Post-Debate Open Thread

Obama did better than I thought he would, but McCain also did better than I thought. All in all, McCain was more upbeat and positive. Looked and felt more presidential than Obama.

I thought McCain was terrific because he was clear and honest, while Obama looked rehersed. Obama was sarcastic–interrupted and laughed at McCain which showed him to be immature.

Yeah it’s better here. I thought I was playing Snake over there finally!

One thing I got from this debate, if Obama is elected this country is in deep trouble. It’s hard to imagine how the country could be in more trouble then it is now under George Bush, but if Obama is elected, we won’t have to try and imagine. Obama has the same arrogance and ignorance that Bush has. His desire to raise taxes on business right now while the country is suffering a financial nightmare would be devestating. His inability to listen to other people including Generals on the ground, could lead us into some miltary disasters like we’ve never seen before.

The road to hell is paved with good intentions. This country will be going to hell in handbasket if Obama in put in charge. Peace takes wisdom, not empty words and hubris.

my husband & i thought obama seemed way more irritated, kept interrupting, petulant…my 12 year old could only pay attention during Mac’s turns, because Obama “drones”…we didn’t think it was even CLOSE, but I guess we could concede a tie…

I thought McCain delivered some corny stories, but they didn’t seem too contrived. Obama acted like a juvenile with his smirks and finger waving. John’s last line will stick with us all, something to the effect that he knows how to deal with our adversaries and he knows how to deal with our friends. I will feel safer with John McCain answering the phone at 3am.

Why did cnn have that deranged lunatic aravosis on? Oh right because they are cnn.

BHO always spoke in generalities, McCain spoke with clarity, lots of details (which reminded me of Hillary—I miss her)and specifics. JMac’s experience and wisdom shone through.

BHO always sounds like a petulant little child and his inexperience really showed tonight.

I’ve gained a new appreciation for JMac—he got in several good zingers—and he made some really witty remarks. I have no hesitation about voting for him now, whatsoever!

McCain’s superior grasp of geography, geo-strategic locations, leaders, events, history just overshadowed Obama’s rambling.

McCain was even-keeled, composed, and most importantly, METHODICAL. Obama was fidgety and speaking as if on speed,to the point that he got a foam spit in the center of his lips….bad, bad, bad…it meant he was NERVOUS and not in control.

McCain took the night.

The best was the no on the job training line from Mac. Mac has experience and a track record. Opampers has theory, no record of meaningful accomplishments and promises we know he has no intention of honoring.

Senator McCain’s knowledge and life-experiences and political RECORD blasted Obama right off the stage. McCAIN WON.

http://michellemalkin.com/2008/09/26/rapid-response-mccain-debate-ad-quotes-obama-mccain-is-right/

Good video already!!

go hillary!

One thing that really turned me off was the way that Obama tried to interrupt McCain as he was speaking. That’s simply low-rent and rude.

Don’t worry about these stupid polls. Anyone who watched that debate can see who won.

The in-trade movement during the debate is the most telling factor. McCain’s odds on winning the election went up from 41% to 46% during the first half hour, and McCain only got stronger as the debate shifted to foreign policy. People voting with their money tell you who most people really think won.

thus far the fox vote is 82% McCain won debate.

Obama physically did not look well. Too tired? Too angry? Too much blush? Thought he looked darker and or more redder in hot bright lights. Not flattering…

They were both blathering idiots on the economy. Hillary would have hit it out of the ballpark.

McCain ruled the foreign policy debate. Obama looks like the poser he really is. McCain understands foreign policy, Obama makes is up as he goes. McCain has been there, Obama may know where something is on a map.

The biggest gaffe Obama made was to keep saying McCain is right. Obama writes McCain ads in is spare time. Amazing!

