what? We still have two wars going on which have to be paid for in some way. Unless you plan on ending the wars or decreasing the size of government until government does not exist, which would put the two of us out of a job, there is no possible way to sustain our military actions in the world and provide basic government functions with tax cuts across the board."

Neither one said how they would vote on the bailout? I was bored by the the stump speech answers. With the economy being what it is, don't expect any of the campaign promises to be kept that allude to a tax break. Obama wants to move the troops to Afghanistan, how will that save 10 million a month? Is the cost cheaper there? I don't see how moving troops to another location will cut cost. Empty promises, much like our gas tanks.

If one ignores the detail of the responses by each candidate and instead looks at their demeanor, it should be clear to all that Obama is far more "presidential" in his stature. He demonstrated his ability to recognize a good idea from across the aisle while McCain, ironically, sounded like he was disagreeing with Obama even when he was repeating what Obama had said - but far less eloquently. While McCain claims to be a person who can reach across the aisle, he failed miserably to demonstrate that quality last night. Finally, McCain's facial expressions showed derision and disrespect. Perhaps it was his less than latent racism rearing its ugly head once again.

John McCain said several times that Obama didn't understand something. I found it to be very condescending and amounted to a personal attack on Obama as opposed to a debate on the issues.
McCain's demeanor was also very snarky and did not make me feel any better about a presidency of a 72 yo man and an unqualified VP nominee.

McCain facial expressions were not in keeping with the topic at hand but seemed to be his way of covering his well-known problem with anger management. Twice during the debate he appeared to be ready to blow up but used unusual facial expressions to cover this feeling.

McCain may have a lot to say but he doesn't appear presidential. he really needs to stay in the Senate as he seems more suited for a role at that level.

I think that Obama won for several reasons. One is that a tie would go to the challenger – and if Obama did as good as this in a debate that should have favored McCain, then Obama won. I also think Obama won because his performance should silence all those negative cries of 'he's too nieve, he's not ready, he can't talk without a teleprompter, he's just an empty suit, he doesn't have any ideas'. His solid performance gets rid of all of those complaints and proves that he is ready. I think Obama should get more of a bounce out of the debate.

I think people are beginning to recognize the "sales" tactics used by McCain and find it condescending. The tactic of “pain” that McCain uses in so many of his commercials and even used last night relies on the sales precept that psychologically people will “buy” to ease pain rather than to gain happiness. This is why you hear “pain” so often on his commercial rather than what will actually be done to improve the country. Well, scare tactics were used by Bush to gain American support in the Iraq war, now we have the facts about WMD's, and we are now more savvy to this. Stop buying it.

Obama won the debate by a landslide. I can not wait for the V.P debate. I know that Sarah wish she could beat Joe Biding by talking baby clothes, She out of her of her zone. Its sad but they set her up!
Willie Smith
St. Petersburg Florida

The fact that McCain never spoke directly to Obama speaks volumes. Did McCain's handlers warn him that looking at the enemy might spark a flare up of his infamous temper tirades? McCain's presentation looked less like a debate than a rant to the camera.

I appreciate that Obama was able to acknowledge that McCain was right in his analysis of some issues, while disagreeing with him on many items. Obama presented a rational, reflective, statesmanlike alternative to the heavy-handed bullying we have come to expect from our national leaders. Here is a leader that will build bridges and regain the trust of the global community.

What McCain demonstrates is an utter distain for those that oppose him. He did it To Romney and he is doing it again to Obama.

Is this the type of person we want in the White House? I think not!

I think that this is a trait that will have carryover in his dealings with other Nations...

Just look at how he dealt with the issue of the leader of Spain

I hate that CNN and other media said that McCain needed a game changer. They ONLY give him an excuse to START more DRAMA from him and his camp (including Palin). With McCain playing childish games since this election be ginned, is saying FIND another DRAMA to throw into the game and TRY to get the American voters to think you ARE the world SAVIOR, take for instance him going to Washington to save the crisis, but was more silent then any super hero.
What's next, Will he START more DRAMA for Palin NOT to show up for her debate with Biden?………Will he STOP her as he did last night from talking to the PRESS after the debate?……….Will she answer the question with full and detailed answers?…….What will he USE as his NEXT drama to DESTRACT the voters before Nov. 4th?
I AM excited about the debate between Biden and Palin, LET’S hope we will see this DEBATE without McCain grandstanding, I hope he see that DOESN”T work in his favor.

