In preparation for Friday's debate, University of Mississippi students stood in for presidential nominees Barack Obama and John McCain during rehearsals Thursday on campus in Oxford, Miss. (Chip Somodevilla/AP)
McCain-Obama debate: a game-changing face-off?
Some presidential debates tip elections. This could be one of them.
By Alexandra Marks | Staff writer/ September 26, 2008 edition
Oxford, Miss.
The debate is on, despite the continuing negotiations on Capitol Hill over the nation’s financial crisis.
John McCain has finally agreed to join Barack Obama on stage here in Oxford, Miss. And the encounter has all of the earmarks of a major game-changer.
That’s not just because of the nation’s economic crisis and the drama of the last day and a half over whether McCain would attend. Tonight’s encounter has the potential to rival the televised contest of 1960 between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon that tipped the electorate in favor of the Democrat, debate experts say, or the 1980 face-off between Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan that helped shift the momentum in the GOP’s favor.
The race between Barack Obama and John McCain remains tight. Some voters in both parties are still looking to be reassured about their own candidate’s leadership qualities and temperament. Alliances within each party’s base are also in flux: some rural voters, traditional Republicans, are leaning toward Obama. Some white women voters, traditionally more Democratic, are favoring McCain.
Add into the mix a column of “undecided voters” as large as 8 percent, and this series of debates kicking off with foreign policy here are expected to go down in the halls of debate fame.
“All of the factors are in play this year that would suggest that these truly are going to be significant debates,” says Mitchell McKinney, a professor of communication at the University of Missouri.Top on that list of factors is familiarity. Both Obama and McCain have work to do in shoring up support even within their own parties. As well known as McCain is, he’s never been the darling of the Republican base. While his choice of Sarah Palin has helped shore up much of that support, there are still Republicans who wonder if he has the temperament to lead. Obama, on the other hand, still has to convince some Hillary Clinton supporters that he can represent them as well. And he needs to address concerns about his experience.
“People will be looking at: ‘Is Obama experienced enough, can he really command?’ With McCain it’s: ‘Can he really relate to us on economic issues, is he more than just a one-hit- wonder on this country-first thing?’ ” says Professor McKinney. “Voters are looking to become more comfortable with the candidates and for a fleshing-out of their characters.”
Indeed, while issues and the candidate’s command of them matters, some debate experts argue that what’s just as important, if not more, is the way candidates handle themselves under pressure: what kind of a leader they’ll be when the heats on. The format of Friday’s foreign policy debate is designed, in part, to help people get a sense of that. It’s broken into 10-minute segments. At the end of each there will be a kind of free-for-all where the candidates can challenge each other in any way they want.
“That is not only going to make this history-making, but that’s the point where we’ll see the mettle of each person as a leader tested,” says Kathryn Olson, a professor of communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. “McCain himself has said he has a temper that can make him impulsive, so I suspect Obama will try to exploit that. Obama has been seen as a little too button-down and aloof, and especially with what’s happening with the economy, Obama is going to have to show he can connect with real people’s woes.”
It’s not just what a candidate says that matters, as Vice President Al Gore discovered in his 2000 debate against George W. Bush. It’s their attitude. In the first debate with then Governor Bush in Boston, almost every debate expert gave the round to Mr. Gore for the quality of his rhetoric and his intellectual ability as a debater. But the media, and eventually the public, decided that Bush got the round – in part because of Gore’s exasperated sighs, his rolling of the eyes, and shaking of his head in dismay. It made him appear arrogant.
Add to that the importance of coping with the inevitable “Where’s the beef?” or “You’re no Jack Kennedy” one-liner that aides in both camps have probably already cooked up.
“Both candidates need to be wary of their nonverbal temperament and levels of discomfort,” says Timothy O’Donnell a professor at the University of Mary Washington and chairman of the collegiate National Debate Tournament. “It’s important the way they react to the one-liner: whether they can exhibit authenticity and wit and not appear stiff or knocked-back on their heels.”
That’s also part of the expectations game. Both parties have spent the last few months trying to weave a positive narrative about their candidate. Republicans paint McCain as the maverick whose strength is foreign policy. The Democrats tout Obama as a change agent, whose strength is problem-solving. Each side has also been busy creating negative narratives about their opponents. Democrats have painted McCain as out of touch and old. Republicans portray Obama as an arrogant elitist. The gaffes during debates that end up with real political significance are the ones that feed into those narratives – positive and negative.
