Debate Live-Blog and Chat!
posted at 8:00 pm on October 7, 2008 by Ed Morrissey
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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obama just threw his VP’s homestate under the bus!!
lavell12 on October 7, 2008 at 9:59 PM
BY KILLING ALL THE TERRORISTS YOU FREAKIN’ MOONBAT.
(thanks again Tom Brokaw for the biased selections)
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Did we hear the how much the fine would be? Ding
Lance Murdock on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
barry just dissed delaware. Isn’t that the state of his VP?
Over30 on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
BO, Where in the constitution does it say Healthcare is a PRIVILAGE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Razorsully on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
I thought it was Bruce from San Francisco
CapedConservative on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Yeah, but we need AP or Ed to open a thread for it. AP did last time for the VP debate, really wish done this time. Refresh time is killer w ustream.
Spirit of 1776 on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
Damn, I had to clean my monitor.
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
liberal lover questions
Bullhead on October 7, 2008 at 10:00 PM
No, they did not. First of all, the theory for the computer (which was the actual invention) was prompted by Hilbert’s address and was solved by 4 people simultaneously, with Turing establishing the closest model to what we have today, in the theory.
John Von Neumann laid out the architecture for the modern computer, working at Penn.
There was much work done by the government for defense, but none of the important theoretical work that even made the computer possible was done by the government.
Oh, and Turing built a stored program computer in Britain (paid for by defense, there, before the British decided to abuse and drive to death one of the most valuable people of the 20th century).
Lots of engineering comes out of defense, because technology is needed to win wars. Almost nothing of value has ever been created by the government that was not attached to defense, which is the point. And the private sector could have always done it cheaper, and probably better.
In any event, BHO had no idea what the heck he was talking about.
progressoverpeace on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Now on to foreign affairs…McCain on intervnetion. Good so far….what is wrong with this pitiful forum…I type and nothing appears????
JIMV on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
This is a terrible format right now. nothing but soundbites and no one is answering the farking questions!
Tennman on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
STFU, Barry. What a freakin’ windbag. Brokaw needs one of those air horns to make him STFU!
SouthernGent on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Mc doing better on foreign policy.
DrSteve on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
McCain is playing croquet with a rubber mallet when we need a berserker with a bloody ax taking down this pimp of crackpot racist preachers and drone of domestic terrorists.
Sarah! HELP!
profitsbeard on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
McCain sounding better on foreign policy turf…
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Guys with the refresh problems…install Adblock Plus and block ustream. It helped me big time.
jimmy the notable on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Just don’t run ustream…watch on TV like me….not so bad.
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
ouch.
CapedConservative on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
“in his short career” — !!!! YES!
eucher on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
That was pretty sweet!
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:01 PM
Yes please
atxcowgirl on October 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Yawn
PaCadle on October 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM
here we go a real question.
lavell12 on October 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM
Obama. We’re there. Deal with it.
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:02 PM
why doesn’t McCain refute the tax healthcare and the 95% tax cut lie?
misterspork on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
McCain needs to point out all of the Democrats that wanted Sadam removed from Iraq… but he doesn’t have time to do that in this debate.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Say BILL AYERS!!!!!
TheKernel on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
They bombed villages and shot civilians with honor…
CapedConservative on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
I’m gonna take Iraq’s money just like I’m gonna take YOUR money!
jimmy the notable on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Well, ladies and gents…..Jimmy Carter’s 3rd term is coming….you need a conservative to stand up to this guy, not a guy trying to hit him tit for tat.
sh*t.
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
This is like watching Bob Dole going against Clinton in 1996.
joeyb1955 on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
My address was banned for some reason on the chat. Is it being bogged down.
Ooh now America is the greatest nation now, Barry?
womball on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Worst campaign team ever… worst debate ever…
ninjapirate on October 7, 2008 at 10:03 PM
What happened in the Depression and World War II?
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Get all Jenjis Khan on him, Maverick…
sulla on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Of course. Open mouth, insert foot. Not a bright comment…
eanax on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Foreign policy… finally. But tied to economy. Sheeeet.
