First Presidential debate running commentary thread

[Lunar]

I'm not around a TV (at work), so y'all gotta tell me how they're projecting and not just the logical validity of their soundbytes!

[Lunar]

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Well you people were lowering expectations a whole lot.

"Obama is an AWFUL Debater."

Maybe McCain already knew that this was in the bag? LOL!

You people?  *I* editorialize titles ironically and suddenly I'm being quoted out-of-context?

Both sides always claim the other is the better debater before the debate and that they won after the debate (although McCain claimed earlier).

[Lunar]

Whoah, this thread:


Can someone partially objective give me a heads up as to what's going on?

[Lunar]

Afghanistan summary:

Obama: Yes, we need more troops. I think we should do it as quickly as possible. The commanders on the ground agree. The Taliban and Al-Qaeda are coming over the border and attacking our troops. I would send two to three additional brigades to Afghanistan. Keep in mind that we have tons more troops in Iraq. Keep in mind that Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. That is a strategic mistake. Secretary of Defense Gates acknowledged that the people that attacked us are in Afghanistan and Pakistan. We've got to deal with a growing poppy trade that has exploded over the past few years. We've got to deal with Pakistan where Al-Qaeda has exploded over the past 8 years. Until we do, Americans here at home will not be safe.

McCain: I will not make the same mistake by leaving Afghanistan and allowing the Taliban to come back. On this issue of aiding Pakistan, i'm not prepared at this time to cut off aid to Pakistan. So i'm not prepared to threaten them as Senator Obama is apparently prepared to do. I'm not prepared to threaten the people of Pakistan. You don't say that out loud...

Thanks.  Why are there so few wise/analytic posters posting tonight?

[Lunar]

i hate that whenever obama is talking to mccain, mccain doesnt make eye contact he just has that idiot grin and looks at his notes or looks at the moderator. has mccain even looked at obama once?

Some of the reporters' liveblogging I'm reading, like Marc Ambinder, note McCain has never met Obama's gaze.  Weird.