“Obama can’t be disengaged, anything that shows even a hint of elitism; and it may sound too simple, but McCain can’t have a ‘senior moment,’ ” says debate expert Allan Louden, a professor of communication at Wake Forest University.
McCain is also known as a better, more down-to-earth debater who’s capable of skewering an opponent with a smile. Obama is seen as more awkward behind the podium – too wordy and sometimes intellectual – but someone’s who’s improved throughout the primary season.
“Obama has to get through this debate coming off as just as qualified and just as able to handle foreign policy concerns as his opponent – since foreign policy is supposed to be McCain’s strength. Then we might be giving the debate round to Obama,” says McKinney. “McCain has been telling people he’s going to wipe the floor with Obama – the expectations game is such that McCain cannot make a mistake.”
A simple gaffe, even a misstatement, can cost someone a debate – if not an election – as Gerald Ford found out in 1976 in his debate with Jimmy Carter. At one point, he said that “Eastern Europe was not under Soviet domination.” He meant the people of Eastern Europe were still independent, despite their governments. During the debate, most viewers seemed to understand that.
“Immediately after that debate polls showed that by a 44 to 35 percent margin more viewers thought Ford outperformed Carter. And by a 54 to 36 percent margin most viewers preferred Ford,” says Professor Olson.
But after the media hammered away at the mistake, which played into the narrative that Democrats had been weaving that Ford was out of touch, the polls shifted dramatically. “By a 61 percent to 19 percent margin, they believed Carter had won the debate and by a 54 to 37 they expressed a preference for him,” says Olson.
With the advent of the Internet and the ever growing blogosphere, the ability of the formal, mainstream media to influence perceptions may be dulled some, according to Olson. But other experts say the Internet also may increase the “perception factor” exponentially.
“There’s going to be hundreds of people out there trying to find the gaffe that will fly,” says Professor Louden. “There are multiple potential gaffes in any debate, it just depends on what story takes wing.”
Comments
2. YVETTE M. CLOUTIER | 09.26.08
MCCAIN’s reputation will precede him at this first debate, which is that he’s a reckless, self-centered playboy who always gets his way. If not, “my friend,” WATCH OUT FOR THE DEBRIS!!!
Y.M. CLOUTIER
3. patsy bruce | 09.26.08
Frankly, with the banking fiasco continuing full steam ahead, I have no desire to hear a lot of posturing by either candidate tonight. They need to stay in Washington and put pressure on their cohorts to get the job done. Holding any debate right now would be like watching your house burn down while claiming you want to hear your lawn care person talk about planting shrubbery.
4. True Debates | 09.26.08
The 1992 Presidential Debates with Ross Perot were not dull. His warnings have now come true. Replace John McCain with Ron Paul. Add Ralph Nader and Cynthia McKinney. Barack Obama must earn his victory, not win by default.
5. Chris B | 09.26.08
“There’s going to be hundreds of people out there trying to find the gaffe that will fly,” says Professor Louden. “There are multiple potential gaffes in any debate, it just depends on what story takes wing.”
It’s a pretty sad commentary on the job the media does as journalists, and even more on the job we do as voters, when the job of selecting a president isn’t about selecting the one that has intellect, compassion, courage, and vision rather than selecting the most precise speaker irregardless of fitness for the job.
Might I suggest that the public turn off the commentaries and turn on your brains?
Might I suggest that the media, contrary to the trend seen in past elections, focus on a comparative analysis of positions on the issues, thus allowing the voter to decide, rather than playing extreme views (lies and innuendo) of of a few on either side. Your job is not to convince but rather to inform, irregardless of your political belief.
Until we, the people, demand transparency and honesty in government, and the media starts distilling and fact checking rhetoric, it will be increasingly difficult to make an intelligent decision on who we want for president.
6. dotty | 09.26.08
Why would OBAMA go MIA in Washington when one of the biggest resolutions to an attack by foreign investors who pulled out is being debated?
He wants to play a game of responsibility, but when the moment arrives for action, he runs away like a chicken.
This problem does not move forward with the next candidate if is resolved today. It moves off the agenda as finite’ if lawmakers stray at work.
Pelosi wouldn’t getDems in to work during the big Dem beer bust in Denver leaving American banks in harms way, and now Obama wants to follow that trend.
