Who Won The Debate? Clean Sweep For Obama

The insta-polls, which provide viewers with a somewhat skewed but important insight into how each candidate fared say, by and large, that Obama scored a victory in the second debate.

NBC's focus group of undecided Pennsylvania voters had the Illinois Democrat winning by roughly a 60-40 split. Frank Luntz's focus group, over at Fox, showed undecided voters leaning towards Obama because of his position on health care. CBS's focus group of independents had the Democratic nominee winning the debate at 39 percent to McCain's 27 percent, with 35 percent of the respondents saying it was a tie. Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, a Democratic polling firm, had a focus group of undecideds leaning to Obama by a margin of 42 percent to 24 percent.

Meanwhile, SurveyUSA interviewed 741 debate watchers in the state of Washington, 54 percent of whom thought Obama was the "clear winner" compared with McCain's 29 percent. That same polling firm had the first debate as a tie. In tonight's survey: 42 percent of respondents said McCain was too forceful.

And the CNN focus group of undecided voters in Ohio had the margin at an even wider spread: Obama 54 percent to McCain's 30.

A look at some of the specific issues that these Ohio voters valued suggest that they prefer the candidate who, at least on the surface, appears less on the attack. When Obama discussed health care as a right for all Americans, his numbers were through the roof. At one point, female respondents were dialing in at 100 percent approval. When he talked about using diplomacy in Darfur and pursuing Bin Laden in Pakistan, he again enjoyed strongly enthusiastic responses.

McCain had his moments too, mostly when he was discussing economic matters and propping up businesses to turn around the economy. His low points came when he was on the attack. On MSNBC, Nora O'Donnell charted how independent voters and Democrats soured on McCain when he said that figuring out Obama's tax policy was like nailing Jell-O to a wall.

How solid was the consensus that Obama scored better tonight? Even Bill Bennett, ever the Republican optimist, conceded that the Illinois Democrat scored higher marks.

"I confess I so much admire McCain, but I just don't think the campaign is equal to the story,' he said. "I just don't think it's equal to the man, it hasn't been. ... We needed a breakthrough, talking about the economy. I think he was a little better than last time, but he didn't break through enough, and he's behind. So it just wasn't good enough for McCain in terms of what it had to be."

Comments

[HypnoToad]

ritanewyork links are VIRUSES

[Involved1]

When McCain said the word "goodies" during the second debate, he reminded me of a cross between Gollum from Lord of the Rings and that demented clown from the Stephen King"s It. McCain uses the same tone with the word "goodies" that Gollum uses when he says "my precious". Listen to him again, it"s very eerie sounding.

[Qirfiraz]

Did Obama Invented Computer ????

In 2000 election campaign Al Gore was unfairly treated for his wrongly attributed claim of inventing the internet.

Life seems to have come a full circle. Now Barack Obama, in his NASHVILLE, Tennessee debate, has claimed that "US Defense scientists invented computer". It appears Mr. Obama meant internet. His exact words "computer was originally invented by a bunch of government scientists who were trying to figure out, for defense purposes, how to communicate"

Firstly, Obama campaign targeted McCain for being behind in technology (can"t email) but they did not bother to educate their candidate that computer and internet are two different things. It reminds me of Dilbert's pointy haired boss , who asks him to "download the internet." America, be prepared to accept more of these from future President of USA.

Secondly, US Defense Department implemented and built the back bone of world wide web. Tim Berners-Lee, a UK citizen, invented the World Wide Web, while working in CERN, Switzerland, in mid 80"s, and for this great achievement, was knighted (KBE) by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II during an Investiture in London on Friday, 16 July 2004.

By the way, computer (abacus) was invented by the Chinese, much before US Defense Department came into existence.

Surprisingly, Obama seems to have got away with this gaffe. Actually , McCain camp's performance is so poor in this regard that Obama will get away even if he claims to invent the computer, himself.

[SgtLucifer]

Rolling Stones Mag. - Make-Believe Maverick
A closer look at the life and career of John McCain reveals a disturbing record of recklessness and dishonesty

By TIM DICKINSON Posted Oct 16, 2008

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/make_believe_maverick_the_real_john_mccain

[irshvol]

hysterical sarah palin video!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1exiyBYnJ00

[obama4president-now]

Vote in our "McCain's Worst moment" Poll:
http://www.4yourwebsite.com/election2008/mccains-worst-moment-poll.php

[foxfan]

Is it about winning? The debates are an opportunity for the candidates to express their views and detail their differences. If they both speak well and put forth their ideas, then don't they both win? In my opinion, the second debate was really bad. I didn't hear anything from either candidate that made me think I should vote for either of them. In that regard, they both lost.

