Watch the presidential debate with Trail Mixers and join the discussion now in Comments. This thread is exclusively dedicated to debate chat. Shortly after the debate, a new thread will be posted for our usual free-for-all.
Watch the presidential debate with Trail Mixers and join the discussion now in Comments. This thread is exclusively dedicated to debate chat. Shortly after the debate, a new thread will be posted for our usual free-for-all.
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This thread is exclusively devoted to chat about the current presidential debate. A new open thread for all topics will be posted shortly after the debate.
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Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:00 PM
hello
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:00 PM
The colortini's warmed up, the Patron is close at hand, so let's have a "My Friends" hoedown!
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:01 PM
So Is this live and running?
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:01 PM
Welcome to John McCain's last chance debate.
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:01 PM
Only Gordo can save McCain, Craig, this debate is meaningless.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:02 PM
they should let the WWE design these stages. so boring
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:03 PM
McCain's writing down the moderator's name???
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:03 PM
Some of my friends think McCain will actually try to fight Obama...hopefully this won't befall the elder were he to attack...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DzKt2Vn_H7g
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:03 PM
40 million viewers is never meaningless in politics, champ
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:04 PM
sarah palin haircut behind the first questioner......lol
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:04 PM
I think the arena is named for Mike Curb of the Mike Curb Congregation...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCjWQHpu3bY
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:04 PM
Carpet favors the Republicans...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:04 PM
First ouch to Obama ... failed policies of last 8 years.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:05 PM
are those bald buys in the front row twins??? how did gallup do that?
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:05 PM
wow, another lookalike in the row behind them. bald triplets! a debate first
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:06 PM
Wasn't this question about old people's finances?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:06 PM
There is part of Bowman's answer. Obama's proposing a WPA style infrastructure fix that will keep people employed.
McCain is going for Drill Baby Drill... dumb.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:07 PM
Quite the set...vivid red carpet and blue walls.
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:08 PM
Point McCain? Pandering to troubled homeowners...
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:08 PM
Craig, I bet they don't get crap from their mom's about their hair too long or too gray huh?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:08 PM
"not you tom" -- mccain takes a shot at the moderator. how doe that help?
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:09 PM
wow, where is everybody?
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:09 PM
Double shot -- McCain wants to buy up all the "bad" loans...I've got a home he can buy...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:09 PM
McCain has a frenzied look about him already.
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
the bald people -- maybe it's Steve Schmidt relatives, since they couldn't find that many undecided??
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
that set looks like the lobby of a 1950s Miami hotel
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
McCain sounds really nervous.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
Obama already picking his Cabinet -- plugs Warren Buffet for Treasury
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
Probably over at Brian's live blog
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:10 PM
Meg Whitman = Gimmick
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:11 PM
oh wow, i'm already getting sleepy. somebody throw a punch
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:11 PM
Barney Frank was saying that part of the 700 bailout would address those bad mortgages.
Also, the HERA reforms of FHA provided a way to help people behind in their mortgage to refi to stay in the house.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:11 PM
Obama is already saying McCain is right.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:11 PM
McCain thinks he gets extra points every time he mentions "greed and excess"
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:12 PM
McCain shouldn't have brought that up. It wasn't his finest moment. He looked silly with the dash back to Washington.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:12 PM
The audience appears robotic. Are either of them connecting to these folks on any level?
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:12 PM
McCain talks down to Oliver -- "I'll bet you never even heard of Freddie Mac"
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:13 PM
He's trying to get wound up
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:13 PM
Wow, McCain's going down in flames- super-nervous, insulting our intelligence, attacking the moderator...
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:13 PM
Is my tv audio messed up or is McCain actually gaspin for air?
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:13 PM
Frannie and Freddie?
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:13 PM
McCain - insuating that the black guy in the audience is dumb
(joking peeps ; )
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
McCain thinks he gets extra points every time he says "My Friends".
