The "McCaining" has begun.

Soon they will be "Im-PALIN" themselves.

Cheers

Hans-Christian Georg Rupprecht, Commander in Chief

Frankenstein Battalion
2nd Squadron: Ulanen-(Lancers) Regiment Großherzog Friedrich von Baden(Rheinisches) Nr.7(Saarbrucken)
Knecht Rupprecht Division
Hans Corps
1st Saint Nicolaas Army
Army Group “True North”

A draw? More like the 'dead parrot sketch', and Obama is the parrot, the CBC the shopkeeper.

I am sure that in a couple of days the media will be convinced that Obama clearly won. Just like when W beat both Gore and Kerry, as evidenced by winning the respective elections, yet the MSM told us the opposite.

I read at least one lefty comment where the guy was supprised that McCain didn't appear to dodder and drool. Whaever happened to Obama? I remember when all the rage was about his silver tongue. The Slim Picken's line from "Blazing Saddles." "You can do purdier things with your tongue than a twenty dollar whore." That guy? Now we find out that Obama was expected to lose and did "well enough." Yeesh!

The Cable Negro Network has it Obama 52%- McCain 47%. I suppose they have to tow the line, otherwise 2/3 of their employees might not show up for work.

Tim said: McCain didn't appear to dodder and drool.

Did anyone else notice where McCain asked Lehrer if he (Lehrer) thought he (McCain) didn't hear something?

I might have gotten it wrong but I thought McCain was making a subtle joke referencing his age.

I only watched a couple of highlights, but I noticed something odd about Obama's makeup. It looked to me like they darkened his skin. It seemed to make his eyes darker, and his face had a Nixon-like quality. His serious demeaner gave him sort of a frightening appearance. When the two shook hands, McCain almost seemed a bit spooked when he looked at him.

dp, the inevitable YouTube videos should confirm/deny your perceptions.

Remember when some thought Google's purchase price of YouTube was insane? September is Google's 10th anniversary and how many bloggers and websites are embedding their video?

I watched the whole thing, some parts twice. Mcain came across as wise and measured. Obama reminded me of a junior lawyer on his first day in court, trying to keep up with a seasoned professional. Mcain continually referred to Obama's naivety and lack of knowledge about the topics being debated.

McCain was the clear decisive winner. Obama looked like the inexperience kid way out of his league. Just like we've all said from the beginning.

I only watched a couple of highlights, but I noticed something odd about Obama's makeup. It looked to me like they darkened his skin.

I haven't watched it yet, but prior to the debate a local news station ran an image with McCain/Obama and Obama looked TERRIBLE. Old, and his face had a greenish tinge to it. Not flattering at all.

I, personally, never figured out how people think Obama's good-looking. He's not - in any stretch - ugly, but there are men (like Denzel Washington) who are much more visually appealing.

Anyway, if the MSM is calling it a draw, McCain did well. Thank goodness. Michelle Malkin (who's been a tough critic of McCain) even says he did well.

Here's hoping Obama sans pretty speeches and teleprompters goes down at every debate.

I watched most of the debate. I have no problem with the CBC's assessment that it was a draw. Analysis on Fox News website is pretty much the same. And if it was, then Obama won...foreign policy was supposed to be McCain's strength.

Yeah, it was devastating when Obama called McCain "wrong on Iraq." I mean, the facts bear Obama out on that... err wait.

Michelle Malkin may have what might turn out to be the defining moment of the debate, and even the campaign...

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/26/debate-video-obama-cant-remember-the-soldiers-name-on-his-bracelet/

CNN's poll says Obama won, that men favored McCain 46% to 43% while women favored Obama by 59% to 31%. I would say that polls sponsored by a particular media outlet are grossly unreliable since the participants, being devotees of that outlet, are ideologically pre-selected. I haven't looked at the NY Times poll yet, but I would expect it to declare a landslide for Obama.

No surprise, McCain could dive down to the details and Obama just fluttered around on the surface.

McCain revealed himself as a global warming cultist and an Islamic Kosovo enthusiast. Some victory.

Can't they both lose?

DDT:

Yes, Obama is superficial.

That's why, in his previous job as a DJ, he went by the name of M.T.Suit.

I watched the whole thing also. Impressions:

For the economy portion, I felt McCain was pulling his punches. While the earmark issue is big and shows Obama changing his position after running for president, I would like to have seen more about the tax proposal differences. I felt the tax platforms were standard Democrat vs standard Republican - no big surprise there.

