Debate Live-Blog and Chat!
posted at 8:00 pm on October 7, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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The second John McCain/Barack Obama presidential debate will start at 9 PM ET, and Hot Air will be at the forefront of instant commentary! 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!
I believe that this embed will have the debate live, and you won’t need to go anywhere else to watch:
What keys should we keep in mind tonight?
- McCain – He gets his preferred town-hall format, but that really doesn’t mean much, since Tom Brokaw has already selected the questions. The format won’t allow for follow-up questions, either, which probably helps Obama more than McCain, who does a pretty good job counterpunching. Instead, McCain needs to hammer Obama on Fannie Mae, taxes, and spending, and paint him as a backbencher who has no accomplishments other than getting himself elected.
- Obama – He has an easier task tonight. Obama knows McCain will get aggressive, just as he does in every debate. He’ll do better to speak to general themes of discontent, ignore McCain, and stay positive while focusing on his own plans for government. Every time McCain forces him to defend himself, he plays more and more on McCain’s turf.
- Tom Brokaw – I’m more optimistic about Brokaw than some others, although I think I’d prefer Brit Hume or even Jim Lehrer. Brokaw has enjoyed his senior-statesman status at NBC, and I suspect he also enjoys being the anti-Olbermann there as well. Watch for bias in topics and question construction, but I predict that Brokaw will give a balanced performance tonight.
After the debate, I’ll talk with Hugh Hewitt to give my perspective, at around 10:30 pm CT. I’ll also work on a final summary of the debate, probably for posting tonight. Don’t miss a moment of it here at Hot Air!
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This is a good ending for McCain.
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:33 PM
Michelle looks drained. Inner hatred will hag you up fast!
This is a great close by McCain. However, how dare he question my geography skills! :-D
SouthernGent on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Yeah, and obama’s father was gone most of the time knocking up other women, getting drunk, and planning kenya’s ruin.
Blake on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
GMTA
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
What I don’t know… I DON’T KNOW WHO BARAK HUSSEIN OBAMA REALLY IS should be your answer John!!
NightmareOnKStreet on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Answer the question Barry…Is it that difficult for a BS artist like you?
hermie on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
A draw at best but that is not what McCain needed….
JIMV on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Well, all in all, I think Mac did okay. Certainly smooth some jittery nerves on whether he can deal with economic issues. He didn’t punch Obama much, but he looked quite prepared.
Spirit of 1776 on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Love Fred. I was a delegate in my state and supported him…
…but I’m not joking:
I propose a Constutional ammendment.
No citizen, having ever served as a US Senator, shall be eligible for President of the United States.
Saltysam on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Go vote at Drudge.
Blake on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
sorry, but that mis-spelling is one of my pet peeves.
Before you go hacking on someone else, Professor, perhaps you should fix your own problems first.
It’s “misspelling”, no hyphen. Sorry, it’s one of my pet peeves.
Bishop on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
McCain should have said: What I don’t know… is how people could vote for Obambi with his ties to America-hating domestic terrorists like Ayers, hate-mongers like Wright, etc.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:34 PM
I wanted to chuckle. I really did.
Ugly on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
TV turned off…..no way I’m listening to any “analysis”….my gawd that was boring pablum.
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Not said by Johnny…my little piggy.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
STFU all you little girls. Barry won if you find incoherent rambling a winning formula. Good Lord, I couldn’t summarize a single answer he gave tonight if my life depended on it. I haven’t the slightest idea what he’s been talking about in a response to a single question. McCain was the adult tonight. Obama was a rambling, arrogant, wackadoodle.
Rational Thought on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
McCain cleaned his clock….
sven10077 on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I think we should keep lawyers out of congress.
Pelayo on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
{{{{DRUDGE POLL}}}} WHO WON THE SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE?…
MCCAIN
74% 17,567
OBAMA
24% 5,705
NEITHER
2% 524
Total Votes: 23,796
I disagree and voted for Obama.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Our main issue of the character of OHB and the beliefs he has based on the relationships he has/had with the friends he has/had is being ignored. We’ve lost it my friends. Hope that we keep the -60% in the senate. What a shame…He just said he puts his country first—- I don’t think so….
