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Mano a mano, hand to hand

By Jay Bookman | Friday, September 26, 2008, 08:55 PM

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

McCain: “Surge,” “victory,” “Georgia,” “Commander in chief”

Obama: “Afghanistan,” “Bush,” “Bin Laden,” “Bush”

UPDATE: On the bailout, the two candidates take a very similar position. McCain makes a cross-partisan appeal with the shout-out to Kennedy, following it up with approval for the bipartisan effort to pass a rescue bill.

Obama won’t commit to supporting the bill until he sees its language. McCain echoes him.

UPDATE TWO: Nice accountability story from McCain citing Eisenhower, subtly calling attention to his military background along the way. Well done.

THREE: McCain bashes the Republicans, earmarks as the gateway drug to big spending addiction. He cites $3 million bear DNA project, but I think that may have lost some sting with a $700 billion bailout request. McCain cites Obama’s earmark requests, Obama responds by citing McCain tax cut. I think McCain’s getting the better of this exchange; it’s his territory.

FOUR: McCain getting the worst of the tax-cut exchange, largely because Obama’s right. The McCain tax cuts are targeted to the rich.

Not much if any foreign policy.

FIVE: Great question from Lehrer. With $700 billion expenditure, what do we cut to offset it? What proposals do we drop?

Obama talks about the things he’s going to keep spending on. Not exactly responsive. McCain says we have to cut spending. Cut ethanol subsidies. YEAH!! Fix defense contracting. YEAH!! (although McCain has attacked Obama for saying the same thing). Advantage McCain, for at least a little bit of specificity.

I think both are doing well. A good exchange.

IRAQ: I think McCain got the better of it — both made good points, but the surge question is trouble for Obama. I do wonder how it will go over with the public, though, because they agree with Obama’s larger point — we shouldn’t have been in Iraq in the first place.

AFGHANISTAN: Obama is exactly right here. We absolutely must take out top al Qaida personnel in Pakistan if the Pakistanis refuse to do so.

IRAN: Obama doing well here, citing the advocacy of Henry Kissinger to talk with Iran. Will McCain address the Spain issue? Because that was really strange when he said that he wouldn’t talk with Spain’s prime minister.

RUSSIA: McCain pushing the naivete angle. He also sidesteps the fact that Georgia started that war. Russia used the excuse to overreact, but the initial aggression was from Georgia. You can’t rewrite that history. It’s fact.

FINAL VERDICT: I’d give the nod to McCain. But I think Obama did as well as he needed to do on this topic.

Permalink | Comments (124) | Post your comment |

Comments

By Just_Me

September 26, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

Well, now I know why they (Palin’s “handlers”) wanted the VP debates structured differently. After hearing how the debates will be formatted, there’s no way St. Sarah could have held her own.

Have at it folks….

By T

September 26, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this

LET’S GET READY TOOOO RUUUMMMBLLLEE!!!!!!

Or if you are into MMA like me..

LETS ROCK THIS CAGE!!!!!!

By Midori

September 26, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

McInsane looks like he’s gonna throw up!!

LOL!!!!

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:08 PM | Link to this

The Kennedy props will take Oblahma totally off his game.

By Just_Me

September 26, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

…well, McCain’s already misspoken once. Kennedy’s already home from the hospital.

A half-point for the attempted ‘bipartisan’ camaraderie, though..

Little specifics on the bailout package, unlike obama’s very clear four steps…

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:09 PM | Link to this

Was that a bootie call downstairs, Midori?

I’ll consider it. HAHAH

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this

Um, Ted is back home watching the debate.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:12 PM | Link to this

Well, first you wanted him fired. I like the accountability.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

September 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

Unless there is a major gaffe by one of the candidates, Obama supporters will think he comes out ahead and McCain supporters will think he comes out ahead. They’re both preaching to the converted.

I watched the News Hour tonight on PBS. They had a discussion between Barney Frank (D-Mass) and Mike Pence (R-Ind). Each stated their views respectfully and went back and forth. At the end of the interview as they were going off camera, Frank slapped Pence on the leg and said, “Way to go”. I sort of get the feeling its just a game to these people.

By Midori

September 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

a bootie call??

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Whew - got to back off the keyboard on that one!!!

By T

September 26, 2008 9:13 PM | Link to this

They agree on this bail out bill. Why couldn’t McCain release that? They agree on a lot of stuff. Time to come together folks.. Get past the little S%##. Let’s fix this mess before we all are owned by China. I’ve said it before, will say it again… I don’t know what @#$@$#%&$*^ Scratch, line, line number sign, doodle…. means.

Pivitol point is now. What are you going to do?

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this

Uh uh uh err uh …..I guess The Dunce just ran out of things he remembered,

Why is Obama quoting from the CPUSA mission statement anyway?

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this

Oh good, it’s lib versus lib.

Yeesh.

By Midori

September 26, 2008 9:19 PM | Link to this

Getalife,

i’m very happy about Teddy. I was quite concerned.

gonna be a good night :)

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

I wish somebody could slap both of them off their stump speech talking points.

