Debate!!!

One down, three to go! So i watched the first debate yesterday. I was struck by a number of things. Have patience...I'll get to them in a sec! Overall, I honestly thought it was a little lackluster. I think neither candidate really scored some any knockout blows. There were few memorable soundbite lines. Let's break it down.

This was a very substance filled debate. The two mostly kept towards the issues, and there was little theatric content to buzz about. In that sense, I think it is a victory for the American voter. If you wanted to know where these guys stand, I think people got some insight last night. However, I would have liked to see more definite answers from both of them on whether or not they will support the economic bailout package.

Zach made a good point this week. Indeed, politics is about image these days. Image wise, who scored points? Well, I think Obama's goal for the night was to "look" Presidential. The guy is fairly inexperienced, so he needed to suggest that he could handle the job. I think he did that. McCain challenged him on foreign policy, and Obama held his own. One of the strongest moments was when he challenged McCain on Iraq. Downside- Obama could be crisper and more soundbite friendly with his answers. McCain, I thought, was a bit condescending at times. He needs to shed the grouchy old man stereotype. He tried, particularly with some self-deprecating jokes about being old, but they fell pretty flat. Check out the focus group video from Fox News.

Next up...Biden v. Palin. This one could be a bloodbath. The stakes are high for Palin, especially after the interview with Couric last week, which I thought, was frankly frightening.