7. rick siegel | 09.26.08
This article, through the phrase, “hammered away at the mistake,” tries to play into a bias that the media created a maelstrom that would not have otherwise existed. Should the media ignore any mistakes tonight if the viewers doesn’t notice it? Or will only be okay if the mistake is made by Obama because pointing out a McCain mistake would show bias?
9. Josh Inglewood | 09.26.08
If Mccane misses this debate i will reluctantly switch and vote for Obama.
I cannot stand this doublespeak “Straight talk” anymore.
he is a liar and doesn’t stand for my conservative values.
this country needs help.
god help us all.
john 3:16
10. TheDiplomat | 09.26.08
Their are 100 Senators in Congress, 2 of them can be absent for this especially when they are running for President. Everyone knows it was a ploy to stall because McCain is on the ropes.
Only the blind and or dumb think that it isn’t. Now lets entertain this for them. Lets say this wasn’t a ploy. Lets say that he wants to actually help. How is he going to help at 8:00 pm tonight? Why couldn’t he fly down to Miss have the debate and fly back to Washington?
Here is the prefect time for this quote.
“You can put lipstick on a pig, It’s still a pig. You can wrap an old fish in a piece of paper called ‘country first’. It’s still gonna stink.”
11. The Observer | 09.26.08
I believe they should debate today because neither of them are economic scholars and don’t need to be to serve as President. However this is a great time to see them side by side and observe them in an extremely stressful time.
12. Jen C. | 09.26.08
We need real debates now. Let Ralph Nader debate. If McCain doesn’t show up, Obama will have someone to debate, which he needs legally for a debate to occur. Nader is on the ballot and 45 states, and is polling around 5%. He should be in the debates. He predicted and warned about this massive economic meltdown, for instance. It’s time to have a real democracy, with real debates…not these phoney ones conjured up by partisan Democrats and Republicans and their corproate cronies that can appear or disappear willy nilly. There’s no reason Nader shouldn’t be on stage tonight. Let the People decide.
13. Travis | 09.26.08
I don’t want McCain playing fast and loose with our country the way he has with his campaign. I could forgive his selection of Sarah Palin if wild moves like that were isolated events, but it is emerging as a clear pattern that McCain is willing to throw out credibility, morals, transparency, accountability, common sense, and the rulebook in order to gain the power of the executive office. Unacceptable!
14. indytucker | 09.26.08
Great story! We all know it…but debates are mano-y-mano duels of ideas, principles, reflecting spurr of the moment thought under stage lights and the gaze of America. It is both critical to being president and a ritual aspect of taking the top job. Polticians should love this spotlight. Why is McCain running?
15. David C. | 09.26.08
McCain and Obama are both members of congress and are part of the system.
To not attend this meeting is a coward and avoiding their responsibilities.
Obama has voted present over 70 times in congress issues, at least he can still vote present if he is there.
We need to get some good leaders in congress and get rid of this juvenile attitude.
I now know why they have closed doors hearings.
At these critical times how could one vote for a guy who want to hide from
his responsibility s.
16. Grimy | 09.26.08
It was a smart move by McCain to say he was cancelling the debate.
After a very bad week: Calling the economy strong. Then doing a 180 on it. Pledging to do to Health Care what the Republicans have done for Wall Street. Getting called out on the carpet for lies. His runningmate giving bonehead interviews. His left eye-twitching like a drug addict.
McCain was basically on his back, half-conscious, and Obama could have walked in there and said anything… and he would have slaughtered McCain.
But at least McCain has been able to use the economic turmoil to get himself back on his feet for the debate. It doesn’t fix the economy, but it does help McCain.
He still is in a really weak position. But instead of thinking about the flip-flops, lies, and blunders he made all week long. Most voters will be thinking about whether or not he was going to be in the debates.
It breaks through the narrative. So, while McCain still looks less than adequate…. He doesn’t have to deal with Obama’s momentum on top of it all.
17. ramesh | 09.26.08
It is a well accepted tradition, that if a President can’t make it the Vice President will substitute for him. Well if Mccain can’t make it to the debate in Oxford he should send Sarah Palin. I dare him.
18. Doug S. | 09.26.08
Many people think that actions should speak louder than words. How can it be that (as the article shows with the Carter/Ford and Bush/Gore examples) it is the media’s “spin” on the coverage of a 90 minute event (not the direct witness of the voters) that has such a out-sized influence on the elections?
Don’t the records of the candidates’ previous activities matter?