[IamPhenom]

Yes, it is about winning. It means you communicated your ideas better to the public, people saw you as more Presidential, and they agreed with the majority of your positions.

If you do that, you stand a much better chance of winning the election and becoming the next President.

Of course it's about winning.

[foxfan]

I agree in part. We have two candidates who disagree on many of the issues. They communicate predominantly to their base and try to "win" the undecided voters. if it is ALL about winning though, then why not just tell people what they want to hear and forget about what the platform actually is?

[Cameraman37]

Neither candiate gave me what I needed to make a decision. And, I'd like to have answers to these very importatn questions about Obama:

1. Occidental College records -- Not released
2. Columbia College records -- Not released
3. Columbia Thesis paper -- 'not available'
4. Harvard College records -- Not released
5. Selective Service Registration -- Not released
6. Medical records -- Not released
7. Illinois State Senate schedule -- 'not available'
8. Law practice client list -- Not released
9. Certified Copy of original Birth certificate -- Not released
10. Embossed, signed paper Certification of Live Birth -- Not released
11. Harvard Law Review articles published -- None
12. University of Chicago scholarly articles -- None
13. Record of Baptism -- Not released or 'not available'
14. Your Illinois State Senate records -- 'not available'

Why is none of this information available? Not knowing this cause a lot of distrust in the man.

[Denistoday]

What is a true/real hero? Is there such a manifestation? What purpose does this symbol serve in our psychology as a nation?
It's clear that JM belives he that himself is a hero. He wants americans to believe too. He markets this symbol to achieve power. This is not an act of a true hero. True heros are not seen..........

[ReckingBall]

Marked as stupid comment.

[roxe]

Some Americans are really dumb if they are voting for a man who came out of nowhere and got most of his money for his campaign from a former CEO of Fannie Mae. Who are you fooling he is a person who gets his campaign money from terrorists also. If he is elected you all will find out you made a big mistake in believing a word that one said. You will be kicking yourself and thinking how stupid could I have been. McCain is the right one he fought for our country what did that one do?? He has been in the senate for almost 29 yrs. compare to just two yrs for Nobama and he got his campaign money the right way compare to Nobama that got his from the former CEO of Fannie Mae. We people who vote for McCain know what a great guys he is and will stand by McCain and Palin all the way to the white house.

[Tcleveland]

Well in case you haven't noticed McBush has been in the senate for almost 30 years but what has he really done other than contribute to the failing economy with his quest to have the banks deregulated. If you along with the rest of the economy has taken a lost, you can thank your hero McBush. McBush also has a lack of judgement because although he is a war hero which is great he is ignorant when it comes to the economy (he acknowledged this publicly, along with his statement that the economy is fundamentally strong- oops, WRONG AGAIN). Don't be upset because Obama who is fairly new to Washington was able to convince his party along with the rest of the world that he is capable of running for President. It must mean something to be a Harvard graduate, a Community Activist, Civil Rights lawyer and Senator. When he's elected and your man, McBush is not you can thank him for being so OUT OF TOUCH ON THE THINGS THAT MATTER, PICKING A VICE PRESIDENT CANDIDATE WITH THE "EENY MEANY MINEY MOE "APPROACH AND FAILING TO RUN A CAMPAIGN BUILT ON SUBSTANCE. Obama can't help it if he's running a more efficient campaign and is subsequently able to raise more money than your guy.

[IamPhenom]

Actually, McCain was not in the Senate those 29 years. 8 of those years were as a member of the House of Representatives. Former Fannie Mae CEO Franklin Raines hasn't donated a dime to Obama (go to fundrace.org and search his name). You got that from a McCain smear ad. Raines has no role at all in the Obama campaign. Obama's "ties" to terrorists were serving on a board of an education group with William Ayers. The board also included Republicans and former Reagan administration officials. Ayers was a college professor at the time, not a terrorist. Do you do backround checks on the people you work with? If one of them had a radical past, does that mean you are "tied to terrorists"? Go to wikipedia and search Rick Davis. He's McCain's campaign manager, and was a lobbyist for Fannie Mae until just last month.

