Comments on: Obama/McCain Presidential Debate: Round I

By: Kimberlee Morrison

Kimberlee Morrison — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 00:22:26 +0000

Thank you all for sharing your thoughts!

By: Celestina

Celestina — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:34:43 +0000

Yep, McCain continually going on about how Obama didn’t understand…just to be met with Obama’s clear understanding on each issue discussed was more than a little silly after the first couple of times he did it. Overall, I was impressed with Obama’s appearance of calm assurance contrasted with McCain’s steely bluster and the fact that for every historical instance McCain set in front of him, Obama could respond intelligently because he clearly understood the myriad factors which led up to each situation. I was disappointed, though, because the moderator was clearly trying to get them to engage each other in a direct debate and McCain just wouldn’t do it. I feel like the whole thing might have been more informative if they had had to directly engage each other’s point of view.

By: Sorenj

Sorenj — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:24:46 +0000

Good observations! For what it’s worth, Biden did point out the strategy/tactic guffaw in his CNN interview after the debate.

I too was disappointed that no one emerged as a clear winner. However, I agree that Obama accomplished his primary objective in that McCain was unable to demonstrate any kind of leadership gap, the primary thrust of his campaign, between the candidates.

By: Martin

Martin — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:17:31 +0000

It was hard to watch, it felt as if two people who detested each other were trying to be somewhat civil as they sought to make the other look foolish. I find McCain’s body language irritating because he’s not relaxed, whereas Obama is if anything too controlled. Just the same you’re right about McCain’s transparent tactics “Obama doesn’t understand”…

Thanks Kym, liked your comments!

By: KDFrawg

KDFrawg — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:11:46 +0000

In large part, I thought the format and moderation technique turned it into one more exchange of semi-meaningless sound bites. I was impressed with neither candidate. Since I am predisposed to Obama, I suppose I would like to think that he won. But until one or both candidates say something meaningful, I will continue to feel a certain amount of shame as the debate video circulates worldwide. Neither candidate appeared to be qualified for much of anything.