19. nc Magnolia | 09.26.08
McCainiac needs to go back on his meds and return to the old navy home nearest to him.
20. npeebles | 09.26.08
Barbara Streissand recently stated that “McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin as VP was a slap in the face to women. Women are not that stupid”.
I will add to that:
“Americans are NOT that stupid.”
When the Republicans took office, there was a balanced budget. John McCain and all his croonies voted for deregulation. They also wanted welfare reform.
Now that they have “robbed” us blind through every loop hole they could possibly find and left their companies bankrupt, they come for bail outs. In other words, the very people who opposed welfare, now want it doled out to them.”
John McCain and his people are responsible for this mess.
John McCain and his people are responsible for this war.
American cannot believe that a “surge” which temporarily reduced the killing is something worth celebrating. The war still drags on and people are still being killed and billions of dollars are going into a sink hole.
Likewise, these bailouts are nothing but a bandaid.
Americans can NOT be that stupid.
Throw the bums out.
21. Taarax | 09.26.08
It doesn’t matter which of these two knuckleheads win…we all will lose in the end.
22. David | 09.26.08
McCain’s moves have served to intensify interest in the debate, which may be exactly what he wanted. Does anyone remember Obama’s debate performances during the primaries? Less than spectacular. Those thinking Obama will score a knock-out may want to lower their expectations.
24. Chuck | 09.26.08
McCain has just tried to derail the democratic process and avoid a debate. He wanted to stall until the election in 39 days, as he was part of the KEATING S&L fiasco and his son was part of the Silver State S&L debacle this summer. His Mother’s family is Big Oil and he’s beholden to Oil, Banks and the Military Industrial Complex. Doesn’t take a PhD to see thru him.
25. movie fan | 09.26.08
McCain getting back into the debate is a purely political move, like everything else he does… it’s not that he wants to inform Americans or demonstrate his know-how, he just thought thought not showing up to the debates would make him look bad
26. Nick McC | 09.26.08
This whole debate is being pegged as more of a sports match-up than a debate. These debates are supposed to be informational, not so much confrontational. Too much focus is being pushed on how the one candidate is planning to supersede the other through exploiting their weaknesses as a performer on stage. The most important decisions made by the president are made behind closed doors, based on the policies that are expressed at this debate which ergo influence why we voted for that candidate.
It is tempting to suggest that these debates should not be telivised, instead having them available through radio so that voters and focus on the issues and coinciding policies.
Maybe if that were to happen, we could stop chosing our presidents based on such things as posture and persperation levels.
27. Fosterdad | 09.26.08
To Deborah Merkle - The debate is on at 9:00 PM Eastern time, which is 6:00 PM on the west coast. The east coast is 3 hours ahead of the west coast, so when it’s 9:00 PM in NY, it’s only 6:00 PM in CA.
The worst part is that her vote counts as much as mine does.
28. earywhw | 09.26.08
No Bailout! No Bail!
Increase Decrease
September 24, 2008 (LPAC)–Hank “Hjalmar Schacht” Paulson and his banker buddies insist that we have no alternative but to bail out the banks immediately, and only then, after the crisis has passed, can we take steps to make sure it never happens again. What a crock! The way to make sure that this never happens again is to teach the bankers a lesson they won’t soon forget, by letting them suffer the full consequences of their incompetence and criminality. All we teach them if we bail them out is that they can get away with it, so let’s show them the full power of national regulatory and criminal justice: shut them down, put them through bankruptcy proceedings, reorganize the essential banking functions into a new, highly regulated banking system where speculation is prohibited, and freeze all the debts, derivatives and bets until they can be sorted out. Break this parasitic system, bring banking back under tight government control, and begin the investigations to expose and punish the criminality. No bailout, no bail! That’s the way to do it. That’s a lesson they won’t soon forget.
29. earywhw | 09.26.08
No Bailout! No Bail!
Increase Decrease
September 24, 2008 (LPAC)–Hank “Hjalmar Schacht” Paulson and his banker buddies insist that we have no alternative but to bail out the banks immediately, and only then, after the crisis has passed, can we take steps to make sure it never happens again. What a crock! The way to make sure that this never happens again is to teach the bankers a lesson they won’t soon forget, by letting them suffer the full consequences of their incompetence and criminality. All we teach them if we bail them out is that they can get away with it, so let’s show them the full power of national regulatory and criminal justice: shut them down, put them through bankruptcy proceedings, reorganize the essential banking functions into a new, highly regulated banking system where speculation is prohibited, and freeze all the debts, derivatives and bets until they can be sorted out. Break this parasitic system, bring banking back under tight government control, and begin the investigations to expose and punish the criminality. No bailout, no bail! That’s the way to do it. That’s a lesson they won’t soon forget.
