All I can say is that, I have seen my wallet emptied more in the last year than in a long time. I just purchased a home and I am scared to death of this will-nilly economy. I am single with only a dog. I am blessed at this point not to have children. I would lose my mind trying to spread my pennies around. I hope McCain puts on his man pants tonight and is honest about his economic policies.

DON’T YOU BELIEVE IT! Please we wasn’t born yesterday, everybody knows something is going to happen in the debate? McCain’s people been throwing hints all over the news networks! “Taking the gloves off”, doesn’t seem to me like just doing just a normal dabate.

Will be interesting to see which manic McCain shows up..his wife has the unmitigated gall to say Obama has run the dirtiest campaign ever? Give me a break,their whole relationship from their own l ips was built on nothing but lies to each other..what can he possibly do for this country that HAS NOT turned any corner on economics. People are more afraid now than during Watergate or even after 9/11. Personally I t hought we were in the tank in 68 but as American we usually do what is right for ourselves and in this election there has only been one steady hand at the helm and that is thankfully Sen Obama

He’s definitely going to attack but he will be subtle and just as condesending as he was in the first debate. I took offense that. I took offense to his whole demeanor. I also take offense to how McCain and Palin excite the worst in people. “He’s a terrorist!” . “Kill him!” That’s very serious and should not be taking lightly. I think the McCain camp needs to really think about the message they are trying to get across. I, now, fear for Obama’s safety. At first I didn’t but now the reality is setting in that there are many people in this country who would still love to see people who look like me lynched. I believe they used to call that a “picnic”.

If people want to vote for Sen. McCain, they should. It’s their right. But to not vote for Sen. Obama simply because he’s black would be giving into the darkest part of your being.

sameone tell Mccain if he want to win stop the mud fight @ get to the thing he wiil do to make the big coy@ there ceo@ vip of these coy pay the money back to the working pepole make the ceo@vip give the nice home ,car @money they have @ pay back it back let them have nothing like we do, fight to keep are head obove water let them pay for the masse they help make by put there figher in the dam cookie jar @thing its ok to steal are money @ tell the government @the reast of it to take a pay cut like to show they cane take one for the American pepole we take one evre dam payday tell Mccain @ Palin call me hell i cane give better advice thine there get from there owne tem 2 im just a working American if they dont stop the mud fight @get to it they will lets say no white house for them

Well I hope the real McCain steps forward… the angry, bitter, eratic testy old man. Who wants a short-tempered angry impulsive person anywhere near the nukes??? Plus he has lost all credibility with most Americans with his sleazy campaign especailly now… I think he’ll be on the attack…I just don’t think he’ll be able to resist.

Why is it that all Republicans say that the American people don’t want to pay for all of the programs Obama wants like health care. I for one would like taxpayer money to take care of Americans and our country instead of building up other counties and wars. I haven’t heard anything about McCain cutting all of his big tax cuts for the wealthy and big biz. It doesn’t work and there isn’t anything in it for me. We can’t take more of the same!

What Senator Mc Cain has to do is make the American people aware of another Democrati President who ran on Change Jimmy Carter. Carter wound up being the worst president in history. With the focus on the Economy, Barack Hussein Obama has gained in the polls. All Mc Cain has to do is compare the economy today to the Carter administration. Simple math will make his point. 21% prime rate 18% inflation and 12-16% unemployment compared to the Bush administration today 2% prime rate, about 7% unemployment and4-5% inflation if that. Mc Cain has to make the younger voters who probably don’t remember Carter to ask iif they would be better off in a Carter Administration. That is what they would get if Obama is elected

Please dear God don’t let McCain present a false pretense that he is a hero for the american people. He does not represent my values and the determination to do what is best for the country that I love so much. He is not a smart man and he is supported by the all the money that his second wife can buy. I won’t even go to Palin. What do we have to do to convince the public that McCain only wants to be President, he is not qualified and has no idea how to take us out of this mess that he Bush administration has put us in. PLEASE WAKE UP AMERICA - WE NEED CHANGE…

What’s born in the dark, will come to the light. We are starting to see the real Mcain & Palin. You can not change a leopard’s spots. Americans are not stupid. 30% of republicans and democrats vote for their party no matter what or who is running. Well “go team go” is not for the 21st century. This is not a game ! This is our and our children’s future. We need to all belong to one party, the American party, and vote for what is best for not only us but our neighbor.