Do you know why most people support term limits for politicians? It's because the longer you stay in Washington, the more likely you are to be corrupted. That's exactly what has happened to John McCain. Speaking of experience, McCain is also 72 years old and has had cancer 4 times now. God forbid he doesn't make it through his first term, do you really feel safe with Sarah Palin as our Vice President? Her total "foreign policy" experience consists of a total of 12 hours meeting with foreign officials, most of which were tours at an ice festival.

[IamPhenom]

If McCain is such a "great guy", why can't he get along with even members of his own party?

If ties to radicals are so important to you, why don't you look into Palin's connection to the secessionist Alaska Independence Party. Unlike Obama, she was an active member of that radical group. She just spoke at their "convention" this year. Go to youtube and search for Palin and Alaska Independence Party. You'll see her speech. The group is run by radicals who hate America and want to break away from our country.

[Kinomd]

i saw it and i thought John McCain won. How come i can't ever vote on the CNN polls. tell me where to vote and i will. I have never seen a senator stammer as much as Barack. HIs favorite line is I agree with Senator McCain. Go watch the first debate again. I agree with Senator McCain - he said it about 8 times.

[jadeba]

JM only said "my friends" 22 times! What you have to try to get used to is someone who actually thinks before he speaks. I know it's not usual for repugs, who never seem to engage of thinking of any kind. JM just blurts things out - doubt anything passes through his brain. Go vote at drudge - that's where your compatriots are.

[bonchesva]

Oh, so you're saying that Obama should be rude, like John McCain and never acknowledge any good in the man.....that's what McCain does to Obama! He's a rude and arragont, never looking at Barack Obama one time during the first debate. I am sure he will do the same at the last debate since it will be the same format.

[hatethehype]

Kinomd
Your perspective is skewed, kinda like McCain is screwed.
McCain has not won either of the two debates and in this last one, he did not have enough 'good moments' to mount even a fledgling challenge to Obama.
It was kind of sad, watching McCain's shoulder's sag lifelessly every time Obama had the appropriate response to some mindless charge McCain had levelled.
In the minds of many, Obama sealed the deal in that second debate.
The upcoming third and final debate will not change the polls.

[Tcleveland]

Well maybe you weren't tuned in to the last debate when McBush, oh I mean McCain kept using the term "my friends" continuously throughout the debate. His attempt at being warmed came across as being phony and stiff. Perhaps he could have performed better if he had actually devised some real solutions to what we can be done to help the middle class if he should be elected President. His healthcare proposal is garbage. Who would replace their employer paid health benefits to get a $5000 tax credit and by the way this would apply to COUPLES NOT INDIVIDUALS! Individuals would get only $2500 tax credit and also healthcare benefits would be taxed as income, so do the math einstein. Obama on the other hand would allow you to keep your current plan if you have one and for those who don't have healtcare, he would offer them the same plan that he and McBush have? I could go on with other differences but for the record the debate was rather boring and they held their same positions on the issues. Your guy just happens to be lacking in real solutions and the ability to articulate them.

[neckozihp]

Another believer that Healthcare is a "Right"? Obama's plan for socialized medicine will ruin our healthcare system!!

The last debate had little of substance and we didn't learn much of anything different from the first debate. Lame questions chosen by a "has been" moderator.. Did you see how Obama did not want to follow the rules they decided upon beforehand? Twice he wanted to have the last word and interrupted. How immature!!

Biden lied several times in his debate with Palin. He said he had done things the
same for so many years and wasn't going to change? And here the whole theme of the
Obama/Biden campaign is Change! I'm confused...

[IamPhenom]

Good job repeating the lines you heard on Fox News and right-wing radio. If you go back and watch the first debate, Obama was usually opposing McCain immediately following those "I agree" lines. He would say things like, "I agree with Senator McCain that we need more reform on Wall Street, but he has opposed that regulation his entire career." (paraphrasing)

You fell for an edit job that removed the actual context of Obama's statements.

[englishprof]

The reality is McCain is a very, very stupid man. He loves imbecilic interventions, wars, invasions -- whatever you want to call them. Too bad he wasn't around in the time of Custer. He would have had a ball particpating in Custer's last stand.

[jpmdevildog]

Will Obama's recently revealed half-man half-bat half-brother, Obatma, sway voters?