30. Harold Maass | 09.26.08
Hi Alexandra,
I just wanted to let you know that THEWEEK.com linked to your article today/recently in a piece we wrote about ‘The McCain-Obama debate,’ (insert TWD.com URL herehttp://www.theweek.com/article/index/89275/3/The_McCain-Obama_debates.html). We enjoyed reading your take on this subject.
Thanks, and all the best,
Harold Maass
Editor
THEWEEK.com
31. Republican4Obama | 09.26.08
23. Katie | 09.26.08
Does Obama wear eyeshadow? Watch tonight and see for yourself!
And it’s this sort of comment that makes people think Americans are stupid.
I’d like one of the McCain supporters here tell me how it is they are able to support McCain given his participation in the S&L crisis as a member of the Keating 5. I’d also like to hear from one of the McCain supporters here how it is they are able to support a man who has voted close to 100% of the time AGAINST our troops, our veterans (who give his voting record a grade of “D”), our economy (and look how that turned out), our environment, the minimum wage (yes, he voted against raising the minimum wage 13 times), women’s issues (any woman who supports McCain must hate herself as his voting record is 100% anti-woman and his running mate is no better), and on and on and on. Please, one of you McCain supporters explain how it is you are able to put your vote for McCain. If anyone truly puts country first, how is it that person could vote for McCain? I’m really confused by this support for McCain when he clearly 100% does not support us. Anyone?
32. Republican4Obama | 09.26.08
22. David | 09.26.08
McCain’s moves have served to intensify interest in the debate, which may be exactly what he wanted. Does anyone remember Obama’s debate performances during the primaries? Less than spectacular. Those thinking Obama will score a knock-out may want to lower their expectations.
You must have been watching different debates than the rest of us, or you’re just a republican coming here to spew your tired talking points and lies. I’m going with the latter. I put country first. I’m voting for Obama so this country can do away with fools like Mccain, and your ilk.
33. strategery | 09.26.08
ohhh fosterdad
you are correct the east coast is 3 hours ahead
of the west coast so that would mean at 9 pm
we have the debate on the east coast
and on the west coast thats 12 am
and yes your vote counts just as much as mine.
Did you see that interview with palin when asked about russia?
Palin said Putin rears his head above alaskan air space and we have to watch them closely. Im trying to give her the benefit of the doubt but lets be honest about this i think palin is decent, thoughtfull inspirational but she is a rookie and needs more time to know the world a little better because clearly mccain looks like he is hurting something is bothering him. I dont want to diss the old men but you can see it he doesnt look like the same mccain!
In a time of crisis you dont want sombody who is all over the place you want sombody who can calm people down and have a steady hand mccain hands been anything but steady.. well i like reading the comments on the christian monitor to get an accurate perspective of where the heart of christians is.
I think whats happening is bush is going to force the dems to pass this bill
so his drunk friends on wallstreet can build back up again and make the dems look bad if they do bad if they dont and blame the crisis on them if they dont pass the 700 billion bailout ..this would be dumb as more than half the country doesnt want to bail out wallstreet i think most of us would rather they go belly up for acting foolishly
34. Brooke | 09.26.08
Anyone claiming to be a Christian American should appreciate what John McCain represents. He is America. He complements the America’s historical record by paralleling similar values to the founders of our nation. This is not to say that change is not needed in our country; it certainly is. Just like nature, species must adapt in order to survive. The American animal must adapt as well. However, change does not necessarily have to be radical or too sudden. Sometimes the most subtle of changes can bring about the greatest outcomes. For example, the addition of a single opposable thumb certainly made a world of difference for humankind. John McCain is an real American hero who should be regarded with the greatest respect an honor. Though Obama is smart, likeable, and representative of the American Dream and meritocracy, he is simply not knowledgeable enough of national security to take his place on the throne just yet. Obama would be an ideal candidate if national security was not an immediate issue, but the sad reality is that it is. At the end of the day, most of us would rather Wall Street come crashing down arounds us rather than building filled with dead and dying people because of further terrorist attacks. I hope that American is still good enough to value life over the almighty dollar.
be
35. blip | 09.26.08
I hope after the debates McCain will suspend his campaign permanently.