Anderson, what I really want to hear tonight that I do not believe that I heard in the last debate is what each candidate is going to do once in office to combat the current crisis going on in the United States. It is really pointless to sit there and talk about policies, programs, and expenditures for the future without talking about now. I know the notion of this was mentioned in the first debate, but both candidates danced around it. I want to hear substance and not wishful thinking programs and policies that will never happen due to the state of our economy.
On another note I just would like to simply point out that this video that I have seen on almost every media outlet of Sarah Palin shooting the M4 (M16), with Army troops overseas. Every time I see this video the lead in is about her shooting a rifle with troops from her state overseas or something to that effect. This footage is shot in an indoor training range, that is similar to a high tech video game. No real rounds, simulated recoil, no ear plugs, and a cord that comes out of the barrel guards.

It’s an indisputable fact that the policies that Mc Cain advocates have been found not to be working, if just going by his fairweather friends in power at present, who’ve had almost eight years operating the same policies. Surely the American people will not fall for the Mc Cain line that he will change the political system if he’s elected? Would a turkey vote for Christmas? The world, never mind America, is waiting for Obama to win in November. Most polls carried - out here in Europe give Mc Cain around seventeen/eighteen per cent support, while Obama receives between seventy/eighty per cent. Let’s have that shining light on the hill once again - vote Obama. Have a nice night, Anderson, Erica and the entire studio. GOD BLESS!

I am out raged that McCain is now deciding all of a sudden to run a nasty campaign after promising the American people that he would run a decent and honest campain and not use old fashion tactics againts Obama in the race towards the White House . Must be the reason why Govenor Palin keeps winking at all of us “Joe six packs” and “hockey moms” making me wonder if everything she says is either a lie or a joke. It is my opinion that he has no other option left, other than to go on the attack since he thinks that everything including our economy are “fundamentally strong.”
God Bless America and I love you CNN!!

Someone please tell me how the Republicans can continue speak to cut taxes and still pay down debt? Please tell me how!!!!!!!!!!

does anyone remember reading about the roman empire… might want to brush up on history as it is about to repeat itself.

Several speeches by the McCain and Palin, these past four days,has convinced me, just how pathetic John and Sarah have become.
Palin has been inciting people to call Senator Obama a “terrorist” or to “kill him?”
McCain and Palin sicken me.
Why can’t they talk about issues, our country needs to have addressed?
Why are they asking about Senatos Obama’s past, while ignoring their own dirt?
Have either McCain or Palin given Americans voters, their plans to get us out of this financial crisis? End the war? Paid medical plans, for everyone? Provide quality education?
Answer the questions, John and Sarah!
Americans are not stupid! Well, not all of us!
Clean up your trashy speeches. Or better yet, bow out, while you have any dignity left. Oh…………too late!

MCcain is a disgrace. Stooping to lies, promoting fear and pointing fingers. Surely a man of his age, has a closet full of secrets. He is the reason that I changed parties. I can not vote for him.

MCcain should win this debate hands down if not, he can go back to the senate early. On the other hand he has a lot of ground to make up with or without winning one debate, he’s only got 184 (last i seen) of the electoral votes.

Hello,

During the first presidential candidate McCain did not look at Obama, what would the conservatives say if Obama did that to McCain? How possibly can McCain make false accusations about Obama, while he cannot even look at him? Therefore, according to the nonsense the McCain campaign has thought us, we can conclude McCain is a racist.

I wish someone would just tell that palin to shut up. I wish she would get her facts straight our troups are not fighting for our country they are fighting for that oil the busch wanted and could not get so please give me a break!

I am an Independent and 52. This is the first time I have been interested in the election. I find what McCain/Palin are doing in their campaign, bashing Obama because they are loosing is terrible and shows just what kind of people they are. I could never feel secure with them in the white house. I used to live in AZ and I feel bad for those people still living there due to his outbursts. What an embaresment. He is not a leader and Palin is even worst. Therefore, I will vote for Obama. He is level headed and seems that his campaign staff are just as professional. As I watch th debate tonight, I hope voters see that McCain is not the Commander-in-Chief we need.

I am so sick of McCain trying to attack obama and palin doing the same they think that will get them the vote they both are foolish he is to old and she is crazy I dont think any one in there right mind will vote for them tonight I am going to watch Mc Cain try to tell lies because what he did a couple of centuries ago doesnt apply to today and Palin is uneducated , flighty,and likes old men. and want to enjoy the ride she is not a Hilary.

I am going to watch Mc Cain try to tell lies because of what he did a couple of centuries ago doesnt apply to today and Palin is wants to enjoy the ride she is not a Hilary.

Hey Anderson
Palin took questions on her plane from the press with her. She had the audacity to say that Obama couldn’t answer questions “forthrightly.” Uh yeah Palin.