Why do CNN employ ACORN people as commentators when all they’re going to do is smear Obama’s opponents? Roland Martin? Is that his name? They should put him in a dark cell together with Donna Brazile. And throw away the key. Migod how disgusting.

lol @ bracelet too ….
76174 McCain

32515the The man who has no middle name

I usually don’t comment regarding looks, but Soetoro-Obama looked especially horrible. Those deep purple lips and that haggard appearance. Ummmm, that is either a sign of illness or some type of drug use. Anywhy, me too Barack, appeared silly to me, agreeing with McCain, Looky, I have a braclet, toooo! Those smirks and look of anger, little boots, didn’t look well at all. Just think of all the time they invested in this dude’ performance and he comes across as a offended, effete charlatan. Core Dems for Clinton. As I recall he used these similar, me too tactics with Senator Clinton. OMG, can you imagine this fist-bumper sitting with V Putin?

My sister-in-law, who is the most unpolitically informed person I know, watched the entire debate tonight. After it was over, she said to my brother, “Senator McCain really seems to know what he’s talking about”. Not a ringing endorsement, I know, but an overall impression by someone who pays absolutely no attention to the day by day drama unfolding in this election.

I was listening via my Blackberry TV connection and although I could’ve watched as well as listened I only listened so I didn’t see facial expressions or body language. I had my Blackberry to my ear through the entire debate.

I thought McCain sounded much more composed, together, straight forward, direct, to the point. I heard naive, inexperienced, not ready a lot towards and at the end. The last statement Mac made about knowing how to deal with friends and adversaries stood out to me. It was a good way to end with the words “I know”. It was the sound of confidence and assurance to me.

A soundbite stood out to me and it was by Mac about not having a seal yet. Instant giggle for me.

I could hear a lack of rhythm coming from BO. His voice was strong a few times, but when it was I could hear anger. I heard BO try several times to interrupt and he sounded defensive and frankly, rude. I heard lies about coming out right away after Russia attacked Georgia. My reaction was a big GASP at the audacity of the lie because EVERYBODY knows how badly he flunked that moment when it happened.

As for the issues debated and who came out ahead, I’d say Mac was strongest on foreign policy and national security by far and sounded the most confident. Barack was maybe in a sense successful IMHO in getting digs in about the economy going down during the last few years and trying to make that stick to Mac. But, I think he was successful only because I think these points will stick in the minds of those that aren’t paying close attention to the current circumstances but hear any of comments/info/whatever from that part of the debate.

However, I also heard Mac point out that he had opposed much of the Bush stuff that effected our economy. Defensive he was, but I did hear him draw a contrast between himself and the Bush administration IMO.

On another note, had a short discussion this evening with a friend that has NOT been paying close attention to the campaign, but is instead someone hearing noise in the background of her daily life. She was/is a Hillary supporter. Moved over to McCain when Hillary left the race. Her answer when I asked what her first thought is when she hears anything regarding Obama was a strong, “I’m SICK of hearing about Obama.”

Asked her what she thinks of him. She was hesitant in her response to my question as she SEARCHED for the right words to communicate to me that she doesn’t like to see him. It was obvious to me that she was concerned about being called racist and I guarantee you she is not. She said the best way to explain what she was trying to convey is to say she doesn’t like his demeanor. My take on that comment is that he just sends out negative vibes that rub some the wrong way.

On CBS tonight I saw Katie Couric announce these figures with an accompanying graphic, so I went to the CBS webisite and read:

September 26, 2008, 11:02 PM
Early Poll Results Suggest More Uncommitted Voters Saw Obama As Debate Winner
Posted by Brian Montopoli
“Sixty-eight percent of uncommitted voters think Obama would make the right decisions about the economy. Forty-one percent think McCain would.”

Uh………….68% + 41% = 109% …Americans may be giving their all, but you can’t have more than 100% of Americans.

As a small business owner I am terrified of what Obama will do to us. It was clear tonight that he intends to punish businesses, who only suffer “on paper.” OMG, what does he know? He has never had to compete with overseas cheap labor or make a payroll or deal with intrusive government demands and taxes that are already through the roof. I pray every night that arrogant and “clueless” Obama will lose.

Obama stars in new ad.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec3aC8ZJZTc

My honest opinion of the debate was that they both held up well in it. I was honestly expecting Obama to get his ass handed to him on foreign policy, but I didn’t see that happening. McCain’s knowledge on foreign policy is unrivaled, but I think Obama held his own.

