Obama didn't sink to his level

[Snazzy]

That's what the difference is. One guy is presidential the other is slinging mud, telling lies, and basically being an egomanical dick who thinks he's owed the presidency.

It is tempting for everyone to try to pressure the Obama camp into changing debate tactics (but not strategy mind you--wtf) and just firing off on Mccain. No shortage of ammo. Hell my inner carnivore tells me I'd like to see that too--better teevee and revenge and all....

But the thing is, Obama's approach is what makes him truly different. He is thoughtful and he really is, fuckin'-a, above all that. That's not bs, it's the point. It's his strength and you don't usually see that in politics.

That notion however, probably needs to be explained to some people.

---

(Hey how come Mccain twice mentioned Miss Congeniality? Sounds like he's also after his own running mate, nice.)

[LatteLibertine]

1. I agree

and this point was not lost on some of us.

I think Obama had more measured and thoughtful responses. He gave Senator McCain his due when they agreed on issues and gave him proper credit when appropriate. That made him seem more reasonable and intelligent. McCain seemed timid and rehearsed. He seemed hardly in a debate.

On a side note, Senator McCain treated the moderator as if he were an interviewer. Senator McCain looked weak because he would not look at or speak directly to Senator Obama. By contrast, Senator Obama did this often to Senator McCain.

Senator Obama won on more levels than one.

[Snazzy]

2. I was reminded of a student cramming for exam

and making sure all that info hit the blue book:

Name every leader or place you can think of in on the Russian border.

Agree with your words. There is a role in this world for class and Obama has some.

[bigtree]

3. there's still time for mud

I think this was an excellent introduction to the majority who hadn't bothered to tune in yet

[lynettebro440]

4. Obama hasn't gotten this far

by falling for what they all want. I think he was poised and classy. He made the points and anyone not listening will pick the negative and use it. Obama will come out swinging, just wait till next week with biden/palin. Now there will be some easy smashing.

[amitten]

5. A little class goes a long way. A lot of class goes even farther.

I think America is ready for a guy we can feel proud of.

[Raine]

6. Obama=CLASS

McINSANE came off as a rude little punk! x(

[ColbertWatcher]

7. This is important. (edit to add: KICK AND REC!)

Whatever mud must be thrown must be thrown by us.

[Snazzy]

9. Exactly!

We are the shitmudslinging department. 527's welcome to join!

Sling on. :toast:

[honkydonkey]

8. I felt the debates were missing a certain zing but...

Obama did pull it off just fine. I think that after McCain's comments are researched many will find that most of the stuff he said was just bullshit and filler. Obama remained respectful even though McCain did nothing to earn that respect (in my opinion). The whole "he's too young to know what he's talking about" crap got old rather quickly. Not to mention that McCain looked like a corpse laid out on the morgue slab with all that makeup on. And what was with those crazy expressions on his face? He was smiling when it was totally inappropriate. I find nothing funny about the issues that are facing our country today. His stupid little smirk reminded me of W. so much, it gave me chills. And of course he didn't even have the balls to turn and face Barack like a man. He spent most of his time hunched over, eyes bugged out. He looked desperate to keep his temper at bay. At one point of the debate he basically had his back turned to Barack. It was bizarre behavior. Some of his movements reminded me of a ride at epcot center. Totally robotic and weird. I mean, who the hell was he smiling and staring at throughout the whole thing? He creeps me the hell out. I think McCain is just one tiny step away from losing his cool and I think that Obama should push him, just a little. There were some golden opportunities missed by Barack tonight but we can't expect perfection. He'll do even better next time. And I can't wait to watch Biden DESTROY Moosela. Oh the joy!

[Snazzy]

10. welcome to DU!

I like your in-depth visual analysis of the debate. I find it fascinating how important the visuals really are.

Both debaters are coached and drilled and of course have been campaigning for a long time. Much of what they have to say is boilerplate from some circumstance or another that they have already encountered. The debate format partially favored that notion, with the fixed 2 minute speeches (pulled from stump or whatever easily).

We the public look for cracks--anything not scripted. But I didn't see too much (verbally) off message from either in the five minute back and forth period. It remained on message mostly, with the somewhat subtle stylistic difference I've posted about, one guy is above the fray, presidential, and the other is the total product of focus groups' expectations of what they think plays on teevee. For McSame any position can be 180'd on poll data. (Oh and that guy obviously lies through his teeth.)

Obama's campaign is smart, the man is smart. I have no doubt that they came up with zingers which could have been soundbites for the next several days. (All he had to say for one guaranteed loop soundbite was "Nice that you actually made it here tonight John"). That's not Obama's game. He really is above it. Hell yeah.

So maybe that does leave the public asking some questions. Good? Hope so. Did the body language and visual contrast help sell it? Hope so too.

Class and style.

[honkydonkey]

11. Nice to meet ya

I think a persons body language speaks volumes about what they are really feeling. McCain came off as cocky and mean. He gave off vibes that he believed he was somehow better than Obama (as a human being) and that Obama didn't deserve even his gaze. So much for all that reaching over the aisle bullshit. And I thought it was an insult to the American people that McCain found our problems something to smirk about. I don't care if he doesn't like Obama, he could have acted like a mature adult and keep things serious. Obama laughed when it was appropriate (when McCain would totally fabricate things) but McCain smirked at some imaginary person throughout the entire debate. And was it just me or did the man look like a creepy little troll who was hiding money bags under his podium? Ugh.

[dudewheresmycountry]

12. Obama did well

as 90% of the polls show, what I would like to know is how many people watched the debates and stats on that. Obama shows knowledge, wisdom and coolness. Whiles McCain looked like he would rather fist fight than discuss the issues of the day....