It may not happen in this forum tonight. McCain will probably stay
off the attack tonight because it would get so much negative coverage from the “mainstream media”. But out here in the real world, on this side of the camera, McCain and Palin are both acting like the bullies we all knew in grade school. Twisting and bending the truth to instill hatred and fear into the hearts of Americans. Yesterday in Clearwater, Palin actually used her “Joe six pack” & “Hockey Mom” charm to motivate the small crowd into shouting racial slurs and hate chants at the media who showed up to cover the event. While these televised debates give a powerful stage for them to address America, the truth is actually being told in our small towns. And it is up to the citizens to “Listen” and decide. Do we want 4 more years of being controlled by these type of fear mongering tactics?

Mr. Cooper, what else can Senator McCain do, but attack,Obama? It is clearly the Republican mandate since Carl Rove came on the political scene. If McCain uses the overused phased, “You don’t understand Senator Obama”…one more time, we need to call in the medics. The man is clearly hand and hand with President Bush, for 8 years and intends on continuing the President’s policies. I only hope American’s will listen, clearly, and remember history does, indeed, repeat itself.

McCain is desperate! Not long ago he says he’ll run a clean campaign; did he forget he said that? Has he already forgotten how it felt when George Bush in 2000 ran a negative campaign against him? That was such a scathing campaign I felt bad for the guy.

McCain’s poor attempt to woo the vote of women is apparent, but what has he done for black voters? For obvious reasons, Obama has a clear advantage in that demographic area. However, black voters need to be reassured that McCain is on our side if he wins this race. I’m tired of hearing about the suburban hockey moms and joe six packs. How about reaching out to the black single mom that lost her house and can’t afford to send her kids to college, or herself?

Senator McCain insults and offends immediately by making the assumption that, “you probably hadn’t heard of Freddie and Fanny Mac before this…” And he also begins the debate by insulting Senator Obama by calling his administration, ‘cronnies.’ Name calling and assumptions have no place in a modern day movement for change. Debate OVER. Obama for President.

McCains advisers have to be jumping for joy… Obama hasn’t thrown one curve ball… all his answers are snippets of the same stump speech we have been hearing for months. And this format works great for mccain he is obviously much more comfortable… Obama looks condescending in this format.

I think he has no choice but to… because he has no leg left to stand on

I am looking forward to a debate that is civilized and neither candidate talks about anything but the issues and answers the questions asked. I’m tired of the mud slinging and all the negative politics on the trail and in ads. We have real problems in the country and I wonder if either man is ready to lead us when they stoop to discourse that is more appropriate in middle school on the playground than in a serious political setting.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

How dare John McCain tell Oliver Clark that he’s “probably never heard of “Frannie” or Freddie”. I am a 49 year old single female and have had a mortgage for 29 years. That comment is offensive and shows how out of touch he is. Why wouldn’t Mr. Clark know, because he’s African American? I think it says much and would like to see your panel address it.

Thanks.

I have been listening to the debates and I have already made my decision but I am wondering if you could shed some light on the the fact that McCain stated in the first debate that he wanted to have a spending freeze on everything except defense and energy but tonight he stated that if he would cut down on defense spending. How can he cut down on defense spending when he has no intentions on bringing our troops home anytime soon. This will be my first time voting so maybe I missed something. Please let me know if I did. Thank you.

It was stated prior to the beginning of the debate, Americans do not trust legislators, insurance companies, banks, . . . I believe it is irresponsible to lump all companies into one undesireable bucket. The American people are scared enough and our news needs to be as clear and concise as possible. It needs to be noted there is a huge difference between stock companies vs mutual companies (eg: State Farm Mutual Insurance Companies) who have been very responsible and are financially strong.

As a supporter of Sen. Obama, I am disappointed with both candidates.
On the first two questions asked of them, they would not or could not answer either question directly.We as American, want and need direct answers to hard questions. Do their handlers think we are incapable of distinguishing the differences between the truth and campaign rhetoric.

When Obama speaks the CNN Ohio voter line spikes, and then flatlines when McCain opens his beak. Reminds me of his EKG?

Why is McCain trying to survive on Obama’s back rather than trying to tell us how he plans to help the economy?

McCain is drowning!! Obama is talkign out of preparation and knowledge. Mccain is reading or revising notes. Shows lack of preparation and lack of knowledge.

Every time I watch these two candidates talk on tv Obama’s demeanor is always calm and at ease….taking the opportunity to explain his views and opinions. Then McCain comes up….with his nervous laugh, his raised voice….excited demeanor and makes it very uncomfortable to watch and listen to him. I was a McCain supporter but something tells me that he is not the person I want in place to represent the US.

I am done! Enough of the back and forth between the candidates. Let them jump in a ring a slug it out. Answer the DAMN questions. This is ridiculous to sit here and watch them go after each other to prove points.

