For those who felt that Obama wasn't "tuff enuff" with McSame:

[Proud Liberal Dem]

I have the theory that Obama PURPOSELY pulled his punches during this debate. Yes, he got in a few punches of his own but I don't think that that was what he was being expected to do and/or needed to do. IMHO he needed to be able to demonstrate that he has some grasp of foreign policy (to help assure/comfort moderates and independents) and hold his own against McSame, who, rightly or wrongly, is perceived as the "expert" on the subject and I think he accomplished both goals. IMHO Obama let McSame throw some punches so that he can "feel" McSame out (in preparation for the remaining debates) and allow McSame to essentially "preview" some of the lines of attack that may show up in future ads, campaign statements, and, of course, in future debates. Of course, being "nice" to McSame and trying to stay "above the fray" apparently didn't hurt him much and actually seemed to make him look even more "presidential" (when compared with McSame's "grumpy old man" persona) to the moderates and independents, the VERY people he needs to "close the deal". I don't think that, in the long term and certainly not in future debates, Obama will just sit there and "take it" from McSame.

He's.got.a.plan!!!

[Lakerstan]

1. Rope a dope

Obama's got his base - he needs the independents. You don't get independents by name calling - they are a sensitive bunch...

[blossomstar]

2. Thank you for this post.

I've been having a problem with understanding why Obama did not strike back at McCain. I hope you are right, sure sounds reasonable. Obama is BY FAR the most qualified, it just was hard to take all the compliments to McCain when he was being treated so poorly by him.

[spag68]

3. debate

I agree that Obama seems to have a game plan. I only wish he would have hit him on the vets issues and the torture vote by McCain.

[Thrill]

4. I think Obama is really worried about being labeled 'the angry black guy'

Thats why he is guarded with his attacks. You saw it against Hillary too. Its a legit concern for him.

[HughMoran]

5. I tend to agree with your analysis

I feel much the same way - Obama likes to "size up" his opponent in the first debate. We know from the primaries that he can dig in at his opponents weakness when needed, though he'll never be as mean and grumpy as McCain.

[deadparrot]

6. There's a fine line Obama had to walk.

Too little antagonism, he looks like a wuss; too much, and he looks like a bully.

[MarjorieG]

7. All true, but Rachel show talked started aggressive, but as McC not looking, Obama is not the bully.

Lehrer wanted more interaction between the two, but McCain wouldn't play.

[AtomicKitten]

8. Obama is an expert at thrust and parry. McBush clumsily wields a baseball bat.

[raysr]

9. McNuts was all

ready to blow, I wish Obama would've pushed him some more, maybe the Keating 5 deal would've had Johnny ripping off his tie and throwing the mike.

[delete_bush]

10. Yep. He need to look commander-in-chiefish tonight

and he did. Cool, calm, collected and not about to bomb bomb bomb, bomb bomb Iran at the drop of a hat. But would if necessary.

Hopefully when the topic turns to the economny, he'll be a little more passionate.