A Good Night for Stasis, a Bad Night for Reality

Tonight's debate was a political Rorschach test. Wherever you were at 8:59 pm ET, you were at 10:36 pm (the debate ran a few minutes long).

It was a good night for Obama because, when 83 percent of the country believe we are on the wrong track, standing toe-to-toe with McCain on foreign policy is all you need to do. And Obama clearly did that -- scoring strong points on the lessons of Iraq, where he pointed out all the ways McCain had been wrong on the war. He even landed a zinger: "John, you like to pretend the war began in 2007."

It was a good night for McCain because, after a week in which he'd been bleeding like a hemophiliac in a barbed wire factory, tonight stanched the bleeding. He was able to keep the debate about the economy focused on taxes and cutting spending, as opposed to the crisis brought on by the free market, deregulation religion of which he is a devout follower. And he was able to interject himself into the major foreign policy decisions of the last 20 years.

But it was a bad night for reality. Did John McCain really try to reclaim the high ground on torture after having caved on the issue earlier in the year? And did he really profess his love for veterans after having fought against the new GI Bill?

The worst blow to reality came when the candidates took on the question of whether we are safer now than we were on 9/11. Both men agreed that, although there is still work to be done, we are, in fact, safer than we were. A low point: Obama pointing to improved airport security.

In truth, we are not safer. The Taliban is resurgent, al Qaeda is resurgent, Osama is still on the loose, Iran has increased its influence and has a burgeoning nuclear program, North Korea has joined the nuclear club, our ports are still porous, our chemical plants still poorly guarded, our railways and roadways vulnerable, and our standing in the world has been greatly diminished. But, hey, we now have to take off our sneakers at the airport and can only bring on board three ounces of conditioner.

Style points: I give it to Obama, who came across as relaxed and gracious (too gracious; enough with the repeated claims that "John is right"). McCain looked like he forgot to take his Metamucil.

Best moments: For Obama, it was his run on Iraq, his "muddle through" riff ("you don't muddle through Osama... you don't muddle through the Taliban"), and his reminder of McCain's gaffe about not meeting with the prime minister of Spain.

For McCain, it was his line about Putin ("I looked into his eyes and saw three letters: KGB), and his mocking line about sitting down with Ahmadinejad.

Most contrived moment: the dueling tales of bracelets given to them by the mothers of fallen soldiers.

Final verdict: McCain back from the dead, but not nearly enough to seize the momentum in a change election.

Tomorrow morning, after the dust has settled, and the best soundbytes have been played out, the economy will still be in free fall, McCain will still be the guy who 10 days ago thought the fundamentals of the economy are strong, and 83 percent of the country will still be looking for a change in direction.

Read more reactions to the first presidential debate from HuffPost bloggers, including Nora Ephron, Bob Shrum, Madeleine Albright, Paul Reiser, Sean Penn, Sheryl Crow, and more.

Follow Arianna Huffington on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ariannahuff

Comments

[atp2007]

I may disagree with everything Bush has done and all that McCain stands for but, I have to think we are safer today than we were 8 years ago if only because we are at least paying attention now. Clearly we were asleep on prior to 9/11 and any reading of the events that day make it clear that if anyone had been paying attention to the situation we clearly would have discovered the terrorists before they were able to board those planes. At least now we will consider anything possible and act accordingly.

[hu.man]

We may be safer now because as you put it we are paying attention. But we are still at risk because the policies pursued by the Bush admin has not reduced the risk of terrorism. Al Qaeda is still active and there is still lot of animosity toward U.S abroad. Bush and his self-proclaimed foreign policy protege McCain, want to beat our 'enemies' into submission. But that kind of belligerence, even though may be somewhat effective in the short run, does not produce the desired results in the long run.

[JNagarya]

The Bushit criminal enterprise UNDERMINED national security by VOLUNTARILY handing Osama bin Laden a MORAL victory with the war crime of torture at Abu Ghraib.

Making others hate the US does not persuade others to love or even like the US. Instead, it does -- and continues to -- increase the number of enemies of the US.

NONE of which makes us SAFER.

