Neither candidate made a huge impact through the words spoken during the debate. I think Obama was slightly more effective because he actually answered the questions posed by Brokaw and the "town hall" participants and gave more specifics. For example, when asked by Brokaw to rank in order of importance these three pressing issues: social security/retirement funds, health care, and energy concerns, McCain dodged the question, saying that we could do all three at once, while Obama made it clear that the energy crisis was first on his list, followed by healthcare and social security. He gave detailed answers about how he would address each issue.

But even more telling were each candidate's actions before and after the debate. McCain and his campaign manager(s) made some glaring mistakes. First off, when the two candidates were introduced, each man came in waving to the crowd and headed to his respective perch for the evening. Obama sat down and then confidently and warmly turned his attention to the uncommitted voters in attendance. He held his head up and looked around, smiling, waiting for the debate to begin. McCain, however, sat down and IMMEDIATELY picked up his pen and started writing on the pad of paper beside his stool. What in the world could he have been writing about before the first question had even been asked? I've watched both debates and done lots of research, and at this point, I'm pretty sure I could fill in for either candidate - that's how familiar I am with each camp's talking points. So, what did he have to rush to write down? The demographics of those in attendance? A "witty" jab he didn't want to forget to throw at his opponent? A reminder to call Obama "this one"? Regardless of what it was, McCain effectively cut himself off from those in attendance who were there to hear his plan to save this country.

Then, after the debate, Obama and his wife Michelle stuck around for a LONG time, taking pictures, shaking hands, and talking with the voters. McCain and his camp took off within five minutes. So quickly, in fact, that the C-SPAN host actually had to point out that McCain had left so that viewers didn't think all the cameras were following Obama and ignoring McCain.

Now, I know that some people will argue that Obama's candor and accessibility were stunts to gain more votes. I don't believe that. But even if you do believe it, you have to admit that Obama's actions were smarter than McCain's. McCain needed to connect with the voters and failed, while "this one" hit a home run.

He sure did. McCain missed an opportunity. Don't know why that decision was made but it wasn't the right one.

However, I do believe that Obama does what he needs to do to win votes. Unfortunately, that doesn't make him capable of being President. Nor does that deal with so many unanswered questions about who he is.

You know they say you never really know a person till you live with them and it's true. I have a bad feeling that we are about to find out who Obama really is. Mainstream Americans can't divorce this one as easy as they do their spouses.

but it seemed to me that McCain was doing everything in his power to just appear to be capable of standing and talking that long. The man looked exhausted. This campaign has drained him. I saw it the minute he walked on stage and the rest of the evening it showed all the more.

I am sure that he left as quickly as he could so that he could return to his privacy and collapse.

McCain is the perfect symbol of the end of Reaganism....

If you listen closely, you can actually hear McCain wheezing during his responses, particularly at the beginning of the evening. He did not look well.

" Unfortunately, that doesn't make him capable of being President."

The only qualifications to be president are being a native born US citizen, over 35 and having lived in the US for 14 years--and get more people to vote for you than the other guy.

It's not Obama's fault that McCain is lousy at getting people to vote for him.

Just look at last night. McCain had an entire room of undecided voters. What does he do, he leaves after five minutes. Obama stayed with the voters. Who do you think they are going to vote for?

realitychek:

You know they say you never really know a person till you live with them and it's true.

Hmm. Good thing John McCain's been holding sleepovers at houses across the US then, huh?

He should have evaluated his health and decided he was not up for this thing.

Another thing that got me: while McCain spoke, Obama sat on his chair and listened - and this was practiced, no doubt - calm and steady. McCain was up, wandering around, half in the camera shot, dodging out, looking at the wall, staring at what I guess was the monitor. What the hell was he doing? He did everything but look at his watch.....

McCain is acting like an old guy, which he is. I think it is admirable that McCain demonstrated the approach we can expect from him in the White House and at international meetings.

Before last night I was angry with McCain for being this Administration's water boy. After seeing him up close, I realize he's just a tired old man who's doing the best he can. Did he look sick to anyone else?

He looked like he was in pain. Maybe his war injuries prevent him from sitting in one position too long?

Maybe he had to take a piss?

John McCain even wandered into Obama's space - you could see him pacing, while Obama was trying to answer his questions. It was obvious that McCain was doing this on purpose or he was just acting very much like a caged animal ready to attack. My family also noticed that McCain sometimes had his body turned wrong for the camera to show him during his own question/answer periods. Sometimes he looked as though he was walking into the wrong section.