I agree totally with you David. Did you notice how Senator McCain and Palin both have the same debating style - they answer the questions they want and then say whatever talking points or hits that they want to make. In addition, McCain needs some type of anger management because I thought he was going to have a stroke at points on the stage because he seemed so angry. Tell Dana the only difference between McCain and Bush is that Bush is goofy and McCain needs counseling.

I agree. McCain was clearly ahead the first 20 minutes or so, then he began to unravel at the seams. The angry old man that despises Obama came out again. McCain seemed to be sitting in his seat seething. If he was a camel, he would have been spitting and people would have been running for cover. Once again, his anger caused him to lose control of what could have been a really good night for him.

It was a very interesting debate and for once I thought may be John would be a better President. However he sliped and Obama took no time to recover and show his statemanship. The moderator, Bob was the best and was on his own terms.

B+ for Obama, D for McCain, A+ for Schieffer

I agree an A+ for Mr Schieffer. By far the best guided content.

Did anyone else notice that McCain seemed to think that Sarah's baby has autism? I noticed that everytime he brought up the subject of Sarah and special needs children, he kept referencing autism. Baby Trig has Down's Syndrome Senator McCain. You really should know about your running mate, my friend.

Yes, Bob should get an A plus for saying that math failure can hurt our national security, with which Senator Obama disagrees. But he thinks math is important for our economy. I think math is the language of science and engineering in addition to economics. We cannot compete without it.

yes, a bigh "shout out" to Bob Schieffer, far and away the best moderator.

Agreed David. The three debates were won by Obama. He came across more composed, calm, and presidential.

Although McCain did better tonight, he still seemed angry and awkward at times in his body language. His loud breaths while Obama was speaking were distracting and somewhat disrespectful.

McCain also sounded divisive by targeting Democrats, while Obama reached out to Republicans, Democrats, and Independents in a unifying manner.

Good job Bob Schieffer as moderator.

Obama/Biden '08

Job welldone for Barack; It shall be well with you.

The same old "angry" John Mccain is what I saw. He kept blaming Obama for the tone of his campaign. Get over it John! Obama chose not to have town hall meetings with you.End of story. I am so sick of the "blame game". Take responsibilty for your negative campaign, don't blame it on others.

When you find yourself frustrated loosing day after day, you to would become angry in debating. Poor McCain, what he doesn't realize is HE IS PART OF THE PROBLEM,! If the president is a REPUBLICAN and the repulicans are the blame for the mess the left in this country, McCain you to are a part of the problem. Sorry buddy, you should have saw it coming!

Negative ads still running in NC. Worse every day.

NO McCain NO Palin. No more abuse of power - No more lies.

I think the moderator, Bob Schieffer, did a great job tonight in keeping the candidates within the limits and by allowing responses by each of them.

I think McCain appeared to be angry through out the entire debate and considering that, I find it hard to place him in the position of being our leader and meeting with the leaders of other nations. I get the feeling he would walk out of talks with the other leader feeling that they have no choice but to attack us. That is not a good feeling.

I was reading somewhere that McCain looked like a deer in head lights tonight. I think the headlights he saw tonight belong to Sarah Palin on a moose hunt and she got McCain in her sights.

i agree mr, gergen, sen obama looked so presidential, i love the answer on about sarah palin, "let the american people decide"!
mccain looked so erractic, too aggresive, blinking so much that i thought he was going to have a stroke.
yes its 3 in a row for obama…like we say in baseball….he "swept the series"

peace

Agree completely, David. Towards the end McCain's constant attacks grew tiresome. Reaffirmed what I was wondering going into the debates: Does Obama have the right temperment to be president? The resounding answer for me was, yes.

Yeah Obama won and Joe the plumber came in second and Mccain a distant fourth. Well actually Mccain came in last after the Moderator

I just heard Sen. McCain openly admitted that Sen. Obama won the debate. Right after the debate Sen. McCain told Sen Obama "Good Job! Good Job! Good Job!

Now what's the spin for?

Obama seems to have grown more 'Presidential' with each debate, while McCain continually resorts to being the old curmudgeon. It seems like McCain feels he gains no traction trying to explain his policies so he must resort to lies and mudslinging. McCain is just plain out of touch.

John missed an opportunity. Obama says penalties for not providing healthcare benefits will apply to only large companies that do not do so. Any Obama supporter out there that can name 2 such companies. Anyone? Or all you all lemings following him off the cliff?

Gergen might as well be Obama's campaign chairman.

