Guys, debates are won mostly on personality and charisma, NOT on points.

[Danger Mouse]

People don't remember the details, the remember the veneer.
McCain will score some sound bites, but they will come at the cost of how he looked at the debate.
He looked mean, angry, and rude. Obama looked diplomatic, calm, and courteous.
I think, in the end, that will be what defines McCain.
I do think that McCain was strong on some points, but I think Obama hit back very effectively on some areas.
I don't think we should feel discouraged over this. McCain made a serious error in being so condescending.

[fascisthunter]

1. That is Very True.... McCain Couldn't Even Look Obama in the Face

very strange behavior from a person who is supposed to be a statesman and running for President. This isn't highschool, this is about being a President of a country. You better be able to suck it up and look a political opponent in the face. That was so weird....

[Danger Mouse]

5. It'll hurt McCain in the long run. Looking and sounding presidential is more important than

sounding smart.

[Danger Mouse]

2. Anybody want to discuss this?

[Starbucks Anarchist]

3. He NEVER looked at Obama.

Not even when they first met on stage.

[Danger Mouse]

7. Yeah, and his attitude was rude and dismissive the entire time.

Not even Bush was that much of an ass.

[Starbucks Anarchist]

10. At least Shrub can pretend he likes somebody.

But for McCain, it's a heroic effort, apparently.

[vanderBeth]

4. True Dat

[Jennicut]

6. McLiar is a grumpy old man per Jeffrey Toobin on CNN!

[undeterred]

8. John Kerry looked brilliant and they killed him with a sound bite

about voting for something before he voted against it.

[Mz Pip]

9. I don't think McCain looked at Obama once

It made him look less and less like someone who would be willing to reach across the aisle.

Obama agreeing with McCain on some points made him look thoughtful and collegial.

[TwilightGardener]

11. I couldn't watch, but judging from what's being said, I agree--tone and

attitude matter more than policy. And there is an age/racial component that I think people are missing--it sounds like Obama was very respectful, but if he came off like a young punk or an angry disrespectful black man toward an elderly white man, it might have struck a damaging chord among white elderly voters. Remember that subtext before you judge him as being too polite, everyone.