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
can't believe he brought up the campaign suspension issue. A Republican suggesting the government buys up homes...Which one's the Republican in this debate?
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
Could someone explain to these candidates that Fannie and Freddie weren't making bad loans, they were trying to boost their earning to get fat bonuses by buying bad mortgage backed securities???
It's unreal that he doesn't know the difference yet.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
Crowd (such as it is) lacks diversity. Who chose this bunch?
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
OMG -- Obama disagrees with McCain -- but SO politely
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:14 PM
guess McCain decided the gloves come off. remains to be seen if it helps him.
Posted by: rob | October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
McCain is pacing looks like he is ready to attack
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
Obama is seeming comfortable in this format.
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
so they both say they warned about the financial crisis but nobody paid any attention to them
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
Labber
It's working for him. He looks courteous and thoughtful. Gramps looks cranky and repetitive.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
hi-def breathing, Craig.
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
Whoops,
Prof. Obama is calmly educating the voter why schooling McCain...
Lobby issue brought, slap McCain.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:16 PM
brokaw.......leading the witness
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:17 PM
uh oh -- "coordinate with other countries" repugs are going to jump on that
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:17 PM
I just realized. They are both south paws. I wonder how many President's were left handed?
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:17 PM
Maybe Obama should have done more town halls when McCain demanded them...
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:17 PM
Obama gets the answer to Oliver's question correct, but he spent too much time dissing and defending...Now getting back to the Oliver's question...
Dodged the "are things going to get worse" question. [Until Europe gets their act together, hell yes it's going to get worse]
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:17 PM
ah, so McCain finally looks at Obama and addresses him directly. didn't really understand why that was such an issue in their first debate
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:18 PM
"how can we trust either of you with our money?" -- GREAT QUESTION
non-answers ahead
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:19 PM
Bush-the-Dad and Bill Clinton were also "lefties." Which others, I don't know.
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:19 PM
Here are the left handers
http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html#U.S.%20Presidents
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:20 PM
I agree Obama is doing great -- he is great at this format
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:21 PM
This debate isn't doing anything for me. Bring out Palin and Biden.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:22 PM
Craig
It was just so obvious that he McCain was avoiding his gaze, almost working at it. It just came across as very rude.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:22 PM
oh man.....he just took an old man gasping breath.......wo
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:22 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong but if you and your leadership both disagree with the policies of President Bush?
If he bucked his leadership, that puts him on McCain's side voting for Bush right?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:23 PM
there it is, what i heard was coming -- McCain says Obama has the"biggest big-spending liberal record in the U.S. senate"
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:23 PM
Don't you think McC is getting in the space of these poor folks? creepy
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:23 PM
McCain can't even form coherent sentences. Obama isn't doing THAT well on substance, but by comparison he does sound scholarly.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
Brokaw redirects the question.
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
could you repeat the question (about priorities)
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
hmmm, this format allows McCain to launch attacks without opportunity for Obama rebuttal
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
the social security question!
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
why can't they get McCain to stop saying "my friends"
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:24 PM
I know Democrats, I'm bipartisan...I guess when they ask McCain how many black friends he has, he'll name Obama? lol
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:25 PM
no doubt labber. he would benefit from a stage.
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:25 PM
McCain says we can do everything at once. Let's see if Obama sets priorities...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:25 PM
This timing format is dreadful -- no opp to rebut
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:26 PM
wow, did Obama buy gas today in Nashville? he knew the price
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:26 PM
Craig,
Since Brokaw is McCain's liason to NBC, do you think Brokaw will be accused of bias for allowing McCain's charges to go unanswered?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:27 PM
Yep, Spike, priorities set...by Obama.
Posted by: harborwoman
| October 7, 2008 9:27 PM
Going to the moon is priority #1?
