This was McCain’s strongest debate.  I don’t think he “won” in the way that he needed to.  No game-changer.  Obama was steady, strong, Presidential.  McCain was angry, nasty, often mean-spirited.  As the debate went on, he got angrier and angrier. Lots of mugging for the camera.  He really came off as a cross between Grandpa Simpson and the Hulk.

The key exchange was on the tone and tenor of the campaign.  McCain responded with more negative attacks, while Obama was gracious but firm.  And Obama was smart to avoid discussing Palin.

Obama really didn’t make any mistakes.  McCain didn’t land any hard blows.

Advantage Obama.

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