John McCain's best line of tonight's debate. I thought this was John McCain's best performance so far. Obama was smooth but he lied about not starting his campaign in Bill Ayers living room.Given all the promises made by Barak Obama for more and more government does ANYONE really believe that with a Democrat Congress he will be able to ONLY raise takes on the so called rich? America watch out for you wallet! Obama pledged to accept public financing for his campaign but changed his mind when it was to his advantage to forgo public financing. Even if he has good intentions of only raising taxes on the rich he will not be able to resist the temptation when the Democrats control the White House and the Congress to raise taxes on the middle class. It will happen, sure as the turning of the earth!
Grading the Debate:
Mark Halperin of Time Magazine:
John McCain
Substance: Grade: A-
Style: Grade: B+
Offense: Grade: A-
Defense: Grade: A-
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.
Overall grade: A-
Barak ObamaGetty
Substance: Grade: B
Style: Grade: B-
Offense: Grade: C+
Defense: Grade: B+
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.
Overall grade: B
Joe the Plumber's reaction:
McCain referred repeatedly to that voter, Joe Wurzelbacher, a plumber from Toledo, Ohio.
Wurzelbacher watched Wednesday night's debate and said he still thinks Obama's plan would keep him from buying the small business that employs him.
About McCain: "He's got it right as far as I go."