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:27 PM
>>why can't they get McCain to stop saying "my friends"
His campaign likes to drink as much as I do...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:27 PM
I missed the gas thing...they had gas to buy? lol
After Bush missed the milk question in 1992, I don't think anyone wants to be caught flatfooted.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:28 PM
Sacrifices -- great question
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:28 PM
Obama is over talking his points
Posted by: Tim | October 7, 2008 9:28 PM
good question about sacrifice.
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 9:28 PM
Shut up about Time, Brokaw. Are they supposed to solve the world's problems in 30 secs or less?
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
carter's "malaise"
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
So what programs?
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
These time constraints are so artificial...or are they just "wasting time?"
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
eliminate the war?
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
McCain says "I want you to sacrifice your sanity since Sarah Palin will be one heart beat away from my office if I am president"
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:29 PM
Hi everyone! How many "my friends" have I missed?
Posted by: Alicia Knight
| October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
seems like Mac's breathing is really labored...........
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
Do you think anyone cares about earmarks when the market is tanking on a daily basis? Does McCain really want to waste his minutes on earmarks?
Posted by: rob | October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
no bias, bear, that's the rules for this one's format -- no follow ups or rebuttals. candidates agreed to that format
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
Tina Fey
And for the fraternity with the drinking game - maverick, maverick, maverick
wink and finger gun point
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
I thought on the last question that he said he wasn' prioritizing -- oh never mind, now he's back to we can do it all
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:30 PM
about the NBC issue, MSNBC stated today they had no input into Tom's questions nor will they be know what the questions. They said this agreement is between Tom and the debate committee
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:31 PM
Craig,
Should the elimination of waste in the defense department create the money for the needed increases in defense spending so it's zero sum?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:31 PM
Obama: "a lot of you remember the tragedy of 9/11" -- who does he think DOESN'T remember?
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:31 PM
Why don't we just make McCain the Chief Accountant.
All he does is talking about President.
The two things he talks about: (1) Cutting Spending and (2) Iraq
(which are contradictory when you think about it ; )
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:31 PM
McCain -- Spending freeze + tax cuts = now that will get the debt down in a hurry....
Obama -- Bush's "go shopping" not the answer. Calls for personal sacrifice...Didn't think I'd ever hear a politician ever say that.
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:32 PM
I know Obama has been mocked for being a professor...well right now, he's showing why the Professor ended up with Ginger instead of the Skipper...lol
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:32 PM
The CNN panel is loving this answer
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:33 PM
If McCain thinks Palin did so great -- why doesn't he wink or do something "folksy" like her. Doggonnit, that would be so all american
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:33 PM
Did Obama just say he was going to annex privately-held oil-fields? We gonna hear "drill baby drill" at the next Obama rally?
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:33 PM
Wall street wasn't the only ones getting drunk!!!
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:33 PM
all this drunk talk !
Posted by: Alicia Knight
| October 7, 2008 9:34 PM
just a segway Craig
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:34 PM
hey all, when referring to a particular candidate, be sure to identify them so we know who you're talkin about -- even an "O" or "M" will do when quoting them
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:35 PM
Craig,
Down here in Texas, you'd be amazed at how blase the people were on 9/11. I have yet to meet anyone here who new someone who died or even visited Washington or New York in their life times.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:35 PM
Obama calls for spending decreases and tax increases...Somebody finally said it...Everyone's going to make sacrifices...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:35 PM
i'm drinking!
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:35 PM
I dont think they liked the jello and hoover remarks.....
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:36 PM
Didn't 41 raise taxes during his recession?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:36 PM
nailing jello to the wall-lol line of the night
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:36 PM
Obama struck a chord with statement that Bush missed it in calling for a shopping expedition when people were ready to mount WWII-type involvement. It was tantamount to "we'll take care of the situation, you just go about your business." My question is, can we be ready to sacrifice again, or has that ship sailed?
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:36 PM
McCain compares Obama to Hoover...now that's a new one...Obama looks on in disbelief...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:36 PM
Senator Obama's "secret that you don't know" -- a little subliminal message?