What I did notice though was McCain’s anger. At points in the debate, it appeared as though he was grinding his teeth, and it was obvious that Obama was getting to him, especially when it came to the discussion on pre-conditions, and what Kissinger actually said.

Overall, I have alot of respect for Senator McCain and his service to this country. I just didn’t see a knock out from either of them.

Paulson Plan: A Mega Bailout For British Banks

September 26, 2008 (LPAC)–Just as Lyndon LaRouche has warned the mega bailout plan of U.S. reasury Secretary Hank Paulson is a big give away to bailout the Her Majesty’s banking system. Today’s Times of London, the mouthpiece of the British establishment, reports that the five top British banks could grab as much as 25 percent of Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson’s 700 billion dollar mega bailout plan. British banks hold no less than $175 billion (95.3 billion pounds) of “distress assets”.

The Times writes, “If the British banks tap the rescue fund, being set up by the U.S. Treasury and the Federal Reserve to the maximum, they could secure one quarter of the $700 billion being made available.”

The breakdown of what these banks are holding is the following: HSBC, the flagship of the British Empire, holds 45 billion pounds; Barclays, 17.4 billion pounds; Royal Bank of Scotland, 16.2 billion pounds; HBOS, 13.3 billion pounds; Lloyds TSB, which now owns HBOS, 3.4 billion pounds.

Another confirmation that the British Banks are nothing more than Zombies is the fact that the Bank of England announced this morning that it will be pumping an addition 55 billion pounds into the financial system. Included is an offering to lend $30 billion in U.S. dollar funds for one week. The first such operation will be an auction for 40 billion pounds maturing on Thursday January 15, 2009, an obvious move to get Britain’s Zombie banks past the last quarter. The BOE will be accepting mortgage backed securities as collateral. This operation is being coordinated with the European Central Bank, the Swiss Central Bank and the Federal Reserve. The Swiss are offering 9 billion dollars which the ECB is offering $35 billion.

Go to drudge.com to vote on who won the debate. McCain’s ahead.

Just say no to Obama Bin Biden.

Go to drudge.com to vote on who won the debate. McCain’s ahead.

Obama called Bush McCain’s President .Anyone else hear that line…I thought Bush was every American citizen’s President…Obama is out of touch,if he doesn’t consider Bush his president also,imo,Or does this comment go with Michelles comments as being proud for the first time?

I did not leave the democratic party it left me NO OBAMA

McCain hit it out of the park with smarts, guts, and conviction. He knew his history and his record. I am more sure of my vote for him than ever.

Hillary 08. if not,
McCain/Palin 08

I just heard the question asked on TV “Why didn’t John McCain ever look at Obama?” So we’re not the only ones who noticed.

My view: Sometimes you dislike a person so much, you don’t trust yourself to look at them without showing your true feelings. That is, honest and authentic people have that experience. Authentic people express their beliefs in everything they do. John McCain is such a person.

FOX NEWS ALERT: Henry Kissinger told fox news just now he is very upset about Obama quoting his position…Said Obama is WRONG and that he agrees with McCains position!..oh MY!!

This was a good debate. Jim Lehrer was flexible and even handed. McCain was stronger IMO, but my husband listened on the car radio while traveling and he was disappointed he didn’t attack Obama on the issues of ACORN, Freddie and Fanny. Of course, my husband is not a politician and would never be elected dog-catcher because he doesn’t know how to be anything but blunt. Still, it’s depressing all our leaders live in glass houses so no one can be completely truthful.

Obama was wearing a flag pin on his lapel tonight, but McCain wasn’t. Where’s the outrage?

I almost didn’t watch tonight because I absolutely CANNOT STAND to hear Obama’a voice. BUT, to his credit – Obummer didn’t stutter or go ‘ah’, ‘uh’ very much. As others have suggested, he seemed ‘prepped’ as if trying to memorize what he’d been told how to answer – maybe THAT’S why he was in such a frenzy to make SURE that tonight’s debate was still held – he didn’t want to forget what he ‘learned’ during his crash course with his 300 advisors.

McCain seemed sincere and spoke from the heart – like he was actually talking WITH us and showing concern how serious and complex things are and how much more serious or DANGEROUS things CAN GET if the wrong leader is picked for our nation. I trust McCain.