And I'm sick of your coverage…
Campbell and her polls…does she have any thing productive to add about McCain?

I believe the true strength of character of President Obama showed in his handling of the question comparing their VPs … so much he could have said, but he showed true grace in leaving so much unsaid! Well done, President Obama

I think they should have sent Sara home a long time ago.

Mccain looked liked he forgot to take his meds tonite. He only succeeded in having Obama look at him the way you look at a dear elder who just PISSED himself. It's over John, you can say goodnight now. BYE!!!

If McCain cannot contain his emotions and show respect for his opponent, another American named Senator Obama, then how am I to trust McCain to treat other world leaders with respect? There was a point I thought McCain was just going to throw his marker at Obama. We have Tivo and replayed some of McCain's ridiculous facial reactions to Obama. Would McCain make faces at other world leaders? Gramps needs to chill.

Mr Gergen, I don;t know if Obama was 3 for 3. I know that McCain was 0. I thought Obama had nothing new to say for about 45 minutes. Then it turned ever so subtly at first, and like a landslide at the end. Obama was confident, cool, calm, collected and answered many questions with specifics. McCain while having much more experience seemed to be the likely running mate of Ms Palin. Negative did not do it for me I'm afraid. He was just too angry. And the "zero" fine for small business effectively shut him up. I thought also that mccain CONSTANTLY interrupting Obama was so childish! McCain saying :I'm not bush, u should have run against him 4 yrs ago was probably the best sound bite. If I were Obama I would have said : But I am running against him John. You voted 90% of the time with him.

I definitely think Sen. Obama won tonight. Sen. McCain's behavior was reprehensible. The eye rolling, grunting, faux wide-eyed amazement, etc. got really tiresome. I'm glad CNN did the split screen, however, so I could actually see these reactions.

Sen. McCain proved, once again, that he is out of touch. Sarah Palin is not a role model for any woman I know, or one that I would want my daughter to look up to. The reasons are obvious, of course, including her abuse of power and constant lying. I do wish McCain had stopped lying tonight, too, but that didn't happen.

Thank you Gergen. It seems that they both made it through but I think that Obama helds his own and confirmed his stance. Thank you to CNN for always keeping it true and trusted.

Though McCain won the debate still he lost in polling because Obama is spending much of money for his supporters to vote in the polling. He's paying them to show that he has more support than McCain and this is the fact.

Go Baracky go!!! Sen. Obama, what a guy…"cool, calm & collected"…got it all together. It's official…Sen. McCain would get a starring role in "Grumpy Old Man"!!!

Senator Obama proved to the american people and the world tonight that he has the ability to be the President. He remained calm throughout the debate and took the high road. MacCain on the other hand looked liked an angry out of control man who could barely put two sentences together

I really hope Americans vote for Obama, he is going to be the voice of reason who will work hard to redeem the Unites States reputation to the rest of the world.

Canadians for Obama!!!

I'm a registered Republican, voted for John McCain in the primary, I have already submitted my ballot and voted for Barrack Obama for President. Three reasons for the change:(1) his increasing disconnect with joe-six-pack americans who are suffering just didn't seem to get it, (2) his announcement of him suspending his campaign to go to Washington and fix things, he didn't and couldn't and that should have been obvious to him that he was always construde as a Moderate not a member of the right, (3) his Vice-President choice. Sarah Palin has been divisive, the campagin turned nasty and scary. As a leader, you have to be responsible. John McCain nor Sarah Palin showed restraint in this area. Both lost my vote and respect. I'm voting Obama.

Obama is a trained lawyer, need anything else be said.

Sen Obama won hands down again……John McCain is no match Sen Obama at all…….McCain yet again waffles on and on and you have no idea what he is talking about.
He just flounders from one thing to another everytime…never gives any solutions and his constant attacks toward Sen Obama took up most of his time.
There is just no contest here…….McCain is toast!!!!

THREE Peat!!!!!!!

Forgive me if I am not sorry that Joe the Plumber will be unable to purchase a $250,000.00 business. I am amazed that Joe has been able to fair so well in these tough economic times. While other Americans (tens of thousands Americans) struggle to buy gas, food, pay the utility bill and their mortgage payment; Joe complains that he cannot buy a plumbing business for over $200,000.00. In my eyes, Joe is doing pretty well and I do not feel the least bit sorry for him. I will take the help that Senator Obama is suggesting and wish “Joe the Plumber” best of luck! Let us know when you experience what real financial trouble is!

Sadly, I'm with you, Dave!