Obama/Biden 08

Obama showed respect for both his opponent and the post for which he is running. On the other hand McCain showed contempt almost to the point of outright disdain to Obama and most importantly to the millions of Undicided voters watching last night.

We saw Joe Biden' s reaction to the Debate on most of the networks; but no Sarah Palin . A potential future president cannot be shielded forever!

How can you compare the two ? They are in different categories- McCain with his lifetime of service and Obama- an empty suit and a petty adventurist. With his style and record, Obama would make a great bartender but you just cant sell him as a real presidential contender. Most people dont take him seriously, as far as I know.

UNDECIDED to DECIDED

I’m a 40 year old male
Who’s never voted before
Irresponsible, some might say
But I wasn’t impressed with the lure

This year is totally different
I was excited by Hillary’s run
But then came Barrack Obama
Of whom Hillary poked fun

However, I was still torn
But as I watched each and every debate
I started to really recognize
Something I truly hate

Hillary was fueled by anger
And tried to intimidate Obama
She looked less like a President
And more like an “unfit mama”

Although I am a Veteran
I’ve never been a McCain fan
He served this country…as I did
But needs an “anger management” plan

I was happy when he chose Palin
But now she’s being “revealed”
She can’t handle tough interviews
They tried to keep that concealed

I don’t want an “angry” leader
We need calm in the midst of the storm
A leader with the right demeanor
Who truly believes in reform

The cards are now on the table
My opinions will now have a voice
I’ll register to vote today
Obama / Biden will be my choice

NOW I SEE WHY SARAH PALIN DOESNT ANSWER QUESTIONS!

OBAMA/BIDEN 08,12

On Iran question, let Senator McCain what Secretary of State Baker told CNN on that discussion. Secretay Baker said he started meeting his counterpart in Iran without any precondition and asked the next President of USA to start a dialogue with Iran. The same position was taken by Secretary Kissinger to start UNCONDITIONAL dialogue with Iran at Secretary of State level. Any kid understands that before meeting Head of State, the Secretary of State prepares the groundwork for meeting of Heads of States.

Senator McCain you do not know what you are talking about.

Obama definitely got the edge on McSame. McSame's living off of his sketchy experience but has nothing to offer the 21'st century. It's a whole new world McSame!

Obama 08'

"The audience for this debate appears to be more Democratic than the U.S. population as a whole. Because of this, the results favor Obama simply because more Democrats than Republicans tuned into the debate. The sample of debate-watchers in this poll were 41 percent Democratic and 27 percent Republican. The best estimate of the number of Democrats in the voting age population as a whole indicates that the sample is roughly 5-7 points more Democratic than the population as a whole."

Hey CNN, this is good info to know regarding this poll. How about you provide us this type of detailed info with all future polls (percentage of democrats, independents and republicans of each poll) - since you spend so much time discussing them. Maybe it will help explain the constant movement in the polls that we've seen throughout this election.

barack clearly won. republicans didnt listen, apparently. but,then ,they never do. always stuck in their own little worlds with no concern for anyone else.

It was clear to me that John McCain knows what he is talking about because of his many years experience in Government. Barack Obama clearly does not understand that dictators and terrorists are not interested in talking, even though he has changed what he said at the beginning of his campaign. Since to do anything in Washington you need bi-partisan support, I still think McCain will get more done than Obama will and John McCain is really sincere when he says he wants to help the American people.

I think Obama did a great job. He stuck to his guns and I am now very determined to vote for him. I was on the fence on who to vote for. I did see and studied body language. McCain looked down, he would never look at Obama. He has that smirky laugh that Bush has. I just felt very uncomfortable with that. Tonight I saw another 4 years of the Bush Administration in McCains eyes. I just can not go through that for another four years.

The elder shall lead the younger. Obama just repeated the same ole lines. McCain is more on top of the issues, and Barry who is " Tom" you don't even know who your running against. Obama needs to appear on Jeff Foxworthy's show because any 5th grader could debate him.

Who shall dare stand in the way of this mans destiny?

Very simple.If you like the past you like McCain,if you are concerned about the future you like Obama.McCain was elitist,condecending and demeaning.His little lecture on past failed foreign policy will do nothing about the future.You cannot take the surge from a war that should never have happened and make that your main agenda to win a new election.Obama did surprise me with his demeanor and looked Presidential and McCain looked mad and talked more about the past then the future.I would say McCain broke even and Obama just prooved he has the chops in foreign policy of the future,and McCain has knowlege of the past.No real winner just more confidence in Obama.