It is a lame, nonsensical "argument" that Bush has been a success because "we haven't been attacked since 9/11. Ever stop to think that those who might attack haven't yet been prepared to do so, Bushit's failure to protect ANYONE from ANYTHING -- can you say "Katrina"? -- notwithstanding?

This is what that nonsense "argument" means:

Every year, on a particular date -- I won't reveal the date because that would drain it of all its magical mythical powers -- I spin three times around -- I won't reveal whether clockwise or counterclockwise as that would drain the ritual of all its magical mystical powers -- to ensure that there are no giraffes in the neighborhood for the next year.

And guess what? There are no giraffes in the neighborhood! That must PROVE that the ritual performed as required on that undisclosed date WORKS!

[nastyvirus]

Hemophilac in a barbed wire factory! LOL Priceless! Almost fell out of my chair! My I use that? Thanx!

[research]

Obama won,

McCain REALLY LOST. McCain, Grumpy old fearful, resentful, smirking won't even look Obama in the eye.

Obama, standing tall and open, looking directly at McCain,

Prey avoid eye contact.

Servants avoid eye contact.

Lions and Leaders look directly at you.

TV is all VISUAL.

[JNagarya]

McSame didn't even look at the TV camera. He looked steadfastly and only at Lehrer.

Obama looked directly into the camera and spoke to the viewer. He looked at and attempted to engage wtih McSame -- which McSame refused to do, even during his speeches about his "maverick"y "record" of 'working across the aisle".

Did he "work across the aisle" while also NOT LOOKING AT those "on the other side of the aisle" with whom he claims he was working?

How petty and rude can a "mature" "adult" be?

[Mia23]

The REAL story why McCain "Suspended" his campaign: (1) McCain needs Palin on the campaign trail to get the BIG turnouts. ... (2) Palin needs more coaching and debate prep, especially after her poor performance in the Couric interview. ... (3) McCain needed a reason why he"s not doing rallies, and is using the financial bailout to hideout in Washington DC. ... (4) YES, they really think we"re that STUPID and would believe EVERY crap they"re spewing. And why not? We"ve let Bush/Cheney/Rove govern, -- ram shod-- OUR COUNTRY the same way for the past eight years. ... (5) Will EVERYONE " Media, Obama/Biden campaign, elected officials, voters " find the courage to call them on their tomfoolery and DISHONEST ANTICS, before it's too late? ... Enough is ENOUGH. No way, no how, no Palin/McCain!!!! ... Vote OBAMA/BIDEN, for America's sake!!

[CaribouMom]

Right after Palin announced that her daughter was pregnant I turned to my husband and said that I predict that around October 1st the real truth about Palin's inexperience and inability to function as a VP will finally be realized and she will step aside. The reasons she will give will be based upon her family needs (Downs Baby, daughter pregnate, stress on the family because of the mean nasty media, etc. etc etc etc) and that she must, as a good mom, put family first. She will get all kinds of warm fuzzies for being such a good mommy. My new prediction is that she won't even make it to the debate. Notice how the Republicans GOP sent Giuliani instead of Palin to talk after the first debate. Well,... maybe we should get used to seeing him or maybe Lieberman, eh??? The greatest trick would be for Palin to come to the debate, do a "surprise"back out speech and introduce the new VP candidate right there. An appearance of a sad goodbye (good riddance) to Palin and a quick last second appointment. Flash to McCain,... who looks sad but gives us the thumbs up sign. Then it's off to the races!!! I've never actually believed that McCain really had intentions on keeping her on the ticket .... in the first place. Let the Games continue.

[hu.man]

It is a tremendous mistake to underestimate Palin. When Bush-Gore debate was on in 2000, Gore had a commanding knowledge of the issues but he came across as arrogant and that just strengthened Bush's position even though he came across as being very green. In people's mind, someone who is unprepared can be taught but an arrogant person thinks he knows everything and there is no hope for him. So the former always takes the prize.

Palin is McCain's wild card. Hopefully Biden won't come across as conceited and arrogant during the upcoming debate, because it will backfire for sure. Palin will not bow out as you have predicted here because it will make the whole ticket look like quitters and McCain like a fool who should have made the right choice in the first place. Contrary to the opinions floating in this site, I don't think McCain people have regrets about picking Palin. It has helped their ticket so they are going to stick with it.