ANSWER YOUR COUNTRY’S QUESTIONS.

Are these guys for real????? I could reply to these questions for both McCain and Obama. They are spewing the same old lines that they have been for the past year. NO MEAT…they are so general. Do either one of them really have ANY policies specific ideas, plans?????
I seriously want to yell at them…..PLEASE SAY SOMETHING OF SUBSTANCE!!!!!!

Better yet just answer the question. Honestly, promptly and briefly.

McCain should stop talking about what he did 10 years ago and start talking about what he WILL do to fix the US economy!!!

I may be wrong but McCain seems erratic, anybody notice that he doesn’t look relaxed. He can’t sit down. He seems desperate to attack so much that he keeps repeating disputed facts.

He keeps standing up and sitting.

McCain couldn’t bring himself to refer to Sen. Obama as Sen. Obama, much less look at him, when referring to a vote but said “THAT one…” Isn’t this part of a disturbing pattern of de-humanization to Mr. Obama? is it code? I wouldn’t know but i suspect some of this base does….

To Tom Brokaw:

Enough already with your rules! And at least appear impartial; say “Thank you” to Senator Obama at least half as much as you do to Senator McCain. And thanks for those chuckles into the microphone in response to McCain’s antics… Classy touch Mr. Brokaw. I learned WAY more about Tom Brokaw tonight than I ever wanted to.

Signed: Angry in Jacksonville, FL!!!

John McCain has not layed out a clear plan for any of the issues facing this country. He repeatedly gives examples of what other presidents have done in the past. What are you gonna do John? Barack is giving clear plans and policies for this country.

McCain is as desperate as they come….Same ‘ol same ‘ol. It’s time to hang up your old beaten up gloves Senator.

I am so disappointed in this debate tonight. All either one of them had to do was talk to me, a tax payer, instead of talk down to each other.

I am a registered republican who was willing to vote for Obama. However now, I am not sure I am willing to vote for either one of these candidates.

What I want is real discussions on real issues in the next 28 days to make my decision.

Thanks
Mike Durler
54 Years Old
and Loosing More each day in my retirement

Let me preface what I am about to say with this: I am a democrat, a very argumentative one at that.

Having said that, I believe that John McCain has not only equalized this race, but has taken a promising lead. His ability to directly address issues with specifics and thoughtfully laid out plans caught me off guard, and impressed me beyond any Republican candidate in the past 20 years. I believe John McCain has shown that he need not tap-dance around the issues, and mask his ideas with propoganda that only draws to his personality. He has left the ball in Obama’s court with only one showing left. I am a resident of a battleground state, and my vote has been shifted and solidified. In fact, I have spoken with almost a dozen colleagues or friends, and all but 4 have changed their minds following what we have seen tonight. Outstanding job by ANY candidate!

I’m tired of listening to McCain and Obama pointing the finger at one another. They sound like two 16 yr old girls going back and forth.

Can’t anyone give a straight answer? This is the same ol’ thing….non-answers…This debate isn’t different at all….Simply got tired of all the rhetoric and turned the damn thing off!

I’m an Obama democrat…but I was looking for some simple, down to earth answers!

Watching the CNN ANALYST SCORECARD, you should
have added a category for John McCain and how many
time he says “MY FRIENDS”

senator mccain doesnt know what he’s talking about all the time. he talks about what he did in the past. we dont want to hear what he did back then, we want to know what he plan on doin now because the economy is not goin so well and we need a change. mccain doesnt know what he’s talking about most of the time. he need to think before he speaks because if you really listen to him carefully all he wants is revenge and we the people are suffering and we dont need to suffer anymore because we are tired of it. we need a change and we need it now. mccain thinks he knows everything but he dont (listen to the way he answer questions on the debates, he always run from the questions). he need to go and sit down somewhere and read a book.

Sen McCain I found to be offensive, less diplomatic and
not all in his comfort zone. When addressing your opponent, you do not refer to him as “that one”, Ross Perot lost his chances when addressing the NAACP when he refered to the audience as “you people”. I realize that both individuals wish to earn the vote to
be our next President. When one shows signs of desperation, they
loose sight of the issues and what had made them once leaders.

McCain is in no on the attack. He is simply pointing out the differences in the two. Obama is doing the same. I think McCain is doing a great job. I urge all of you to not just listen to the debate or the media but really do your due deligence with regard to these two candidates backgrounds. See what their voting record has actually been in the Senate. Go to each of their websites and read what they both stand for as candidates. You owe it to yourself and to your country to research both and then make an informed decision and not just base your vote on what you have been told in the media.

