First off, I think this was a good debate. Both of them did a good job talking about the issues and differentiating themselves. In 2 - 3 minutes you can't give a 20 point plan with discussion of why each point is useful. But within the time constraints, they talked about the issues as much as could be done.
And this was about the issues we face and how each will approach it. There was not discussion about the little unimportant things that so often dominate elections. No garbage about Ayers, Keating, etc. It was on the issues. And credit is due to both candidates for that.
I also think each did a good job of trying to sell their approach and pointing out the problems in the other's approach. They also both did a good job of trying to sell their skills and denigrate their opponents.
I do think McCain got defensive a bit more and didn't do that as well and that hurt him a bit, but not significantly.
But here's the thing, people are paying incredible attention to this election. They know the candidates well. They see what they get with each. And so - no one learned anything new tonight.
Those that support Obama will see him winning this. Those that support McCain will see him as the winner. And those in the middle will not see much of anything to change their mind.
The thing is, to have a chance, McCain needed a big win tonight. Not a small one on points, a big win. And so a tie is, in results, a loss for McCain.