[minniebee]

Well said. I absolutely agree. McCain could appease the frenzied right by replacing Palin with another right winger, but even if McCain wanted to ditch her, doing so would be to admit that he had a major lapse in judgement. Also, Palin would not step down gracefully. She is ambitious, manipulative, and so hungry for power that, in her own words she "didn't blink" (consider her young daughter, her pregnant older daughter, her five-month-old Downs baby, or anyone else) before accepting McCain's offer to put her on the ticket. Palin definitely does not have the experience or qualifications to be President - something the Vice President should possess - but it would be a big mistake to underestimate her.

[SaintZak]

they're stuck with her. the religious right would revolt if they scuttled her now. They can't afford to lose them.

[appleknocker]

We may very well be safer than we were on 9/11, but not for any of the reasons that the candidates like to talk about. When Osama bin Laden declared his fatwa on the US, his principal grievance was the occupation of Saudi Arabia by US troops. Shortly after 9/11, those troops were, in fact, withdrawn. It may or may not be a coincidence that there have been no attacks on US soil since.

[Mugzi]

BINGO!!! gw did nothing to make us safe, not the Patriot Act, waterboarding, torture,lies, deception and the other gw traits...you hit the nail on the head....which is exactly why we should leave Iraq NOW, before more lives are lost and billions squandered..

[radnip3]

That Al-Qaida succeeded on 9/11 is all they wanted. It is still astonishing that such a plan was carried out. They had their one shot and they hit it. Imagine if the US was successful in the attempt to free its hostages in the desert of Iran in 1979.

[kimanastasia]

I'm rather over the bomb now ask questions later elitist unilateralism of the Bush/McCain administration. McCain is in for a big surprise if he thinks we're any safer now than we were after 9/11. He seems utterly ignorant regarding the threat of biological or chemical weapons, tho' they are more likely to be used than a suitcase nuke. Further, one need only visit our nuclear power plants, open reservoirs and Long Beach Wharf, California, where the container ships come in, to realize that we are open and utterly vulnerable to terrorist attack from within and from without. I think Barack Obama was right on to call McCain/Bush on the honey pot of Iraq. Iraq has evolved into that which distracts the U.S. from the truth of a world gone awry from economic and ennvironmental overshoot and collapse and the impetus of terrorism. Also, McCain might want to learn the difference between Zionism and Anit-Semitism and Anti-Jewish-ism, not to mention how to pronounce Ahmadinejad's name if he's going to rattle his rusty saber at Iran. I guess he didn't see or hear any of the Iranian Presidents many interviews this past week. Oh well, no surprise. In his occurring world I'm sure he thinks its better to view the world through the narrow purvue of what McCain thinks is going on out there than to take a hard look at actualities. For all his blustering, McCain hasn't a clue what's going on out there.

[dizmo4]

I think I would go even further-- While Obama undoubtedly won the debate in a technical sense, he did not do what he COULD have done which to me makes his performance a failure.

This is one of three golden opportunities for Obama to talk to the American people directly and in a way that is going to be covered 100%, not just in sound bites ( at least not at first). Obama let McCain dominate the economic part of the debate.

Where was the listing of unemployment figures? Where was the mention of Ford and GM consistently in the red and laying off tens of thousands of people? Obama wants to connect with blue collar voters in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He cannot do that until he talks about their concerns, and especially in Michigan and Ohio--that concern is auto.

There was no real talk about healthcare. McCain wants to talk about big spending by the government and freezing government spending. Instead of the analytical answer, Obama should have hit the emotional chord on health care. He should have talked about the 50 million uninsured people, the additional 50 million under insured.

Obama could have made a connection with independent voters by just showing them he understands the urgency of providing universal healthcare -- to give them peace of mind.

Yes, Obama has two more debates, but thats no excuse for knocking McCain out now.

