First thoughts: We've heard this debate before. We heard it on the stump. We heard it in the first debate. Overall, I was underwhelmed. As I work up what I'll say in the morning and while early polls and punditry seem to be scoring it with a considerable edge to Obama, I'm thinking about the format, the moderator, the strategy, the final debate, and the memorable moments.
More thoughts below the fold...
Reflections: Dr. Linda Petrou, Wake Forest
First of all I have to say that both of them were good. I was very impressed by Sen. Obama. I had never taken the time before to sit down and watch him in this type of forum. With that said I was even more impressed by Sen. McCain. With this type of forum, the two candidates styles were very evident. Sen. Obama is very professorial in style. He gives long, thoughtful answers and tries very hard not to offend anyone. He never seems to come down firmly on one side or the other. While this is very appealing in a campaign, a leader has to be decisive. pSen. McCain tends to give short to the point answers to questions. He does not hesitate to take a firm position on an issue. That difference between the two candidates was very apparent. Obama reminded me a lot of President Carter; very smart, very cerebral but not an effective leader as he could not make decisions. McCain reminds me a little of President Reagan, full of stories and life experiences but someone who knows what he believes.
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