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:37 PM
Wow -- tax cuts and credits solve all problems, hey McCain
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:37 PM
The CNN lines say McCain has lost these people. He's scoring best with men, but still just above mid line.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:37 PM
RULES!
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:37 PM
Tom lowers the hammer... great control!!!!
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:37 PM
interesting, why the hell did Obama campaign agree to a format that allows no rebuttals to McCain's attacks
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:38 PM
I think there will be calls of bias in favor of Mccain....he's dropped 2 bombs and Obama wasn't allowed to respond to either of them...
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:38 PM
I think Tom B is holding them to the format so much after seeing the VPs walk all over Gwen Ifill
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:39 PM
Bear yes 41 raised unemployment taxes
Posted by: SolarCrete
| October 7, 2008 9:39 PM
Jello line not very original - my old boss wore it out ten years ago (same with "herding cats" - hope we don't hear that one either)
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:39 PM
what is mccain writing right now? is that just trying to look busy?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:39 PM
i mean, if you're the frontrunner and don't need to attack your opponent, don't agree to a debate format that allows the opponent to attack with no time for rebuttal
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:40 PM
First time i've heard that jello expression, Ivy. If that's McCain's highlight...
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:40 PM
Ivy
Just for you
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:41 PM
Sara Palin format -- I'll get to that question later...
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:41 PM
anyone else a little spooked out by that cackle?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:41 PM
ok McCain, please tell us the problems and fixes for SS if you know what they are.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:42 PM
The CNN lines do not like crotchety
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:42 PM
McCain -- He and Nancy Pelosi will sit down and fix Social Security...Form a commission to fix Medicare...what's wrong with Medicare now?
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:42 PM
scuse me -- McCain's got him a problem with too many lobbyists?
That why he's employing them as campaign staff? To keep them out of mischief?
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
McCain's laugh is awful.
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
bear, i agree that's how it will be seen, but obama's campaign let him walk into a debate format that doesn't permit rebuttals or follow-up questions. not brokaw's fault.
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
that's answering the question M?
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
I just had to funnel a pint of tequilla for a triple My friends in that answer...
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
I thought McCain's exemption doubling for children and health insurance credit sounded good.
Obama came off as a whiner- just work rebuttal into next answer
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
oops - forgot her name
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:43 PM
Those dials and meters you guys are watching are manipulative and counter-productive.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:44 PM
Craig -- He answered the attack anyway with the next question. good job Obama.
Posted by: Alicia Knight
| October 7, 2008 9:44 PM
Craig,
Random question for you...what is the point of having this debate if the campaigns leak out their answers and strategies pre-debate?
Also,
If nukes are clean, why won't he allow the waste to travel through his state of Arizona? McCain that is...
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:44 PM
Wow - he is in LA LA Land on nuclear power -- but at least he can pronounce it
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:45 PM
Thanks, Jamie (I think). lol
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:45 PM
Champ
If you don't pay taxes, tax credits don't help you improve your life. That is one of the shoddier Republican tricks that sound good, cost nothing and do less.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:45 PM
Will we hear the words "Ayers" or "Rezko" tonight, Craig?
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:46 PM
McCain has Ned Flanders syndrome -- overly excited about really dumb stuff
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:47 PM
Is GORDO in the audience?
Posted by: Rezdog
| October 7, 2008 9:47 PM
so far......this whole debate sounds like the adults sound in a Charlie Brown tv cartoon......."wah wahhhh wohn ohn wahhhh....."
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:48 PM
i dunno, Obama makes me sleepy and McCain makes me laugh (not in a good way)
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:48 PM
I'm surprised they haven't done the west wing stunt and just say screw what we agreed on and just debate
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:48 PM
Champ,
Why are they manipulative. They are just a group of people responding as we are but with direct feedback.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:48 PM
I'm surprised McCain didn't say he'd have a contest.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:48 PM
Nice one Craig!
that line really captures the goofy grin he often has on his face.