"Obatma shares my DNA and will be uniquely qualified to understand some of the difficult issues facing mutants in this country and around the world."

http://www.weeklyworldnews.com/election-08/obatma/

[roxe]

And I forgot to say THAT ONE DID NOT WIN DEBATE !!!! McCain and Palin all the way!!! Where ever they get these poll numbers they are really not correct. Just because Hollywood wants Obama well if they want him so bad they can have him. I will take McCain and Palin anyday over them or that one!!!!!

[bodo]

Denial will get you nowhere. Facts are facts.

[tdazo]

Hahaaha another desperate remark from the LOSERS! YES MC CAIN AND PALIN ALL THE WAY>>>DOWN... :-P SORRY FOLKS THAT ONE IS THE ONE!
OBAMA IS THE MAN!!!!

WE WILL WE WILL BARRACK YOU!!!
Johnny you're an old man
yer med's are kickin'
and Palin's freakin'
slap THAT ONE on your face
YOU BIG DISGRACE
GO WAVE YOUR WHITE BANNER ALL OVER THE PLACE!!!
SING IT!
WE WILL WE WILL BARRACK YOU! sing it--
WE WILL BIDEN - BARRACK YOU!
:-P

[PhiLLyinDaLLaS]

somebody should actually record something along these lines, I'd do it if I could find the instrumental .

[PhiLLyinDaLLaS]

OK so even FOX NEWS (which is an ardent republican supporter) says Obama won...Face the facts or are you just delusional?? Nextly, just because you support somebody doesn't mean they won or that everyone else in this country agrees with you. Third, I was aware of Barack Obama back in 2001 so maybe YOU weren't aware of him til about 2 years ago but that doesn't mean the rest of us were, you're just late to the ballgame that's all. I appreciate that you didn't come with the typical slander against him (most of which is distorted or untrue), you just seem to have a differing view...Everybody respects Mccain for his military service....My question to you is this: How exactly is John Mccain's dream for this country any different than Bush's??? Nextly, you can tell A LOT about a candidate by the way they run their campaign and Obama has run the BEST campaign in a long time. Despite constantly getting trashed, he maintains his calm, cool, demeanor whereas the Obama campaign doesn't even hit Mccain hard and you can tell Mccain is angry and bitter and holds MUCH disdain for Obama...

[Kenne]

Phil,

It ain't over till i - . . .Wait a minute!

It's OVER!

O '08

[bonchesva]

I agree with everything that "PhiLLyinDaLLaS" said. Did you see Michelle Obama on Larry King Live last night? She is a real lady. She did not have one bad thing to say about anyone with the McCain campaign, when she sure had every right to. Barack and Michelle are very positive people, The McCain campaign has to resort to digging up false or half truth dirt on Obama. Cindy McCain appears to be cold and icey. We all know she's definitely a homewrecker.

[tdazo]

LOSERS WEEPERS. GO HOME and tell grandpa John and grandma Sarah>> he has no healthcare left to pay for his skin graftings he gonna go soon anyway and no more angry mobs to incite anger with, neither any ice to play hockey in. No more hope for empty pockets and empty promises.

What ya gonna do about that? Yeah we can have Obama and Biden gladly! ...and you can have McCain and Palin who are fallin and ya all can take em home ....so sorry for ya.
But if u wanna join us, we will barrack u. :-D peace!

[albanaeon]

When do we get to shut down the links to Bizzaro land these people come from?

[roxe]

Nobama did not win by any way. I am a McCain supporter and Obama is a nobody that came into view about two yrs ago and has no experience whatsoever and people want him to lead this country. Leads us where into disaster. Are the people of our great country crazy. People like Obama can't run states as governors or mayors without getting into trouble and now you want to elect one as president???? What is wrong with this country. I can't understand why people are backing this man. He is a nobody and somebody has to get the word out about this man how he will ruin this great country. McCain is a man that fought for this country and has a dream for this country and you are treating him like he is the enemy. He is not Obama is and I hate to see this. Obama will never be my president even if he wins he is not the type of person we need. We need someone to get us on the right track not someone who will put us in a ditch that we can't get out of.

[starfire426]

"Obama will never be my president." Hmmm...then guess you're planning on gaining citizenship in another country!!!! LOL You people are laughable...especially if you think Mc and Silly Sarah can do anything more but rant and rave and LIE like there's no tomorrow...but what you're not getting is that the greatest majority of people in this country are paying absolutely NO attention to either of them...why would they...they have no plans for our future, except to further divide us and that's not gonna happen!!!

