Call it unfair, but there were apparently low expectations for Obama and he skyrocketed over them.

[Bicoastal]

That's why so many conservatives and independents are giving it to Obama, while the more neutral talking heads are dubbing it a tie or even a McCain win.

I don't see this as a bad thing.

[Arkana]

1. I hate gaming the expectations, but it worked for us this time.

[Omnibus]

2. A tie is a win for Obama.

Foreign policy was supposed to be Obama's weak point. To hold his own IS a victory, in a sense that it neutralizes McCain's strongest issue.

Obama showed he could be presidential, had great foreign policy knowledge, and was focused on the future, not the past (nice rambling 30 year old story, Abe McSimpson!).

[deadparrot]

3. Yep, the expectation thing cuts both ways.

Something we have to keep in mind when it comes to the economic debate.

[beachmom]

4. I agree it was a draw, although Obama did better during the bailout

portion. However, McCain was a bit of a jerk. Finally, Obama is not that great a debater, which we witnessed during the primary debates, so it isn't unfair to say expectations weren't that high for him. It is based on his past performances.

[27inCali]

5. on the subject matter

it was a tie in that both showed a strong command of the facts.

on style, Barack blew McCain away.