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

[weg203]

like this place - would like to hear more about o's "trickle up" economics helping lesser first - probably like christ would do trying to benefit the lesser with tax cuts and health care for all - the nongreed way

[deliriousgod]

you know how that trick with the loaves worked? there was lots of bread, everyone was just crying poor. they were embarassed when J-roc started handing his out and they snuck the secret stashes out because they didn't want to go home hungry with their pockets stuffed full of stale mashed bread.

[Z - He is Alive]

Arianna,

The new "Female Woman"* is Tina Fey, she looks like Palin, talks like Palin - the difference is that she is one heck of a smart cookie.

Obama needs his own "Sarah Palin" to strike back - attractive, snappy, and someone with a brain.

TINA FEY FOR VP

*Female Woman", written by Arianna Stassinopoulos (1973)

[Erdgeist]

I hear ya Arianna. Regrettably, we are still under the old paradigms, viz., the cold war and non-regulated capitalism. Jim Lehrer could have done much better by asking questions about the making a post Cold War world and making a new economy based on prudent regulation, the greening of America, and the end of labor arbitraging (outsourcing for corporate profit).

[brenner21]

The worst thing that could happen now if for Obama to be over-prepared for the second debate. Then it won't be only 11 times agreeing with McCain, but closer to 50 as in Al Gore's 2nd debate (Al Gore Mark II)

[jsob]

Yes, both Obama and McCain agreed that we are safer and that more needs to be done. Obama did not simply say airport security improved; he specifically addressed the sorts of problems Arianna listed.

As far as style goes, Obama showed he can acknowledge common ground, something necessary for reaching across the aisle. For all of McCain’s bragging about bipartisanship, he never once looked at Obama, nor agreed with Obama when he could. So who's style will help get things done?

[phoenix8]

Arianna,

Obama could have been much more effective. He missed opportunities to respond to McCain. He probably can benefit from role playing with people playing the role of contentious liars...I also thought that Jim Lehrer was a very ineffective moderator, letting McCain go on and on and on...

I am puzzled as to why no one has checked whether McCain voted in favor of the Glass Stiegel Act which stripped a key regulation against collusion in Wall Street in the 90s. This is critical information that NO ONE is focusing on...Obama needs to hit much harder with facts of the McCain voting record against regulating Wall Street and make parallels with what McCain wants to do with health insurance.

[Mary1943]

PHOENIX8: CORRECTION. The Glass/Steagall Act was passed in 1936. I believe that was the year McCain was born. Glass/Steagall was the Federal Law that enacted regulatory rules for commerce, i.e., banking, etc.
In 1999 McCain voted for the Gramm/Leach/Bliley Act which in essence removed most regulatory laws.
In 1999 Clinton had no option but to sign it into law as he had a Republican dominated congress and they had the 60 vote count to override a presidential veto.
Mr. McCain has not been lily white with respect to this current scandal anymore than the Keating 5 Saving and Loan scandal of 1987 that he was involved in.
He constantly talks of others who are in prison for exactly what he did in 1987, and all he got was a slap on the wrist by the Senate Ethics Committee. I am sure Reagan got him out of serious jail time since he was president when this happened.
Kinda like when Sandy Berger of the Clinton White House took some official classified documents to his home. He got fined $50,000 and lost his law license. When Alberto Gonzales did the same thing he received no punishment. www.usdoj.gov/oig/special/s0809/final.pdf

[CostaDelBarto]

If you believe someone is right, weirdly enough, it's normal to agree.

Was Obama supposed to be more like McCain, to agree but remain too proud to admit it? I don't get the idea that you agree with someone too stylishly. Obama did fine by agreeing. The few times McCain talked sense, Obama agreed then talked about where he disagreed. What's so wrong with that, I don't get it. Since when is acknowledging reality a form of failure? If you're talking about bipartisanship, why not see some in action?

[DesertDivine]

Look for the next campaign ad to show all the sound bites of Obama agreeing with McCain. It's coming folks.....­..I was most upset that O didn't attack M on the veteran issue too. He had plenty of opportunities but seemed intent on being the diplomatic gentleman. Right on as usual, Arianna.

[justShareandbeNice]

I was a bit worried about that,too, but then I read somewhere that the add they produced from him saying "John, you are right..." is really, really pathetic and doesn't even get the point across.

Also, remember that Obama is a teacher. Literally, for 12 years, and also just by his very nature and style. Teacher are trained to deal with the idiot in the class by saying something like "well, you might be right there.... but here is where you are wrong..."

Not saying it is a good technique in a debate, however!

[Mugzi]

I hope it does! The people saw and heard Obama professionalism in agreeing to a degree, then there was the correction­...not exactly the truth!

[justShareandbeNice]

(continued from above....)