The ‘flag pin’ issue came up during the DEMOCRATIC Debates with Obama and Hillary; the ‘flag pin’ issue was asked by a DEMOCRAT voter. John McCain is a REPUBLICAN and ALL of America KNOWS where his loyalty lies. Just forget a moment about being a dem, rep, or Indy and let’s just appreciate what the man did for our country – like we should thank ALL of our brave men and women who served/serve OUR country – dems, reps, indies, color or creed….

No one has suggested Obama memorized his answers to the exact questions, Ziggy. I don’t think anyone here has suggested that BHO had the questions beforehand. That would be ludicrous.

However, memorizing themes and responding to specific questions with stock answers is another thing entirely. And, he’s pretty good at it. Even borrowing from the other guy in real time, on the fly, depending on who goes first. Pretty impressive. He’s skilled. No one has doubted that. So was Machiavelli. Such precision is to be admired in a duel of rapiers, I suppose.

But, I’ll looking for somebody to trust with my country.

I have listened to this man for months and still have no idea what he thinks about anything from one day to the next. And, that’s begging the question. I don’t want to know what he’s “interested” in doing. I want to know what he’s done that recommends him for the job he is seeking.

Nothing. Not one, solitary, single thing, in a life of (supposedly) public service.

That, in itself, is a damning indictment. And, I mean things he has done on his own, not borrowed, begged or stolen from others.

He may not have rehearsed his answers tonight or memorized them, but he has certainly rehearsed his role. I live (now) in Hollywood. They’re lost track of what bad acting is, as well. Let’s hope the dumb asses among us, watching from their trailer parks on satellite dishes, have not.

Since they are, supposedly, the only people voting for McCain/Palin, let’s hope there’s a whole lot of them.

I think Obama ‘had’ to bring his dad into the conversation to try to make us Americans feel bad because our ‘image’ in the world is failing. “In the 60′s, everyone in the world wanted to be able to come here – America; but now – since the war in Iraq, our image has been ridiculed” (that’s what Obama was getting at). He’s trying to make the claim that if he gets us out of Iraq, the world will once again love us and want to flock to our shores!

Uhhhhh…I got news for him – the world STILL wants to flock to our shores – just ask the illegal aliens who sneak into our country or those who overstay their visas!. Most of the world would LOVE to live here – flaws and all! LOL!

Afterall, Obama is a “Citizen of the World” y’know!

You’re slick, Ziggy, got to give you that. Very subtle. Try to call it a tie and shift it to Palin. Is that the marching order from BHO Central?

There was only one President on that stage tonight.

And, I don’t say that based on taking the pulse of middle-of-the-road or off-the-road commentators. I don’t take polls to decide what to think.

Okay, folks, goodnight.

And a good night for McCain/Palin.

Ms. Mansfield. Thanks for the nighty night but don’t put words in my mouth. Make a point if you want and move on. The snide riposte does little for you or for your candidate’s cause.

But thanks for the poll results. Goodness knows, it’s hard to keep up with all of them. Sounds like you can relax now and light up the victory cigar. I’d say your guy’s a lock.

But, if it’s okay with you, I’ll judge the debate and the quality of these two men with my own two eyes and my own “independent” mind. I don’t need a snap poll to tell me what to think.

And, no, I have no problem with Senator Clinton. Since she won her primary, maybe they should have had her up there.

The impression I had during the debate is this: barky has honed his bamboozle brainwashing and is much better at it than when he first began.

On that stage I saw two politicians with their mission to make their opponent look bad and themselves good – truth be damned. The lies were frequent, the pandering obvious, the spin non-stop.

Mostly I thought this: What would Hillary have said?

This morning I’m no more inclined to change my mind in anyway than I was pre-debate on either of them.

The undecided voters are the ones who count and whether or not they were moved to support one or the other is likely split between the two.

ob’s lies were obvious to us. His statements on earmarks, lobbyists, tax cuts and all those programs he talks about but can’t possibly accomplish, was all to me just like an advertisement from a used car lot trying to sell me a lemon. Did it work? Did people want to fall for the hope and change and no experience line? I don’t know. I sure didn’t fall for it, no matter that he spoke his lies much more clearly than he did at the primary debates.

