Overall, the debate last Friday night was a draw (or you could argue, a "victory" for each candidate, at least as perceived by their respective supporters). You go to the conservative leaning "DrudgeReport" and see that a straw pool indicates that out of 300,000+ visitors, McCain won the debate handily around 65%-35%. But wait? Then I checked cnn.com and msnbc.com (both tagged as decidedly left of center by many) and both had polls of over 400,000 people, however their polls had McCain getting beaten soundly by Obama. Not surprising, foxnews.com had McCain as the clear victor by a huge margin.. I searched several other less politically associated websites and the overall average of margin was just around what Gallup Daily estimates from their recent polling on the debate: Obama won the debate by a healthy margin, 46%-34%.
The debate didn't seem to be a major coup for either candidate. Obama has begun to steadily increase his lead since the debates; however that is likely due more in part to the dire state of our economy (Obama is seen as the better candidate to be a steward of our national economy by a majority of polled likely voters). Obama was criticised after the debate for familiarily referring to and addressing (they do work together, no?) Sen. McCain as "John". McCain on the other hand, took on the posture of someone very uncomfortable standing on the same stage as his opponent. From the initial friendly embrace (requisite no doubt, but not surprisingly initiated by Obama) McCain never once so much as looked Barack in the eye. Throughout the entire 90 minute debate, the GOP candidate for President of These United States could not look his opponent in the eye. That's not only disrespectful (more so than referring to a colleague by their first name), but it shows a profound weakness in public discourse which is not a trait we need in any of our future presidents. Dialogue and direct communication is constantly required by world leaders.
We need an intelligent- no great communicator. Pardon the ironic cliche- but that is just one of the many leadership gifts that Obama brings to the table. If you still don't see why an Obama-Biden administration would be the best choice for our country, keep paying attention- this is far from over, but before the end I gather that most of the people reading this will agree with me.
For his sake, I hope McCain improves by the time next two presidential debates roll around- this one he just fumbled was supposed to be his bread and butter... his "Game Changer". The Vice Presidential Debate is on at 8pm CST on Thursday. I am confident that Joe Biden will put on a great performance; there could be nothing better than winning the first two debates and entering the final stretch with momentum in the polls and on very strong footing for the sprint to Nov. 4th. Gov. Palin better be careful during the debate- this is no T.V. interview where she can rely on acquiescent editing. It is live and unscripted- and to both Palin and Biden, we want direct, understandable, and sensible answers to these questions.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/110779/Debate-Watchers-Give-Obama-Edge-Over-McCain.aspx
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