How could Obama have possibly won?!? John McCain did an excellent job in the debate! He exhibited poise under pressure and definite knowledge and experience. From watching these two men, it is clear who should be our next president. Barack Obama came across as a chastised child. If he folds under the pressure from lack of political knowledge/experience in a debate with McCain, how will he perform on a hostile worldly stage?

Who calls into phone polls and on-line polls? Young tweens and american idol fans. Really, can these "polls" be trusted to say who the american people think won the debate. It's rediculous. Yet, CNN posts this at legitimate news in the hopes of smearing McCain. a FOX news poll showed McCain won the dabate by over 80%. I trust FOX's poll as muh as I trust CNN's.

Obama immediately deferred foreign policy to his VP.

WHAT????

This debate was not as bad as liberals claimed it would be for McCain. Media calling it a draw with "slight" edge going to Obama.

Reality is, this debate helped independents realize McCain is NOT as bad as they think he is.

Obama said over 5 times that "John is right" or "I agree with John"

I would never say that.

In addition, Obama said uuuuhhh ummmm about 8 times to 1 that McCain did.

As is the case with Obama's supporters, I found him not only naive, but disrespectful and rude. When Obama was speaking, McCain listened quietly, without attempting to interrupt or interject his opinion. Obama did not reciprocate. There were times when I had trouble hearing what McCain was saying over the attempts by Obama to cut him off. Whatever became of the role of a moderator and the rules of debate? Obama may have dominated the debate with his rude and aggressive behavior (and if that constitutes a "win" these days, so be it), but McCain was not only far more diplomatic and polite, but knowledgeable, frank, and realistic, presenting down-to-earth, real solutions to the very real problems of our time.

McCain does not come off as a happy warrior at all.

one of the most meaningless polls ever. A little skewed to the left, dont ya think? nice "sample"

I'm not surprised. McCain was chasing Obama with tight, plastic. fake grin all night while Obama was throwing punches at him. McCain and Bush are the same, so if Bush ran the economy into the ground we can't call on McCain to fix it. McCain has nothing different to offer.

We need new energy
We need education
We need health care.

Everybidy talk about taxes. Most of my pay check goes to paying medical bills, so tax break is not on my agenda. I want medical breaks. Obama is offering medical breaks.

I want to learn new skills to get better jobs. Obama has offered incentives to make this affordable.

I want a new energy policy that will open new doors and both candidates has similar plans.

Verdict
I want Obama as my president.

McCain not only knew more about the other nations, he's been there, Obama came off as a student who had only studied about them, you could tell he was in a four day hideaway in training session, and they had even gotten rid of some of his ahhhhhhhs and ummmmms props
to the person who trained him.

Speaking of GAFES, help me understand what "END OF THE BEGINNING" is?? I've heard it in the reverse but never like this. Has McCain lost it?

Obama appeared much better in the debates. The weeks events seemed to have taken a toll on McCain. Unfortunately, Mr. McCain, looked really old, tired, disoriented and only had a lucid moment when he talked about war.

More so then ever, do I really believe McCain is far too old for the job and demands of the office of the presidency. The debates proved that.

Barak Hussein Obama supposedly won by pollsters? Uh, no one polled me or anyone I know what they thought!!! I did not watch the debate however I did turn it on very very briefly and I heard Obama call John McCain "Jim"! He's no winner!! Yeah, that sounds really good President Barak Hussein Obama!!

Obama had the edge, LOL

Typical CNN propaganda. Obama get his butt kicked and was exposed for the smooth talking snake oil salesman that he is.

Obama had the edge, LOL so funny

The debate did not really give anyhting new, but in the area of international affairs, where McCain was thought to have had the upper hand, Obama showed intelligent and thoughtful understanding of the world. A refreshing departure from the old stale politics that no longer work in a changed interdependent and interconnected world. McCain hammering "Obama does not get it" was petty and empty considering he was addressing a man with a Harvard Law degree. NO ONE can believe that.

Did anyone else notice that McCain wouldn't look Obama in the eye. From time to time throughout the debate Obama squared his shoulders McCain's way, but he spoke only to McCain's profile. What does it suggest to you when a person cannot bring him/herself to make eye contact? Lehrer tried again and again to have the candidates "talk to each other" before giving up.

I found it odd how McCain never looked directly at Obama. A real leader, especially if you disagree would sternly look into the eye of an opposing person. It reinforces strength, character and that you mean business. You aren't shying away from your point of voice. Obama did that extremely well. If you don't it means you are closing yourself in and not listening. That is scary.

Hook, Line, and Sink.

Obama/Biden '08

McCain looked better than I thought he would, though cold and distant. But for all the bluster about Obama's naivete, how could McCain pick a completely inexperienced VP candidate as Sarah Palin?

This will come down to her, and she isn't even ready for the job she has.

its funny how in fine prints CNN says, that poll included more democrats in the survey to measure who won the debate. And headline says "Obama on top" !! WOW CNN, you have managed to loose the last string of dignity left on your naked journalism!

SHAME ON YOU BARAK OBAMA – Hilary Clinton

I got really tired of McCain's continued reference to the places he's been and the people he knows. I don't care haw many places he's visited using my tax dollars! That doesn't make him experienced or able to lead the country! That just makes him older and with more mileage!! It might even mean that he has preconceived ideas and cannot bring CHANGE to the job!!
Go Obama/Biden

I can't wait until Thursday!

The pundits are being way too kind to McCain. John McCain told old man stories and looked old and angry, never looking his peer in the eye.

Obama looked presidential and gave way more details and facts. Look at the polls of independants. Obama did what he needed to do to win this election.

John/Mccain is right... that was the most self defeating line of all...

McCain just seemed to keep **name dropping** (though it was refreshing after Bush, to hear him actually pronounce their names correctly!). I did NOT hear anything NEW! No DIRECTION going forward! That's great that you know all of these world leaders...but what are you planning to DO with those relationships??

He also seemed / sounded really OLD to me (I'm in my early 40's)...so HOW COULD HE LEAVE US WITH PALIN IF HE DIES????? Because SHE DOES NOT have your connections or experience!!!!!!

He has an OLD WORLD VIEW and I can't bear another 4 years of Bush's policies. What are you going to do to move us FORWARD Mr. McCain???

I thought mccain's point was obama wasnt experienced enough? Seems like public opinion says he did better so i'd say thats def.a win for the obama team. The news media has shown they are scared of the mccain campaign so i expect them to headline some fictional draw. Mccain didnt do anything he wasnt expected to do. He showed he was angry most of the debate and as normal obama was clear and firm on his positions. mccain came across as a angry ole man who didnt want the new generation coming in with their big ideas. Cant wait to see the debate thursday. Thats going to be a thrill!

i think obama was best in this debate i m for obama

Guess that depends on who you ask. All I heard was Obamas stump speech, the same one over and over. He did say McCain was right when McCain answered first.

McCain was so rude, condescending, and what was with the snickering and laughing, smirking all the way through.
Obama deserves some respect and McCain treated Obama like a little kid. He turned away from Obama and never once looked him in the eye. Rude, Rude, Rude.
Plus IT WAS ALL ABOUT HIM! McCain , As usual ,his old man on the park bench rehashing all his past. Barack spoke to the people that are hurting. McCain gets an F for his delivery . Just imagine that angry old man at a meeting with Putin.. you don't act like that. No respect, no manners no presidency either.

CNN is always on Obama side. Experience is a better judgement and John McCain wins that vote of confidence. Obama speaks words only, he is script and has a great memory. John McCain speaks words with action and will get the job done at the end of the day.

wouldn't have missed it, but i think that it was a kodak moment that was suppose to be politic free. The American people do not need to be continually baffled with old time bs. Sen McCain mixed alot of lies with a little bit of truth

Out of 300 million people this is the best we've got? We need a leadership bailout!!! Tweedle dee and tweedle dumb.

Obama wore a lapel flag pin, McCain did not. Wasn't Obama criticized for not wearing a lapel flag pin? I wonder if McCain will be....

I guess this poll was made at a democrat meeting or maybe we are talking about two different debates. That is like someone saying that the Mest won against the Marlins last night.

A superficial comment, Obama wore a lapel flag pin, McCain did not. Wasn't Obama criticized for not wearing a lapel flag pin? I wonder if McCain will be....

As Tom Shales said last night, we saw the next president of the United States: Barack Obama