By T

September 26, 2008 9:20 PM | Link to this

By AJC/DNC Management

LOLOLOLOLOLOL.. That was funny.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

John- The Farm Bill!!!!

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:23 PM | Link to this

Midori,

He had another seizure. That will continue until the chemo and radiation. works.He’s a fighter.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:25 PM | Link to this

Yes!

By T

September 26, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

I want to know where McCain gets yellow foundation. Since when do they make that?

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:26 PM | Link to this

gonna be a good night :)

I didn’t say yes yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There’s not a chance in the world Obama can give 95% of the people in this country a tax cut. Why can’t McCain call him on that?

Are these really the best two we can choose from?

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:27 PM | Link to this

He tried to strip them out.

Wow.

But he failed didn’t he?

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this

Did Oblahma really just bring up the fake Chinese space launch?

What an accomplishment, put three people on a rocket and launch them in to space.

Gee, where did I hear of that happening before?

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this

AJC/DNC-M,

Earlier Obambi said he wrote a letter to fix the financial market problem. Do you think he knows that Senator’s can write legislation?

By T

September 26, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

They both just got called out… lobyiest.. How can we get that fixed????

There�s not a chance in the world Obama can give 95% of the people in this country a tax cut. Why can�t McCain call him on that?

Well, can the other 5% share the burden? I will spend it, if it will come. Let’s share and fix the problem. Lead the way!!

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:39 PM | Link to this

Jay B,

One thing that would be great would be if we could hit post and then proofread and edit our comments while the hamsters were pulling our comments into the system.

The only thing more maddening than the delay is seeing a typo sitting on your screen that you can’t do a thing about for five minutes.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Getting a little testy.

John is going to lose it.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:40 PM | Link to this

Here we go, buh bye barry.

Tell us about your surrender plan.

By T

September 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

failed strategy! Iraq. If we come home from Iraq with victory, can we regroup, before we go again? That’s all I ask.

Oh, by the way….. He is pretty good with out that teleprompter……

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:43 PM | Link to this

Aahhh, yes, Barak the History Fairy!!

Let’s all go back and dwell on what has happened already and, I guess, he’s gonna “change.”

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 9:44 PM | Link to this

Sorry Barry, but opposing the Iraq war from the safety of Illinois six years ago wasn’t the least bit risky. In fact it’s the only thing you have to base your career on and had we followed your advice there’s no telling how dangerous an unsanctioned and Saddam led Iraq would be.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:48 PM | Link to this

The timetable is victory, moron.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:50 PM | Link to this

Has Been Laden is not in Afghanistan, moron.

By T

September 26, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

400,000 troops are in Iraq………. Hellooo,,, Is .. this thing onn????????? HHHeeellloooo??????? How do we fight in Afgan. or anywhere else, with the majority of our troops in Iraq????

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

You hear that Urinal?

Oblahma want more troops in Afghanistan, bwahahahahahaha.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:52 PM | Link to this

Obama was right about Iraq.

Huge mistake.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:55 PM | Link to this

We are striking in Pakistan idiot.

Out of touch John.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

He got more troops in Afghanistan Andy.

You are out of touch like John.

Obama is winning the foreign policy debate.

That is an upset.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 9:57 PM | Link to this

O.K. Oblahma, so what is any different about taking out al Qaeda in Pakistan that Bushie is doing right now?

More of the same, eh?

By T

September 26, 2008 10:01 PM | Link to this

How do you make a war not be in vain when the principals for going to war are bogus????

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 10:02 PM | Link to this

Dueling bracelets???

Bring on Hairplugs and Sarah’Cuda.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:03 PM | Link to this

The greatest and most powerful nation in the world cannot handle Afghanistan and Iraq at the same time, eh?

Germany and Japan?

This moron has no clue.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:06 PM | Link to this

McCain talks strategy, Oblahma regurgitates moonbat talking points.

Word.

Done deal.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:10 PM | Link to this

Game.

Set.

Match.

By Ted Striker

September 26, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Is there an “ignore” button for the idiot postings on here?

By T

September 26, 2008 10:12 PM | Link to this

Diplomacy,Diplomacy,Diplomacy,Diplomacy,Diplomacy. How about some Diplomacy? How about it? Don’t worry.. I’ll sober up… later… when I get my orders.. I’ll go… To where ever… ya’ll want me to go… Blindly fighting for your freedoms…. B%&^s… Without you fighting for me or my pursuit of happiness. My civil freedoms..

By Just_Me

September 26, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

McCain needs help—he’s stumbling…he sounds and looks OLD.

Seriously.

And BTW-what the HELL is wrong with sitting down with people before we blast the schtuff out of them?

Oh wait. that’s the warhawk way.

Loved how Obama took the wind out of McCain’s ‘bracelet story.’

My friend’s nephew recently came back-minus a few limbs and really physically damaged. The family’s sentiment is NOT “don’t let this have happened in vain;’ it IS “don’t let this happen to another mother’s child.”

AMEN.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this

We haven’t talked to North Korea, eh?

Oh, wait a minute he flip flopped.

No he ‘s realizing that he flip flopped, blah, blah, blah.

