CQ Politics' Web Picks

Washington Post: A Showdown that was More of a Letdown

Neither John McCain nor his Democratic opponent, Barack Obama, gave a particularly electrifying performance and neither seemed truly responsive to the current frightening headlines about the potential collapse of the U.S. economy.

Slate: McCain Needed a Knockout and He Didn't Get It

McCain is in a tough spot. He's behind. Obama has the momentum, and McCain needs to take it away. He didn't necessarily do poorly...But McCain needed to change the dynamic.

New York Times: Downturn in Decibels, Too

Tuesday night's presidential debate was remarkable for the dourness of its mood, for the frequently subdued demeanors of the candidates even as they tore into each other, which they did with somewhat less vigor and venom than expected.

Huffington Post: "That One," McCain Calls Obama in Debate

McCain punctuates a contrast with Obama by referring to him as "that one," while once again not looking in his opponent's direction (merely jabbing a finger across his chest). That's not going to win McCain any Miss Congeniality points.

The Nation: McCain's Disdain - "That One"

John McCain, who after a quarter century on Capitol Hill surely knows the political etiquette, could not bring himself to refer to Illinois Senator Barack Obama as he would any other colleague.

Wall Street Journal: Debate Tactics Reflect Shift in Contest's Dynamics

Sen. Barack Obama wanted the second presidential debate Tuesday night to be about the economy. Sen. John McCain, by contrast, wanted the debate to be about Sen. Obama. They both got their wish.

Weekly Standard: Round Two Goes to Obama

John McCain had a very strong debate tonight. It's too bad for him that it came on a night when Barack Obama was nearly flawless.

Power Line: Obama Edges Closer to the Presidency

A win on the visuals and at least a draw on substance (if that's a fair assessment) is a win for Obama at this point. So tonight he moves a little closer to the presidency.

Salon: A Debate for Sobering Times

It was more ramble than rumble on the red rug as John McCain and Barack Obama met for their second debate on a day when the stock market continued its plunge down a seemingly bottomless pit.

New Republic: Professor Obama Schools McCain

We've heard how McCain excels in townhall settings. But tonight he seemed old, cranky, and downright tired as he trooped around the stage.

National Review: The Snoozer in Nashville

Before the debate, there had been lots of talk about how the town-hall format would favor McCain...But this debate wasn't that, and perhaps it couldn't be. The stakes were too high, the time too limited, and the rules (agreed upon by both sides) too carefully negotiated for there to be a truly loose exchange of views.