[auntiekim]

Last night when McCain stated he knows the troops, he supports the troops and always will blah blah blah, take care of, protect, whatever, I was telling my wife Ok, now Obama will come back with the dagger and twist it, Obama will respond that McCain does not care for the troops when he voted against the new GI bill............ (insert crickets here)... nothing, not one word from O about McCains vote What a MAJOR opportunity lost, very disappointing.

[Mary1943]

Sounds to me like you already know the facts on McCain's voting record like the rest of us, so why did Obama have to waste time saying it. Most people by now have read and/or discussed every bit of information flowing freely on the internet. I think the debates as stupid.

[JNagarya]

"Where was the listing of unemployment figures? Where was the mention of Ford and GM consistently in the red and laying off tens of thousands of people? Obama wants to connect with blue collar voters in Michigan, Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania. He cannot do that until he talks about their concerns, and especially in Michigan and Ohio--that concern is auto."

He does that on the campaign trail.

His task in the first debate was to show those in the vast middle who are undecided that he's not "threatening" even though he is black. That he isn't a bomb-thrower. That he's nomal, and even a bit right of center. That they are right to feel safe with him.

There's more to debate than factrs and figures, and beating up one's opponent for short-term "feel good".

[veracity]

Yes, AuntieKim, Obama really, really, really needs to do what the DC Democrats have spent _8 long years_ NOT doing: INFORM American Independent, Democratic, & evern Republican voters about Republican treachery, lies, and betrayal of so many people and policies.

DC Democrats have spent the past 5 years GIVING Republicans the "WE SUPPORT THE TROOPS!" issue on a silver platter, the Bush-Cheney-McCain Republicans most certainly DO NOT support wounded, PTSD, and veteran troops, but the Pelosi/Reid/Hoyer Dems in cowering submission refuse to point that out.

The Bush-Cheney-McCain Repubs DESPISE Publice Education but pretend they support it with their "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) legislation. But this is an UNFUNDED federal mandate, that actually makes the situation WORSE. "MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!' for Repubs, Democrats abjectly FAIL to point out this simple political truth.

Above all, Republicans try to protect "the DADDY IMAGE" that THEY ARE STRONG, strong for America, good for America's security.

But Bush, Cheney, Rove, and McCain have spent the past 8 years - on behalf of their big corporate, banking, finance, and oil cronies - MAKING AMERICA 100% DEPENDENT on FOREIGN OIL _and_ FOREIGN CREDIT.

THIS IS A formula FOR DISASTER! HOW THE HELL can the Pelosi/Reid/Hoyer Democrats - IN CONTROL OF CONGRESS - NOT point out that Bush Republicans have UNDERMINED America's genuine national security?!

(simple answer: The Pelosi/Reid/Hoyer/Dodd Democrats take their dictation from the same lobbyists who fund and power the GOP.)

[MuchMadness]

Can nothing be done to restrain our government's impulse toward globalism and interventionism? We rush to battle without counting the cost, and we litter the landscape with unfinished towers. (Luke 14)

Why do we choose to take part in optional wars?

Maybe we need to bring our troops home now, get our financial house in order, including tax increases to reduce our deficit and strengthen our currency, improve our manufacturing base, have a renewed sense of non-interventionist U.S. nationalism, rebuild our infrastructure, have a massive effort to develop alternative energies, improve security at our ports and borders, and keep our powder dry just in case an unavoidable war is coming.

[luxou812]

Maybe YOU should run for president. You have my swing-state vote.

[DeniseD]

I totally agree with you, but this has been my philosophy for decades. I thought I was alone in this. Glad to know there are other sane people out there.

[Osprey3]

Best fit this election = Obama/Biden

[Pdubya]

that is like arguing over whether the gaping chest wound was caused by the mortar or its shrapnel.

they're both globalists, both will bankcrupt us, and will not call their master's bluff: the Fed.

[clarity101]

On the 'bailout' front I do not feel any leader has made it clear to Main street just what is being proposed. I believe there is confusion as to where this money is directed because of the investment banks that have crashed. Commercial banks that like WalMu that had plenty of money on deposit 190+ billion broke their own 'rules'of exposure and bought these packed securities based on sub-prime mortgages. If some kind of support is not given many more banks will close their doors and FDIC would not have enough money to cover. The country will get a great deal of the money back and maybe more than it invests.