So silly.

By Charles

September 26, 2008 10:14 PM | Link to this

News Flash: Theme Song From Old TV Series “Flipper” Adopted For Obama Campaign

By butch

September 26, 2008 10:15 PM | Link to this

Hey brainiac - we had a draft when we handled Germany and Japan. Want the draft back? Let McCain make that public and let’s see how well he does.

By Taxpayer

September 26, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

Obama nailed it with the comment about the McCain (and Republican) foreign policy of thinking that by not talking to Iran that we are punishing them. Obama also understands that more of the same will not lead to anything other than confirmation of Einstein’s definition of insanity. McCain = more of the same failed policies and that’s insane.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Wait.

Where is McCain’s flag pin?

McCain is losing his temper.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:17 PM | Link to this

Check it out, Oblahma just gave kudos to Bushie for “talking” to the enemy.

Geez, out of his league.

By Just_Me

September 26, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Oh oh, the old man is up past his bedtime…he’s getting positively……grouchy.

He reminds me of the old guy in the neighborhood who used to come out when we ran across his lawn, red faced, sputtering, yelling at us to get off his lawn.

:::::shudder::::

No Country for This Old Man….

By T

September 26, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

Management

Don’t talk tennis.. Not when the game is a full contact sport. Let’s see some muay thia. No? a Good rear naked choke, how about a neck crank… I want to see you tap.. like a little girl… that’s right.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Oblahma considers Russia a “super power?”

Oh my.

By EW

September 26, 2008 10:23 PM | Link to this

Obama is like the little kid in school that raises his hand to talk about English in Math class. He is clueless.

By Taxpayer

September 26, 2008 10:24 PM | Link to this

McCain keeps fooling me. He actually can look more and more stupid every time he speaks. No wonder he picked Palin.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Solar?

Hahahahaha, bozo.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

We haven’t talked to North Korea, eh?

Oh, wait a minute he flip flopped.

No he ‘s realizing that he flip flopped, blah, blah, blah.

So silly.

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 10:25 PM | Link to this

Obambi just got his clock cleaned. He probably thinks all those places McCain just named are the extra states he thinks we have.

By T

September 26, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

Just_Me

There is a lot more that they are not telling them. Some of the drugs given to soldiers cause other symptoms.. The antrax shot we got is 10% disability. My buddies stomach filled up with blood because of that little treat.. to say the least.. the Va. is crap, but better than before. make sure he gets what is due to him. (not a hand out) Like 700 billion.. we give it to the wrong people… Sad.. Hero’s wear college and nfl, and other bullsh^& uniforms. I’d like to see the posters of real American heros on the walls of children.

By SayNo2McCain

September 26, 2008 10:29 PM | Link to this

It’s very clear that if McCain is elected President, that we are very much going to continue down our WAR path. He doesn’t have a diplomatic bone in his body.

We are doomed to repeat 4 more years of stupid leadership, with a recession and financial crisis to boot.

I can’t believe that half of our population want to continue down this path. I can believe that half are just plain stupid.

By Jen

September 26, 2008 10:30 PM | Link to this

Did McCain just ADMIT that we’ve tortured people?!?!?

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:31 PM | Link to this

McBushie is good at taking the issues off the table of the moonbats.

Oh wait, Oblahma just criticized spending millions on missile defense that he believes we need.

?????

Oh whatever.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:32 PM | Link to this

Name Jacker again?

When you gonna boot this clown, Jay?

By @@

September 26, 2008 10:36 PM | Link to this

Here’s how I see it thus far.

McCain has displayed a record he can draw on.

OBlahMa came in with his drawers on until McCain pulled ‘em down around his knees

OBlahMa’s childish response at one point:

“I have a bracelet too………uh………it’s for……….” looks down to read the name.

Niiice.

Having read so much at Stratfor, I realize how little OBlahMa knows about geopolitical strategies.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 26, 2008 10:38 PM | Link to this

My goodness, he just knocked the United States.

We aren’t great?

Why do all the people of the world dream of our land?

What doesn’t this loser understand?

By T

September 26, 2008 10:39 PM | Link to this

It is the POW spill… did anyone see that coming???? And good night.. I just had to tell you if you did not know.. that I was POW… Good night.

By getalife

September 26, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

McCain gets mad about his voting record. Can’t run from it John. It is on that new fangled contraption called the Internet.

Like I said.

Lame.

Stump speech rhetoric.

By AmVet

September 26, 2008 10:42 PM | Link to this

Arizona 42 Illinois 31

U gottal luv the USA!

By RW-(the original)

September 26, 2008 10:44 PM | Link to this

Geez, I can’t believe The Dunce closed with his runaway pappy writing letters too.

Whatever lackie the AJC has sorting out letters to the editor these days must think they’ll run the free world in an Obama administration.

Jay B.,

I saw you note below and your IT department is lying to you, but this attempt at a live blog was a miserable failure. Thanks for trying, but there’s really no sense in trying this again. You might want to ask them why you can comment on some of the sports blogs with no delay though.