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
This debate sucks. Brokaw needs to shut up about length of answers. Get a bell.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
He is so obsessed with earmarks --
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
"that one"?
Posted by: BrianInNYC
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
M votes against "pork" bills...ahhh what did you just vote for last week????
Posted by: JuliaPDX
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
Shut the F*** up Brokaw!! This is not about you.
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
Next question...from Cell Block D...
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
If oil takes 10 years from time of drilling to time on market and the goal is to be independent in 10 years...what's the point of drilling?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:49 PM
They influence perception. Mob mentality... famous behavioral study in the 50's or 60's Jamie.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:50 PM
I notice that Obama stopped addressing the questioners by name...has McCain done the same?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:50 PM
"That one" -- did McCain just refer to Obama as "That one"
weird stuff
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:50 PM
McCain goes into a state of weird euphoria when he gets to talk about earmarks - like thats the only issue out there
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:50 PM
What's McCain doing walking around in the background? He's probably got to use the restroom.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
So T Boone can make a little more $, Bear?
Posted by: harborwoman
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
Obama looks like he feels sorry for McCain.
So do I during some of these uncomfortable moments.
(But at least the good news is for the GOP - there may be some bad moments - but it is not Palin-Couric bad....)
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
Yea -- "that one" -- how rude can you get
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
I think Obama should stop saying "you" and start saying "us" or "we". Start channeling his inner Clinton...
Posted by: Carrie | October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
Brokaw -- Presidential Dom?
Posted by: Alicia Knight
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
The opinion that this debate sucks directly correlates with how poorly Obama is coming off.
Posted by: William Napier
| October 7, 2008 9:51 PM
Mike...my thoughts exactly, the pee-pee dance.
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:52 PM
McCain needs to sit down when Obama speaks.
Posted by: BrianInNYC
| October 7, 2008 9:52 PM
>>He (McCain) is so obsessed with earmarks --
Except for the $180 billion that were in the "Rescue" package (21% of the entire bill). Seems he voted for that one...
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:52 PM
Bear,
The problem isn't the drilling. It is the refining. People don't want refineries in their backyard. That means the oil we are getting can't be processed.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:53 PM
Obama is coming off beautifully and explaining simply and well. That one. Is doing quite well.
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 9:54 PM
Will the catatonic state of the in-house audience influence the viewing public's response? They are not much more than cardboard cutouts. To me, they're eerie...
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:54 PM
Not to mention, Bear, that refineries are maxed normally. No new ones in 20 years +
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:54 PM
do these guys really believe that putting health records on the web is going to save the system?
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:54 PM
Craig, you are much more dialed in than me because I missed that...
Hair transplants? Does he think this is a time for jokes?
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
I don't think Obama is doing too poorly, William. He's not saying much. It's Brokaw that's killing it.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Hair transplants? Sen. McCain really needs to stay away from the jokes.
Posted by: Nate C.
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Yeah, the audience looks like they've been drugged. There's got to be a better way.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Did McCain just say "medical mistakes, as they call them"? Is the problem what we call the mistakes or the fact that mistakes are made? Does he plan on fixing the semantics ot the problems? Why is he talking about hair transplants?
Posted by: Carrie | October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Wow McCain is really blowing this health care question. hair transplants?
Posted by: BrianInNYC
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Ivy, ITA. eerie
Posted by: William Napier
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Fact checkers are going to busy dealing with all these lies
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
pee pee dance. lolpmp good one BW
Posted by: Rezdog
| October 7, 2008 9:55 PM
Wish both of them would get back to the sacrifices issue. Given the uncertainty in the market right now, I think everybody understands this is going to cost us all something. People are probably wanting to know exactly what that is....
Posted by: spike | October 7, 2008 9:56 PM
Finally. Let's go.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:56 PM
I grew up with a refinery in my back yard (Marcus Hook). They do smell bad.