I have been saying for a long time that Obama needs to have a new kind of ad campaign that is very simply composed:

Obama in a room, essentially. Standing or sitting. Strongly limit music and logos and voiceovers and anything fancy. He looks directly at the camera, just as a president would do when discussing something important. He engages the viewer in a calm and serious manner and then he simply explains the problems we face as a country, how we got in this mess, and his plans for getting us out of it.

Keep the ads timely, focused (one or two issues per ad), long enough to include details, and refrain from responding to McCain attacks via these ads. Attack McCain on the issues - yes.

It also addresses some weaknesses that Obama needs to address:

* it increases trust and comfort with the candidate
* voters learn important things they didn't know (for example, his message about cutting taxes for middle class isn't getting through enough.... he simply needs to state it into the camera!)
* this technique makes him look like he is ALREADY president, not running for president.
* it isn't fake -- keep it real.
* it respects the voter and creates the feeling that "we are all in this together".
* it allows for immediate and powerful fixing of whatever weakness Obama is facing at that moment
* it allows some control of media messaging

I

[RichDavid]

I hope the Obama camp listens to and reads Arianna. You should be one of Barack's coaches.
Arianna give him a call......­Go Obama!

[justShareandbeNice]

I agree with Arianna, but after reading the post-debate poll and focus group results I was struck by some simple truths:

People reported that they got to know Obama more. They simply learned more about where he is on the issues. They liked how he looked directly at the camera, and directed his thinking towards the people at home. They were impressed with his knowledge of the issues, despite McCain saying he was naive.

In other words, many undecided voters actually DID listen to what Obama had to say on the issues. They learned something. And the information they gleaned made a postitive impression.

One could say there is a formula: When people gain DIRECT INFORMATION about the issues STRAIGHT FROM OBAMA while they are sitting on their couches this makes a POSTIVE IMPRESSION and SWAYS voters to possibly voting for him.

Or: Obama looking straight at the camera and simply talking about the issues works.

(Continued below....)

[mari2JJ]

The wonderful thing about Arianna is that she not only says the correct thing, but she says what is needed to be said with such a zing that it sticks in ones mind so well. Thanks Arianna for this new world of fact-check reality and having this progressive site that has become so well read.

[PT6]

Very helpful views on the debate, Arianna. Thank you also for this website!

When you watch the dynamic viewer opinions:

When McCain talked about ACCOUNTABILITY and PUNISHING WALL STREETERS WHO VIOLATED OUR TRUST the readings went above 70% for both Repbs and Dems.

When Obama talked about the HOW MCCAIN WAS WRONG ON FOUR THINGS IN IRAQ the meters went above 80%.

Obama needs to emphasis ACCOUNTABILITY OF WALL STREETERS WHO VIOLATED OUR TRUST.


OBAMA PROVED HE IS FULLY QUALIFIED TO BE COMMANDER IN CHIEF!

ON IRAQ Obama said to McCain,

You said, "It would be quick and easy" "You were Wrong"
You said. "We knew where the weapons of mass destruction were" "You were wrong"
You said, "We would be greeted as Liberators" "You were wrong"
You said, "There would be no violence between the Shia and Sunni" "You were wrong"

Even Kissinger's video of two weeks ago supported Obama’s position in negotiating at high levels with IRAN, while McCain opposes that as Bush has over the last eight years.

McCain showed how close he is to Bush in nearly every foreign policy.

McCain made a bid for Veteran support but Veterans rank him at only 20%, while Obama is ranked at 80% by Veterans.

CNN Poll: Clearly on Foreign Policy especially Iraq it was Obama 52% McCain 47%.
And Overall it was Obama 51% and McCain a very weak 38%.

[thismachinekillsfascists]

Watching McCain smirk and avoid Obama's eyes reminded me of a little child who was being lectured by his dad after catching him in some embarrassing circumstance. Foolish, immature and unintelligent.

Obama ran circles around McCain. He had a well thought out answer to every one of McCain's jabs and I think it was prudent of him not to land any knock-out blows because he knows full well that the media would today be claiming that he "picked on" McCain, or was "unfair" to McCain.

No, wait until the last debate before Obama flattens McCain once and for all. Last night he was the cat toying with a mouse.

[sarahdoodle]

Arianna, you rock.....a­nd with that, there's nothing else to say.

[timbonotes]

Arianna gets it right per usual. One thing though, on the ARE WE SAFER NOW THAN AFTER 9/11. Well, of course, she's right but politically I don't think we can expect Barack to disagree with McBush on that. All good politicians have to pick and choose their fights and going there would have been a net zero for him. However, I have no doubt that Barack is fully aware of the dangers we face and that he will bring in an adminstration with competent anti-terror expertise, something that has obviously not been in place for the last 8 years.