This administration started with a 5+ trillion debt and has pumped it up to 9 trillion with 3 trillion more coming in the caring for wounded vets. The 'bailout' may never reach 700 billion, but whatever amount is used, credit must be available for this country to move froward. Will the plan work? Will the greedy banks do their part? We will see.

I can't wait for the VP debate, Palin is in way over her head.

I love this site.

I think that the fact is missed by most who read here is that the average viewer has not followed the entire campaign and this is the first time they are seeing either candidate aside from media sound bites.

[FranklyMrBillShankly]

Where was Sarah Palin last night? She's the only Vice President to be kept in a secret location BEFORE they've been elected.

[ohohyeah]

Hilarious (and true) comment. Did you see the cartoon of her and Cheney in a bunker and he's saying she'll love the tunnel to the oil companies?

[clarity101]

Obama covered all the points in 'in truth' of your post . He went down the same list and pointed out that a device could fit in a suitcase. He also reminded John that 60 countries are involved and that Iraq was not the final battle ground. China and Russia are important to this fight so like it or not we need to cooperate.
McCain's call for 45 nuke plants is just plain unrealistic and would cost 450 billion to build and more to fuel. Managing the very deadly waste from nuke plants is another major problem. Nuke power is currently the most costly. The government has subsidized the nuclear industry with 500 billion, so that would grow under McCains plan. In this global economy there will be increasing competition for components like yellow cake, Iran is buying large amounts so the cost can go up.
Off shore drilling would take 10 years if drilling equipment were available which it is not, there is a shortage, and you can be sure that Main street would foot part of the enormous cost.

Iran While they could be plotting to make weapons, could also realize the need for fuel for other countries and that their oil income could go away if energy shifts to alternate sources. Power plant grade plutonium is a long and complex way from weapons grade and the yield is just a tiny fraction.
Of course their true motives are suspect.

[DumbDad]

Not one word from either man, despite litanies of cost from Obama and of sacrifice from McCain...not one word about the entirely innocent victims of the unjustified occupation of Iraq. Talk about not valuing human life.

Reality loses indeed.

[piul05]

Indeed - but it doesn't surprise me. It's in line with the decades old Washington doctrine that rates the rest of the world population as second class citizens; their needs as secondary to American interests; their rights as subject to American discretion.

They're the Homo Sacer of Giorgio Agambem in global scale, affirming the sovereignty of the (US) state through their conditional natural status (i.e. devoid of the rights inherent to citizenship); but they are also the Scapegoat of René Girard, the necessary sacrifice to heal a fragmented society.

There was a time when leaders were people versed, or at least familiar with currents of thought ; the relationship between the state, its citizens and other nations, the nature of power, the concept of sovereignty, the moral implications of decisions. That went with the complex territory of governance. But now, we elect nothing but technicians - people who should fix this and that, efficient burocrats whose decisions are totally devoid of an ethical dimension - and we don't really care, so long as they "deliver".

Somewhere along the way, our democratic principles went completly off track.

[hu.man]

McCain came across like a liar. He kept wanting to manipulate the truth to his advantage. While Obama kept correcting McCain's misstatements about his record.

To be sure, McCain is in a really tough spot. Even if he is markedly different from Bush, he is still running under the Republican banner. I think Obama needs to keep pointing at the failures of Bush as Ariana has in this post. Obama needs to run as if he running against Bush.

Is it hopeless for McCain? No. He needs a tremendous amount of creativity to distance himself from Bush, run on his own record which has been divergent from Bush's on many occasions and go back to Reagan values of GOP that have put them at the front and center of presidential politics in the last 30 years.

McCain is not capable of doing this because he is letting his advisers run his campaign. A cookie cutter approach will not work here. From what I saw last night, he is resorting to the old and tired lines that garners him nothing but disdain from the public. It doesn't look like he has got it in him to put up a valiant effort. A younger McCain could have but this John McCain just looks like is too close his expiration date to create any sort of excitement among the populace.