I really felt McCain pulled the punches on the bail out issue. It felt to me like he didn't say waht he really wanted to, as the process is on-going. Not wanting to endanger the negotiations and all that. Maybe that was just me, but I wanted him to hammer Obama and the Dems on the taxpayer portion of the bailout and how the House repubs are looking for a solution that either protects that money more or doesn't involve it. After Harry Reid and Chuck Schumer's idiotic statements earlier, I say gloves off but it looks like McCain didn't agree.

For the rest of the debate on the foreign policy stuff, it was apparent to me that McCains knowledge far outweighs Obama's. We can argue about the importance of that point, but to me, there's no argument on that point whatsoever. McCain looked to me like someone who knows this stuff inside and out, didn't rehearse, coulda showed up 5 minutes before and done equally well. Obama to me looked like a kid who had been rehearsing his lines for months and this was his big chance to deliver them.

All in all tho, i fear that all Obama had to do last night was not look bumbling and stuttering as he has in other forums without the tele-prompter. I think he did that fairly well. Neither performance will move a McCain supporter to Obama or vice versa. However, the undecided voter may have seen Obama as not a complete disaster waiting to happen based solely on his presentation. His words, ideas and platform scare the heck outta me, but if an undecided wasn't listening to them, they might swing to Obama.

Best line - "I don't even have my own seal yet". Not sure enough people got that. Best exchange was the sitting down with Iran bit.

I watched the whole debate, and a fair bit of the post debate discussion, and didn't hear anyone mention (I was doing alot of flipping around so may have missed it, correct me if so) about Obama not knowing the soldiers name who's bracelet he was wearing! he had to look down at his wrist and turn the bracelet to read the name! (I'd love to find the clip on youtube) at that moment he looked so 'plastic' like an actor not knowing his lines.

It's a draw. Yes McCain was more knowledgeable on foreign policy and in citing specific examples but there was no knockout blow.

Summing it all up, to get elected, you need only to appeal to America’s largest voting block, stupid people.

The American Dream is failing because the American Dream has become the world's nightmare. So long Dubya, we’ll always have debt and Guantanamo.
Vote McCain/Palin and build a bomb shelter. As for Barack Obama, meet the new boss, same as the old boss.

http://blogoffanddie.wordpress.com

...the asshole America elects is usually the one who ends up shitting all over the planet...

On the matter of International Policy and especially the Iraq and Afghan situations some joker being interviewed by the Ceeb said that because MaCain sided with George Bush on these matters more often than not over the last 5 years ...this proved that McCain had bad judgement and therefor Obama WON the debate.

Never mind the fact that GW has been proven right on every major matter in these areas and that the policies he pursued have ALL been working. Never mind that whether or not Bush is or was right or wrong that matter has nothing to do with the debate.

From the perspective of a serious Obama insider the mere fact that one would agree with GWB means that person automatically loses any argument.

Typical leftard reasoning.

Both candidates basically cemented voters who were already in there respective camps. I don't think this really changed any independents minds and probably left most independent voters wondering why they bothered tuning in to the debate at all.

Obama was a little better than I expected and McCain more energetic. No Knock out blows by either side but McCain landed the better shots to Obama's head.

I though McCain had the overall edge in the debate based on facts and I think he looked and sounded stronger and more decisive.

On presentation I have to give it to Obama based solely on the basis of two very non political people, ages 14 and 15. They though he sounded better and he was "nicer". Judging from the mind set of the average non political voter and their overall grasp of the facts on most subjects I have to agree with them, reluctantly. Remenmber in the political world style quite often trumps substance.

On the upcoming vise presidential debate I fear for Palin and I am one of her biggest fans. I fear for her as she will be up against a back against the wall old and treacherous political hack fighting not only the biggest battle of his political life but probably his last.

Concur on the VP debate. I don't mind Biden, but when he comes out yelling these absolute falsehoods about who was right and who was wrong, despite the facts showing the exact opposite, I really get bothered. I worry for Palin. She's at worst inexperienced in this arena, and at best, fighting a logical battle against those with no logic on many issues. I don't think i could handle it.

How can anyone pick a winner?

Obama's debating skill, presentation and grasp of "big pictures" were head and shoulders above McCain's. In other words, he came across as more presidential.

McCain successfully presented himself as the more competent and experienced manager with his feet firmly planted on the ground. If I had to pick one of the two men, in these troubled times, I'd go for McCain - the man of greater substance - but, I endorse the CBC view that nobody "won".

