I thought the debate did a disservice to both candidates...with Jim Lehrer trying to get them to talk to each other....treating them like 2nd graders...oy! We REALLY need a better format...maybe NO moderator. We want them to slog it out and remain presidential which is impossible, but maybe making them both just face the crowds like a big press conference together would be better. Anything would be better.

Sent by Gayle Schlenker | 10:52 AM ET | 09-27-2008

I noticed this issue of the lack of second person when they were speaking. I think Obama did try but McCain just kept saying "Senator Obama," so Obama returned to that style. But it was weird. Another thing that was not pleasing to me at all was that McCain kept saying that Obama "just doesn't understand" things. It's meant to work with naivet?? and the question of experience, but it sounds insulting. Furthermore, how can you attack for being an elite b/c he went to Columbia and Harvard and then say that he "doesn't understand"? As with Palin's "community organizer" line, I think this was a coded message to the audience that Obama doesn't understand because he's black. Normally, I would give McCain a break on his choice of words, but given the way he has played the media like a fiddle lately with Palin and the "suspending campaign" moves designed to control the news cycle, I think this choice of phrase was quite purposeful on the racial angle (no one in his staff would have thought that when they were rehearsing it?).
Ultimately, though, I do think the debate was a draw, except that McCain came off as superior and condescending, which is weird because really he doesn't seem to come off that way most of the time.

Sent by Javier | 3:24 PM ET | 09-27-2008

Iwonder if Palin will be scanned before she goes to debate.I can't imagine that she will survive any debate without some kind of electronic bug in her ear. what do you think?

Sent by crowsong | 10:52 PM ET | 09-27-2008

The following is an interview with John McCain in the 1990s predicting a crisis due to out of control government spending.
http://moneynews.newsmax.com/streettalk/mccain_depression_video/2008/09/26/134808.html

Also, the second link gives a clear, simple explaination of the housing melt down.

http://www.youtube.com/TheMouthPeace

Sent by Susan | 11:40 AM ET | 09-28-2008

There is a web-site that I was currently made aware of, publicmarkup.org, that allows you to read proposed bills. The proposed bailouts are on there and asks for comments on any part of the bailout. Another small step for democracy using the internet.

Sent by Juan | 10:34 AM ET | 09-29-2008