By Joe Schmoe

September 26, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Ugh oh Obama and his obamabots are in trouble! McCain the old man ran circles around Obama.

By Just_Me

September 26, 2008 10:47 PM | Link to this

ABC’s commentators just mentioned how McCain really didn’t interact or look at anyone when debating.

Sorry, they’re giving it to Obama. He was just so much more at ease. McCain kept trying to bait him by saying he ‘didn’t understand.’ If you’d listened to NPR’s interview with Obama’s sister, she said he never, ever got angry—much to her consternation.

GASP…the “O” word was mentioned in relation to McCain’s performance…O-L-D.

Pundits giving it to Obama.

Sorry you right wing nutcases LOL

While he did talk about his travel itinerary, he really kept pushing his ‘experience.’ it just reminded me how damned OLD he is.

I’ve had enough of OLD men running our country!

;-)

Let the games begin!

By Alan

September 26, 2008 10:49 PM | Link to this

Without fail, some ignorant blowhard always ruins a blog with incessant asinine drivel. Those that say the most have the least to say. You know who you are. Do shut up and give someone else a chance to speak.

By Dr. R

September 26, 2008 10:53 PM | Link to this

I was impressed with both of them. They are both smart, serious men and either one will be a marked improvement as president over what we have now. Let’s be thankful, even if we disagree with one and favor the other, that the country will be in better hands next Jan. 20.

By @@

September 26, 2008 10:55 PM | Link to this

OBlahMa was at ease????

Someone was watching a different debate than the one I saw.

Barack was visibly rattled — the most rattled I’ve ever seen him.

Excellent debate.

By Hey Soose

September 26, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

I tried watching, but after 9 months of it I’m just sick and tired of listening to either one of them.

By Ray

September 26, 2008 10:56 PM | Link to this

If McCain knows so much…why is everything so screwed up?

By Ted Striker

September 26, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

McCain blinked under the pressure of trying to win his strong suit.

By JustSaying

September 26, 2008 11:08 PM | Link to this

John’s right. John’s right. John’s right. John’s right. John’s right. John’s right. John’s right. John’s right.

Pretty much sums up Obama’s points tonight.

By Jen

September 26, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this

John McCain admitted we’ve tortured prisoners.

Did everyone else miss that?

Despite all the evidence that AGREES with that statement the Republicans and McCain have never conceded that point…until tonight.

By Taxpayer

September 26, 2008 11:16 PM | Link to this

McCain blew it; Obama nailed him on every turn. Palin is next and we already know what will happen there. She won’t even see it coming — unless it happens to be coming across the Bering Strait in a polar bear costume.

By Ted Striker

September 26, 2008 11:18 PM | Link to this

Senator McCain may never have won a Miss Congeniality contest — but maybe his running mate will discuss whether she has — in the next debate.

By Felix

September 26, 2008 11:27 PM | Link to this

That’s 95% of the WORKING people.

By Jen

September 26, 2008 11:33 PM | Link to this

I just figured out why Obama pulled his commercials out of Georgia…because Jim Martin’s commercials are the SAME thing!

Every commercial I’ve seen for Martin seem to attack McCain, I mean Chambliss, while promoting Obama, I mean himself….

By modestd

September 26, 2008 11:41 PM | Link to this

Did Bookman write this? I am confused. Maybe for now on I will put the blinders on and read more of his blogs. This was a pretty fair assessment of how things went. Good Job Jay!

By swolf4810

September 26, 2008 11:45 PM | Link to this

I think it would’ve been pretty much a draw…with a slight edge to Obama….UNTILL McCain suddenly seemed to decide he couldn’t afford for Obama (or Leher) to get a word in edgewise. That’s a sure sign you think you’re gettin’ your butt kicked.

By UGA 2003

September 26, 2008 11:47 PM | Link to this

If I were McCain, I wouldn’t want to look at that lying, piece of %$*! either.

Business does face one of the highest tax burdens in the world…outsourcing is real. Where do you think Business makes up for that? Outsourcing and passing it on to the consumer…don’t think they just eat the loss. Every dime Heinz pays in taxes is passed on in the cost of the ketchup you buy. Wonder why prices rise? The taxes on businesses have gone up for one….

He is going to start a war with Pakistan, a nuclear nation. YOU DON’T INVADE A SOVEREIGN NATION NO MATTER WHAT THE REASON UNLESS YOU ARE PREPARED FOR THE CONSEQUENCES! IT IS AN ACT OF WAR!!!! You sure as hell don’t threaten them with it during a presidential debate. They will be waiting for us now….

No Plan Obama is going to spend additional money at the same time as he is giving massive tax cuts to 95% of the population…40% of which already pay nothing in taxes! Can you say massive deficit and spiraling inflation? What does this idiot not get about the fundamentals of economics? Here is a novel idea…how about we tax people based on their consumption? I don’t see welfare recipients buying $100k+ vehicles, but I do see those who make enough doing it. McCain advocated it years ago and I hope he hasn’t forgotten it.

