- First off, the town hall format stunk. As a New Englander, to call that debate a town hall meeting is ridiculous.
- Second, who came up with these rules? You know darn well neither candidate can answer a question in less than 2 minutes, let alone 1. The issues are too complex.
- Surprisingly, Tom Brokaw was disappointing as a moderator. He seemed a little rusty and lost control of the proceedings. I think he was penned in by the debate rules. You could see him becoming frustrated. I wish he had chosen better questions.
- On that note, why can't we debate issues that neither candidate has touched on yet? Aside from the umbrella topic of energy independence, neither candidate has explicitly laid out his plans for scientific funding. That issue matters to me and my job. And what about abortion? That's a big fat elephant in the room. Why can't we let Americans hear whether John McCain stands by his running mate and her desire to overturn Roe v. Wade? The economy, health care, energy independence, Iraq, and Iran are vital issues, but I would like to hear more on other topics of interest.
- If the town hall format was supposed to be John McCain's strength, that's scary. He came across looking very erratic and frazzled, but above all, ANGRY, MEAN and PETULANT. His disdain for Barack Obama is tangible. The McCain camp has come out and said they will not win if this election remains about the issues. Therefore, their only hope is to attack. People at McCain-Palin rallies have actually starting shouting things like "Terrorist!" and "Kill him!" It's true...watch the videos. It's utterly repulsive and John McCain should be embarrassed. Last night, McCain became so concerned with attacking Obama that he neglected to answer many questions.
- The ugliness of his campaign is translating over to McCain's image. Somebody get that man a makeover. And a new haircut (the combover's not working). Last night, McCain looked every bit the 72 year old man. How do you sell yourself as an agent of change when you're that age, you've been in the Senate for 26 years, and you still pine for Ronald Reagan? Which generation are you going after?
- Once again, John McCain did not use the phrase "middle class." Out of touch.
- Barack Obama did not knock the ball out of the park last night, but he did well enough to win. At this point, with his growing national lead and his in-roads in traditionally red states, that's all he has to do...protect the lead. Let McCain continue to implode on himself. I thought Sen. Obama rambled a bit more than usual, and he even dodged a few questions, but he gave some nice answers. I particularly liked how he would call on Americans to make sacrifices in these dark times. Let's begin with a green initiative...gas rations, perhaps? Barack Obama's closing statement was also fantastic. He was inspirational and gave me the confidence that he could pull us out of this mess.
- Best line of the night: "John, I think the Straightalk Express lost a wheel."
- Second best line: "You're right, John. I don't understand. I don't understand why we're in Iraq..."
- Third best line of the night: "I don't think it's walking softly and carrying a big stick when you sing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" or call for the annihilaiton of North Korea."
- Worst line of the night: "That one." Are you kidding me?
- Where did John McCain go at the end of the debate? My theory -- he has an overactive bladder and had to run to the bathroom. Barack Obama stayed and shook hands with everyone in the hall. He worked the room like Bill Clinton.
- Bottom line: Everyone said that McCain needed a game-changing performance. He didn't get it. He didn't even tie. Pundits, independents, most people watching thought he was steamrolled. Barack Obama handled questions on the economy better, he was strong on foreign policy, and he exuded professionalism and confidence.
- That being said:
PS: Shout out to all you Virginians who are carrying Obama to a lead down there! Keep up the good work!
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