Craig Crawford's Trail Mix

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hello

The colortini's warmed up, the Patron is close at hand, so let's have a "My Friends" hoedown!

So Is this live and running?

Welcome to John McCain's last chance debate.

Only Gordo can save McCain, Craig, this debate is meaningless.

they should let the WWE design these stages. so boring

McCain's writing down the moderator's name???

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

40 million viewers is never meaningless in politics, champ

sarah palin haircut behind the first questioner......lol

I think the arena is named for Mike Curb of the Mike Curb Congregation...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zCjWQHpu3bY

Carpet favors the Republicans...

First ouch to Obama ... failed policies of last 8 years.

are those bald buys in the front row twins??? how did gallup do that?

wow, another lookalike in the row behind them. bald triplets! a debate first

Wasn't this question about old people's finances?

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.

Quite the set...vivid red carpet and blue walls.

Point McCain? Pandering to troubled homeowners...

Craig, I bet they don't get crap from their mom's about their hair too long or too gray huh?

"not you tom" -- mccain takes a shot at the moderator. how doe that help?

wow, where is everybody?

Double shot -- McCain wants to buy up all the "bad" loans...I've got a home he can buy...

McCain has a frenzied look about him already.

the bald people -- maybe it's Steve Schmidt relatives, since they couldn't find that many undecided??

that set looks like the lobby of a 1950s Miami hotel

McCain sounds really nervous.

Obama already picking his Cabinet -- plugs Warren Buffet for Treasury

Probably over at Brian's live blog

Meg Whitman = Gimmick

oh wow, i'm already getting sleepy. somebody throw a punch

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.

Obama is already saying McCain is right.

McCain thinks he gets extra points every time he mentions "greed and excess"

McCain shouldn't have brought that up. It wasn't his finest moment. He looked silly with the dash back to Washington.

The audience appears robotic. Are either of them connecting to these folks on any level?

McCain talks down to Oliver -- "I'll bet you never even heard of Freddie Mac"

He's trying to get wound up

Wow, McCain's going down in flames- super-nervous, insulting our intelligence, attacking the moderator...

Is my tv audio messed up or is McCain actually gaspin for air?

Frannie and Freddie?

McCain - insuating that the black guy in the audience is dumb

(joking peeps ; )

McCain thinks he gets extra points every time he says "My Friends".

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?

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.

Crowd (such as it is) lacks diversity. Who chose this bunch?

OMG -- Obama disagrees with McCain -- but SO politely

guess McCain decided the gloves come off. remains to be seen if it helps him.

McCain is pacing looks like he is ready to attack

Obama is seeming comfortable in this format.

so they both say they warned about the financial crisis but nobody paid any attention to them

Labber

It's working for him. He looks courteous and thoughtful. Gramps looks cranky and repetitive.

hi-def breathing, Craig.

Whoops,

Prof. Obama is calmly educating the voter why schooling McCain...

Lobby issue brought, slap McCain.

brokaw.......leading the witness

uh oh -- "coordinate with other countries" repugs are going to jump on that

I just realized. They are both south paws. I wonder how many President's were left handed?

Maybe Obama should have done more town halls when McCain demanded them...

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]

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

"how can we trust either of you with our money?" -- GREAT QUESTION

non-answers ahead

Bush-the-Dad and Bill Clinton were also "lefties." Which others, I don't know.

Here are the left handers

http://www.indiana.edu/~primate/left.html#U.S.%20Presidents

I agree Obama is doing great -- he is great at this format

This debate isn't doing anything for me. Bring out Palin and Biden.

Craig

It was just so obvious that he McCain was avoiding his gaze, almost working at it. It just came across as very rude.

oh man.....he just took an old man gasping breath.......wo

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?

there it is, what i heard was coming -- McCain says Obama has the"biggest big-spending liberal record in the U.S. senate"

Don't you think McC is getting in the space of these poor folks? creepy

McCain can't even form coherent sentences. Obama isn't doing THAT well on substance, but by comparison he does sound scholarly.

Brokaw redirects the question.

could you repeat the question (about priorities)

hmmm, this format allows McCain to launch attacks without opportunity for Obama rebuttal

the social security question!

why can't they get McCain to stop saying "my friends"

I know Democrats, I'm bipartisan...I guess when they ask McCain how many black friends he has, he'll name Obama? lol

no doubt labber. he would benefit from a stage.

McCain says we can do everything at once. Let's see if Obama sets priorities...

This timing format is dreadful -- no opp to rebut

wow, did Obama buy gas today in Nashville? he knew the price

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?

Yep, Spike, priorities set...by Obama.

Going to the moon is priority #1?

>>why can't they get McCain to stop saying "my friends"

His campaign likes to drink as much as I do...

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.

Sacrifices -- great question

Obama is over talking his points

good question about sacrifice.

Shut up about Time, Brokaw. Are they supposed to solve the world's problems in 30 secs or less?

carter's "malaise"

So what programs?

These time constraints are so artificial...or are they just "wasting time?"

eliminate the war?

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"

Hi everyone! How many "my friends" have I missed?

seems like Mac's breathing is really labored...........

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?

no bias, bear, that's the rules for this one's format -- no follow ups or rebuttals. candidates agreed to that format

Tina Fey

And for the fraternity with the drinking game - maverick, maverick, maverick

wink and finger gun point

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

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

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?

Obama: "a lot of you remember the tragedy of 9/11" -- who does he think DOESN'T remember?

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 ; )

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.

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

The CNN panel is loving this answer

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

Did Obama just say he was going to annex privately-held oil-fields? We gonna hear "drill baby drill" at the next Obama rally?

Wall street wasn't the only ones getting drunk!!!

all this drunk talk !

just a segway Craig

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

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.