He’s still a sham, a more convincing one, perhaps, last night and that is all.

Just watched the whole thing on cspan, after reading the pundits responses earlier.
My opinion: Obama was better than expected. Cut down on his Ums and Ahs, but both obviously were prepared ahead as they had hand written notes ready.
McCain had better answers in terms of depth and detail – no contest there – more presidential.
Overall McCain wins – more genuine and honest.
Obama wanted to focus on the Iraq war as a negative for McCain, but to my surprise McCain turned it to his advantage in terms of winning and not having to go back in the future – very smart and credible.
The only big bite moment – the bracelet (+maybe the Kissinger quote).
This hurts the Obama effort. I know it was a small moment, but somehow it goes to the heart of the Obama problem – being perceived as a dishonest phony.
McCain comes across as answering questions honestly, regardless of your feelings about it, Obama comes across as trying to look good and say what you want to hear. I think that in today’s mood people are fed up most of all with politicians bs and pandering and are ready for some down to earth straight talk.

One thing that really disgusted me was the way Obama repeatedly called Senator McCain “John”, while McCain (the gentleman, statesman and patriot) called 0bama “Senator”.

Sheppard Smith pointed that out after the debate as well, and said the “people from his part of the country might notice it and….notice it”. (He was clearly implying that Southerners would not look kindly on that disrespect.

Well, I am a New York Yankee (but a Mets fan) and I found it offensive.

0bama looked like a spoiled little child, who wasn’t raised right, calling his uncle or teacher by his first name.

Heck, even when Llyod Bentsen smacked down Dan Quayle with his classic “your no Jack Kennedy” line, he paid him the due respect of calling him “Senator”, not Dan.

I was waiting for McCain to do a Jack Nicholson in “A Few Good Men” when he told Tom Cruise to call him General, saying, “I think I’ve earned it!”

Of course that might be what Zerobama was trying to do. He might have been trying to get McCain to show the mythical “temper” that Democrats love to talk about, but the American public has never seen.

Good for Senator McCain, for not rising to the bait.

Another thing, did anyone notice how B. Hussein Obama pronounces “Tah-lee-bohn” like he is a member of it?

Senator McCain hit a lot points:

Obama’s failure to go to Iraq.
Obama’s failure to head a committee hearing.
Obama’s label as the most liberal member of the Senate.

Additionally, McCain showed his expansive knowledge regarding world affairs.
His congeniality remarks also demonstated that he is nobody’s push-over!
I was impressed with his performance, and he was FACTUAL, not slinging dirt!

For people who are not into polictics and don’t keep up with the news, I think they would consider Obama more favorably in this debate. Oh well, four years is not that bad..

Commentary’s Jennifer Rubin: “Only the most devoted partisan could deny it was a very, very strong outing for John McCain. On foreign policy he was devastating — making clear how much more resolute and experienced he is.” (Jennifer Rubin, “The Winner,” Commentary’s “Contentions” Blog, http://www.commentarymagazine.com, 9/26/08)

Just one of the opinons about the debate…

ABC’s David Wright: “McCain, too, not only had a strong performance tonight, but seemed to have a strategy throughout. As George said, you heard him mention over and over again, Senator Obama doesn’t seem to understand. He also kept mentioning his travel schedule. I’ve been to Waziristan, I’ve been to South Ossetia, and at the very end he paid it off with his humdinger of a line at the end, saying that basically, he doesn’t need on the job experience. I think the McCain campaign is very pleased with it.” (ABC’s “Vote ’08: Presidential Debate Analysis,” 9/26/08)

The New York Times’ Bill Kristol: “I think McCain won the debate. I think there will be a deal this weekend and he will be vindicated in his efforts to some degree to have actually dealt with reality as opposed to going around giving stump speeches and the McCain campaign will have momentum going into next week and that will set up the Palin-Biden debate.” (Fox News’ “The O’Reilly Factor,” 9/26/08)

Real Clear Politics’ Blake Dvorak: “[M]cCain performed well, putting Obama on the defensive on several occasions and getting in some good one-liners.” (Blake Dvorak, “Who Won…?” Real Clear Politics’ “The Real Clear Politics” Blog, time-blog.com, 9/26/08)

