Presidential Debate! Tonight!

That's not at all what he said. Kissenger basically affirmed both positions.

Senator Obama's ...demeanor showed how slovenly and disorganized McCain really is.

There are many areas where Obama had things wrong, but it takes more than a casual listener to sort through the slickness of Obama. Another area where Obama had it wrong was the issue of attacking Pakistan. McCain had the exactly correct take, we may have to make a strike here and there, but we don't insult the Pakistani government by making pronouncements, and we should try to preserve the fragile relationship and cooperation, what little there is, with Pakistan. Obama is too naive to see the nuances of all of this. I think this stems from inexperience and lack of knowledge of the situation.

I hope he tries, and Palin might chew him up and spit him out.

I'm also glad that Gwenn Ifill sp?) will be moderating at the vice presidential debate. The simple fact that Gwenn is a woman (and not Katie Couric) will put Palin in a position of not being able to bluster her way out of factual answers. I think Palin has a way of making men defer to her, perhaps not consciously, but in a way that is instilled in men from the time they are children.

Okie, I too was impressed with McCain's ability to reel off all those names and historical events.

I have a notion that McCain spent hours trying to pronounce those names without spitting out his dentures. And I kept waiting for him to mention his experience in the Civil War...

Good post, Finn

We have a variety of ways to gauge reaction to the first debate. All point in the same direction: an Obama win.

Obama did better among undecided voters in a CBS survey. Frank Luntz’s Fox focus group (read the 11:35 entry) showed that a majority was “moved” by Obama’s performance, especially his criticism of McCain’s judgment errors on the Iraq war. CNN/Opinion Dynamics has a phone poll showing that 51% thought Obama won vs. 38% McCain.

CNN had a test group insta-reaction showing reactions among Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. in a tracker plot at the bottom of the screen. This was addictive to watch. Obama spent more time well above the average, though he sometimes sagged toward the end of his longer answers. On the other hand, during an answer on Russia I noticed Obama’s numbers soaring among all three groups.

According to the same tracker, when McCain made repeated attacks on Obama’s readiness and experience, audience reaction tended to go downward, especially toward the end. He came off as mean, even to some conservatives (here’s an an extended reaction). Here’s a reaction from Washington Monthly.

My own quick reaction: The criticism that Obama is a poor match for McCain in foreign policy is over. McCain did all right; he was calmer than I had been expecting him to be, but his contempt for Obama shone through. He never looked Obama in the eye. I don’t think this is good for him. Overall, I believe this was a bad night for John McCain. Look for Obama’s lead to solidify or widen tomorrow.