I agree completely David. McCain appeared disgruntled and attempted to deflect from the economic issues. Completely aborted the free trade question, and while this was McCain's best showing, the grimaces, and impatience was not presidential at all. How would he act if this was a foreign leader he was trying to mediate with-get angry if he didn't hear what appeals to him? Too late for McCain.

McCain kept rolling his eyes that is real mature.

That was McCain's last chance. Obama will be the next president.

I must agree with you David-Mccain came across as a smirking, disrespectful old man and his talking down to Obama was a total turnoff for me. Also don't people who have expertise in reading facial expressions and rapid blinking have something to say? McCain blinked so often the first 30 mins my eyes started watering.

Three for three for Obama. Rick Davis is out to lunch when he says that Obama had difficulty with the abortion issue. He explained it very clearly.

In addition, McCain said he wasn't George Bush; well, if he wasn't supportive of George Bush's policies, why did he vote with Bush 90% of the time.

Come on…..now that it is inconvenient to be linked to Bush, he says he is against him??? If that is the case, why did he keep palling around with him even after Bush used swiftboat style attacks on him during the 2000 election. John McCain sways which ever way will be most beneficial to John McCain.

Obama/Biden are the only choice.

Agreed. Obama was far more composed, seemed more interested in talking to the people. McCain was far more interested in Obama, all things Obama. I am beginning to think he has a secret crush.

As for the facial ticks and gestures, very unpresidential.

Lastly, I really hated the air quotes, very rude and talking over Obama and not letting him finish was rude and unpresidential. Are you, McCain, going to do that to world leaders when you meet with them?

Kerry won all of the Presidential debates, and lost the General election - go figure.

i wouldn't give mccain a b+ personally more like a b-…he seemed angry and illogical the entire debate

David Gergen is right except he was too generous to McCain. McCain once again showed his anger and contempt for Obama and could not refrain from making comments and interrupting while OBama was answering the questions.

Dear John,
you lost me at Palin. You're just confirming my feelings with these debates. You're cranky, all over the map, condescending, and frankly, just not pleasant to be around.

The fact that your actions so closely mirror your current president (and not your words, but let's face it, GW wanted to be 'a uniter, not a divider' as well) don't do you any favors.

Signed,
Independent (for Obama)

Obviously we were watching different debates. I watched the one where Obama uhhhh uhhhh and uhhhh'd for a good portion and where he blatantly lied on his stance on late term abortion and health insurance. I guess it's a good thing the two uninsured women Obama talked about didn't seek medical help at the hospital Michelle is a VP in, she'd have refused them.

McCain won this by a long shot.

McCain knows his history, the american history is a part of McCain, for Obama its simply something he read about in a book. That makes a world of difference.

GOBAMA, GOBAMA, GOBAMA
3 in a row!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OBAMA WON THE DEBATES! McCain too negative, can't understand him, Obama will be a great Commander and Chief! I trust OBAMA!

My praise to Bob Schieffer, also, for an outstanding job.

Obama was the victor in all 3 debates. He will be victorious on Election Day!

Obama obviously won……

McCain huffed, puffed, rolled his eyes and sighed throughout the debate.

McCaiin had absolutely no control over his emotions and reactions to Obamas comments.

Obama was, as he always is….cool, calm and collected

The publiic, through the polling of the debate…will let us all know who won….Obama

3 for 3

I think you are 100 % correct.

We have just seen history in the making.

As I always say "the best way to know what a person will be like as President is the way they act BEFORE they get the job."

Obama showed that he is intellegent, graceful under fire, well- tempered and well-spoken, highly educated, and respectful. He is truly a man of the people and will represent us all when he accepts the job as President of the United States of America.

Well done Barack - well done !

Suprised? Obama is an intellect, articulative and a greater leader. McCain needs be tto be checked into an anger management program. He is not a leader..

A win goes to the leader in close debates. Sen. McCain did not land any convincing blows. This race is over. Senator Obama is the winner.

And you would be right David!

I agree, McCain is TOAST! He delivered an "angry old man" performance instead of discussing the issues. I've made up my mind now, I must vote for Obama. McCain is not ready! Too bad!

McCain won, IMO. It seem like Obama was stuck in the last debate while McCain had moved on to new topics. Just my opinion though.

McCain is cementing the consevative base.

Too bad he did that in the beginning of September and that the race depends on Independents, who clearly are favoring Obama.

Next up - Nov 5th

David,
I agree with your analysis tonight but at first, felt it was closer to a tie early on however, McCain appeared to become more agitated, and frurstrated that he could not articulate his position better than Obama could. His personality is quite scary and projects someone who could fly off the handle at the slightest disagreement with his position.