So you go pack your bags, apply for that passport...and have a good life...OUTSIDE of the USA. The rest of us are taking our country back from 8 years of total chaos and mismanagement!!! See ya!!! LOL

[PhiLLyinDaLLaS]

STARFIRE is my hero! =)

Pack your bags and your bible and get to moving because Obama is going to be next president, you don't like it....LEAVE!!!!

In fairness though, should Mccain/Palin STEAL this election, I am seriously considering moving to Canada because it will definitely show a lot about this country.

[glas672]

Why should the President or the goverment have a plan for YOUR future. Shouldn't you have a plan of your own.

Get off the entitlement chair, and start managing your own life.

McCain/Palin will win because the majority of people in this country understand that you don't depend on others. The people that continues to ask what will he/she do for me are the ones that is perpetuating their own problems economically and socially.

[mspye]

Didn't Obama say once that those who don't vote for him shouldn't worry if he wins - he'll work for them, too!

I think it's true. This guy is the real deal and cares about the everyday lives of all Americans - not just those in his demographics.

[neckozihp]

Starfire, How do you know that McCain and Palin are lying? Where do you get your information? There are so many sources out there that are bringing to light the true facts regarding Obama's associations, financial dealings with Frannie/Freddie, and the ACORN group. You just refuse to listen or believe it, because the Almighty One has you so fooled and brainwashed. He can't even articulate or prove anything to dispute the facts. Obama resorts to "oh poor me, that's not fair, the Republicans are just smearing me". So it was Ok for his campaign to do the same to Palin, and much worse?

Obama has nothing substantial to offer. Just fancy phrases and words that make him sound like he is saying something intelligent. His ideas for the economy, health care, the war in Iraq, etc. are socialist and dangerous!

Obama will promise you the moon to get your vote, and get into power. He blames Bush for the past 8 years, but fails to acknowlege that the Democrats have had most of the voting power and done the policy making. Our country is still suffering from the years Carter and Clinton were in office. You need to look farther back than just the last 8 years. You poor Liberals are too short sighted, uneducated, and just think the left wing liberal media must be telling you all you need to know.

[PhiLLyinDaLLaS]

Oh yea, what was up with the "THAT ONE" comment?? Or the fact he couldn't even shake Obama's hand after the debate???? Sounds like a SORE LOSER to me and you would really want somebody like that in office?? Even KARL ROVE of all people said Mccain has gone too far in his campaign attacks...KARL ROVE! That is a new low....And to top Mccain's campaign gaffes off....He picked the WORST VP candidate in history!! Talk about "great" judgment there....It was obviously a political move and if you believe Sarah Palin is ready to lead this country, I want whatever drugs you're on. She is a political TOOL more than anything else, and yet, should they win the election, she's a 72 year old heartbeat away from being president....Like somebody on CNN said "If that doesn't scare the hell outta you, I don't know what will"

[bonchesva]

"roxe" - What debate did you watch? Obama won by a landslide. Even on CNN, after the debate was over one of the republican political analysists reviewing the debate said this: "Obama won. If there was every a time that I would change parties, it would be right now." For a republican to say this, it's pretty obvious Obama won. McCain is rude, never looks at Obama, whereas Obama is very respectful to McCain. I think Obama will be one of the best presidents this country has ever had. We had 8 lousy years with a republican president and what has it gotten us? Broke! Americans are ready for some positive changes. Have you noticed how nasty McCain's campaign is getting, including Cindy McCain. They are losing and trying any evil untrue tactic possible to try to win. It's not working. The American people are sick of it!
Obama '80 - yeah!

[SuZy0925]

Hey Roxe--Sen. Obama has been in politics and in the public eye for quite a few years now. You want your eyes opened? Go read the Rolling Stone article about John McCain and how he conducted himself throughout his great military career. Oh, and in case you haven't noticed, this country is already in a heck of a ditch now--we need Obama to help us dig out!

[promisedlyric]

Roxe is still in the 1920's on the porch drinking lemonade with a shotgun, the comments seem like the person is unaware of the progress that had been made and people are thinking with there hearts instead of what has been branded on them. Intelligence is only limited if you chose to remain ignorant.

Obama 08.. He is just the better choice, and the Better Man

[SunshineDaydream]

GNATI HAS POSTED A LINK TO A VIRUS.

DO NOT CLICK THE LINK, AND PLEASE FLAG AS ABUSIVE.

[Jason404]

No, it's just a link to a moronic wordpress blog. False alert.