Debate #1: McCain vs Obama

September 26th, 2008

It was more than just a debate; it was literally The Bout to Knock the Other Guy Out.

Both John McCain and Barack Obama went back to their respective corners and both came out swinging. Though Obama made plenty of good jabs, McCain, unfazed from his recent duties in Washington, went on the offensive, landing blow after blow after blow. From the economy, domestic energy, to foreign policy, McCain dominated the debate. Despite Obama’s best efforts and much preparation, he appeared to be naieve and contradictory numerous times. His cocky attitude toward McCain (disrespectfully calling him “John” as McCain addressed him respectfully as “Senator Obama”) as well as backpedaling on statements made on the campaign trail made him look less presidential. McCain, IMHO, wiped the floor with Obama on the foreign affairs questions.

While both camps claimed victory (and some pundits are calling the debate a draw), McCain clearly scored the most points tonight, giving him a well-earned win.

One down, two (plus one Veep Show) to go.

Update: Official “McCain is right” count from Obama: 9 times.

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One Response to “Debate #1: McCain vs Obama”

  1. ben on September 26, 2008 September 26, 2008 - 10:18 pm

    Not just “John” but “Jim” and IIRC, once as “Tom.”

    Here’s something to ponder:
    In 2004, Bush never addressed Kerry directly, nor did he give Kerry a name… he was simply “My opponent.” I thought it a shrewd tactic, not acknowledging him beyond ’some guy I have to beat this go-round.’

    This time, yes, McCain has given his opponent a name; at the same time, he did not once look at Obama, nor do I recall a direct addressing of anything to Obama… even in the “bitch, please” moment WRT Iran he spoke to the moderator while, as you stated above, Obama tried to directly address McCain, by first name.

    My liberal friends thought it rude and cowardly; I thought it shrewd, but not quite as shrewd as Bush in 04 (leading me to believe Rove’s not heavily involved this time around).

    What’s your take on this?

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