I would like to know why noone has mentioned that all of the potential new nuclear plants represent perfect targets to terroists? They know how to “take the gloves off”, surprise, and cause damages that have contributed significantly to the largest debt problem that the United States has ever known. Increased nuclear plants provide increased ability to infiltrate and cause great mental, physical and long-term financial pain due to terrorists’ ability to strike such likely targets. It appears that other “alternative energy” choices, such as wind farms and solar, would never provide such a targetted choice for a terrorist. Who will take note of this?

I think it is so rude that Mccain is standing and walking around when Obama is talking it seems like he doesn’t respect him.

How many times will McCain say ‘my friends’ tonight? No more!

If I was undecided, based solely on McCain’s BODY LANGUAGE I would NOT vote for him. Forget that I wasn’t impressed by his responses. When the young African American male Oliver I believe his name was asked the question on “What will the Bailout plan do for me TODAY” he failed to LOOK at him and he assumed he didn’t know what Fannie and Freddie was without knowing his background. And to add insult to injury he said how we are going to help people like Alan (the older white gentleman that asked the first question) as if he was EXCLUDING Oliver. That didn’t go over well with me AT ALL. Additionally, when the young African American woman asked the question about the environment he didn’t look at her at all, yet when the middle aged while woman asked the question about healthcare he looked DIRECTLY at her. I hate to bring race into this but with such a BLANTANT display of disregard to the two African American audience members tells me that McCain doesn’t care about people that look like me as an African American woman. Overall, Obama was concise and clear on all the issues. Tonight he has given me the details I needed to confirm that I’ve made the right decision in supporting him.

I am so disgusted with both candidates, with all the negative attacks. What I wanted to hear from both candidates are: what are you going to do for the economy and energy crisis, your specific plans, your policy, not your opponent’s policies. I am seriously considerating not watching the last debate at all. Tlhis type of negative attacking is why some people do not vote at all. I just want to live in a better country, a better world. Will we get that from these two?

Obama won the debate tonight hehas a plan Mc Cain is saying oh yes we can fix everything he does not have a plan and he will put us in the same predictment wehave been in for years. Please waKE UP PEOPLE

Tonights debate is a waste of time,niether candidate answers the questions,and completly ingnores the rules.
Polictics as usuall.
History will tell you that “ALL’ Great empires have fallen and the US is falling ,and all both candidates can do is promote themselves while putting down the other.
Shamefull!

I have been watching the debate….very impressed with OBAMA….NOT IMPRESSED WITH McCAIN…….he has a VERY, VERY condescending attitude ……..I cannot believe his behaviour……he appears to be a “Mr. know it all”……
OBAMA gets it!!!…he is calm…does not panic…thinks about his responess…..speaks directly to the issues at hand…understands the plight of the American right now!!!!…he is young…ambitious and ready to take on the world to bring AMERICA back to where it was on the world stage…

Obama knows nothing about military strategy, IRAQ is a prime stronghold to keep our military close to that region for the future of protexting our country. think about it it’s a necessary invasion in Iraq …

I think McCain is sick in the head! If for nothing else everyone should vote for Barack for the fact that McCain addressed Barack as “that One” He is racist and cruel john mccain is! And heath care in America is a Right!!!!!!

With many undecided voters out there and McCain losing ground, we want to hear the answers to the questions that are being asked, and not an attack on the other canidate. With the country in the state that it is in can some one plese tell these guys, especially McCain to tell the American public what his plan is and stop focusing on each other. People are scared, frustrated, lacking confidence in government and want real answers not just mud slinging.

First, thank you Anderson Cooper for all you do, for great timely coverage for modern Americans, and your role around the world.

I think once again the thoughtful, honest, clear approaches from Obama make me feel that with him as our President we, together, can change the course of our Country, and survive and maybe thrive eventually through the many serious challenges facing America and the World at large.

I must say….all this talk about energy independence and resulting talk about how the money buying oil goes to terrorist nations?!!!

Don’t the people realize that most of the oil US gets is from Canada, Mexico and Venezuela…..hardly the hot bead of terrorist right? I mean…man those Canadians with their maple leaves…very scary indeed…

This obsession with oil independence absurd…alternative energy to fuel daily life is years an generations away…its not gonna work….

Congrats to the Fed chairman…he finally has oil under $90 a barrel…and it only took the destruction of the whole economy with interest rates too high for at least a year to achieve it!!!!!!

McCain comes off as a crusty old curmudgeon. He is too old and too angry. Very disappointing that he thinks we are so stupid that he needs to keep going over and over the same sentences.

I have news for McCain aides: BUSTED!