He’s brash and impulsive. And the more I see his running mate on TV, the less intelligent she appears.
I mean, did you hear her talking about Russia? First of all, she explains it like she’s explaining something really complicated to a bunch of people who she thinks are stupid. But what she actually says is like something a 4 year old would come up with. I mean, seriously, they share a maritime border… so that means she’s ready to be commander-in-chief?
She’s never even been to Russia! If there was some kind of serious Commander-in-chief business she did as governor of Alaska… well why hasn’t she ever left Alaska? A real leader would be able to point to actual meetings with foreign officials to work on trade and security issues. What a joke.
It’s irritating being talked down to by someone who is obviously an idiot.
36. Nancy | 09.26.08
The debate is important so that the general public can hear what the differences are between the two candidates besides their political party. Many make assumptions about a candidate who is of “the other party”. When a candidate wanted to cancel the debate due to the national economic situation, the idea that came to thought was - our President, whoever ends up winning, needs to be able to multi-task. Presidents are faced with “crises” they have to deal with during their terms and we need to know they can continue working on the vast variety of issues and situations they are faced with while handling one, two, or more crises at a time.
37. Nancy | 09.26.08
P.S. For those who are living on the west coast - a 9pm debate in the east will be on at 6pm in California, not midnight.
38. Tanya Zucker | 09.26.08
“Anyone claiming to be a Christian American should appreciate what John McCain represents.”
Christ healed people. Christ fed the poor. The Democrats have been champions of national health care since Clinton was president. The Democrats support taxing upper income levels to pay for food and services for the poor.
Christ would not choose a political party, but the one that appears to be most representative of his work on earth is the Democrats. If you’re a Christian American, I would think you’d choose for the man who wants to, and has volunteered to, help the poor and the sick, not the man who wants to give tax breaks to corporations and cut government “entitlement” programs.
39. Jill Egglestone | 09.26.08
you might be happy with a building full of the dead and dying, Brooke, but not me. Presumably not your dead and dying.
The arrogance of your remarks fill me with dread for the consequnces of a Mcain Victory. A generation brought up on Holywood superheroes….
Give me economic stability, jobs, bread on the table and opportunities for my kids to reach thier potential.
get real
40. jane | 09.26.08
The future will be better tomorrow!
Reading a speech prepared by a professional writer is different from speaking without prepared notes or a prompter. Listening to Governor Palin answering Katie Couric’s questions last night was like listening to my twelve year old niece, trying to explain a complex subject to me - - the choice of words, the incomplete sentences, muddled thinking, dangling sentences, quality of reasoning and the tangents taken in answering simple questions was awful, especially taking into account of her age and the title that she holds in Alaska. Of the most recent VP picks in the general election, she closely reminds me of Dan Qualye who made a number of self-contradictory and logically redundant statements such as “We don’t want to go back to tomorrow, we want to go forward” and “The future will be better tomorrow”.
I have not been to Alaska and do not have many Alaskan friends but would like to believe that Sarah Palin represents the middle third of Alaskans and that there is a third out there who are smarter or intelligent than their Governor. Deeds, actions and choices of a man/woman are a reflection of his/ her thinking. Based on the three interviews that Gov. Palin has had, I now understand what has caused her to adopt certain positions on social and political issues. It also sheds some light as to why she had to make five or six transfers in order to finish College.
I fully realize the voters’ lack of interest on candidates who are smart, intelligent or appear to be intellectual. Based on the dumber criterion, it appears to me that among the four honorable individuals currently contesting for the highest offices in the land, Sarah is the most favorite. However, I would like to urge that upon putting her into office and presumably stepping in as a President, insurance is to be taken against potential poor policies and decisions that she will likely make. Otherwise, all tax payers regardless of political affiliation are to be ready to bail out the nation. We are to accept responsibility for our choice.
Although Kathleen Parker has written a piece in one of the leading Republican/conservative voices online, National Review Online indicating that Palin can serve John McCain, GOP and the country that she loves by bowing off the ticket, it is my strong opinion that she should stay. Nevertheless, I still believe that the selection of Governor Christie Whitman, Senator Olympia Snow, Senator Elizabeth Dole, Senator Bailey Hutchinson, Secretary Condi Rice or Governor Mitt Romney would have highly suited McCain’s motto of “Country First”.
