Government leaders met at the White House to try to work out a solution to the countries economic...
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A Look at the Issues and Campaign Messages Leading Up to the October 15th Presidential Debate
Note: This article consists of many updated entries with the newest at the top and the older entries beneath.Debate Summary Part III
October 15th, 10:35 pm eastern
The final question from Moderator Bob Schieffer asked if the poor state of education in America despite the higher per capita cost was a threat to national security. Obama said it was a threat to the country's continued supremacy and that he advocated a college tax credit of $4000 in exchange for community service, but that parents had to take some responsibility for their children's efforts as well. McCain advocated charter schools and transferable tuition vouchers. Obama agreed that he also supports charter schools and competition in the school system, but disagreed with the idea that vouchers will cure the education system.
McCain's closing remarks asked whether voters can trust each candidate to fulfill the promises they made during the debate and pointed to his family's history of service to the country. Obama repeated that the policies of the last eight years have not worked and that it would be a mistake to repeat those policies for four more years. Change is needed, he said, to achieve 'brighter days." Obama called for all Americans to come together with a spirit of sacrifice and service for the good of the country's future.
Notably, after the debate McCain made a very clear show of shaking Obama's hand to prevent the criticisms he received after failing to do so after the second debate.
After watching the debate, I would say that McCain had a slightly stronger showing than he did in the previous two debates. Who won? I think it was too close to call; those with a predisposition will see their candidate as the victor, those who were uncommitted, probably didn't see a lot to change their mind. If the pattern from the previous two debates holds true then Obama will gain a little more ground than McCain. Videos of all three debates can be viewed at www.myspace.com/mydebates. I encourage anyone who missed them to go there and watch them, and most especially I urge you all to get out and vote for your candidate.
Presidential Debate Summary Part II
- William Kristol calls for McCain to "Fire his Campaign" and start over.
- Quinnipiac polls give Obama a substantial lead in key battleground states.
- Sarah Palin promises McCain will balance the budget by the end of his term during Dover, NH speech.
Comments
Just a quick follow up note. A CNN Opinion Research poll conducted immediately after the debate among people who watched the debate showed a strong majority felt that Obama won the debate, and he gained a couple points of favorability while McCain lost a couple. It looks as though the net result of this poll will be the same as the previous two.
Ok, I'll whisper it too you, but it's going to need an independent or conservative counterpoint...(ack, do I have time) :-)
Brad, you are a little more optimistic than I am that the candidates will actually resolve anything. I've become a bit cynical and see this election is primarily style over substance. That is why Obama is ahead. Tonight I anticipate pomp and pizzaz to prevail over heart and candor, but I do hope I am wrong. And I do hope that Schiefer forces the issue. For more on my perspective, please see: http://www.newsflavor.com/Politics/US-Politics/Americans-Dangle-Blood-Bought-Votes-to-Candidates-in-the-Hunt-for-Americas-Cheap-Vote-A-Debate-Primer.298609
Ok, Donna, fess up. Information is meant to be shared. After all, information can only change minds if it's shared with those who might have different opinions... ;-) I still have some bullets left in the holster for the hours leading up to the debate, but I'd love to hear what you found.
Very nice work Brad-- but you missed a hot Obama-byte...but I'm not aiding and abetting on this one. It's best not used for liberal consumption. ;-) Darn stock market fumbles the news day again.
Thanks for the nod, Brad. Good stuff so far. Enjoyed the Onion segment.
Thanks, Carol. Fortunately, in case he is elected, i think John McCain is too disciplined a debater to lose his cool in any way more blatant than making faces while his opponent talks.
Great article. Let's see McCain have a tantrum tonight. It would be more entertaining than anything else that's been happening on the political scene.
Super updates!
Check back here frequently throughout the day and during tonight's presidential debate. I'll be providing continuous updates and will address your posted comments here in this forum.
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