So far all I’ve heard in the debate tonight is McCain slam Obama countless times urging the people that “he’s gonna raise taxes.” Live in our shoes McCain. So far, Obama has provided us with a plan that will help out my family and local business. Our business can’t even afford to make 100,000 a year for crying out loud! We don’t make payroll and we’re in jeapoardy of losing our house. If McCain can stop for one second and actually visit towns and people like us and actually see how we’re struggling, maybe he’d actually offer a plan to help us. For being a first time voter, I’m disgraced to call myself republican and will be voting for Obama this coming month.

Watching from the North:
Republicans can raise any doubt they want about Barak Obama, but he is proving to be the man of the hour during the debate by explaining the issues in very simple terms eg. Washington to be managing the country the like we manage our household, staying within means. I still can’t believe how these honourable Senators / congressmen allowed this to happen every year with deficit budget and planning to leave this 10 + trillion dollars debt for next generation , while their own balance sheet is not in red.

I see! Obama just lied to us again! he said he wanted to send home troops and now he said he wants to send them all to Afghanistan!

Tom Brokaw’s treatment of Obama on this debate is unfair. He has favored McCain through this whole debate. In spite of that Obama continues to show strength and diginity. He has convince me Obama is our County’s only hope.

How can US troops come home in defeat when Bush claimed that we had won the war several years ago just months after entering Iraq?

It is incredible how disrespectfull and pretentious, McCain is, how could he said “this one” pointing to Senator Obama. Who does he think he is.
The only thing he does is attack Obama, without giving details of his plan, when questions are asked to him.
On the other side, Obama has always been very respectfull towards McCain and he is giving a lot of details explaining his goals and plans.
Now I am totally convinced ,for whom I am going to vote for and that is Senator Obama.
Thank you and I hope people could see who really McCain is.

Electing Obama would be like putting the bat boy in charge of the team while relying on Joe Biden ( batting coach) for decisions….. Where is the Coach?
Terry in Florida

We don’t need attacks we need facts…..

We want clarity not flarity if that’s even a word….

We want change forward not backward–McCain more of the same

We need you to hear us as people not a another vote–

You know how we feel….I don’t think so McCain’s wife make more than a small country..ha! ha! –nice to know you have more than one house and is truly still out of touch…OPEN YOUR EYES MCCAIN WE NEED CHANGE AND IT AINT YOU……

What is going on with the debate format tonight? It seems more like a church sermon with McCain and Obama alternating. Who decided that the other candidate shouldn’t be seen while one is speaking?? This whole thing is strange and seems calculated, is it?

A couple of things: 1) I’m tired of the word “fundamental”; 2) I’m tired of the phrase, “My Friends” and 3) I am fed up with the term “I know how to do that” when specifics aren’t given. Obama wins in a TKO. PS: I am a Republican but fed up with politics as usual. McCain speaks that.

Can sombody tell MCcain that we do not telegraph people no more, we e-mail them.

Quick Response: Please, with these two, it’ll never happen.

Oh and why don’t we just elect General Petraeus the President of the United States? Petraeus this, Petraeus that, Petraeus, Petraeus, Petraeus……

Yet, as a Democrat, I have to say that McCain did great. He talked a lot longer than Obama, but he did very well.

The commentator lets McCain defend his position, while stopping Senator Obama from defending his point saying that there is not enough time.

Too bad. They both had a prime opportunity to explain the details of their policies but they wasted all their time attacking each other. Pretty childish. I turned it off early because I couldn’t handle it anymore.

Has anybody noticed that no matter what the topic or question is, Mccain keeps on talking about national security and war on Iraq. When our own economy is burning and in terrible crisis, why does he not talk about the steps to protect the economy instead. Why has Obama not noticed this…he needs to point out in public that Mccain can talk only about war and national security and avoids any and all queston regarding our economy. At this point who cares for what happens in Russia or Iran or Iraq…when our oun economy is on the verge of collapse. Only a n economically storng nation can be a leader and defend other nations .

When are we going to hear how McCain is going to win in Iraq! The man keeps saying it but how does he plan to do it? What do we do throw more troops at it until we run out? I am tired of the talk! Where’s the substance?

I am a Obama supporter, but I am disappointed by the back and forth attacking both candidates have done. I don’t feel like they answered all the questions as well as they could have if both candidates weren’t so distracted by jabs given by the other.

Is it just me or is John McCain coming off as a condescending “know it all”?

Why is Mccain standing in front of the nation saying to leave Iraq early would be defeat? He didn’t seem to have a problem with leaving Afghanistan without finishing the job. I don’t understand he stance on this topic. Also why are Republicans always referring to the “Great” Ronald Regan what happened to the last two Bush presidents where they not product of the Might GOP!

We will never have healthcare for the people until we take the ‘profitability’ out of it. It should be a right, not a bottom line issue with healthcare providers.

Nicki DeArmon
Virginia

I would like to know what the candidates think about ending the war and where will all the military folks find work back in the US economy?

Getting back down to reality. As an Obama supporter, I understand that we are all friends and that the American people and the American workforce is the best in the world. Would somebody please tell me how we are going to utilize this great workforce, and stop telling me how great we are. We can’t be great without jobs…

I believe that If obama wants to when this elction obama needs to step up and get way more involved in this debate.way moreandget around the irreivent destractions like thanking the host and mccain AND be more aggressive

Did any one keep count of the amount of times McCain said “my friend”? This makes him appear less not more sincere!

We NEED, did you hear me! We Need new blood in the White House. We NEED reformers, we need to cut spending in many areas. We need Vice President Palin looking through all spending areas with a fine tooth comb, while working with Congress, while President McCain runs the United States of America. We DO NOT NEED Obama running off at the mouth or saying hold on (while he checks with Joe on what to do next). We need decisions made by people who are working for The People of the United States of America. I tell you to VOTE FOR THE McCAIN / PALIN ticket!!!!!!!
Terry in Florida

Do the candidates really believe that the American public wants to see these two attack each other on past records of “non-achievement?” It would seem that they could benefit from answering questions in a straight forward way and provide their vision and “solutions”. As a sales person, if I tried to sell by simply slamming the competitors, and only pushing my agenda, I would most likely have to seek a new career! Their back and forth attacks on past records confirms to me that neither party is truly interested in solving “todays issues!”

McCain came out swinging…..encouraging us to look at the tw candidates records, while he has been attacking Obama’s character. The one thing about this town hall debate are the questions by the audience, they don’t seem to have come from the people asking them, half of these questions REALLY aren’t relevant TODAY. Obama has answered the questions in a presidential manner, McCain has answered the questions as well but not as well as needed. This debate has not revealed anything new……. SAME QUESTIONS SEMI SAME ANSWERS.

I find it offensive that politics has degraded itself to a level of high school attacks. It is obvious that both sides have different views, but instead of clarifying their view points, they spend their time taking pot shots at each other. If I were a campaign manager I would strongly urge my candidate to stick to the issues and focus on the fact that the American people want answers and a course of action to clean up our economy, get our troops home, stop the bailout deals that obviously won’t do a thing to help the middle class no matter how much they say it will, and regain the standing and respect of America in the world community. They are hungry to hear from a LEADER. They are looking for a President. Instead we are getting two candidates that are responding to a pitch in the dirt.
It’s past time to be Presidential.

Coming into the debate, I wasn’t 100% sure who I would vote for. Watching the VP debate turned me off of Palin and now watching McCain, I am a full Obama supporter. McCain is boring and doesn’t connect with the America people. He takes personal attacks without defining what exactly he will do to CHANGE america. He picked a running mate that has absolutely no experience and is not even close to being ready to be in the white house. She is one of the biggest problems I have with McCain.

I fell like this debate was very unfair because they couldnot have a rebuttal and the moderater let john macain take over and he keeps repeating the same ole thing over and over. if he has been in office for as long as he has and nothing has changed then it would be hard to believe that anything would change. this debate was very dull!!!!

Did I see Obama extend his hand for a handshake and McCain dissed him?

McCain was on the Obama attack instead of answering the questions. Senator Obama throughout the debate addressed McCain as Senator McCain.

However, McCain refered to Obama as “That one” and “That guy over there”. Not only did it seem prejudice, his facial tones to Obama were of prejudice.

Obama won the debate. He will be our next President. Biden our VP. Palin is way out of her league.

Obama is the winner of tonight’s debate…clearly. McCain offered the same old tired comments and solutions and his hollow promises. His insurance scheme is inferior and his cheerleading is unnecessary..as is his slapping his own back. Who cares about his past? We have problems today that must be solved…Obama can do that. I do not trust McCain.

I think Obama needs some basic science education. We don’t need to “safely store nuclear energy”. That makes no sense. We used to store nuclear waste from spent fuel rods. Nuclear power plants now use re-processed fuel that does not need storage.

Number two, he discussed how government employees “invented the computer for communication”. Actually it was Claude Shannon and Bell Labs that invented the computer and switching technology as well as the transistor. It was a government lab that created the internet, or was that Al Gore?

In regards to not only tonight’s Nashville Debate, but both debates. If find it quite annoying, unprofessional, and non-human, at the way McCain behave around Obama in the debates. He makes no eye contact, no physical contact, refers to him as “that one”. I find that Obama is much more diplomatic and professional, and regardless of what he may feel, or not, about McCain, he keeps from making it blatantly obvious. McCain on the other hand, is blatant about his dislike for Obama, which in turn for someone watching him, and trying to take him seriously, only leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth. One cannot be taken seriously and be respected, when being so disrespectful, condescending and and confrontation at this level of politics. McCain is clearly cracking under the pressure!

