Debate edge for Obama

John McCain, who has spent the last week trying to keep from drowning, was poised and effective in the debate tonight. After a week of incoherent statements, changes in position, and political circus stunts, McCain managed to keep Obama on the defensive most of the 90 minutes of the debate.

Having said that. I think Obama comes out ahead for the day. McCain's claim to the presidency is based on national security cred and foreign policy smarts. Tonight, Obama knocked down the McCain advantage - he came across as cool and calm, knowledgeable and serious, capable and presidential.

I am disappointed that Obama does not make the case against Bush and McCain that boils my blood - a case his running mate expresses with passion. I wonder if he can win without throwing some punches. But this is our candidate - he is not Joe Biden. His style is in complete coherent alignment with his philosophy of governing, his notion that progress will require less divisive approaches than marked the past 8 years.

Both candidates benefited from this debate - McCain had his best day in a while, and Obama laid to rest the concerns about his foreign policy depth. We will have to wait and see what the polls say over the next week, but I think Obama is going to see a slight uptick for his troubles.

Technorati Tags: McCain, Obama, Debate, Election 2008

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