I feel good.

[Barack_America]

I'm not going to obsess over who "won" this debate based on points.

I'm a tone person, myself.

In case my old english "D" avatar doesn't make it obvious, I'm a Michigander. A Michigander from the blue collar areas that gave birth to the "Reagan Democrat". That's where I'm from. That's who I am. And that is the lens that I will always primarily view politics through, regardless of how partisan I become. In Philly I'm a partisan Democrat, but by upbringing I'm a midwestern Independent and I still find it quite easy to slip into that mode of thinking.

So, in any case, that's how I tried to approach this debate and, honestly, I feel really good about it. McCain definitely scored some points on experience, as expected. His claims of Obama's naivete will score some points. But mostly among those looking for him to score points (i.e. his base), IMO.

But for your average Midwestern Independent, I have to believe that Obama scored many, many points with his overall even tone. McCain came across as strong on the issues, but way too affected (be it anger, aggravation, frustration or what have you). And, for this Midwesterner, the fact that McCain wouldn't even look at Obama stuck out like a sore thumb. It really didn't sit well with me (or the folks I watched this with, FWIW). Obama, on the other hand, was courteous, acknowledging McCain's positions and even issues where they agreed. That demonstrated that to me that Obama felt he was in a position of strength and had nothing to fear from McCain.

I have to think that Obama scored very well amongst Midwesterners tonight.

So yeah, I feel good. I don't even need to listen to the pundits. I don't need any consolation. Obama did well. There's no doubt in my mind of that.

And now, another glass of wine. :toast:

[Barack_America]

1. Thanks for the recs everyone.

Man, I wish I had some chocolate in the house.

Hmm.

[FrenchieCat]

2. Obama did what he needed to do; win voters that might not have known him....

before tonight.

It will only get better from here! :hi:

[writes3000]

3. Yep, the top objective of a debate: Be The Most Likable, Strong Centrist Leader

And Obama out-classed McCain big time.

Americans don't want to be talked down to. And that's what McCain did to Obama and to the audience.

[Barack_America]

4. And yet that is the one thing the media never seems to get a handle of...

The fundamental purpose of a political debate always seems to elude them.

That's why I never watch them after a debate.

Tonight my friends and I immediately moved onto watching funny youtube videos.

We know what we saw and what matters.

[ecstatic]

5. Thanks for the perspective. I know nothing about midwestern culture nt

[Barack_America]

6. It's pretty simple: don't be rash and don't assume you're better than anyone else.

And, FWIW McCain did both tonight.

Who knows? It's entirely possible that I don't know anything about Midwestern culture, just Great Lakes culture as experienced in an Irish Catholic family. But the principles I listed above seem pretty prevalent in the Midwest.

[AtomicKitten]

7. Cheers.

:toast: