Live Blog and Chat: Presidential debate
posted at 8:00 pm on September 26, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
I’ll be live-blogging the first presidential debate, scheduled to start at 9 PM ET. I’m using the Cover It Live system again tonight, but I’m combining it with the Ustream chat room from my show. That way the community can interact with each other as well as with me while I live-blog the debate. Jazz Shaw from The Moderate Voice will be moderating the chat, and don’t forget to register at Ustream to participate!
Here are the keys I’ll watch in the debate:
- If they stick to foreign policy, McCain has to get aggressive with Obama and demand specifics. McCain wants to emphasize his long experience on foreign policy and military affairs. Obama needs to keep the debate on general themes and criticize George Bush while avoiding getting pinned down on specifics.
- If the debate switches to financial policy, which I expect, the dynamics change a little bit. Obama is perceived to be stronger here, and he will need to get specific in order to demonstrate that. McCain still needs to aggressively push Obama on his inaction on Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae in 2005-6 and emphasize that government meddling created the financial meltdown.
- Obama reacted poorly when Hillary Clinton went after him in Pennsylvania. If he starts stammering his way through questions, he’s rattled. And no one gets under people’s skin like McCain.
I’ll watch the debates on C-SPAN. No one is providing an embeddable live-stream for the debate, as far as I know.
Blowback
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Dick Morris was on w/ Hannity on the radio a while ago, & he kept insisting that McCain would be able to use the financial controversy in tonight’s debate, even after Hannity reminded him that it’ll be a foreign policy debate. So much for experts.
jgapinoy on September 26, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Ermmm didnt you hear Oprahmas people say he was practicing his economic talking points because they were anticipating the insertion of the topic jgapinoy?
Cardiganfox on September 26, 2008 at 8:05 PM
They will obviously ask.
jencab on September 26, 2008 at 8:05 PM
Oh Christ, Obama has to practice his presidential look! He can’t worry about what he’s going to say about the economy!
anniekc on September 26, 2008 at 8:08 PM
ABC News Online will have the debate:
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/Vote2008/page?id=4218669
MadisonConservative on September 26, 2008 at 8:09 PM
I’m hoping The One will say something outlandish, arrogant, or insulting, and McCain calls him to task on it, starting with something like “Look, Sonny…”.
I’m not sayin’, I’m just sayin’.
stonemeister on September 26, 2008 at 8:11 PM
C-Span live
http://www.c-span.org/Watch/C-SPAN_wm.aspx
Kmarion on September 26, 2008 at 8:11 PM
Good. It’s always better with a little bit of Ed on it!
Weight of Glory on September 26, 2008 at 8:12 PM
Olberdouche is loving all the NRO dweebs who think Palin is a moron. Why can’t our side stick together like the Donks?
Speedwagon82 on September 26, 2008 at 8:15 PM
I am very queasy. I am nervous for McCain. I know foreign policy is his strong suit, but still. I think this will turn out like the Hillary/ Obama debate with Russert where he asked Hillary about the Russian president and then asked Obama the same question! You know McCain will get the difficult questions first then Obama will get to answer.
jencab on September 26, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Tonight we’ll see the difference between 20 years in the military, 20 years in the congress/senate McCain AND social worker/college professor Obama. It ought’ ta be a huge difference.
Mojave Mark on September 26, 2008 at 8:15 PM
Popcorn….check!
Beer…….check!
Glass objects in the room removed….check!
Dogs kenneled for own protection…..check!
Stratoliner in proper position….check!
Volume set to paint peeling level……check!
Ok, I’m ready.
Limerick on September 26, 2008 at 8:17 PM
People who are influenced by debates seem to form their decision based on the first debate. It’s Now or Never for McCain, and I’m sure he knows that.
“The world will hold its breath”
( that quote is from Hitler when he invaded the USSR, but it kinda fits here )
Janos Hunyadi on September 26, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Spoiler Alert: Unless Obama breaks out an “Allah Akbar”, MSM will say he won.
Speedwagon82 on September 26, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Obama has been awful in all the debates so far.. something in my stomach tells me tonight will not be a repeat of those. Strap in ladies and gentlemen, it might get rough.
El_Terrible on September 26, 2008 at 8:19 PM
Doesn’t matter what the MSM says. Matters how independent voters perceive it.
ClintACK on September 26, 2008 at 8:20 PM
Did you write the apology notes to your neighbors in advance. You know, for all the recklessly loud profanity coming from your house.
Weight of Glory on September 26, 2008 at 8:20 PM
My prediction for the night….
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:23 PM
My head hurts already.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:23 PM
They are used to it because of the Ranger games :D
Limerick on September 26, 2008 at 8:23 PM
I’m expecting McCain to trounce Obama tonight. But the media will spin it as a win for Obama.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:23 PM
I agree with you except I expect McCain to outshine Obama so much that it will be difficult for the MSM to spin.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:25 PM
McCain should come on stage in his dress whites.
Limerick on September 26, 2008 at 8:25 PM
HA!
Weight of Glory on September 26, 2008 at 8:25 PM
I think I’m getting sick. Not because of drunkenness, but because of not knowing how McCain will do.
jencab on September 26, 2008 at 8:25 PM
think i’ll get a beer…
stlpatriot on September 26, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Right there with you, Mercy. I’m watching O’Reilly and he’s driving me nuts!!!!!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Our failed economy effects our ability to do anything regarding foreign policy. This is big news. I don’t think they can get by without at least mentioning this at all.
wise_man on September 26, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Obama bombed so bad at Saddleback that David Shuster was weeping, but the media quickly latched on that he was “more nuanced” than McCain, which translates to: “He didn’t answer a single question straight.”
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Great idea! I’d love to add alcohol to the evening, but I’ve been sick all week.
Alcohol + Antibiotics = Not so good reaction
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:28 PM
IrishGirl17
I hate O’Rielly. He his sooooo phony.
I’m watching Unelectable. Glenn Beck!
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:28 PM
I loved watching Neil Cavuto school him in regards to the economy the other day!
O’Reilly doesn’t know everything….just don’t tell him I said so.
I do love Glenn…he’s a nutjob in the best possible sense!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Nerves?
The Ho Chi Minh Question and Answer Room compared to the University of Mississippi Dog and Pony show.
Mac will be just fine.
Limerick on September 26, 2008 at 8:31 PM
NIce to see we can get us some O’Reilly hate into this page on the debate with Obama and McCain. Bravo.
BRA. VO.
wise_man on September 26, 2008 at 8:31 PM
I remember reading after one debate when W. performed so poorly against Kerry and the story went Laura sat next to him later that night and said “So George, do you want to remain President?” I don’t know how I ended up on Streisand’s blog, but she was all Oh, game over, man! Game over! after that debate.
Everybody just calm down and relax.
Marcus on September 26, 2008 at 8:32 PM
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:30 PM
I loved it when Neil slapped him around a bit.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Mark Levin said criticized O’Reilly yesterday for blaming fat cats on Wall Street for the credit meltdown. Levin said essentially that O’Reilly spent more in hush money for his phone sex escapades than Levin has made in his life.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:33 PM
What a long twisted road we are on,finally
its D-Day(Debate-Day),I hope McCain isn’t
in a A-4 and has up graded to a F-22 for
this Hopey/Changey smack-down!
canopfor on September 26, 2008 at 8:34 PM
MacBook…check
Cold one…check
Legs up comfy like…check
100mg valuim…double check
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on September 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Yep
terryannonline on September 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:33 PM
I heard Levin. O’Rielly is a joke. And Levin called him on it. I loved it.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
I used to watch O’Reilly religously…Now I only watch if Laura Ingraham is hosting or a guest…or if Karl Rove is on, which is why I watched it tonight.
I do love the magnificent bastard! He smacked Billy’s hand gently tonight.
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Wow! Are you sure you want to go that far out on a limb? ;)
backwoods conservative on September 26, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Great point.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:36 PM
: ()
I would try to keep a count for Obama but I am afraid it would be impossible.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:36 PM
Excellent point, Limerick. But I don’t know if it’s going to quiet my gurgling stomach!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:36 PM
GREAT! One or two questions it is a wash but an entire debate where Obama just has to pile on to the adult’s answer will make him appear weak.
highhopes on September 26, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Who else think Dick Morris has been way off lately?
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Drinking game! Whenever McCain says friend- take a shot!
highhopes on September 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Stiff drink in hand…
poljunkie on September 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Got a bad feeling. Barry will be brimming with confidence, the wind at his back and a downhill run. He usually goes to pieces when he’s unsure of himself. Hope McCain can rattle him, but you gotta figure the mods have the deck stacked and will allow him to recover. Maybe I’ll just go for a walk.
a capella on September 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
The world must be coming to end ~ Dick Morris is making me feel better!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:38 PM
Oh my God- Could O’Reilly be a bigger asswipe? What is his goal with this attitude? I’ve never been a fan, and am only watching him as I wait for the debate- it’ll be a long time before I turn him on again!
anniekc on September 26, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Let me help you out…my friend.
No charge, gulp.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on September 26, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Here’s a debate drinking game board for anyone interested.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
And whenever highhopes bashes McCain, slap him around!
wise_man on September 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
If Dick Morris was right with his predictions, this would be a Clinton/Huckabee debate.
I can only take him in very small doses.
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
I wonder how much “nuance” we’ll see tonight…hmm?
KICK THE TIRES & LIGHT THE FIRES JOHNNY MAC!!!
SgtSVJones on September 26, 2008 at 8:41 PM
OMG! the Huckster has a show on FOXNEWS. Please Lord Jesus come back and save us.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:42 PM
May Obama get the hiccoughs every time he tries to lie.
profitsbeard on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
That’s too dang funny! I like the last one.
Weight of Glory on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
I was just going to comment on this. I’ve seen the commercial several times this week.
What the heck is Fox thinking????