PaCadle on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
McCain didn’t do it. This only solidifies Obama’s position. I hope Sarah can do it on the campaign trail.
neuquenguy on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
McCain just proved my sorry ass wrong. Great debate, Mac.
Take it to the mattresses, Mac, and give ‘em hell!
spmat on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
I think McCain really came on strong in the end
ConservativePartyNow on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Oh! Andrew Zimmern is eating snail eggs on the Travel Channel. I love Bizarre Foods.
This debate is meaningless, it’s the young idiot and the old fart pontificating about nothing.
Pcoop on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Very strong closing statement from McCain
justinok on October 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
It’s over.
So many chances lost.
drjohn on October 7, 2008 at 10:36 PM
McCain put on an extra pair of gloves.
Obama lied brilliantly.
Fail/Fail.
For US.
profitsbeard on October 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Forget the drudge poll. Sadly no other poll even remotely resembles hs outcomes…
patrick neid on October 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM
The questions/deck was stacked with leftard questions supposedly unknown and undecided voters who have been id’d by others as KNOWN LEFTIES again. Interesting reading at Michelle Malkins site.
NightmareOnKStreet on October 7, 2008 at 10:37 PM
Sadly, so did I. I didn’t even think, like the Strategy Room people do, that McCain won on Foreign Policy. But I had given up hope of winning this presidential race when I realized it wasn’t Rudy vs Hillary, so it doesn’t really matter. Hopefully the Dems destroy any of their remaining credibility over the next 2 years and Palin leads a GOP revolution.
jimmy the notable on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
{{{{DRUDGE POLL}}}} WHO WON THE SECOND PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE?…
MCCAIN
74% 17,567
OBAMA
24% 5,705
NEITHER
2% 524
Total Votes: 23,796
I disagree and voted for Obama.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Too good to be true. I’m not that optimistic.
Star20 on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
This night only helped Obama. Look for a poll bounce.
We have one debate left.
McCain did not meet expectations.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
I was shocked as well.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
if we had some really questions like the one about israel mccain would have won easily.
lavell12 on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
McCain was weak the first half, but got some fire in his belly the last half.
Obama had a few stumbles that I think (hope) will hurt his campaign.
Ugly on October 7, 2008 at 10:38 PM
Neither of these men is a leader. McCain lives in the past and Obama in “never never” land.
huckleberryfriend on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
The United States of America is the loser tonight.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
You are right but all that matters to most viewers is that he looked good enouh. This doesn’t get any bounce for McCain. Palin would have left The One babbling.
neuquenguy on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
debate was terrible… hated the questions.. who chose those puff balls for each
+-
theeyeman3410 on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
I’m sorry. I truly am but one thing I am and that is fair. Obama won this one. I hate it but it is true.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
What an ignorant statement.
Which were?
Spirit of 1776 on October 7, 2008 at 10:39 PM
What is it about the last 20 or so posts… I’m having a deja vu moment like I read them a few weeks ago.
My brain is in some kind of warp
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
zero questions on Abortion in two debates so far. That has to be some sort of record. and covering for obama of course
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Having the chat capability in a debate thread seems to be a bad idea.
FloatingRock on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I disagree and voted for Obama.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:35 PM
Hey Carbon – so did I. One thing I won’t do is lie to myself. I thought McCain lost.
Obama’s a tool. A liar. A fraud. And I think he’s extremely dangerous (dear Lord, beware the talk of “mandate” after he wins).
How ’bout grades? I’ll let you lead again.
dugan on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Who are you?
Ugly on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I’ll give this to Mccain for 2 reasons-the Israel question and the simple act of walking over to that CPO and shaking the man’s hand.
irongrampa on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
What is with the women on the CNN pulse graph? If BO spoke they fainted and the men seemed to be passing gas.
David in ATL on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
My wife was pretty nervous, but at the end she said that McCain did really well.
He looked comfortable.
I’d like more straight talk, and less reaching across the aisle from him. Obama tells a lot of half truths, but he does it very well.
I was hoping for more, but it could have been worse.
Dorvillian on October 7, 2008 at 10:40 PM
I hate this ustream crap
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:41 PM
People. We still have one week and McCain has the stump speeches to make up.