The Iraq war… if John doesn’t hit back after that…
NightmareOnKStreet on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
liberals hate spending money to stand up to the bullies of the world b/c that money could be spent on social programs, and redistribution, short and simple.
Over30 on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I love how the MSM bashed Palin for memorize talking points. But here we are, Obama using the same lame talking points.
Lance Murdock on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
When is someone going to tell that Obamadouchbag that we did not invade Iraq because of the attack on 9/11, but because of the genocidal maniac who spat in the face of the International community?
What a total asshat.
Tennman on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I need a smoke break.
atxcowgirl on October 7, 2008 at 10:04 PM
I’m game. But where?
Over.
1GooDDaDDy on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
No national security issues, you don’t go. You are Pres. of United States… not the world. But Mac can’t say that.
CapedConservative on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I knew McCain would bow to the rules, and Obama would not…I dunno which is more of a putz haha.
Oh wait, maybe that would be Tom.
surrounded on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
LOL @ Obama
Ugly on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
No way I’d fight with Obama as CIC.
No way.
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Does Susan Rice go under the bus over Rwanda? Guess not.
DrSteve on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
if we could’ve stopped the holocaust? WHAT!?!?! I thought his grandfather liberated one of the camps??
Pilgrim on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Too late.
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Wow, Brokaw asked Bambi the toughest question of the night.
jimmy the notable on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
I thing Obama just said we can no longer afford to be militarily superior, with nuance.
MarkABinVA on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
“what is the obama doctrine for use of force?”
“Er, Which way does the political wind blow?”
eucher on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Abortion diminishes us too Barry…
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
MCCAIN!!
POUNCE ON HIM ABOUTR SADDAM HUESSEIN!!!
NOW IS YOUR DAMN CHANCE!!!
Roger Waters on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
Things are coming to an end soon, I wonder if we’ll see any surprise lines about Ayers.
Typhonsentra on October 7, 2008 at 10:05 PM
ethic cleansing barry? like what Saddamm was doing w/ his chemical weapons in Iraq?
Over30 on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
get him on suddam’s genocide.
lavell12 on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
o but the slaughter of the iraqi’s after we left would not manner? bo you slay me
Tobias2012 on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
What was happening in IRAQ BO? Saddum was killing his people!! Then we were justified. thanks BO
Razorsully on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Obama Doctrine: Poor money in to my relatives in Kenya and African despots.
We did have the ability to intervene in Rwanda — but Clinton and Albreight chose to do NOTHING.
Blake on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Don’t mention the Holocaust you A$$HAT! You are going to allow Iran get the bomb and you talk about stopping the Holocaust. Bastard.
Lance Murdock on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
These are very biased questions. Of course, Obama still sounds like an frigging idiot answering them, but biased.
Understand- a lot of cruelty around the world; Yeah, right here in America if you’re elected.
anniekc on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
No fly zone in Darfur???? What? Did they buy a Cessna????
CapedConservative on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Oh Jesus…Brokaw just flustered Obama on the Obama Doctrine…Obama can’t explain it
hermie on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Obama is lying nonstop and McCain is bending over and allowing it.
McCain needs a tack in his shoe.
He sounds somnambulistic.
profitsbeard on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Obama is getting so so so much more time.. IT’s not even close
theeyeman3410 on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
damn Obama is a scumbag, and one which the media will not call it out for the world to know
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
whatever dude, its very arguable, not a clear cut definitive answer. do you think pointing out that barry MIGHT not know the development history of the modern computer will sway any voters. the gov’t funded ENIAC, it was historic, the first general purpose electric computer. for you to try to take issue w/ that is retarded and makes you look desperate. c’mon out of all the lies/gaffes from barry you think that one (if it was one) is significant at any level? focus man.
chasdal on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
That question baffled Obama. Heh.
SouthernGent on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I didn’t know Sudan has an air force to bomb the Christians in the South.
Oh, he meant a no-fly-zone for Christian relief workers. I got it now….
Tim Burton on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
I went over to the ‘Lieberman’ thread, it’s nice and quiet, they have drinks and beer over there, and Barca-loungers.