Really…stop and think about this for a minute. What plan, vision, idea has Obama really put out there other than the generic “We need Change”…or “I want to make this Country Strong again”…or “I want to strengthen our World Image”. Who can argue with this? Everyone wants this, but how in the *&$% are you going to do it??? Please, enlighten us. What is the grand master plan? Or do you actually even have one….

By swolf4810

September 26, 2008 11:55 PM | Link to this

Yo UGA 2003; Now I know why the Tech grads make fun of yall! Did you not listen at all?

By swolf4810

September 27, 2008 12:00 AM | Link to this

The idea we best ALL get used to is…..after whatever it is we have to do to straighten out our finacial mess….THERE AIN’T GONNA BE NO TAX CUT FOR ANYBODY NO’MO’!

By Elephant Whip

September 27, 2008 12:21 AM | Link to this

UGA 2003:

Update: under the current administration in the past few days we have attacked within the Pakistan borders because terrorist are coming into Afganistan from Pakistan. This is Viet Nam and Cambodia all over again.

Oh, and your “prediction” about the economy is already here to roost…thanks to the Bush Administration and six years of Republican control in both houses. What, are you trying to pre-shift the blame to Obama?

By Just_Me

September 27, 2008 12:22 AM | Link to this

I know all too well about the meds/shots they are giving the guys.

My friend’s husband was over in Desert Storm. When he came home, they conceived their daughter—-she has a growth disorder, and learning disabilities—the military has admitted that the drugs they gave him “temporarily’ messed with their DNA—but ooops, they didn’t bother to tell them….

I agree-they really need to look at where they are throwing the 700 billion (and 10 bil a month)—pump it into healthcare, and long term care for our vets-esp. the vets in this never ending mess in Iraq…

By Steve

September 27, 2008 12:43 AM | Link to this

McCain has servaral problem. One of which is is age. Obama has attacked him on it using subtle references to indicate McCain is out of touch. In this debate McCain showed he was very on top of things.

Obama was neither help or hurt on this other than he seems to promise more than he can deliver.

I would call this a draw simply because McCain reinforced why the people who support him should continue to support him. Most of the people who support Obama don’t really care about foreign affairs anyway. They are more focused on domestic issues.

As of yet I don’t see much from McCain on domestic issues.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

September 27, 2008 12:53 AM | Link to this

After reading through these comments I’d say I was pretty well on target. Obama supporters thought he came out ahead and McCain supporters thought he came out ahead. I think most of us are suffering from campaign overload after 2 years. Let’s get on with the election and pray for the winner to have wisdom and judgement.

By Dr. R

September 27, 2008 1:01 AM | Link to this

Seriously, every election somebody complains about the candidates, say they’re bored the race and want it over with, etc. This is the most fascinating campaign of my lifetime, and we have for the first time in years two highly capable men who seem to be the best choices of their respective parties in every way. I mean, what more does everyone want, Kennedy vs. Reagan? They’re dead already. Move on. Neither of these guys is another Bush, who’s such a lame duck he can’t even get members of his own party to agree on a Wall Street bailout.

By Mary Jo Kopechne

September 27, 2008 1:08 AM | Link to this

Is that bloated sot Teddy bare still breathing? I’d like to pour boiling water down his gullet! Parole Sirhan and point him toward the leader of the clan.

By Michael H. Smith

September 27, 2008 1:21 AM | Link to this

On update one: A washout. No real ground gained by either candidate.

Update two: As the saying goes if you got it flaunt it. Both candidates missed something very critical in the Eisenhower statement as the economy relates to military strength. Point to goes to McCain.

Update three: Earmarks definitely goes to McCain.

Update four: Another wash both are wrong on the structure of their tax cuts. McCain took a slight advantage on corporate taxes. Obama has a great number of small mom and pop business owners scared out of their wits.

Update five: Indeed it was a great question. However, both candidates gave pathetic answers beyond cutting spending.

With $700 billion expenditure, what do we cut to offset it? The answer I was looking for is cutting the $700 billion dollar a year expenditure that is spent on foreign oil.

What proposals do we drop? A continuance of unfair so-called free trade policies that has costs us about 500 to 600 billion dollars of debt with China and about 70 billion dollars in debt under NAFTA to Mexico. With nine straight months of increasing unemployment and declining wages drop this silly notion of creating a guest worker program (that primarily will benefit Mexico and members of the Chamber of Commerce) while U.S. citizens cannot find jobs that pay a prevailing living wage. Compel all illegal aliens to leave by enforcing the laws that are on the books against them and the employers that hire them. So we can know their names and they will be made famous.

Update six: The surge worked, now it remains to be seen if the Iraqi government will work. A momentary victory goes to McCain.

Update seven: Afghanistan is unproven ground, Obama did touch on the drug trade and how to win support from the Afghans who depend on the poppy crops in order to survive. General David Grange pointed out awhile back that we should be buying the Afghan�s poppy crops instead of destroying the only means of income they have to feed themselves. Interdicting the heroin supply Al Qaida depends on will have an impact on their means to prosecute their war against us and actually (excuse the term) win the hearts and minds of the Afghanis in the process. If McCain had actionable intelligence on the where abouts of Osama bin Laden or top Al Qaida members he would not hesitate to take any of them out no differently than Obama. Point goes to Obama.

