But seriously, what made made Senator Obama look ridiculous was that he constantly said "Senator McCain is right"--was Obama campaigning for McCain unintentionally? 
Posted on 09/26/2008 9:36:34 PM PDT by goldstategop
I’m giving it to McCain — and you know I’m a tough grader on him.
He was slow out of the gate — a broken record on earmarks and spending — but Obama failed to turn the bailout debacle against him. McCain hit his stride in the second half, schooling Obama on counterinsurgency, Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, and Russia.
McCain made no major soundbite-able gaffes. It was more a matter of a few missed opportunities for McCain than the commission of any major errors. Major omission of the night from McCain: Did he say a single word in defense of conservative principles and free-market economics?
Obama, on the other hand, committed several gaffes:
1) I have a bracelet, too! Uhhhh, but give me a second because I can’t remember the name on it.
2) Using Joe Biden as his human shield.
3) Using that “John is absolutely right” phrase…already a McCain ad, of course.
4) And answering the question about preventing another 9/11 by babbling about “respect” and “restoring standing.”
***
Reader Ken e-mails:
Michelle, the biggest problem I see with McCain’s performance is that he failed to come to the defense of Reagan-Goldwater conservative principles - especially market economics. He failed to slap Obama down for his ignorance on supply-side theory. He failed to point out that the tax cuts he wants will increase revenue to the treasury, and then cite JFK as proof.
The biggest question, though, lies not with McCain or Obama, but the media. Obama spun a lot of tall stories, but we’ll never hear about them. After all, if Obama lies and the media doesn’t cover it, did he really lie?
Several readers also complained about a stylistic point: They were annoyed by McCain’s refusal to look directly at Obama. They thought the lack of eye contact looked bad. Your thoughts?
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Who won the first presidential debate?
Selection
Votes
McCain 82% 1,678
Obama 6% 124
It was a draw 8% 163
Huh? What debate? 4% 75
2,040 votes total
"Show me just what Mohammed brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman, such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached." - Manuel II Palelologus
But seriously, what made made Senator Obama look ridiculous was that he constantly said "Senator McCain is right"--was Obama campaigning for McCain unintentionally?
Well, when the Russians invade Ukraine and the Israelis bomb Iran (or vice versa)- I know who I want the President to be.
Another Obama whopper was his allegation about warning two years ago about the impending problems with Fanny and Freddy. He did not explain how Christopher Dodd and Barney Frank responded to his dire warning. He did not explain why he continue to accept generous contributions from Fanny and Freddy. This claim seems to be pure bull feathers. Is there any documentaion of Obama’s claim?
Yes, McCain won.
The “I gotta check the bracelet to remember his name” gaffe will be played over and over again by conservative media sources. Along with the “John McCain is right” moments.
Coincidence?- When I turned off the Fox after game analysis, their text message poll was 82-16 McCain!
Mac wins, he was genuine and real....the regular folks can relate to him versus elitist pig Obambi
Obama’s already been slapped down publicly by Kissinger on the subject of Iran.
That counts as a gaffe to me.
They didn’t have the lecterns set up so that the candidates could look at each other. As everyone knows, McCain was writing notes on responses while Obama was making his points. They can hardly penalize him for that.
Also, remember McCain’s injuries. He has to turn his entire upper torso to look toward Obama in the arrangement they placed the lecterns.
I can’t blame McCain for the eye contact...I couldn’t stand looking at Obama even on TV — imagine being that close!
Did Obama check the bracelet or his notes? If he had the name in his notes that suggests either a mole in McCain's crew or a psychic in Obama's.
Michelle, the biggest problem I see with McCain’s performance is that he failed to come to the defense of Reagan-Goldwater conservative principles - especially market economics. He failed to slap Obama down for his ignorance on supply-side theory. He failed to point out that the tax cuts he wants will increase revenue to the treasury, and then cite JFK as proof.
Whatever. I wasn’t holding my breath waiting for a spirited defense of Russell Kirk or Adam Smith from McCain.
He came across as authentic than his college student opponent, and in that regard, I’d throw the debate to him.
And just once, I’d like someone on the Left be forced to defend the status quo of keeping Saddam’s Iraq in a post-9/11 world. His regime change was a great moment in history, and should be vigorously defended as such by any candidate for high office.
Checking to see the name of the bracelet was ten times worse then George Herbert Walker Bush checking his watch for the time.
I think it’s pretty clear (at least to me) he checked his bracelet.
McCain won, hands down. As for his not looking at Obama, that worked beautifully. Obama was thrown off stride and kept looking at McCain, as if he were a kid trying to get an adult to notice him. Which, come to think of it, was exactly what was going on and in front of millions of voters, too.
I don’t think it mattered ONE bit if McCain did not choose to look directly at Obama. Whatever worked for him, worked for America. He is an honorable, military raised man and I can understand completly NOT wanting to look direct and act too harsh...but deliver what needed to be done. AND he did it!!
I am proud..America is proud.....GREAT DEBATE!!!!
I grew tired of him making faces and raising his hand to speak like a 3rd grader.
Teacher: “Don’t interrupt, Barry, you’ll get your turn.”
Yeah, saw a bit of Frank Luntz, had to change the channel when they started making fun of McCain’s age.
Either the IQ of Frank’s focus group has dipped, a lot, or they lied about being independents. Most independents don’t go gaga when a politician starts talking about all the give-aways. And watching the graph when Obama was talking about helping out homeowners...yeah, they were closer to liberal than independent.
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