41. Brian | 09.26.08
NOW is more important than TOMORROW; the economy TODAY is more important than the FUTURE.
To those of you who believe in cancelling the debate for some lickety-split, give-it-to-me-now, I’ll-pay-for-it-tomorrow “solution”, I believe that is what got us into this mess.
Read the fine print, tune into the debate, and please stop insisting that the austerity of our democracy be cast aside in the interest of a quick-fix.
42. Able Dagger | 09.26.08
Do you think the American public believes the mainstream lies they have been told about September 11, 2001 when the polls about the subject indicate otherwise?
Follow up question: Do you think jews were complicit in the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001?
43. rose | 09.26.08
obama knows his stuff
foreign policy was supposed to be where mccain would bury obama.
well, obama proves he knows his stuff. i thought obama’s thoughts on foreign policy and re-establishing america’s place in the world was on the mark.
solid night for obama
be well
rose, riverdale ny
44. cybercitizen | 09.26.08
Obama showed a wider perspective than McCain regarding the war in the Middle East and world affairs. He was right about not going into Iraq and not taking our eyes off of Afghanistan. Obama would also be a stronger leader for alternative energy and reasonable health care. McCain is off track regarding tax cuts to the wealthy.
45. beatrice | 09.27.08
McCain did superb without preparing like Obama.
Obama is clueless about foreign policy even if he memorized for 3 days.
McCain still win in November.
47. John Locke | 09.27.08
McCain won by a landslide. I think some of the polls are done by calling districts that are traditionally democratic, which makes them entirely un-scientific. Network bias proves this to be very possible. If who “won” the debate is based on the most knowledgeable, competent person to lead the greatest nation on earth…The answer is clear: John McCain. Obama was jittery, rude with continuous interruptions, and near hostile at times. John McCain was clear, precise, substantive, and direct with his answers. One point he made very clear: He is the one who works with democrats and republicans - Obama does not, proved with his 97% “left” voting record. How do you trust a guy who says he will unite democrats and republicans but his record proves he doesn’t do that? Obama is scary: It is proved he changes positions just to try to get elected. McCain is solid as a rock, and the ONLY candidate we can trust to lead this nation.
48. moi61537 | 09.27.08
I thought McCain’s statement about what he wanted in the bailout agreement was pretty straightforward. He wanted accountability and no earmarks piled on. Since he actually has worked as a Senator rather than posing as one, he went back to work with House Republicans to get a bill more beneficial to us. That’s pretty telling to me. Obama has not and is not involved in the Senate, only in his campaign. I certainly hope that the Republicans are successful in removing the subsidy of Acorn, La Raza and the Urban League. All three NGOs are not transparent, have questionable loyalties and in the case of Acorn, participated w/ Fannie Mae in creating the current sub-prime mess. So, to me, McCain was fulfilling his constitutional responsibility and serving all of us by reducing earmarks. Obama was for Obama. Maybe that last one should be a bumper sticker.
49. moi61537 | 09.27.08
To rose:
What is America’s place in the world? I like what the Sunni Sheiks said of the Americans: our soldiers were the strongest tribe. We aren’t vile, gratuitous gangsters beheading children and broiling them for a forced dinner for their parents as al-Qaeda. Nor do we aid the Sudanese government with military supplies as China does, or run bombing raids against refugee camps as the Russians do or test biological weapons on refugees as the Syrians do. So, if that’s the group your thinking of America rejoining, I will pass. I’m very happy we are not in that group.
50. M. Tobias | 09.27.08
So tired of the lies. The constant attempts to mischaracterise Obama with Tax increases. If you make less than a quarter of a million bucks your taxes go down. If you make more than a quarter million bucks, congratulations, but your taxes go up.
51. brian | 09.27.08
Last night debate was in favor of Obama, Mccain should concentrate more on what this country needs instead of telling lies about Obama’s character. Whatwe need is an intelligent President who can solve new challenges of this great country not a president who will use his power to protect his existing interests. Last night proves to us that Mccain tells a lot of lies, and i’m sure we don’t like a liar president!
52. Tammie | 09.29.08
McCain has lied so much - he couldn’t even look Obama in the eyes. The racists are really getting scared. Racism is an illness, are you sick?
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1. Teresa Myers | 09.26.08
This debate should not go on until the bailout is agreed on. Undivided attention is required and should be expected by the American people. The debate can be rescheduled.