Update eight: Obama remains haunted by his previous statements on holding direct high level talks mano a mano as President with equal adversarial leaders. His preparations exclamation really didn�t wash with me. Low level talks have always been on going in every administration�s diplomacy with our adversaries, though, Bush less than all the rest. Point goes to McCain.

Update nine: Point goes to Bookman. Georgia did light the match that started the firefight with Russia against the best advice our leaders gave them not to do so, though, McCain does understand the Russian bear better than Obama. I�m disappointed in McCain for misspeaking on Georgia verses Russian aggression. He did get it right on Russia�s desire to control the oil.

If McCain won it was a shallow victory. Should McCain ever wraps his head and message around Lehrer�s Eisenhower quote he could win; if he doesn�t, he may lose an election and we and he may well lose a country.

By Mary

September 27, 2008 2:47 AM | Link to this

Obama showed he is inexperienced.
Mc Cain showed he has experience with foreign policy and that is more of a concern after 9/11 than the bailout. We have become a nation expecting entitlements — “I want a big house now..even if it may cost too much.” Average citizens who bought houses with no money down have to take some responsibility for the mortgage crisis. If our grandparents made it through the Great Depression, we certainly can survive this difficult time — so suck it up and deal with it. Both Obama and Mc Cain are good men dealing with a difficult state of affairs. However, Mc Cain has the experience and shows he has the foresight to make change. Wouldn’t it be interesting if we had Mc Cain as president and Obama as vice president —definitely a bi-partisan team.

By Political Foreskin

September 27, 2008 5:53 AM | Link to this

Neither candidate gained any ground. This was a safe play, opening gambit, pawn to King 4, fair shot across the bow, parry and deflect, demonstrate in your opponent’s front, feel each other out debate.

Too bad the CNN pollsters didn’t hook electrodes up to Jay Bookman to see who was winning the debate. Did anybody read his play by play? He really doesn’t understand our culture at all not to know how ridiculous he appeared with his idiotic updates.

The physical appearance factor, which favored Kennedy, and the fact that Nixon was caught glancing at his watch, suggests that Sarah palin won that debate.

Didn’t Obama sound like our president, though? McCain sounded like the old bitter cantankerosity he truly is.

Once again, though, Obama and the democratic writers dont know how to reply to “the surge”. McCain left himself wide open with, “We’re winning in Iraq”.

Oh? Win? What is the mission? What part of the mission is complete? What criteria are you citing to declare a win?

I want Sarah Palin 2b our prez. I love her now. I’m going to send her a valentines day card tomorrow so that mine will arrrive first, unless Osama Bin Laden sends her one first, the dirty rat, imagine how impressed with sarah palin osama bin laden is. I’ll bet he howls at the moon when he looks at her signed, 8X10 glossy.

I know I do. Sarah, please run for pres in ‘12. You will win. All America needs is a good five cent bikini wax.

Sarah ‘12: This candidacy has legs!

By AJC/DNC Management

September 27, 2008 5:55 AM | Link to this

MCCAIN 65% 136,285 OBAMA 33% 68,222-Drudge

bwa

It was a blow out.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 27, 2008 5:59 AM | Link to this

MCCAIN: �We had an energy bill before the United States Senate. It was festooned with Christmas tree ornaments. It had all kinds of breaks for the oil companies, I mean, billions of dollars worth. I voted against it; Senator Obama voted for it.�

THE FACTS: Obama did vote for a 2005 energy bill supported by President Bush that included billions in subsidies for oil and natural gas production. McCain opposed the bill on grounds it included unnecessary tax breaks for the oil industry. Obama voted to strip the legislation of the oil and gas industry tax breaks. When that failed, he voted for the overall measure. Obama has said he supported the legislation because it provided money for renewable energy.-Urinal/DNC

Yay! Oblahma tried!

And the Urinal lied:

Senate energy bill contains goodies for Illinois-Barak Obama.Com

By AJC/DNC Management

September 27, 2008 6:06 AM | Link to this

FINAL VERDICT: I�d give the nod to McCain. But I think Obama did as well as he needed to do on this topic.-Kookman

Oblahma could have wound up upside down in the ditch with his legs splayed out like road kill, Jay would have thought he did as well as he needed to.

Most interesting part of the evening; while Oblahma was providing self incriminating evidence about Henry Kissinger for the truth squad in Missouri to investigate, McCain spoke directly to the audience about it, which caused the audience to immediately break the rules and applaud McCain.

Oblahma was practically squealing in the background.

Game changer.

By Mike

September 27, 2008 7:01 AM | Link to this

Wow! Fairly reasoned analysis from Bookman.

How refreshing!

By EW

September 27, 2008 8:14 AM | Link to this

Jay, Thanks for your thoughts on this. You actually may be reasonable after all. ;)

By Taxpayer

September 27, 2008 8:26 AM | Link to this

The bottom line is that we have to scrape the bottom of the barrel to come up with enough money to cover the bailouts of the financial company executive’s bonuses for the last ten years and that’s just for openers. The new foreign policy will differ between the two candidates but the reason for the new policy is the same either way — we are broke and our credit cards have either been confiscated or the credit limit reduced to mere pennies.

