Mark Halprin says McCain gets an A-. Obama a B

[SemiCharmedQuark]

"http://thepage.time.com/mark-halperins-grades-for-the-final-presidential-debate/

During the first half of the debate, the Republican nominee showed off the best of himself -- dedicated, sincere, patriotic, cheery, earnest, commanding--all without seeming old or anxious. He even scored some points in the "change" category, against the candidate who has owned the theme. He was also clear, upbeat, and totally on message. To his detriment, however, he became more aggressive and distracted during the second half, and perhaps lost a chance for the truly dramatic event he needs to change the game. Still, if a silent majority of persuadable voters watched the debate, they saw why McCain's advisers have faith in him and still believe he can win this race


During the first half of the debate, the Democratic nominee too often displayed his worst traits--petty, aloof, imperious--and behaved as if he had some place better to be, although he became warmer and more engaged as the evening progressed. He did not seem to have an explicit strategy, answering the questions piecemeal as they came his way, without driving a message or even a theme. He retained his consistently unflappable air, and had a few fine moments. If he was sitting on his lead, it worked - but perhaps at the expense of relinquishing part of it."

So for Halprin, smiling is "petty" but interrupting repeatedly is charming...or something.

[Gold Metal Flake]

1. Even McDick is surprised.

(I lurve this gif a little too much)

[SemiCharmedQuark]

5. That is so creepy...yet I cannot look away.

[skorpo]

6. Me too!!!

Can't look away and I'm feeling ill. Is this some kind of hypnosis?

[ErinBerin84]

2. aw well, he also said that Sarah Palin is a great communicator like Reagan or Clinton

Halperin likes to dip into the Pineapple express.

[Supersedeas]

3. the realize they no longer have any influence--so want to avoid the liberal bias accuation

that the ADVERTISERS care most about

[iceman66]

4. More like a C- to Obama's B+