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Tic-toc, tic-toc
I hear the train whistle.
Tic-toc, tic-toc
Doors close. Curtains are drawn. Dust blows down the empty street.
Tic-toc, tic-toc
You can see the stack smoke down the track.
Limerick on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
But don’t forget Morris wrote an entire book based upon a Condi/Clinton match-up.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
There’s not enough hot, stripper looking women on the Fox Business Channel. They need more.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:43 PM
So 90 minutes of hiccoughs????
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:44 PM
Here’s how pathetic I am: I’m sitting ringside in the Morongo Casino ballroom covering the fights and I can’t stay off of HotAir.
I’m a junkie.
pugwriter on September 26, 2008 at 8:44 PM
I think I would rather watch paint dry.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:45 PM
What are you using tonight?
I have a cheap Cabernet Sauvignon.
carbon_footprint on September 26, 2008 at 8:45 PM
I’m so nervous.
I need a long, tall, stiff one…..
Then I might have a drink.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
I really can’t watch, so I’ll just read along.
**back to lurking**
Janna on September 26, 2008 at 8:45 PM
OMG, BILL O’Rielly is going to the beach this weekend. pics. in my head are not good.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:46 PM
McCain will be fine. BO, hem haw central. If the qustions get specific, and I hope they will, McC will look like a leadr, BO will stammer on.
Benjamin9 on September 26, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Dick Morris just called the lenders the “con artists” and characterized the idiots who got mortgages they can’t afford victims.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Video of Barry and Michelle arriving…….
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:47 PM
Go away you worthless troll. You have no right bashing anybody who questions McCain now because you are too much of a coward to do it yourself. You, friend, are a pathetic waste of sperm and have no right lecturing anybody else since you really have no value in society.
highhopes on September 26, 2008 at 8:48 PM
I wonder how many affairs Barry has had? Women? Men?
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Careful….you’re on the edge of being called a racist!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:48 PM
Depends on the questions me thinks.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on September 26, 2008 at 8:49 PM
Actually, I’m using Tylenol Sinus Severe Congestion. I’ve got a wicked bad cold. Also, I was planning on enjoying a micro brew, St. Arnold’s October fest, but because of Ike, I had to poor it all out. (wipes away tears)
Weight of Glory on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
And Harold Rains is Obama’s … never mind.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Oh Please! Barry doesn’t have affairs! He’s in love with himself!
anniekc on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
No matter which one you choose, I don’t need THAT visual in my head!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
I wonder if Obama has all his bugs worked out,or
will his um,ah,um,keep plaguing him throughout
tonight!
I can see it!
The moderator: Obama, YOUR TIME IS UP!
But,um,ah,um,ah,um ah,shoot daggit,i still haven’t ah,um
respond to McCain! hahaha.
canopfor on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Don’t matter when its liberal.
Benjamin9 on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Obama’s problem is simple, he spent his entire life figuring out how to say it, not what to say. Most would call that just acting. That’s why he is the Teleprompter man. Barrack Hussein Obama has no American life experiences.
tarpon on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
The spin STARTS right there! Thank God Brit is on. A man with brains.
Mercy4Me on September 26, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Brit is great
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:51 PM
I love Brit Hume. He will be missed. But then again, if Obama wins, I’ll be taking a four year break from politics.
anniekc on September 26, 2008 at 8:51 PM
ROTFLMAO! That’s Perfect!
highhopes on September 26, 2008 at 8:51 PM
That is some red suit that Cindy has on! Wow! It’s bright!
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:52 PM
Is Brett Baier replacing him?
IrishGirl17 on September 26, 2008 at 8:52 PM
Oh no. Don’t be so mean to me. I can’t handle your wrath. I beg you. Spare me your rapier like wit of verbal revenge. I beg you. No more. I repent. I hate teh evil McCain and I now want Obama to win. Please. No more oh mighty highhopes. You’re comeback was just too mean.
wise_man on September 26, 2008 at 8:53 PM
Alrighty…here we go. At the end of the night I’m hoping for a thoroughly embarrassed Senator Obama, a livid nutroots, and every MSNBC employee weeping.
With that said…let the games begin!
Pilgrim on September 26, 2008 at 8:53 PM
I am so nervous. Imagine how the candidates are. Well…Obama probably is too arrogant to think otherwise.
jencab on September 26, 2008 at 8:54 PM
this just in, the MSM has officially reported that Obama has won the debate in a landslide. the MSM said that Obama defeated mccain in a larger margint then Biden beat Palin
custer on September 26, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Mac will be dry as usual, but I’m really not concerned. Contrary to popular punditry, I think all he needs is a draw.
pugwriter on September 26, 2008 at 8:54 PM
I won’t be satisfied until Rachel Maddow’s sideburns explode in anger.
CanadianGuy on September 26, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Cindy looked beautiful…and Brit, so handsome.
HornetSting on September 26, 2008 at 8:55 PM
What’s the drinking game for tonight?
Seven Percent Solution on September 26, 2008 at 8:55 PM
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