Did anybody notice the respectful and rational demeanor of both men? Our Canadian leaders' debate will no doubt be a yowling cat fight - just like the last two. Sigh.

How can anyone pick a winner?

Obama's debating skill, presentation and grasp of "big pictures" were head and shoulders above McCain's. In other words, he came across as more presidential.

McCain successfully presented himself as the more competent and experienced manager with his feet firmly planted on the ground. If I had to pick one of the two men, in these troubled times, I'd go for McCain - the man of greater substance - but, I endorse the CBC view that nobody "won".

Did anybody notice the respectful and rational demeanor of both men? Our Canadian leaders' debate will no doubt be a yowling cat fight - just like the last two. Sigh.

Shudder: Shocked at how well Obama handled himself. After all that umming, and ahhing, those memory blanks (too much cocaine?) and fumbles that have been U-Tubed, I thought he was gonna be creamed. He wasn't. He stood his ground.

He's actually a srong debater. That said, I still disagree with him on just about everything, and still think he's a commie thug with a secret agenda.

And while he may be right about the wisdom of the Iraq invasion, this is offset by his desire to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. He's a marxist America-hater and wants the US to lose.

And, oh, he's a narcissit-pschopath-liar, but, a very good debater. A good con artist.

Or as my late father-in-law might put it, an ACTOR.

Too early to tell for sure, but it looks to have been a draw which means Barack Won.

This debate - foreign policy being the main topic - was supposed to be the one where JM wiped the floor with BO's sarcastic smirk. He didn't. BO did very little umming and ahhing - something many blogs were anticipating. He may not have been on teleprompter but he had clearly been very well rehearsed and prepped and it showed. That JM didn't lay him out umming and ahhing on the floor means that BO beat expectations.

The timing of the debate - in the midst of the financial crisis took its toll on JM both in terms of energy and in terms of prep time and it showed. Had this past week been more tranquil news-wise I think he would have been far more aggressive in a good way - more pointed in his rebuttal of BO's weak logic both on foreign affairs and on the economy (ie - BO never did say what programs he would cut in a downturn but rather argued that more new programs and spending would bring about a recovery).

But in the long-run it is more often than not only one or two moments in a debate that resonate and ultimately determine who won. John McCain had none of those moments that would hurt him and he also didn't land any kill shots either. Barack on the other hand had several potential ones:

- the one noted above

- his saying "You are right John" several times (who coached him to do that? It seems like a very dumb idea to me)

- some of his utterances on Iraq, Afstan and Pak will maybe float to the top...

- and then the most interesting one to me...

The only moment where he seems to break-away from his practiced choreography was in response to the braclet comment and perhaps at that moment we saw, maybe for the first time ever, the real unrehearsed Obama. Seeing a chance to retort to the evidence of the 'realness' of JM and his committment to the troops via his bracelet and realizing that he too had been given one of those things and he thought it would be clever to volley back with it. The only problem was the bracelet was little more than a trinket to him - a political prop - something he didn't look at every day and muse about the sentiment and the name behind it (like JM clearly does with his) and he stumbled over the name as a result, thus revealing the shallowness of his conviction to the american fighting forces and a lack of appreciation of the sacrifice that "service" means. He's in this for the power and the glory, not for the betterment of his country. This may have been one of the great political 'tells' in american political history.

Very good point Gord. Obama doesn't like the flag pin, and is aloof during any flag ceremony, or singing of the anthem(many pictures to prove this.)
So this bracelet being an 'easy, convenient' symbol for him reveals his shallowness and lack of sincerity.

blogoffanddie maybe you could follow this link and blame more stuff on PGWB of USA. I didn't have time to link to all sites that was in "UTUBE". Leaving house to enjoy a hunting day, deer, moose, elk or bear, we eat them all and its good for you.

What caused this crisis on wall street Sept 26, 2008
http://www.powerlineblog.com/archives2/2008/09/021622.php
Burning down the house: what caused our economic crisis.

There were nine demonstrable instances of BO saying John is absolutely right. These are perfect for thirty second ads. Then when he had to check the bracelet for the name he looked just lame. If this were a fight, his corner would be asking why on earth he kept hitting himself with uppercuts (John is right) and then walked into a stiff right cross he threw himself.

Reminds me of 1980 when everyone (the media and intelligentsia) thought Carter won the first debate. The defining moments, which the viewing public caught but missed by the pundits, were the comments from Reagan, "There you go again." and Carter asking his 12 year old daughter for advice. We all know how that election worked out for Carter.

