It seems like the first presidential debate came and went in a news-flash as journalists and politicos were already setting their eyes on the vice presidential debate between Sen. Joe Biden and Gov. Sarah Palin at the conclusion of the McCain/Obama battle.
From the onset, neither candidate stood out to take control of the debate. It seemed as though both McCain and Obama played it safe in the first debate, waiting to exchange tough blows until their next encounter - or at least lets hope that's what they intend to do, if not, this much spontaneous and unconventional presidential election might come to an unsurprising and lackluster finale.
Despite this lack of flamboyant entertainment, the debate went on with much needed substance. Obama and McCain went into specifics on how they would lead America through the global financial/political crisis that they will inherit from President Bush.
McCain, however, did start of a bit too vague with his answers on the economy but ended strong on the issues involving forieng policy. Obama, on the other hand, flexed his intellectual wit on all things pertaining to the economy.
Although no candidate came out swinging anything off the ballpark, Obama might have had an edge with his witty remarks against McCain. Obama's "orgy of spending" remark to describe the not-so 'Miss Congeniality' - or fiscally conservative McCain - drew much needed humor.
According to CNN's national poll of polls, a majority of people who watched the debate felt "Obama came out on top." Fifty-one percent of those surveyed thought the win went to Obama, while 38% of viewers felt McCain did a better job. The same survey also showed that respondents thought both McCain and Obama exceeded viewers expectations, further dismantling a notion of a clear winner.
The fact is that there was no clear winner and both campaigns should be pleased that neither candidate made any major gaffe. This inconclusive debate should only make the others more interesting, as journalists and politicos alike tune-in to see what changes the candidates will make to improve their debating performance as they try to win over the American people.
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