Bishop on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Agreed!!
Ugly on October 7, 2008 at 10:06 PM
this is time to bring up Odinga in Kenya
jp on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Fred….Come Back, Fred…FRED!!!!
tlynch001 on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Yes he did. He plans to cut our military.
IrishGirl17 on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Gang, I was really hoping McCain could be our champion tonight. I respect him. I root for him. I will vote for him.
Unfortunately, he has already failed tonight. He just doesn’t have it in him. McCain needed to hit a grand slam – he hasn’t even got on base yet. Frankly, I couldn’t be more depressed. This country will vote for a man who probably hates America as it is. Is this really the best we can do? Apparently so.
I’ll keep fighting the good fight, but absent a triple “macaca” moment – this race is over.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ll keep fighting. And I’ll keep backing what is right (see: conservatism). But tonight, we’re witnessing first hand, a massive shift to the left.
I hope I’m wrong.
God help us.
dugan on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
We have one more debate next week. This one is a loss.
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
Looks as if Hannity and Fox will be busy trying to salvage this.
McCain is not answering the question.
BuckeyeSam on October 7, 2008 at 10:07 PM
It was the democrats who also allowed the genocide in Cambodia.
Blake on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Congo? Where’s the U.N.?
ghostintx on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
NOBODY CARES ABOUT LEBANON!!!
MCCAIN IS LOSING!!
Roger Waters on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
We COULD have intervened successfully in Rwanda. Susan Rice preferred recommending we sit on our thumbs.
DrSteve on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Obama doctrine…on Combat forces…use of force when we have no national security at stake…Obama. moral obligation at stake. Obama is making an error here. Consider intervening where possible.
McCain doctrine…do what we can. Temper with ability to beneficially effect soltion. Reminds of the errors of Somalia and Lebanon. Ab ility to effect the issue imprtant. Toutes experience.
JIMV on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Good answer here by McCain…I think. I’m pretty cynical right now.
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
It’s over. Get used to saying ‘President Obama’. McCain has missed every opportunity to attack Obama on his own words. He’s working from a script….he’s sticking too it, and it comes off as disjointed, and formulaic. This was, IMO, his last chance to take the initiative, and he’s failed.
Palin in ’12!
DngrMse on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
John you suck. BO put it on a tee on IRAQ.
Razorsully on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
The CNN reaction graph breaks reactions by gender. The women are clearly eating the chocolate one up. The men, someone should put a mirror under their noses to see if they’re still breathing… The men move more for John. Their not reacting well to talk of war, bringing soldiers home with honor… They are liking that he is going to care of military.
NightmareOnKStreet on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Obama better shut his trap about bailing out the rest of the world; How about ixing things at home, Pal?
Oh! That’s right, you’re the candidate who doesn’t really like us!
anniekc on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
How bout the Ayers thread on the top picks? it’s effectively dead.
Spirit of 1776 on October 7, 2008 at 10:08 PM
I will tell you where McCain is making a mistake. He is playing to the audience in the studio, not on TV. He is walking around too much. This might be OK for the people there, but on TV it looks erratic.
Mark1971 on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
POCKISTAHN!
Drink!
ex-Democrat on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Pokiston!!!
wtf?
Roger Waters on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
What is Pokistan?
SaintOlaf on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
actually they have helicopter gunships and have used them w/ deadly effect. of course one attack could wipe out any air force they have and have the same effect of a no fly zones w/o the actual patrols and such. win-win!
chasdal on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
I am pissed off when he said we failed in Afghanistan.
James on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Pock-eh-stahn?
carbon_footprint on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Amen.
electric-rascal on October 7, 2008 at 10:09 PM
Damn if I’m not sitting here applauding John McCain! I’d trust him with my son, and that is saying so much. He has been there. How is there really any question to Americans?
eucher on October 7, 2008 at 10:10 PM
Well, my friends…this debate has been a complete wash and I fear that Obama has wrapped up the the Presidency.
McCain has done NOTHING to help him make bring this race closer. Neither lost this debate which make Obama the big winner.
LordMaximus on October 7, 2008 at 10:10 PM
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