Ms M. -- Debate Defines Expectations

Response to the 1st Presidential candidate debate airing on television Friday Sept. 26 at 8pm CST.

I was pleasantly surprised by the depth and directness of both candidates in this first debate. I think that each man made his priorities for his administration very clear. Obama seems to be concerned with issues at home like education, health care, and the economic crisis, while McCain predictably showed more interest in military matters abroad. For the first time in many Presidential candidate debates, I felt like the men were more interested in showing their differences than trying to look like political twins (which they never are). Also of note was the interesting responses to the accusations the candidates made against each other. I just love it when the gloves come off and they swing with bare fists! The "spin" of the allegations was pretty much transparent in terms of McCain's jabs at Obama. That man knows how to block a shot! McCain, on the other hand, seemed to keep returning to his scripted points, particularly in respect to the question about how the economic crisis would affect his plans for the upcoming administration. McCain did kick back impressively with his expertise on foreign policy even though he tripped over the name of the Pakistani president. I do not agree with his opinions, but I respect his knowledge of the conflict. Still, Obama definitely came out on top, keeping his cool, refuting jabs at his record, and really answering the questions instead of parroting the scripted line. I really enjoyed this first debate and I can not wait to see the V.P. candidates face off.