Posted by: Ivy Green
| October 7, 2008 9:56 PM
Craig
I think going on-line - instead of paper - is a great idea for everyone (businesses, gov't, individuals, etc.)
Cost, efficiency, environment...
Not the end-all be-all - but a good (and practical) step that makes sense.
Posted by: warren
| October 7, 2008 9:57 PM
the debate commission beats the life out these town hall audiences, warning them to show no reaction
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:57 PM
I agree Jamie, no one in the country wants to live near a refinery...get rid of NIMBY and you fix a lot of problems...
From Andrew Sullivan
9.51 pm. Why is McCain wandering around the stage while Obama is talking? It's weird. He looks like an old man pacing aimlessly. And he doesn't look at Obama while Obama talks the way Obama looks at him when McCain talks. This is not that important but I don't think it helps McCain.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:57 PM
The good thing about health records online is the universally accessible database -- efficient.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 9:58 PM
Go Phillies Ivy
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 9:58 PM
this would be a good time for McCain to point out that Obama attacked the mandates in HIllary's health care plan
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 9:58 PM
mac is probably also the kind of guy who makes noises and coughs suddenly when the other guy is putting......
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
The audience was administered a paralytic prior to entering the hall.
Posted by: William Napier
| October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
believes in deregulation in every circumstance.
Out of the park.
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
McCain is really blowing it with the sarcastic jokes.
Posted by: Jamie
| October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
Delaware! Obama knew as soon as he said it, it's Biden's state.
Posted by: Blonde wino
| October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
Wow, McCain looks way to desparate...
Questioner looks like he has the hair plugs McCain wants...lol
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
These time limits are really getting annoying, i think they should keep talking!
I think Obama is doing better, especially with the crowd, but this crowd seems 95% white men!
Obama is doing better at subtle attack, mccain trying to be funny with attacks, no one is laughing
Posted by: William Mooney | October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
I REALLY don't want my health records online...risky...and I'm healthy.
Posted by: harborwoman
| October 7, 2008 9:59 PM
...warning them to show no reaction
Posted by: Craig Crawford Author Profile Page | October 7, 2008 9:57 PM
Then the TV station puts a reaction-meter on the screen. ridiculous.
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Right...
Let's make identity theft easier and put out medical history online since its so secure.
Posted by: anon-paranoid
| October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Mc really stalling on this one -- trying to find a talking point that's close
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Yes, the security is an important issue -- has to be totally secure like banks.
Posted by: Mike Farrace
| October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
i'm sure online records is a great thing, Mike, but these guys act like it's some sort of panacea. if that's all it takes to fix health care, then we must not be in such bad shape
Posted by: Craig Crawford
| October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Wow... awkward! Sen. McCain is looking for his paid laughers and they are just not there. Does he not understand that we are not in the mood for jokes?
Posted by: Carrie | October 7, 2008 10:00 PM
Wino,
I thought that too but everyone knows there are reasons why most corporations set up hq in Delaware...I don't know what the reasons are but you know they are there.
Posted by: Bear
| October 7, 2008 10:01 PM
mcCain just walked into a mine field.
Your record is voting for Iran!
Posted by: BrianInNYC
| October 7, 2008 10:01 PM
Obama was wrong about Iraq and the surge. Wrong about Iraq?
Really?
Posted by: dog's eye view | October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
Mac Attack
Posted by: Tim | October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
Did Obama just slam Delaware wino, cuz theircorporate tax-haven is their lifeblood
Posted by: champ | October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
Iraq.
Posted by: BrianInNYC
| October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
I think the primary problem in health care is that it is geared toward the insurance industry, not the patient. There's no place for profit motive in health care.
Posted by: harborwoman
| October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
Good response the the "don't understand" crap
Posted by: labber
| October 7, 2008 10:02 PM
woops......wide open door for obama
Posted by: sturgeone | October 7, 2008 10:02 PM