Debate Round One

This was one of the strangest weeks ever in American politics. We have the financial markets melting down and the government stepping in. A presidential nominee suspends his campaign to return to Washington. Both candidates wind up sitting at the same table at a White House meeting with the current President (although it took a wide angle lens to get all three of them in the same picture!).
There was a debate Friday night that was in doubt until Friday afternoon. If you love political theatre, this was your week.
As to the debate, nothing earth shattering occurred. I think McCain was well prepared, forceful and knowledgeable. He certainly knows the world and all of the players on the world stage. He showed that we would be getting a President who will not need to learn the ins and outs of foreign policy, but will be ready to go to work on January 20.
Obama was sharp in his critique of the mistakes in Iraq and the need to focus on Afghanistan. He does not appear that he and McCain really disagree much here, so I do not see how much ground he gained.
I think it was effective when, in response to McCain's talking up the surge in Iraq and criticizing Obama's opposition to it Obama suggested that McCain talks like the war began in 2007.
McCain missed an opening on the discussion of Iran. Obama has said he would meet with the President of Iran without pre-conditions. He backs away from that now, but he said it. McCain pointed out that Iran's leader has sworn the destruction of Israel (as well as a few other choice comments about Israel). Here was the opening: Obama has refused to say that an attack on Iran against Israel would bring retaliation from the U.S. Obama should be put on the spot on this and asked whether he would intervene on Israel's behalf or not.
Although the pundits seem to feel Obama won the discussion on the economy, I thought McCain was effective. He was actually able to identify spending that would be cut and/or frozen, Obama could not. McCain hit Obama hard on earmarks and Obama really had no response. His answer that he has stopped asking for earmarks was countered by McCain pointing out that he only did so after he started running for President.
I did feel McCain was borderline condescending at times. His campaign is trying to establish his experience versus Obama's lack thereof, but the "Senator Obama does not understand..." opening to many questions grew tiresome. I think McCain can remind people that his has been part of the Vietnam war, the Cold War, the first Gulf War and other momentous word events over the past 30 years and that gives him a range of understanding and experience. It is not what Obama understands or does not understand, Obama is a bright man, it is just that McCain understands it better. An example: it was effective when McCain described his personal travels to Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan and the understanding of the region and personalities that he has derived from that. Obama had no answer for that type of experience. McCain runs the risk of looking small when he appears condescending towards Obama. I suggest he leave that at home for the next debate.
If you woke up Friday morning and were for McCain, or Obama, you probably have not changed as you wake up this morning. If you still do not know, there is some time, two debates. and a lot more political theatre. before Election Day.