Let’s all pray for our country.
I love John McCain but he did not quite sell tonight. Obama did. I know it was empty lies but he won on the things that people will vote for.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:41 PM
I’m disappointed in the questions and in both candidates. Followups would have been nice. Lots of pivoting to rote stuff.
McCain on points, Obama on perception, tie, both a B-, not beneficial to McCain.
And WHY THE HELL is the Fox camera just following Obama around gladhanding?
DrSteve on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I think McCain would have done well in ten “townhall” meetings. This didn’t do it.
I hope they have some really good ads ready to go.
Star20 on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Me too. But, download adblock plus and it remedies the problem.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
I voted at Drudge as the debate being a DRAW, but I only listened to ABC TV audio.
When I get home and watch on Tivo I’ll see if things look any different.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
Well,, I am just so disappointed, So depressed,,, here I am sitting in my living room screaming at the TV,, I had instant answers that McCain should have said,,
I feel like putting my head down and just crying or punching a hole in the wall,,, It’ll be Sarah Palin and the grace of God that we will win,,,,,,,,,
COULD HE NOT HAVE BROUGHT UP THE FACT THAT OBAMA SAID IRAN IS A TINY COUNTRY AND NOT A THREAT,,,, COULD HE NOT HAVE OUTRIGHT ASKED OBAMA WHY HE CHOSE TO LAUNCH HIS POLITICAL CAREER OUT OF A TERRORISTS LIVING ROOM,,,,,
This is so depressing,,,,
I am just physically sick
JellyToast on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
No joke, me too.
Spirit of 1776 on October 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
It’s comforting to know that Obama’s strategy is to make Iran think long and hard about the cost/benefit analysis of attacking Israel
Yeah – that’ll work
uptight on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Drudge headline: boring
think to last week, Sarah Palin is a political Super-Star
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
A very sad but truthful American.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Well, that roundly sucked. McCain was a total rabbit and refused to challenge Obama on anything, and the questions were all geared towards Obama. Nothing even remotely in McCain’s territory.
McCain: 0
Obama: 0
Brokaw: 100
CherokeeJack on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Lindsey Graham is a complete idiot. He negotiated Gwen Ifill. He negotiated having the first debate on a Friday night. And now we see he negotiated those horrible stools and this format that has McCain hobbling around and looking old. That’s what swing voters will remember. They are not informed. They look at stuff like that and vote based on it. F-ing Lindsey Graham!
D0WNT0WN on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Both where lame…the ??? where lame…it was all so pedestrian.
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
Luntz’s focus group says Obama wins….
Drunk Report on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I, for one, welcome our socialist overlords.
lorien1973 on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
I want to debate Mr 0 on the reasons for the credit problems.
Pelayo on October 7, 2008 at 10:43 PM
How was this debate any different than the first? I actually thought that the first one was better and McCain clearly won that one.
This was a big let down after Palin/Biden and McCain and Sarah’s performances on the trail the last few days.
neuquenguy on October 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
McCain is done. We’re screwed.
Geronimo on October 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
Idiotic Luntz Group
Cardiganfox on October 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I loved McCain! My nineteen year old son thought he owned Obama. The attacks, the sarcasm, the constant attacks on Obama’s record, the way he cruised by Obama like a shark and the way he stood, light on his feet, like a boxer…
I don’t know who you people are. McCain punched Obama so many times that by the end of the night I thought Obama’s nose was going to start bleeding.
This is the McCain I wanted to see, and I loved it. He won, big.
bonnie_ on October 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
I think you’re right. I am really disappointed in the American voters right now. Country first has no meaning anymore. I think I might just turn liberal, find a good drum circle, and drop out, man. Maybe my new commune home will be far enough away from the next terror attack (as long as Ayres stays away),
Laura in Maryland on October 7, 2008 at 10:44 PM
It’s weird…I thought the show of hands looked pretty even, but…okay.
capitalist piglet on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Dude. Are you just coming to that realization?
