Second Debate Thoughts

This debate was a lot more lively than the first debate, which was an absolute snooze-fest. Both candidates were much better in this debate, and both seemed more relaxed.

McCain was decent throughout, and pretty good at times. Still, he was kind of up and down. He told too many jokes that did not click. He manner of speech seemed stunted and lacked a good flow. Honestly, he seemed old at times. Overall, he was just choppy. I was also surprised that while he took some jabs at Obama, he was not nearly as aggressive as I anticipated. Grade: B.

Obama was very, very solid. He spoke with confidence and vigor throughout. He was relaxed, lucid, and crisp with his answers. I was impressed. He was much better than a week and a half ago. Grade: A-.

One word description for each. McCain: Choppy. Obama: Crisp.

In the end, I guess it is fair to say that Obama "won" this affair, but again, that's not to imply that McCain was awful; he wasn't. He simply appeared forced and frankly, old, while Obama was vigorous. My sense is that Obama will gain a bit of new support from the debate, but more importantly, he will likely soldify his frontrunner standing with 27 days left.

The key fact is that this debate was not a game-changer, and certainly not something which will help McCain get his mojo back. So in that regard, it was a clear win for Obama, because no movement is good for the Democrat.

One more thing. With all due respect to Tom Brokaw, he was atrocious. His interruptions and snarky complaints about the candidates not following the rules were brutal. When I watch football, I often complain to people when the refs throw too many flags (especially when my teams are losing and I am ornery). My opinion is that viewers are not watching the game to see the refs. The same observations applies here. I wish Brokaw got this lesson: people were not tuning in to to watch him make jokes or kill the flow of the debate. I know he has a big ego, but come on. Terrible job by Tom Brokaw.