WASHINGTON - The first presidential debate that almost wasn’t — thanks to tumultuous talks in Congress over the financial rescue package — is now over.
What did you think was the pivotal moment for Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama?
Who had the best line? Did they satisfy concerns about the economy even though national security was the primary topic?
Did this first of three presidential debates seal the deal for voters?
Click here for more Reuters 2008 campaign coverage.
- Photo credit: Reuters/Larry Downing
NOTE from the moderator: Thanks to all for the comments, we’ve closed this post now but invite you to continue reading Tales from the Trail for more posts through to the election. JP
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McCain voted against VA improvements 29 times,he recievd a 20% approval from national veterans survey to Obamas 80%.Durring McCains’ acceptance speech how many vets did you see giving him support? Instead he had them thrown out when they tried to speak and called them “static and noise”. He voted against GI bill, full funding of VA, and aginst body armor. He never attended a single hearing about Afganastan, which he was a part of. Voted to shut down POW, MIA office in the Pentagon. All facts - check them out.
- Posted by (Viet Vet) 68If I had any doubts before, they are now laid to rest. McCain will say and do anything to get elected, as will his campaign staff to get him elected. He lost his last vestiges of proper behavior, if he ever had any, when he wouldn’t even look Obama in the eye when Mcain talked.
- Posted by TedMccain won. Everyone’s “savior” Obama felt a little too human without a teleprompter in front of him. America has an empty suit filled your hearts with such contempt for your country that you have to rely on the next NBC broadcast to determine your outlook on our society? I ask you to give me five valid points on why Obama is more right for this country than our beloved Veteran. I believe Obama’s outlook on life and America would be a bit different had he been locked in a Vietnamese prison camp for five years.
- Posted by MarkFor more of the Same Pick McCain!
- Posted by ChaseMcCain said he’s not Miss Congeniality. He actually used that line twice during the debate. He also managed to get Palin’s name in at the close. He seems to close with her name at a lot of speeches. Is she his Miss Congeniality? Do republicans even realize she would become the next president if the old man dies in office? Now that’s scarier than either McCain or Obama.
- Posted by mike n.What struck me the most was the dishonorable, dismissive, contemptuous, patronizing, insulting, bullying verbal and non-verbal attitude (body language) displayed by McCain towards Obama. McCain’s condescending attitude may or may not have some effect on the polls. But while his Republican base may claim that McCain won the debate, in my opinion he absolutely lost it in terms of manners, and civility. Is this how he will act toward the leaders of other countries?
- Posted by MelindaObama won because he appeared more presidential. McCain seemed childish, always needing to have the last word. Obama was graciously willing to move on to the next question.
McCain seemed angry, scolding Obama, stating Obama was naive or didn’t understand even when Obama agreed with McCain. This made McCain look foolish.
Obama was able to see the big picture linking China to Iran, a concept which befuddled McCain making it obvious McCain is a small thinker.
Obama by all accounts I have seen won this debate based on maturity, intelligence, and wisdom.
- Posted by Keith NewmanNavyMom1920,
Well stated!! Talk about scary, Palin has had plenty of time to be well versed on the basic questions and yet fails at every turn. As president Palin certainly could not avoid or hide from the media. We as Americans should be ashamed that we have allowed the McCain/Palin ticket to get away with her not addressing US, the Unites States. I have to say now, the McCain camp has been wise to keep her away but not so wise for picking her in the first place! So unfotunately the bar for her has been set low yet again, meaning as I suspect, she will be reaady, will seem like a good debate if she can land a FEW points giveing the republications SPIN topics, however weak they may be. If they even have the debate, I woudd not be surprised if she can’t debate for FAMILY reasons or some other excuse. Can’t wait
- Posted by ChaseAside from Palin declining the post-debate interview - imagine that! - I hope alot of people saw where she was broadly protested against as she tried to go into an Irish Pub in Philly to watch the debate. They practically ran her out of town! Anyone ever seen any person running for public office be so hidden away and protected? They’re scared to death to let her talk or come out, and the reaction in Philly shows why; Americans are not stupid. By choosing Palin, could anyone really believe McCain puts country first???
- Posted by Jim Masterson (Viet Vet)TYPO alert….the average “lifespan” and not “age” of the american male is what I meant to say… were it the average “age” we would cease to exist without an ocean of viagra.
- Posted by navymom1920For all of the people who are saying that McCain was clearly the winner I mst have seen a different debate !! But here is a REALLY important question, each of the people at the top of the ticket have a “risk” that something may happen to them. One there are way too many wacho white skinheads with guns out there and average age of a male in America is about 71.5 years, then add 4 bouts with cancer to that. ( you draw your own conclusions as to which one has which risk).
- Posted by navymom1920THIS alone makes the VP debate all the more important. We as a nation have to consider this VP to be 1/2 of a heart beat away from the most important job in the world and it’s becoming a very scary world.Many of my fellow Obama supporters are probably wincing or even screaming “dont even think like that” but I am one who is realistic. ( actually, with as many people as there are in the US that hate bush, we must have one hell of a secret service!! ) Back to my question….. how many of you who felt hat McCain won are willing to watch the VP debate with your eyes wide open and with the full understanding that one of these VP candidates may have to tackle this economy, nations at war, global warming, and a North Korea that is stepping up it’s nuclear goals?