# September 26 - The First Obama-McCain Debate **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [September 26, 2008, 4:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357 "2008-09-26T16:49:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 18
**Author:** ![NinetyWt](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/cc9497/32.png) [@NinetyWt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/NinetyWt)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/341 "2008-09-27T02:52:44Z")
[QUOTE=aankh] There’s something about his gentle and slow speech that comes across well on screen. [/QUOTE] Not me, it reminds me of that creepy sing-song that Reagan used to do when he was trying to lull people into complacency. ---
**Author:** ![Daffyd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/daffyd/32/8923_2.png) [@Daffyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daffyd)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/342 "2008-09-27T02:52:52Z")
> [@Linear\_Crack](#): > > McCain: Won > Nobama: Zero Yeah, can’t tell who you were rooting for, can we? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/343 "2008-09-27T02:53:57Z")
Obama will have to be _very_ careful in the next debate. I’m sure he’ll be coached to come out swinging and it will be very easy for McCain to simply hold back, making Obama appear desperate to score a knockout punch. McCain has decades of political experience. I’m starting to think he really knows how to play this game. ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/344 "2008-09-27T02:54:29Z")
> [@Daffyd](#): > > Yeah, can’t tell who you were rooting for, can we? :rolleyes: You ever do a search for McSame in these very forums? :dubious: ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/345 "2008-09-27T02:55:35Z")
I thought Obama’s tactics were more likely to appeal to his base and increase the enthusiasm for him among Democrats, but McCain seemed more appealing to the conservative Independent who might have been wooed to Obama’s side. It’s difficult to say which tactic will actually bring more real voters, though. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/happy_fun_ball/32/17664_2.png) [@Happy\_Fun\_Ball](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Happy_Fun_Ball)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/346 "2008-09-27T02:55:52Z")
> [@Camus](#): > > Obama is suceeding at looking more dignified and presidential, but when it comes to certain points, McCain seems to be effectively tearing down Obama’s positions and Obama himself at every possible avenue. Yep… Well, it will be interesting to see the polls tomorrow. I would call it a tie, Obama had more content, but McCain scored more points. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/347 "2008-09-27T02:55:53Z")
Draw, tending to McCain. Obama really needed to call him out, and failed to do so. McCain played his usal cards, and rather than call, Obama let him keep bluffing. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/348 "2008-09-27T02:56:23Z")
> [@RyJae](#): > > You ever do a search for McSame in these very forums? :dubious: And McPalin. The namecalling is definitely getting old. ---
**Author:** ![Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c2a13f/32.png) [@Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thorium_Indium_Potassium)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/349 "2008-09-27T02:57:04Z")
> [@Airman\_Doors\_USAF](#): > > Admit what? That Joe Blow in BF Kentucky just saw Obama look down at the bracelet to confirm the name on it? That’s what it looked like he did, even if he didn’t. That is not the way to demonstrate your solidarity with the troops when McCain has already staked that area out and claimed it as his own. > > My criticism is no less valid than yours. Just admit it, and move on. I participate on another message board, and this is already being played out there. “Looks bad for Obama to have had to look at the name on his bracelet.” ---
**Author:** ![Zoomer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/bbce88/32.png) [@Zoomer](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zoomer)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/350 "2008-09-27T02:57:30Z")
> [@Daffyd](#): > > Yeah, can’t tell who you were rooting for, can we? :rolleyes: Says Daffyd from Obama Country - Ontario! ---
**Author:** ![Auntbeast](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Auntbeast](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Auntbeast)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/351 "2008-09-27T02:57:31Z")
I am voting for Obama. I don’t think he won this in the manner that many people will be looking for. He was direct, respectful and polite. He did not make many digs, nor did he pander to any particular group. Which is why he won with me. Why McCain lost to me: The smirks, the constant digs, the pandering over and over to Veterans, the “I’ve met” whomevers, the “Senator Obama just doesn’t understand…” The absolute lack of respect he showed to his opponent. How the fuck am I supposed to believe he can reach across the aisle to forge an alliance with the opposing party/country when he can’t even look at his presidential opponent? ---
**Author:** ![Shayna](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shayna/32/17976_2.png) [@Shayna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shayna)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:57am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/352 "2008-09-27T02:57:56Z")
> [@yojimbo](#): > > [Kissinger: Open direct Iran talks - UPI.com](http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2008/09/16/Kissinger_Open_direct_Iran_talks/UPI-46971221579660/) > > Guess John doesn’t know him that well after all. Yup. I watched that forum when it aired. It was awesome. ALL FIVE of the former Secretaries of State agreed, we have to talk to Iran without preconditions. Obama should take clips of that show and use it as a commercial. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/353 "2008-09-27T02:58:16Z")
> [@Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](#): > > I participate on another message board, and this is already being played out there. “Looks bad for Obama to have had to look at the name on his bracelet.” Well, it is true. Obama may have cared much more about his bracelet than McCain, but it definitely didn’t look like it. Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![RyJae](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9d8465/32.png) [@RyJae](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RyJae)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/354 "2008-09-27T02:58:22Z")
> [@Thorium\_Indium\_Potassium](#): > > I participate on another message board, and this is already being played out there. “Looks bad for Obama to have had to look at the name on his bracelet.” In a way I thought that was touching, like he was remembering the man who lost his life that it represented. But that’s just me. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/355 "2008-09-27T02:58:30Z")
I think it was pretty much a tie. Obama was a little better on the economy. I thought McCain was trying to appear more authritarian on foreign policy, but the “Obama just doesn’t understand…” refrain came off as condescending, in my opinion. No knockout blows, no memorable soundbites, a draw, but a draw is a win for Obama. It did look like Obama did better with independents on the CNN twisty knob thingy. I don’t expect this to move the polls much one way or the other. Next week: Grandpa Simpson Vs. Miss Teen South Carolina. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Second\_Stone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bbe5ce/32.png) [@The\_Second\_Stone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Second_Stone)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/356 "2008-09-27T02:59:03Z")
I think they both accomplished what they needed to. (I urge everyone to vote for Obama.) McCain was far more comfortable with his set talking points and attacks. He won for most at ease and most willing to take the battle to the opponent. But his not looking at Obama made him look insincere for those who were paying attention. Obama had a lot of “uhs” and pauses in his speaking, but he ran rings around McCain for knowing the facts and having policies. However, his summoning those facts from memory was a visible effort when compared to McCain’s repetition of talking points rather than answering the questions. Obama won on knowledge and consistency of policy. And I did like the way he constantly tied McCain to the Bush administration. For the immediate audience, I’d have to say McCain came out ahead. The Obama people have a lot of work to get out the back up facts to all the media on why each of McCain’s many assertions were wrong, otherwise the certainty with which McCain said them will carry this day. ---
**Author:** ![Daffyd](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/daffyd/32/8923_2.png) [@Daffyd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daffyd)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/357 "2008-09-27T02:59:40Z")
> [@Zoomer](#): > > Says Daffyd from Obama Country - Ontario! If I use insulting names like “Nobama” or “McSame”, you can call me out, but what’s my location got to do with anything? My vote is as good as yours - overseas or not. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 2:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/358 "2008-09-27T02:59:56Z")
NBC and CNN are both debunking McCain’s story about Eisenhower’s two letters before the Normandy invasion. They are saying he did not write a letter of resignation. ---
**Author:** ![Vox\_Imperatoris](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/f9ae1b/32.png) [@Vox\_Imperatoris](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Vox_Imperatoris)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/359 "2008-09-27T03:00:01Z")
> [@diogenes the cynic](#): > > next week: Grandpa simpson vs. Miss teen south carolina. 😃 Valete, Vox Imperatoris ---
**Author:** ![Linear\_Crack](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/8e7dd6/32.png) [@Linear\_Crack](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Linear_Crack)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2008, 3:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357/360 "2008-09-27T03:00:18Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > We’re going to have to wait until the pundits tell the public what to think before we know the real result. Sad and true. The only hope we have is that the American people are as wise as most of the people on the great ignorance-fighting forum we call the SDMB. :rolleyes: Or we can just watch [YouTube](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ec3aC8ZJZTc)! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357.md?page=17) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/september-26-the-first-obama-mccain-debate/465357.md?page=19)