Unless you've spent the last week under a rock (or in Ann Arbor), you all know it was uncertain that the debate would even take place tonight. Earlier in the week, McCain announced he was suspending his campaign to return to Washington to help deal with the economic crisis. He was subsequently panned by the media, O'Drama, and Democrats in general, for injecting politics into the economic "bail out" debate.
I think McCain made a wise choice to continue on with the debate. Afterall, presidents must multi-task. My first observation is this: What the hell was Cindy McCain wearing?! An all-red, bright pants suit! If we didn't know the country was "in the red", Cindy sure brought it to our attention with her choice of clothing tonight!
My second observation is just how nervous McCain seemed--at least initially. I was also incredibly disappointed in both of their answers to the first questions posed on the economic issue. They both tap danced around the issue and didnt really offer up their own plans in anything other than general terms. Edge to Obama only because McCain's response was nervous and lacking in detail.
As they transitioned from the economy to foreign policy--and specifically the war in Iraq--McCain clearly became more comfortable in his own skin. There were really no suprises. McCain highlighted his support and advocacy of the "surge"--and the success realized thereafter. Obama, conversely, reiterated his position that we should have never been there to begin with. Edge overwhelmingly to McCain.
With respect to Afghanistan, Obama showed a superficial knowledge of the issue. Suprisingly, he boldly proclaimed that we should launch attacks into the tribal areas of the country where al Qaeda and the Taliban are hold up. McCain, like a scolding step-father dressed him down for making such a public suggestion. McCain illustrated a more deep understanding of the area--but points for Obama for a couple digs on McCain for his "bomb bomb bomb bomb bomb iran" song. Edge to McCain.
The discussion on Iran was telling. McCain explictly and clearly stated that Iran having nuclear weapons is a threat to Isreal and de-stabling to the region. He mentioned something about avoiding a second halocaust--I'd say that's clear. I think he did a nice job of tying Iran to Iraq--which is smart to bring things full circle. Obama did an equally nice job countering that point by suggesting that the Iraq policy is the exact thing that has emboldened and strengthened Iran. I'm really not sure there is much difference between the two on the issue. The major difference being that Obama would directly engage Iran in negotiations, whereas McCain would not. I think that's a big mistake for a litany of reasons. This issue was a push--slight edge to McCain because of the direct negotiations issue--although I'd given a nod to Obama's example of North Korea and the regression that country has experienced since we've cut off talks with them.
The Russian discussion was interesting and, to me, illustrated the fundamental difference between the two candidates. John McCain showed an impressive command of the U.S. / Russian relationship, the Georgian/Russian relationship, the fundamental reason for the aggression, and the dynamics that are created by our treaty with Georgia. Obama showed a very superficial, general knowledge of the issue and was made, in my humble opinion, to look like a rookie by the veteran McCain. Overwhelming edge to McCain.
I thought the conclusion was strong. I liked McCain's sentiment that "when he came home from prison" (which was a funny way to put it), that he worked to heal the wounds of war, and normalize relations with Vietnam, and work with our friends. Very good stuff. In contrast, Obama highlighted what he thinks is the fundamental problem with our country--it's image abroad. Ooookk.
Overall, it was a highly charged, lively debate. But for the lack of emotion and detail during the economic questions, it was a fair, courteous exchange of ideas that gave the american people their first look at the two candidates side-by-side.
Disappointingly, there were no real "sound bites" or zingers that stuck out in my mind. I'll give the edge to McCain based on his overwhelming demonstration of his knowledge of foreign policy.
Next up...Palin v. O'Biden.
--G
Pat O’Malley has some obvious and serious issues as he faces sentencing on an obscenity charge, according the Plain Dealer:
