Todd's Debate Thread

What a shocker. John McCain is freakin Guy Smiley tonight, looking right into Barack's eyes as he greets him, patting him on the arm. Right after sitting down, McCain started scribbling away. Take those notes!

First question about bailing out Main St, not just Wall St.

Update [2008-10-7 22:1:12 by Todd Beeton]:OK, during that last minute of Barack's response, the women in the focus group were literally a straight horizontal line at the highest level of the dial.

Update [2008-10-7 22:8:23 by Todd Beeton]:McCain's attack on Obama equating withdrawal with surrender totally flat lined among the focus group.

Update [2008-10-7 22:12:10 by Todd Beeton]:"If we have Osama bin Laden in our sights and the Pakistan will not act, we must." McCain is hitting Obama for "announcing" that we're going to attack Pakistan. Did he just say Obama's remarks turned Pakistan public opinion against us?

Update [2008-10-7 22:18:20 by Todd Beeton]:More McCainian exceptionalism: "I know how to get Osama bin Laden my friends. I know how to get him. I'll get him no matter what." Wow!

Update [2008-10-7 22:33:58 by Todd Beeton]:Barack very cleverly turned his answer to this final question into his closing statement. The women in the focus group were off the charts. McCain is using HIS final response to get all fear-mongery. Yay!

Update [2008-10-7 22:36:50 by Todd Beeton]:Finally, John McCain and I agree: "We need a steady hand on the tiller." That hand, however, is not yours, Senator.

Update [2008-10-7 21:48:32 by Todd Beeton]:Obama: "If we're going to solve the climate crisis, we can't keep resorting to fossil fuels." Thank you.

Update [2008-10-7 21:50:11 by Todd Beeton]:"That one?" McCain just called a sitting senator and the presidential nominee of the Democratic Party "that one." My god.

Update [2008-10-7 21:54:59 by Todd Beeton]:Haha. The CNN focus group was way up in positive territory for Barack's entire healthcare answer. Now that McCain is speaking, it's a total flatline. Interestingly, he's sort of tanking among men. If McCain's performance was a sound it would be something like zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Update [2008-10-7 21:56:8 by Todd Beeton]:It's a right, it's a right, it's a right.

Update [2008-10-7 21:57:39 by Todd Beeton]:The second Barack said "I think health care should be a right" the focus group dials spiked...and they're staying there.

Update [2008-10-7 22:1:12 by Todd Beeton]:Yes! Barack hit him for his vote against expanding SCHIP.

Update [2008-10-7 21:26:33 by Todd Beeton]:Umm, is McCain leaning on that rail? Have to say, McCain is certainly on message going after Obama non-stop on inside baseball votes and distorting Obama's proposals. Is it effective or is it coming off as snippy?

Update [2008-10-7 21:26:33 by Todd Beeton]:Did McCain just say "some of the $700 billion is going to end up in the hands of terrorist organizations"?

Update [2008-10-7 21:31:18 by Todd Beeton]:I thought McCain was supposed to be good at townhalls. He is really all over the map, quite unfocused and...dare I say it...erratic.

Update [2008-10-7 21:42:55 by Todd Beeton]:A commission to save Medicare! Yay, commissions can do anything! OK, seriously, this entitlement discussion is really important but I still have no idea what either of them is going to do.

Update [2008-10-7 21:8:24 by Todd Beeton]:Is it just me or is he sort of invading this guy's space. He's freakily stalking him. "My friends." Drink! "My friends!"

Update [2008-10-7 21:12:39 by Todd Beeton]:By referring to the people in the audience as "You", Obama is accomplishing the personal connection that McCain thinks he's accomplishing by saying "My friends," which at this point is just a punchline.

Update [2008-10-7 21:17:18 by Todd Beeton]:Nice. "You're not interested in hearing politicians pointing fingers, you want to hear how this is impacting you."

Update [2008-10-7 21:18:36 by Todd Beeton]:Oooooh, John McCain wrote a letter!



Display:


Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

McCain looks nervous!!!


Obama 08!
by comingawakening on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:07:27 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Why attack Tom Brokaw on a question? Mean, angry, old man - sorry. It is what McCain is.


Obama 08!
by comingawakening on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:11:00 PM EST

McCain addresses Obama (none / 0)

"My friend."  Somehow, I don't think that they're friends.


by Coach Jay on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:18:48 PM EST

How can we trust either of you??? (none / 0)

Good question!!!


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:19:31 PM EST

Re: How can we trust either of you??? (none / 0)

Screw 'em!  Nader '08!!!


*meh*
by failsafe on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:50:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Ponytail Guy (none / 0)

Was a woman this time around.  "How can we trust either of you?"  Great way to waste the one opportunity you've got to talk to two presidential candidates.


by Coach Jay on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:19:51 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Obama is slaughtering McCain, Obama comes across as knowledgeable, educated, honest and direct. Conversely McCain seems cranky and angry. This republican is glad I supported Obama.....


by adb67 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:20:54 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

cronies?  really?  cronies?  a first to second year senator fresh out of illinois, has cronies?  now maybe, later, hopefully not, buy back in 2005-2007?  really?


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:20:58 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

he's REMINDING them of finance reform and lieberman?  oy.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:21:47 PM EST

It's over...(I hope...) (none / 0)

Either the CNN "undecided" panel is in fact in the tank for Obama, or we can expect polling to show that Obama won this debate 75-25%. Obama has consistently knocked it out of the park on the little scroll of voters, and McCain is consistently flat-lining.


by fsm on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:24:50 PM EST

Hey, does anyone know he has a clear record... (none / 0)

Of reaching across the aisle?

Just wait, you'll hear it a few more times...


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:25:24 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

"my friends, i've worked with the other party, that's why they hate me.  vote for mccain, republicans hate me."  that's the best reason he's made all campaign


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:26:01 PM EST

Obama is actuallly LISTING things... (none / 0)

McCain is just throwing things wildly...

Point for Obama

1. Energy

  1. Health Care
  2. Education


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:27:18 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

I love how no one is playing by the time limits.  They know Brokaw is powerless.


by rfahey22 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:28:37 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Creepy stalker


by dogeatdogi on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:29:55 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Obama went off the charts on energy.


by RandyMI on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:33:24 PM EST

Obama is rolling.... (none / 0)

This is a good section for him...

Dealing with the Earmarks thing...

Good...


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:34:24 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

OMG McCain is wandering into the camera shot while Obama is speaking!!


by dogeatdogi on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:35:41 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

oh noes!!!!!!  he wants to raises our taxes!  obama's hoover?  wrong party, wrong age, wrong beliefs, yeah this'll work.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:36:36 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Half of the country is thinking "Why is McCain calling Obama a vacuum cleaner?".


Change has come to America.
by the mystical vortexes of sedona on Wed Oct 08, 2008 at 12:58:44 AM EST
[ Parent ]

McCain looks exhausted (none / 0)

He's pleading now for attention...


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:36:38 PM EST

$5000 for health insurance? (none / 0)

In your dreams, McCain..

More like $12,000 for basic coverage.. if you're healthy.

If not - MUCH more..


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:38:14 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

poor brokaw.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:37:52 PM EST

Brokaw looks TERRIBLE (none / 0)

Brokaw's statement on Social Security is wrong.. its solvent - a LOT more solvent than anything else, these days..

Its criminal to buy into the "Social Security needs reform" LIE - after the last week, they have a lot of nerve...


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:41:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Brokaw looks TERRIBLE (none / 0)

He's been flogging that for 20 years.  I knew he would pull this again.


When you start out making the "slippery slope" argument, where do you draw the line?
by Jess81 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:54:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Honestly (none / 0)

I thought the first debate was closer to a toss-up, but I'm not seeing this one as close at all.

McCain looks wobbly, Obama looks strong.

McCain is desperate and pleading, Obama is decisive and strong.


by zonk on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:38:09 PM EST

Great Pivot by Obama..... (none / 0)

Back to taxes....


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:39:30 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

McCain is just getting creamed here.....its painful


by adb67 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:40:50 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

Hurry up, get a Doctor...McCain is flatlining on CNN!!!


Obama 08!
by comingawakening on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:40:53 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

My friends my friends my friends my friends...
I can't take it anymore!!!
"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:41:37 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

uh mccain, these guys aren'tyou're friends.  friends don't make friends support de-regulation.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:41:50 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

McCain is really floundering here.


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:44:30 PM EST

I'm a maverick on green house gases (none / 0)

Is he nuts? This is a loser for him....

My friends....My friends.....

What is he talking about being on the ship with nuclear power?

Am I nuts....he's just awful.....


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:44:47 PM EST

Josh/TPM nails it (none / 0)

9:42 PM ... Exactly. A Medicare Closing Commission.


by zonk on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:46:04 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

This is painful to watch. Obama is gonna win this thing by 8 points.


by falcon4e on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:46:34 PM EST

Obama is killing him on tone...... (2.00 / 1)

Everytime McCain speaks, my heart rate goes up, I start getting manic...

When Obama speaks, I get calmer.

Is anyone else sensing that?


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:46:37 PM EST

Evading question on climate change.. (none / 0)

Doesn't want to deal with the distrust... doesn't own up to the fact that oil will keep rising in price wherever its from.. (supply and demand..) Alaska wont help that..

Green technologies should be the first answer, instead, he pushes nuclear power.. when he himself didn't want nuclear waste in his own state..


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:46:42 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

does brokaw need viagra?  he sure seems impotent tonight :P.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:48:46 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 0)

did he just call obama "that one?"  WTF???


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:49:07 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

That's the new friendly McCain - the grumpy McCain would have that thing.


by zonk on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:50:10 PM EST
[ Parent ]

That one? (2.00 / 3)

He just called obama That one...

My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....My friends....vMy friends....My friends....My friends....

He's awful?


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:49:41 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

"That one"?

We can't even say his name now?


John McCain smells like mothballs.
by asherrem on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:49:51 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

   He's "my friendsing" even more than usual.  It's now verbal diarrhea.  


Jim Oberweis
by cilerder86 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:50:03 PM EST

McCains mentions Lieberman 3 times in 30 minutes (2.00 / 1)

And Sara Palin - none?  Hmmm...  


by Rob McC again on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:51:35 PM EST

Re: McCains mentions Lieberman 3 times (none / 0)

It's "reaching across the aisle"

(to work with the better party)


John McCain smells like mothballs.
by asherrem on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:54:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

John is the fwendliest fwend of all.

FMTPO


1st Law of Obamadynamics: For every action, there is a greater than equal criticism. In advance.
by QTG on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:52:40 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

Let's put McCain's health records online, great idea!!


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:53:25 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

He just lost me on this health care thing, we tax your benefits and give you $5000 tax credit and poof, 95% of people are covered??
Wha???
"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:55:26 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Going into the 3rd period, McCain is not delivering the 'Game Changer' that was required. He'll need to kick it up a notch...


1st Law of Obamadynamics: For every action, there is a greater than equal criticism. In advance.
by QTG on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:56:13 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

he really seems to be struggling, I thought he was pretty solid the last debate, but not this one.


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:59:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

GOOD ANSWER OBAMA (none / 0)

IT'S A RIGHT......

Fundemental difference.....

Obama is winning this...


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:57:16 PM EST

Re: GOOD ANSWER OBAMA (none / 0)

I think he's winning this easily.

I was mildly surprised to see the debate 1 snap polls - I thought Obama won, but that it was closer.

This time?

I'll be shocked if Obama doesn't win by better than 2 to 1.


by zonk on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:01:24 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Obama smacks Mccain on the SCHIP vote!!


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 09:57:53 PM EST

McCain....We are spreading freedom... (2.00 / 1)

He sounds like Bush...


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:00:36 PM EST

GWOT (none / 0)

what a bad dream ths last eight years has been...


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:07:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

McCain wants to keep defense spending up (none / 0)

Its like pouring our future, education, healthcare, infrastructure, everything - that money down the drain..

Its welfare for the military-industrial complex..  

For Chrissakes, South Korea (5th largest economy in the world) and Japan (3rd largest economy - after the EU and the US!) CAN DEFEND THEMSELVES!!!


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:05:47 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

This is a blood bath!!!!!!

OBAMA...I've been to 8 states for this campaign and I've voted Republican in the past. 16 months ago many of us took a chance and this guy and tonight we see why...he is better and better every day.


Obama 08!
by comingawakening on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:05:54 PM EST

The Surge...The Surge.... (none / 0)

This requires a cool hand....

John, you look NUTTY not cool...

The cool guy is the other guy....


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:07:39 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

MCCAIN'S the coolhand at the helm?  mr. THE ECONOMIES CRASHING, STOP THE CAMPAIGN, CALL BOEHNER, CALL PELOSI, CALL THE MAYTAG REPAIRMAN!  MCCAIN SMASH!!!!!!


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:08:50 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

teddy's his hero because he was at mccain's 50th anniversary party.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:12:07 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

Why did I turn on the CNN debate meter thingy??
I'm hooked!
"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:12:42 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

poor, poor tom.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:13:44 PM EST

Obama is on the attack.... (none / 0)

Bomb bomb bomb Iran......


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:14:41 PM EST

Re: Obama is on the attack.... (none / 0)

Yeah, "speak softly" indeed.


by rfahey22 on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:15:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

McCain and Wasillastan.. (none / 0)

He's got his own Taliban, she's his theocratic, extremist, Alaskan separatist, RUNNING MATE..

God, McCain looks SO TIRED...


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:15:45 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

I wish McCain would have told Bush how to get OBL. He's known how to get him all this time and never told anyone...


"Who are you for? That is the wrong question. It should be who is for you?" HRC
by skohayes on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:16:26 PM EST

Why would Bush attack.. (none / 0)

his family's friend?

His ex-business partner's (in the 80s) half-brother?


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:22:34 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

no really feeling mccain's bin laden hte.  where's the mac thsat would go to hell to get bin laden.  this mac doesn't even sound like he would go a few blocks outside his house to get bin laden.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:16:45 PM EST

The SURGE....... (none / 0)

This is killing McCain...

It sounds like General Petreueus will set the policy and McCain will rubber stamp....


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:19:14 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

"I know how to get him."

Not to be a conspiracy theorist...but October surprise?


Oh Mammy Dear, we're all mad over here livin' in America
by JDF on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:20:32 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (2.00 / 1)

Nah...He is going to send some those Manics at the Palin rally....KILL KILL KILL KILL!!!!!!!!!!


Support the separation of Church and State: Vote YES on WA R-71!
by WashStateBlue on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:21:38 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

we've got to help the former soviet countries, the pols, the checks (no idea how to spell that).  obama DIDN'T forget poland.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:22:57 PM EST

The ones that don't have oil.. (2.00 / 2)

But, the bottom line is that we can't be the policeman of the world...

Its killing us economically.. Its very expensive. You don't see Korea and Japan maintaining thousands of bases overseas..

No, they invest that money that they would otherwise have to spend on defense, on their own economic health..

Why are we subsidizing them..


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:27:20 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

maybe?  yes it's a complex question forced into a bad res/no diachotomy, but obama handled itbetter.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:24:40 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

yes/no.  my keyboard sucks.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:24:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

If we discovered a new source of energy that (none / 0)

reduced the need for oil dramatically.. The oil-producing countries would THEN have to live on their investments..

Shit, they own tons of other business now.. mortgage backed securities, etc.


public option=not affordable for middle. It cant cover all affordably, google adverse selection for why
by architek on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:30:09 PM EST

Re: Todd's Debate Thread (none / 0)

wow, obama's support from women on that last question practically went off the chart.


Being Normal is for the Mediocre.
by Doug Tuttle on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:33:20 PM EST

McCain's "cool hand at the tiller". (none / 0)

The next best option when the Viagra isn't working.


Avoid the word "socialism" when conversing with me, and I'll avoid the term "ignoramus" when responding to you.
by Sumo Vita on Tue Oct 07, 2008 at 10:52:17 PM EST


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