Gord Tulk, I'd mentioned Obama's gaff about the bracelet this morning at 11:16 AM took a bit but found it on video here.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kad6GUPk_Gw&feature=related

it starts at 6:20/8:45, (to 6:30) roughly at the second 'e' in YouDecide2008 that is located just above the time strip.
sorry, I'm not talented enough to remove the portion of the clip that we're discussing.
you will never see this clip played again on the alphabet channels or cnn, maybe on FOX, if your lucky.

wa-la, it's on top with it's own heading!

Interesting video on the root causes of the subprime mortgage crises, from the Kinsella site.

The game's not done yet.

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=H5tZc8oH--o

"Michelle Malkin may have what might turn out to be the defining moment of the debate, and even the campaign...

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/26/debate-video-obama-cant-remember-the-soldiers-name-on-his-bracelet/
Posted by: Skip at September 27, 2008 9:38 AM"

Its too bad some of you don't actually read the comments - This link took you right to the you-tube video on MM's site...

'Saw the whole debate.

Quite possibly a draw, but as Katty Kay (BBC--not exactly Republican cheerleaders) pointed out, John McCain was much more direct and animated in his answers and seemed to connect more directly with the audience. Obama was quite tentative in his presentation and came across as a lawyer in a court room--not exactly guaranteed to relate to his viewers.

Obama is smooooooth, but doesn't have enough experience. Many of his answers, especially when it came to Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan were Democratic-lite, answers you'd expect him to give, but not grounded in reality.

John McCain has a good grasp of the history of these conflicts and the consequences of not being tough when dealing with unscrupulous and tyrannical dictators. When Obama talked about consulting with "the international community" I groaned: Did he mean the U.N.? Isn't the U.S. of A. a sovereign nation?

With the world in such a volatile and fragile state I sure know who I want as POTUS: and it's not an inexperienced Senator with a background as a community organizer.

Mcain's not perfect by a long shot, but he's tough, he's grizzled, he's experienced. He's going to challenge the complacent SOBs in government and business who have allowed the Wall Street near-collapse and he's not going to negotiate with terrorists.

Obama's a comparative neophyte who seesm to think that you CAN negotiate with terrorists. He's soft on terrorism and if he becomes POTUS I'd be very worried that he won't have what it takes to be tough on terrorists and that he'll bow to the U.N.'s views on international affairs.

One other thing that bothered me about Obama's presentation was his saying that as President, he'd want to return the U.S.A. to its former popularity in the world--not exactly his words, but certainly their intent. He said that the U.S.A. is very unpopular in world opinion and that he would want to change that.

He was saying, in effect, that wimp countries, socialist countries, etc., who don't like the U.S.A. and its policies, are correct in their evaluation. I don't hear a leader. I hear an appeaser. That's the last thing the U.S. needs in their President.

Sarah (bubblehead in a bubble) Palin, one melanomic, 72 year old heartbeat away from the presidency. That's all you need to know.

Obama (empty suit) one idiotic leftist vote from being POTUS. Scares the crap out of me.

I have a really different reading than most of the pundits I've read. I thought it was obvious that McCain performed best, assuming you listened to what they actually said as opposed to how smooth they sounded.

McCain was up against a guy who promises the world to everyone -- health care, funding for everything imaginable, new infrastructure across the country to transmit all that new solar and wind power, tax cuts for everyone except the evil corporations, etc. etc., but McCain to his credit didn't for one second try to out-do Obama in the pandering-by-spending department; he stuck to his guns, showed way more knowledge of how the world works, stood up for all the right things, and patiently explained why his positions are in effect the saner, sounder and more reasonable ones.

McCain's weakest moment was when he invoked his bracelet -- what's that got to do with anything? Fortunately Obama's "me too" bracelet moment was even weaker. The whole exchange just seemed silly; I was afraid for a second they were going to get into a tattoo-off -- "Oh yeah? Well my American flag is bigger than yours..."

BTW, batb, I fully agree with you that Obama seems to harbour the impression that he considers the role of President to include pleasing America's enemies. McCain, who has way more knowledge and experience going back many years almost looked like his eyes were crossing when Obama was gassing on about foreign relations.

I'm curious to see how Palin will do in the debate. Recently she's seemed rattled, like she's not sure what she should and shouldn't say, but no one should underestimate her ability to rise to the occasion. I suspect she'll regroup and do well.