The Atlantic’s Ross Douthat: “A Win For McCain.” (Ross Douthat, “A Win For McCain,” The Atlantic’s “Ross Douthat” Blog, rossdouthat.theatlantic.com, 9/26/08)

Commentary’s Jennifer Rubin: “Only the most devoted partisan could deny it was a very, very strong outing for John McCain. On foreign policy he was devastating — making clear how much more resolute and experienced he is.” (Jennifer Rubin, “The Winner,” Commentary’s “Contentions” Blog, http://www.commentarymagazine.com, 9/26/08)

“McCain Was Repeatedly On The Offensive And To Some Extent, Obama Was On The Defensive”

Presidential Historian Michael Beschloss: “[J]ohn McCain was repeatedly on the offensive and to some extent, Obama was on the defensive. I was surprised by that. in terms of strategy, we’ll see what works. But often times in debates, if a candidate does go on the offensive, it does tend to work. That’s what Kennedy did in 1960. It’s what Ronald Reagan did in 1980 and it is what Bill Clinton did in 1992.” (PBS’s “Presidential Debate,” 9/26/08)

I apoligyzed for posting this message here. I could not find a suitable site to address my concerns.

I do not understand why the media do not cover the case of Philip Berg v. Barack Obama, Civil Action No. 2:08-cv-04083-RBS, pending at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The plaintiff filed this case on 9/9/2008 challenging Obama’s eligibility of being a US president, as all the evidence listed in the complaint indicated that Obama is not a natual born US citizen.

Obama filed a motion to dismiss the case on 9/24/2008 arguing that the Court lacks jurisdiction and the plaintiff lacks a standing to sue. However, he did not provide any documents proving that he is a natural born US citizen.

I am wondering why he would rather make big constitutional auguments instad of simply providing the Court a copy of his birth certification?

I do not see media talking about this. Nobody cares about US Constitution any more? Even if being sued, Obama does not need to prove to the voters his eligibility under Article II, Section I of the United States Constitution? Why should American voters be treated like this?

Y.S.

say cindy, i know some good doctors. if obama makes sense, i feel a referral is needed.

I’m a democrat in recovery. Many issues with Obama(which he “borrowed” from Hillary) I do agree with, but he lacks character and his past and his associations make me uncomfortable.

hmmmm maybe i don’t fit in here.

He didn’t sound stupid at all. But he was clearly flustered at times and was also very rude in that he, on several occasions, interrupted McCain when McCain was attempting to answer a question. No doubt he was trying to provoke McCain into losing his temper, but McCain was unflappable, hardly even acknowledging Obama’s presence.

It was clear from watching the debate which man on stage was the Big Dog and which one was the puppy.

the keys to my trailer are 99.99999% the same as your house keys.

The trailer trash crap is getting old. It’s also fairly bigoted when you get right down to it. Not voting for BHO is supported by a multitude of reasons – the least of which is race.

Chockoblock, they’re not smart enough to see 2 steps ahead.

That’s why they’re obamabushbots.

http://weeklystandard.com/Weblogs/TWSFP/TWSFPView.asp#8891

Henry Kissinger believes Barack Obama misstated his views on diplomacy with US adversaries and is not happy about being mischaracterized. He says: “Senator McCain is right. I would not recommend the next President of the United States engage in talks with Iran at the Presidential level. My views on this issue are entirely compatible with the views of my friend Senator John McCain. We do not agree on everything, but we do agree that any negotiations with Iran must be geared to reality.”

I don’t know what debate you watched, but in the one I watched, McCain was the clear winner.

That’s actually not so clear when you’ve watched the debate with the audience response graph running in real time. The graph plotting independent voter responses ran more in synch with that of democratic responses than republican responses.

Your “honesty” is touching. But if you think you can win your own debate by citing CNN or CBS, you showed up ill-prepared. Just like your guy did tonight. His answers were barely more than the canned rhetoric of his “career” campaigning.

And, no, not having Hillary debate tonight wasn’t something we all wanted. So why don’t you just slide back over to KOS and share your “honesty” with your own.