Obama’s policy will be one of logic and one that shows a respect for innocent human life. He will withdraw troops because he cannot ask them to fight without bullets or pay and unlike George Washington, he has no grateful, rich Americans (plenty of ungrateful rich Americans with off-shore accounts though) to draw on for the funds. His slogan must and will be “Hessians go Home!”

McCain’s policy has been laid out for him. Bush has pre-paved the road with yellow bricks to make it easy for McCain to locate and stay the course in his end of times until Palin’s youthful eyes can take the helm. He’ll huff and puff and scrape up enough to blow down a few straw huts in South Korea and his reluctant wife will finally muster enough courage to approach Dear John from a safe distance and let him know that he just doesn’t have what it takes up there and hasn’t for a long time. Of course, he’ll misunderstand her comment, which was actually about attacking South Korea instead of North Korea and not about his balding this time, and call her a trollop that can be replaced by a Palin in a heartbeat. Little does he understand the “truth” in that one statement though. Finally, he’ll learn just how dire circumstances are on that fateful day when he calls Iran’s bluff, in his own Mavericky style, and pushes the red button. With those eagle eyes wide open, he’ll first turn to Palin and remark “You’ll need to look across the Atlantic for this one, you pretty little thing” then he’ll wait for the mushroom clouds that were not meant to be for behind that console with it’s red button is nothing but empty space — the copper wiring was salvaged years earlier by the unpaid, undocumented immigrants that maintained the White House during the Bush presidency. The morning newspaper, laying unread by McCain, is riddled with articles about another shell of a once noble projectile rolling off a flat bed and into the roadside ditch. Farmers were reported to still be unsurprised by the incidents.

By TW

September 27, 2008 9:08 AM | Link to this

FINAL VERDICT: I�d give the nod to McCain. But I think Obama did as well as he needed to do on this topic.

I think I agree, Jay. What’s interesting, however, is that the money in Vegas poured in on Obama following the debate. This morning, the probability in Vegas that Obama will win is up to 66% - basically a 30 pt lead in a poll where you have to pay to play (perhaps a little less hot wind?). As was commented on much last night, perhaps McCain needed more than he brought being that he was getting whipped going into the debate?

And with the emphasis on McCain’s decrepit physical health and the revelation this week that they don�t let Palin talk for good reason - things ain’t really lookin’ too good for McSame and Sister Sarah :(

By getalife

September 27, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

Lame.

Stump speech rhetoric with each bashing the other’s positions.

John gets mad about his voting record but it is there to see if you bother to look.

Losers, you and me.

The bailout will pass, the lobbyists will continue to run Washington with business as usual.

By Jack

September 27, 2008 9:51 AM | Link to this

The debate was rather lengthy and of course we had the same tired replies to questions. The one thing I noticed was neither presidenatal hopeful really answered each question as it was asked and until the moderater said speak to each other neither person looked at each other when debating. Then Obama started looking at John but John never did look at Obama when speaking. Both did well but John showed a little anger and Obama tried to be to polite. What I want to see in the next debate is straight talk about solutions to problems and leave out the he said you said stuff, children do that and sometimes these two are act like children. I would like to see the same moderator for the next debate and for him to be much stronger in forceing each person to answer the questions before going off on tirades about how bad their opponent is when comes to running the government.

By @@

September 27, 2008 9:55 AM | Link to this

OBlahMa was weak on the topic of Russia. He seems to operate under the assumption that all countries share his idealistic vision — that all countries hold the same strategic interests, and that talking to them will bring them around to our way of thinking. Nothing could be further from the truth when it comes to Putin.

Over a month ago Stratfor hinted at the possibility that Saudi Arabia would, with tacit approval from the U.S., incite and finance the Chechnyans to create a conflict that would distract Russia from its meddling in the U.S./Iranian negotiations.

The assassination of Ruslan Yamadayev has now set this intra-Chechen rivalry into full motion, with the Yamadayev clan apparently ready to take on Kadyrov�s men as early as next week.

The odds are against the Yamadayevs. While both sides have highly trained forces under their control, the Kadyrov clan outnumbers the Yamadayev clan 10 to 1, according to estimates from Stratfor sources within the FSB. Yamadayev has about 4,000 troops still under his control, while Kaydrov�s forces range between 30,000 and 40,000. To improve their odds, the Yamadayev clan will be relying heavily on the GRU to come to its aid. But Kadyrov has an open credit line with the FSB�s weapons facilities. Despite these obvious disadvantages, the Yamadayevs are not about to back down � meaning, one way or another, Chechnya will be giving the Kremlin a serious migraine after nearly four years of relative calm.

Between managing a financial crisis at home, consolidating Kremlin control over former Soviet states, rebuilding militaries in Latin America and sabotaging U.S. strategy in the Middle East, it is no stretch to say the Kremlin�s hands are full. The pressure is now on for Putin to rapidly clamp down on FSB and GRU support for the two Chechen factions � for example, cutting off access to Russian military supplies and forces � in order to prevent this Chechen spat from spiraling out of control. The last thing Moscow needs right now is for Chechnya to flare up and absorb its attention at home.