I must say I didn't get to watch until half way through. McCain has the passion, understands what the US is facing in the next 8 years. I was just waiting for Obama to say: "I agree with Senator McCain and I would also like to add"; just as he did in every debate with Hillary. Just my opinion.

Hey guys

Only one outright racist comment in this thread. Not bad for this crowd - usually it's more prevalent, especially since it's the foundation of your 'ideology'.

Will you allow me a brief cackle at Kate's citing right-wing smear merchant Drudge's poll as any sort of barometer of who won the debate? Irony isn't her strong suit, huh?

McCain's weakest moment was when he invoked his bracelet -- what's that got to do with anything?.

It speaks to character and specifically sincerity. McCain has it, Obama doesn't have it. End of sentence.
In short it has to do with everything not just anything.

One afterthought: McCain's use of the phrase, "I'll take care of the troops" and "they know it". A very powerful statement from an old soldier who will be commander in chief.
It's these kinds of ephemeral items that make or break a political candidacy, not policy wonkery.

With reference to an earlier posting EBD, the bracelet also has subliminal messaging power.

The little BOY is in trouble... McCain spoke to the Adults & Obama is stuck in the hate Bush mode.

1 The Bracelet comeback was childish; next he will claim Head Hunters held him prisoner.

2. The LIE Re: Kissinger framed Obama as unfit to be president. If he does not understand that simple protocol, he is a serious problem. The only time that the President should talk to Iran, without preconditions, is just before a preemptive strike by Israel & the USA.

3. When McCain went to DC he took over the Republican leadership & supported the House Republicans. Bush was bullying house republicans into a corrupt democrat Plan designed to benefit "their" friends on (Wall) ALL Streets. The newest Bushism, in crises, is "Nancy dearest” McCain should tell BUSH, and his worthless experts, to take a time Out.

BTW: The Dems rushed to get (VP-NOT) Bidden on the Networks to help in damage Control.. They knew Obama LOST.

"I'll take care of the troops" and "they know it". A very powerful statement from an old soldier who will be commander in chief. Like you, Me No Dhimmi , this was the defining moment in the debate for me. John McCain came through loud and clear for the defenders of America (the soldiers). Obama was buzzing, like a wasp, trying to fly in and out of McCain's personal space and was buzzing on and on about how he and 'John' were really on the same side - it was distracting Mr. McCain and I could feel the old soldiers hackles rise when the monotonous voice went on and on about things that really mattered to Senator McCain. "Barry" was really getting under my skin too, I felt like smacking him on the side of the head to make the buzzzzing stop!

Was this a planned thing because BO knows that JMac was tortured in Viet Nam? Was BO trying to make JMac go into attack mode because "barry" was indirectly insulting the soldiers with his off hand dismissals and the light hearted way he treated the dead soldier's bracelet? I saw JMac flinch like he had just been buzzzed by a switchblade. I hated seeing that and if that buzzzing was on purpose, I despise "barry" for sinking to such cruel tactics.

real, guess what? Nobody checks identity cards before posting here, so the racist comment could as easily be somebody from the CHRC, who have been known to go on these kind of blogs and make racist comments. It doesn't sound authentically conservative to me. More like what a liberal thinks a conservative sounds like.

Sounds like 'real' is a real hardcore race-baiter type who sees 'racism' under every rock and twig. He also appears to have very little understanding and/or knowledge of history. I would suggest he take a thorough read of a history book and a close look at present day socialists and their policies to understand who the ‘ideologically’ driven racists are.

Here are a few well known ideologically socialists/groups/racists you can start with: Hitler, Mussolini, Lenin, Chavez, Che Guevara, Castro, Saddam Hussein, Pol Pot, etc, etc.

See any common thread here?

UPDATE October 1, 2008

Barack Obama has achieved a significant lead over John McCain in the days following the first presidential debate. Pew’s new survey conducted Sept. 27-29 finds that Obama has moved to a 49% to 42% advantage among registered voters. The race was virtually even in mid-September and early August. Obama had not led McCain by a significant margin in a Pew survey since June.

The latest national poll by the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press, conducted among 1,505 adults (including 1,258 registered voters) by landline and cell phone, suggests that three factors appear to be favoring Obama. First, more voters rate Obama’s performance in last Friday’s debate as excellent or good than say the same about McCain’s (72% vs. 59%).
http://people-press.org/report/456/obama-regains-lead