/snarkoff
Tennman on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
To be on the offensive, aggressive as he was in Albuquerque yesterday. To kick Obama’s ass. So yes, he did not meet MY expectations.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
This debate has brought me to the conclusion that we conservatives have been left with only two options on Election Day….. Screwed or Slightly Less Screwed.
Either way, we’re ……
GT on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Hey Ed or Allah or whoever is here.
Anyway to see about a questioner. The man with the last name Elliot looks exactly like a NYC CBS anchor of the same name. I’m guessing the two are brothers. If anyone else knows who can check this it’d be fun to see if its more of CBS’ bias.
Rbastid on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
basically its time to go Nuclear with the attack ads
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
Serious question: Did the US constituion get mentioned at all tonight?
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:45 PM
We
are
done
if he didnt do it tonight, he is NEVER going to do it.
f*uck it.
blatantblue on October 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
s/b constitution
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
I freakin hate liberals. Give me, give me, give me! That’s all they know. If Obama wins, I’m going to punch every liberal I know in the face, most of them are too wimpy to fight back.
gator70 on October 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
Obama will get a 5-point across-the-board bounce from this that will sustain him through the election.
Only the mother of all October surprises can save McCain now. Not holding my breath.
Pray for our country.
IrishEi on October 7, 2008 at 10:46 PM
So, were you undecided before tonight?
Saltysam on October 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM
People. We still have one week and McCain has the stump speeches to make up.
Let’s all pray for our country.
I love John McCain but he did not quite sell tonight. Obama did. I know it was empty lies but he won on the things that people will vote for.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:41 PM
Right with ya. I guess my expectations are outta whack. Then again, I was hoping McCain would come right out and ask Obama to recuse himself from candidacy based on his relationship with a terrorist.
Gee, what was I thinking. Maybe I’m futher right than I knew.
dugan on October 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I hate that I have to agree. McCain’s socialized housing initiative was shocking to me because home prices truly need to fall to more reasonable levels, which will benefit everybody that didn’t buy an outlandishly overpriced home, but putting that aside I though Obama won the debate overall.
FloatingRock on October 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM
I don’t know who won, but Tom Brokaw lost. And so did the American people. What a worthless debate.
SAZMD on October 7, 2008 at 10:47 PM
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:41 PM
My husband said the exact same thing as you.
God, I’m sick.
tru2tx on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Quotes.
Above.
Oops.
dugan on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I don’t think it’s a hopeless night for McCain. He didn’t lose by much, but he did lose. The debate, though, isn’t the election.
We haven’t lost the election yet. I’m just terribly afraid that our country is going to be the Obamanation that is spewed out of the mouth of the lord.
Tennman on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
I was happy with McCain. An angry, aggressive McCain and a calm Obama on the satge would be interpreted as a panic-stricken McCain and a confident Obama. It’s October 7, people, not October 27. Get a grip.
Marcus on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
“Serious question: Did the US constituion get mentioned at all tonight?”
No — not once
skree on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
This was awful.
McCain is a closet socialist, isn’t he? Telling people that the government should renegotiate their mortgages?
lorien1973 on October 7, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Ed, can we close the chat window now, please? This is ridiculous.
FloatingRock on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
What is wrong with you people? Are you all Allahpundit sock puppets, glooming and dooming?
Remember when Obama praised McCain, stumbling around, and McCain interrupted and said “Thank you!” Whadda moment!
Look, from the perspective of someone who didn’t think Sarah Palin did all that well, I was joyous tonight. Finally, finally, McCain showed up with the attacks that matter. He never stopped! He was awesome!
bonnie_ on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Mac gave a good showing, finished strong and Obama only pinged intermittently.
Mac is the winner by a hair. This debate, if it was watched, will stick as a McCain win in the voting booth.
spmat on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
I guess it was established tonight that we are going to slightly socialize home-ownership and conpletely socialize health care. Because it’s a “right”?
hawkdriver on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
We’re with you Bonnie… really. Our concerns are with how McCain impacted the non-decided or “swing” voter; we didn’t hear anything that will cause them to embrace McCain en mass, thus this debate outcome is no threat to Obama.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Plans for secession must be made.
Cardiganfox on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
Can we turn off the ustream now? SUCKS ASS
Bishop on October 7, 2008 at 10:49 PM
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