Obama calls for spending decreases and tax increases...Somebody finally said it...Everyone's going to make sacrifices...

i'm drinking!

I dont think they liked the jello and hoover remarks.....

Didn't 41 raise taxes during his recession?

nailing jello to the wall-lol line of the night

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?

McCain compares Obama to Hoover...now that's a new one...Obama looks on in disbelief...

Senator Obama's "secret that you don't know" -- a little subliminal message?

Wow -- tax cuts and credits solve all problems, hey McCain

The CNN lines say McCain has lost these people. He's scoring best with men, but still just above mid line.

RULES!

Tom lowers the hammer... great control!!!!

interesting, why the hell did Obama campaign agree to a format that allows no rebuttals to McCain's attacks

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...

I think Tom B is holding them to the format so much after seeing the VPs walk all over Gwen Ifill

Bear yes 41 raised unemployment taxes

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)

what is mccain writing right now? is that just trying to look busy?

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

First time i've heard that jello expression, Ivy. If that's McCain's highlight...

Ivy

Just for you

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk7yqlTMvp8

Sara Palin format -- I'll get to that question later...

anyone else a little spooked out by that cackle?

ok McCain, please tell us the problems and fixes for SS if you know what they are.

The CNN lines do not like crotchety

McCain -- He and Nancy Pelosi will sit down and fix Social Security...Form a commission to fix Medicare...what's wrong with Medicare now?

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?

McCain's laugh is awful.

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.

that's answering the question M?

I just had to funnel a pint of tequilla for a triple My friends in that answer...

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

oops - forgot her name

Those dials and meters you guys are watching are manipulative and counter-productive.

Craig -- He answered the attack anyway with the next question. good job Obama.

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...

Wow - he is in LA LA Land on nuclear power -- but at least he can pronounce it

Thanks, Jamie (I think). lol

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.

Will we hear the words "Ayers" or "Rezko" tonight, Craig?

McCain has Ned Flanders syndrome -- overly excited about really dumb stuff

Is GORDO in the audience?

so far......this whole debate sounds like the adults sound in a Charlie Brown tv cartoon......."wah wahhhh wohn ohn wahhhh....."

i dunno, Obama makes me sleepy and McCain makes me laugh (not in a good way)

I'm surprised they haven't done the west wing stunt and just say screw what we agreed on and just debate

Champ,

Why are they manipulative. They are just a group of people responding as we are but with direct feedback.

I'm surprised McCain didn't say he'd have a contest.

Nice one Craig!

that line really captures the goofy grin he often has on his face.

This debate sucks. Brokaw needs to shut up about length of answers. Get a bell.

He is so obsessed with earmarks --

"that one"?

M votes against "pork" bills...ahhh what did you just vote for last week????

Shut the F*** up Brokaw!! This is not about you.

Next question...from Cell Block D...

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?

They influence perception. Mob mentality... famous behavioral study in the 50's or 60's Jamie.

I notice that Obama stopped addressing the questioners by name...has McCain done the same?

"That one" -- did McCain just refer to Obama as "That one"

weird stuff

McCain goes into a state of weird euphoria when he gets to talk about earmarks - like thats the only issue out there

What's McCain doing walking around in the background? He's probably got to use the restroom.

So T Boone can make a little more $, Bear?

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....)

Yea -- "that one" -- how rude can you get

I think Obama should stop saying "you" and start saying "us" or "we". Start channeling his inner Clinton...

Brokaw -- Presidential Dom?

The opinion that this debate sucks directly correlates with how poorly Obama is coming off.

Mike...my thoughts exactly, the pee-pee dance.

McCain needs to sit down when Obama speaks.

>>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...

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.

Obama is coming off beautifully and explaining simply and well. That one. Is doing quite well.

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...

Not to mention, Bear, that refineries are maxed normally. No new ones in 20 years +

do these guys really believe that putting health records on the web is going to save the system?

Craig, you are much more dialed in than me because I missed that...

Hair transplants? Does he think this is a time for jokes?

I don't think Obama is doing too poorly, William. He's not saying much. It's Brokaw that's killing it.

Hair transplants? Sen. McCain really needs to stay away from the jokes.

Yeah, the audience looks like they've been drugged. There's got to be a better way.

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?

Wow McCain is really blowing this health care question. hair transplants?

Ivy, ITA. eerie

Fact checkers are going to busy dealing with all these lies

pee pee dance. lolpmp good one BW

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....

Finally. Let's go.

I grew up with a refinery in my back yard (Marcus Hook). They do smell bad.

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.

the debate commission beats the life out these town hall audiences, warning them to show no reaction

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.

The good thing about health records online is the universally accessible database -- efficient.

Go Phillies Ivy

this would be a good time for McCain to point out that Obama attacked the mandates in HIllary's health care plan

mac is probably also the kind of guy who makes noises and coughs suddenly when the other guy is putting......

The audience was administered a paralytic prior to entering the hall.

believes in deregulation in every circumstance.

Out of the park.

McCain is really blowing it with the sarcastic jokes.

Delaware! Obama knew as soon as he said it, it's Biden's state.

Wow, McCain looks way to desparate...

Questioner looks like he has the hair plugs McCain wants...lol

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

I REALLY don't want my health records online...risky...and I'm healthy.

...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.

Right...

Let's make identity theft easier and put out medical history online since its so secure.

Mc really stalling on this one -- trying to find a talking point that's close

Yes, the security is an important issue -- has to be totally secure like banks.

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

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?

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.

mcCain just walked into a mine field.

Your record is voting for Iran!

Obama was wrong about Iraq and the surge. Wrong about Iraq?

Really?

Mac Attack

Did Obama just slam Delaware wino, cuz theircorporate tax-haven is their lifeblood

Iraq.

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.

Good response the the "don't understand" crap

woops......wide open door for obama