Totally agree!

MediaCurves independents: Obama 60, McCain 30.

CNN poll from the tee-vee: Obama 58, McCain 31.

CBS undecideds: Obama 53, McCain 22.

Kudos to Bob. This was the best of all three debates. However, McCain's anger made me really uncomfortable. That and his disrespect towards Obama by interrupting him while he was trying to talk. He did that several times. And his facial expressions were ridiculous. Not very becoming of a person who is seeking the presidency.

My vote remains for Obama.

Barack kept himself very cool and clear. The closing remarks of Barack was superb. He said to american what he will do which Mc Cain failed to mention instead he talked about himself.

McCain's anger, attitude, and body language will not help too restore our image to the rest of the world. Sen McCain proved that he is ill-tempered tonight, not a good quality for the "most important job in the world".

Our next president won three in a row

Why? Because McCain took the low road in an angry way. Obama focused on the issues, and defended his positions with the strength and honesty we didn't see from McCain.

I didn't see the strong start for McBush. He gritted his teeth, stared like a madman all night, and sneered at very inappropriate times. He is not presidential.

I'm going with the two guys that support our CONSTITUTION.

We do NOT need another power abusing VP.

Obama/Biden - Our Rights protected.

OBAMA IS MY MAN. NO OFFENSE MCCAIN BUT THIS TIME I AM VOTING OBAMA.

Absolutely.
John McCain was looking across the desk at the next president of the US.

That One '08!

Congratulations, Mr. Gergen. You have finally seen the light.
I personally would have given McCain an "F". His demeaner, facial expressions, sighs, attempts to suppress his anger were a dead give away that he is NOT presidential material.

If I were a McCain supporter, I would have been cringing big time tonight. He was angry, unfocused and spouted lie after lie.

Obama gave up a lot of opportunities to hit back, the biggest being McCain's laughable VP pick.

This will go a long way to sealing Obama's victory.

Is Rodham Gergen looking for a job in an Obama administration?

just because you “jib jab” then toss a smirk at the camera doesnt make you right………look at the last clown that did that and see what he got you>

McCain constantly referred to "Autism" in reference to special needs children - Palin's son has down syndrome. Another "senior moment… lol

I agree on all points. I am very happy to know I won't have to sit through another debate. Bring on the election!!!

OBAMA MAMA '08!!!

David you are correct…

Grumpy Old Men and Trophy Wives….that is the best the Republican Party is offering this year….

My son is a United States Marine……I am a registered independent…..I vote both Democrat and Republican…I am an evangelical born again Christian….

and I have had enough of Bush, McCain, trickle down economics, and 8 years of incompetence…
I have decided to vote for Obama…..

is it me, or did mccain say that people who believe in roe v. wade aren't considered to be qualified for the supreme court? he tried to say it wasn't a litmus test but then said anyone who believe in it, well, my friends, didn't have a history of sound judgment or something. is he serious. and he is not bush? i'm confused. how is he different?

That would four in a row for Obama and Biden, let's not forget the VP debate.

Way to Go Obama an Biden !!

JOE The Plumber VOTES for OBAMA

Gergen got it right, FINALLY. I still can't believe the other bone heads in tonight's partisan panel on CNN who thought McCain came strong. McCain did attack (as always) and demonstrated his anger and erratic behavior but didn't offer solutions for American people suffering in the worst economic times under the incompetent Bush

I disagree.

When Obama spoke, he got lost in the weeds.

He was on the defensive for 2/3 of the debate.

Love that HUGE OLD VEIN on his temple. (wonder what caused it?)

I expected Mccain to talk about Ayers and score a C-.

Schieffer did a great job!

I agree Dave. Make sure you analyze his disgruntled facial expressions which some were over the top!

Bob S rocked! Maybe we should have him do all the debates! He asked the important and hard questions. He was outstanding.

Totally! This Independent and female by the way is all set to vote and cannot wait till Nov 4th. I think Obama was in command, calm, cool and collective. Very specific, very clear, very focused on the issues whiel Mccain was bringing up Obama's name every time he was asked a question. Obama won hands down!

Of course McCain veered off. He was tired, and it was past his bed time.

Gergen, I enjoy your commentary more than any other.

I look forward to your next insightful post.

thanks and I agree completely with your take on tonight.

Bob Schieffer is, indeed, the man.

I agree.

i agree, vote for obama 08, he spent more time attacking obama than talking about the issue