Wrapup of the Second Presidential Debate
The conventional wisdom heading into tonight’s debate between Sen. Obama and Sen. McCain was that the “town hall” format would favor Sen. McCain. That wasn’t the case tonight.
The most memorable lines I took away from the debate tonight? When Sen. Obama said healthcare was a right and Sen. McCain said it was a “responsibility”. How are people who can’t afford healthcare in this Country not being “responsible”?
When Sen. Obama talked about his mother fighting with her health insurance company on her death bed, that was a powerful moment and something I think that will resonate with anyone listening to the debate tonight.
Once again, there was no “knockout punch” in this debate by either candidate. That said, there was a clear difference in how the candidates acted towards the crowd, towards each other, and towards the moderator. Sen. Obama played the role of the calm collected candidate while at times Sen. McCain played the role of someone who was trying to pick a fight.
Sen. McCain needed that “knock out” punch tonight to regain traction in the polls and didn’t get it. Sen. Obama reinforced his image as a candidate who was “Presidential” and spoke to the problems of the American people.
And lest you take my word for it, here is the snap poll from CNN:
Who expressed his views more clearly in the debate?
Obama 60
McCain 30Who spent more time attacking his opponent?
Obama 17
McCain 63Who seemed to be the stronger leader?
Obama 54
McCain 43Who was most likeable?
Obama 65
McCain 28
In every category, a huge win tonight for Sen. Obama.
The question now will be the strategy of the McCain campaign in the final four weeks of this election. Do they continue to be 100% negative or actually try to articulate what their candidate stands for, not just against?
One last thing about the debate. Did you notice that after it was completed that Sen. Obama and his wife circled the room to shake the hands of nearly every person in attendance and take pictures with those who asked? For at least 15 minutes after the McCain’s left the stage, Barack and Michelle were still out there shaking hands and talking to the participants in the debate.
That says something.
October 7, 2008 11:02 pm 
I live in the Washington Heights neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI with my wife Jen, our daughter Emerson, and son Carter.
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