Interestingly enough, this is exactly what the West � namely, the United States � would like to see happen right now. Simply put, the more Russia can be preoccupied with chaos within its own borders, the less likely Russia will be able to sow chaos abroad.

While OBlahMa may be deeply imbedded in the dirty politics of Chicago, organizing the world community is beyond his simple comprehension.

Game on Vladimir.

By GodHatesTrash

September 27, 2008 9:57 AM | Link to this

I turned it on for awhile, then turned it off and went to bed.

Got very tired of all of McCain’s hokey BS stories wrapped up with all his rah-rah flag-waving.

Here’s something for y’all to think about while you’re in your gas lines down there, getting gouged.

If you take a bag of BS, and wrap it up in a flag, isn’t it still just a bag of BS?

By getalife

September 27, 2008 10:10 AM | Link to this

Not to worry @@,

Sarah has her eye on Russia. They are neighbors ya know which makes her an expert.

Now that debate will be hilarious. Everytime she spews Joe will say, “Huh, WTF are you talking about?”

Putin and Chavaz are LOL.

By Dusty

September 27, 2008 10:21 AM | Link to this

Bookman DID give a fair assessment of the debate. I hope we see more of this fairness.

McCain looked more presidential to me. He spoke from experience while Obama seemed to be reporting what he had recently memorized. Neither one shot off any fireworks, favorable or fanatical. I will take experience over elocution and elocution is about all that Obama has now.

In another decade, Obama may develop into something presidential. Right now, it is hard to tell what is superficial and what is commendable. I would not take any chances with him at this time.

I am sorry to see the nasty remarks about President Bush. He has served through one of the more turbulant times in American history. He has kept us safe and advanced the cause of freedom throughout the world. He has kept the “faith” for us, even when his plans did not work out as he wanted. But name me ONE American president who was PERFECT. There isn’t one.

George W. Bush has done many good and great things. History will commend him for his vision and actions. And that, too, is a FAIR assessment.

By GodHatesTrash

September 27, 2008 10:24 AM | Link to this

Exactly get.

Quick, somebody get L-o-l-a a coloring book with some pictures from China, India, Pakistan, Israel, Palestine - she’ll be an international expert - once she learns how to color inside the lines.

By @@

September 27, 2008 11:04 AM | Link to this

Getalife @ 10:10:

You’re incorrigible.

The leftists used to question Cheney’s health. Then they were hoping he would die.

Now they question McCain’s health. So which one are you leftists hoping will die first? President McCain or Vice-President Palin? OBlahMa or Joe?

Tough question, I know — especially when leftists like to think of themselves as compassionate — having the country’s best interest at heart.

Have you ever done research on the foreign policy missteps made by former presidents and their cabinet advisors? Clinton’s administration was chock full of ‘em. I went all the way back to Carter…….then got bored. Bush 41 has a pretty good record. Let’s see now…………who was his Secretary of Defense? Oh, that’s right, none other than Dick Cheney. When was the last time I mentioned how brilliant I think Cheney was/is?

Presidents and Vice-Presidents merely sign off on policies put forth by those whose advice they seek.

There’s one thing that can be said about Governor Palin. Her decisions won’t be made from a perspective of male bravado, although I think she has more bravado than the girlish O.

BTW, quit agreeing with me on the bailout. You’re starting to scare me.

By AJC/DNC Management

September 27, 2008 11:10 AM | Link to this

And it is getting worse:

{{{{DRUDGE POLL}}}} WHO WON THE FIRST PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE?…MCCAIN 68% 199,979 OBLAHMA 30% 88,725

bwa

By getalife

September 27, 2008 11:43 AM | Link to this

@@,

I never paid much attention to politics until I got sick. I was too busy living life in the fast lane, makes you lose your mind. Living it up at the hotel California. You can find the door but can never leave.

By donaldg7

September 27, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

There was no clear cut winner in the debate last night, both men held firm to their positions. McCain however needed a knockout punch and that did not happen. With him slipping in the polls daily and Palin becoming a liability he needed a knockout punch more than Obama because this debate was framed on his strongest area, foreign policy.

On this so-called “surge” being the reason for reducing the violence in Iraq, that is just another spin from the nitwits at Hoax News. Even the generals are now admitting that the “Awakening Councils”, ethinc cleansing and al-Sadr’s Madhi Army laying down their arms were the keys to reducing the violence to managable levels. The so-called “surge” had minimal effects on the present situtation. So on that topic, both men came out equal.

McCain’s biggest asset is also his biggest problem - being a so called “maverick”. In times of crisis the country needs a calm, cool hand to make sure we get it right. That goes to Obama hands down. For a so-called “community organizer” who hasn’t done a thing he sure as hell held his own!

BTW AJC/DNC Mgmt. It’s bin Laden idiot!!!

By Nell

September 27, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this

Why did Obama and McCain need to look at each other? They were talking to us!

By MV7