A Breakthrough Night for Obama

Tonight was a breakthrough for Senator Obama, who showed himself truly ready to be president. He responded knowledgeably, thoughtfully and confidently to the toughest questions on the economy, Iraq, and terror. Meanwhile, Senator McCain spent so much time attacking his opponent, he neglected to show how a McCain-Palin administration would differ from Bush-Cheney. As a result, Obama answered the threshold question about his candidacy; McCain did not.

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

Comments

[yert33]

Thank you, Madame Albright! You have always been an example to me. Your brilliance is matched by your beauty....

[R.W. Sanders - Huffpost Blogger]

i really, really admire Madeleine. She was one of our very best diplomats. but i see needed improvement in barak's delivery. he needs to be more concise. most people respond better to fifteen second parcels.

[Safire]

I beg to differ. Barack (note the caps, personal noun, and correct spelling of his name), was very concise and presidential.

McCain was constantly going back to the olden days. McCain made several gaffes.

Your bias is obvious, in my humble opinion, and with all due respect to your status as a "Huffpost Blogger"

I agree with the Madam Secretary.

[benz3man]

McCain kept referring back to Ronald Reagan, that is the problem with the current political landscape. WE ARE IN THE 21st CENTURY people, Reagan presided 20 years ago. We need a strategic go-forward strategy to deal with the new world, not 20 years ago.

[yngskywlkr]

I drew the line once McCain started talking about Alexander the great.

[uc1000]

Should have shut McCain up when McCain lied about taking care of the troops when he has the worst record on veteran's affairs than any other Senator.

[thepianodiva]

Yeah-I was waiting for McCain's nose to start growing before our very eyes with that maudlin and saccharine lie he told about his great love and concern for the veterans.

[cyclewerker]

agreed, he needs to learn how to respond emphatically...say things like "absolutely I would, it's ridiculous to think otherwise..."

[goodgravy]

i'm now sure who "most people are". could you elaborate? the people i know are intelligent, thoughtful and are following this election with laser sharp attention. we find 15 second sound bites to be worse than worthless.

[InfiniteShibumi]

I disagree. He's never been more concise. (He's obviously been working on it.)

[Brian.Beach]

Yes madam secretary.

[bakingmom]

Well said and I could not agree more whole-heartedly!!!!

[Rory07]

Ms Albright recognizes the good judgement in Barack Obama that I am certain she herself would have shown had she been able to run herself for this great office. I have the upmost respect for her service to this great nation and agree that tonight all we saw was more of the same failed policies in John McCain who has served as George Bush's yes man ninety percent of the time.

[Snwbnny9]

All I heard McCain say over and over was "you don't get it" and "I've been to Country". Obama's answers were thoughtful and articulate. McCain's answers were just sneering insults.

[VikingQuest]

Must have worked, Obama said you're right John like 20 times.

[ssezer62]

At least Obama is not closed minded. we need a president who gives credit to good and gives thoughtful answers to wrongs. I think Obama showed both of those qualities.

[janncam]

McCain's "What Obama doesn't understand" comments were both strategy AND tactic, and despite Obama's thoughtful responses, what lingers is the unanswered condescension. A simple and immediate response in kind: "What John doesn't seem to understand..." would have shown up the sleazy tactic for what it was. Instead it lingers as a legitimate criticism for those inclined to doubt Obama's qualifications.

[TRYKER]

There are no lingering legitimate criticisms for we are not inclined to doubt Obama's Qualifications.
What lingers is the stench from the condescension that fell with a thud for being so out of place.
John couldn't even face his rival, he was cowardly and tried to cover that by being a bully. We all saw that. We don't want another bully in the white house.
He is a 72 yr old doddering crank and is so past his time. Its time for him to retire.
Again with the Surge? Enough already.

[lynellep]

Obama was great. Presidential. I'm so proud of him. Thanks Madeleine

[rzan]

You are so right, Madeline. Obama was the clear winner of this debate. Also, as a side note, McCain did not have a flag pin on.

[VikingQuest]

I thought there was no winner, on the economy, only losers . . .

The moderator asked them where they stand like 5 times . . . neither answered.

[juzcuz]

McCain didn't look directly at Obama once. No wonder he doesn't believe in diplomacy and sitting down with world leaders trying to make peace... he has no respect for and doesn't know how to talk to others in a constructive way. The only thing I got upset about is Obama said 12 times... "McCain is absolutely right..." which is NO way to convince the wire-walkers that they should vote for Obama. Obama is a gentleman and respectful, wise and patient... McBush is rude, a bohemian and talks right over any one and every one. Obama is much more informed but McSame is not afraid to be forceful and out of line.

[BillForObama]

I would not want McCain looking for bin Laden. McCain's and his lot are who I would want to break bin Laden when he is captured. His disrespect would come in handy then.

[kyllroy]

Thank you for that Madeleine. So nice to hear from a professional in this arena. The spinners seem to get all the spotlight.

[allonfla]

Agreed. agreed. agreed. agreed. Everytime McCain said Obama didn't understand, Obama showed that he did. Obama proved himself over and over and over again.

[justobserve]

Biden on CNN said McCain was the one who didn't know the difference between tactics and strategy! Biden pinched McCain down flat!

[Luv4Freedom]

Excuse me for pointing out the obvious, but "Blowhard Joe" is not someone you should be turning to for clarification between what is a "tactic" and a "strategy". This is the same "Blowhard Joe" who doesn't understand how large a brigade is. Puh-leeze.

I'm not a military person, and even "I" got that Obama doesn't understand the difference.
And even I know the difference between a brigade and a battalion.

[Poneez02]

Amen Madeline!