McCain is obviously upset, because he didn’t shake Obama’s hand at the end..

I wish the question was asked about the $150 billion in extra earmarks that was tapped onto the already bloated $700 billion bailout. That question was never asked and the media keeps missing this fact.

i dont really think that McCain atacked Obama at all, he was really slow when he spoke and acting like he is playing smart to get away from Obama’s fact!

John McCain refused to shake Obama’s hand after the debate. Obama stood their with his hand out to John and finally Cindy shook it as John walked away.

Although I am an Obama supporter I thought John McCain would perform better than the previous debt , and make a difference. I clearly believe Barack Obama was the winner in this debate. I was also angry at John McCain referring to Obama as “that one”, I believe it was spiteful and rather than losing his temper this is how he gets his insults in…..very low class and definetly NOT Presidential or worthy of my vote.

Anderson did you not find it interesting that when Obama spoke about health care and getting it in diffrent states, he used Delaware as an example about how loose the laws were in that state regarding banks,kind of funny, considering Joe Biden’s from Delaware.

Lew
From Philadelphia

As an independent I’ve tried to listen to both sides of the Republican and Democratic tickets, but the Republicans cannot keep my attention with John McCain as a panderer and his Sarah Palin as a pageant show contestant. Tonight’s debate confirmed that the Republicans do not differ intellectually or philosophically from the current administration, and will continue policies that are not in the interest of the middle class. Furthermore, did anyone notice when Obama tried to shake McCain’s hand he rejected his offer to return the handshake?

I couldn’t help but notice that Barack and Michelle Obama took the time to shake hands with every audience member in the town hall following the debate, while Cindy McCain did not shake hands with a single sole, and John McCain ducked out of the audience as soon as possible.

Although this may be a simple and somewhat superficial point, I can’t help but feel that this response by the candidates and their wives could reflect how the Obama’s and the McCain’s respectively feel about the place of the electorate and their participation in the democratic process.

Anderson,

I can’t believe Sen.Mccain, refered to Sen. Obama as “that one”
How Dare him! He has Issues! Sen. Mccain Couldn’t Look at the african american female that asked him a question.

This broke my heart… McCain is a fantastic man, however, his campaign team is a joke, they are doing a disservice to one of the most qualified presidential candidates this country has seen in a very long time.

Why do you call that a debate, have you watched the Canadian debates? A debate is an interaction directly between the candidates. The format used both times now are not allowing us to see what their true colours are. Not effective at all. Tonight sounded like another scripted speech …what are you afraid of?

like always the same stuff but really whos telling the truth in these matters i really dont know im still confused i heard nothing on immigration

McCain won the Debate

He was strong, steady and stood up for the country and the people.

He put things in to a reality perspective and what needs to be done.

Obama gave his same spill as he has been.

But with obama, if he is elected the blacks are going to demand their reparations right away. What will he do then? He did promise them, and they all registered to vote for them.

The debate wasn’t much of a show stopper for me. I’m an Independent. I will vote for Obama this November. McCain continually tells everyone he knows how to do EVERYTHING. Except, he wishes to put together commissions to figure things out. That means you don’t know everything McCain. So, say so………….

Isn’t funny that McCain mentions Lieberman 10 times and only mentioned Palin 0 times.

I am sooooo upset the way Mccain CALLED and also DISRESPECT Obama as (THIS ONE) this make me and a lot of viewers very upset.

Obama said family without health insurance they will get fed insurance like himself and Mccain. Who is paying? Does that mean for those buying their own insurance need not only pay for themselves but also pay for those non-insured.

McCain’s nastiness turns me off!!!
He finally has his “Town Meeting” debate, which frankly is a poor forum, has an opportunity to explain what he will do as President, but he centered on criticizing Obama instead. That’s not the kind of person we need to guide us out of this.

It was clearly stated that the “rules” of the debate were agreed upon by both parties, but the rules were not explained to me.

These issues are complicated. Are these rules preventing me (the voter) from getting the full answer to the questions?

So much time wasted with “Thank you so much for that question…..”

As an Obama supporter, it struck me that for the second time tonight he said “kill bin Laden” where he should have said “bring to justice”.

I think I noticed halfway through the debate Mcain walk behind Obama’s back while he faced a questionnaire, smile wide, shaking his head no. Please review footage. If true than is that not childish, and un-presidential?

After tonight if anynone, business or family, making 250k or less still do not know how they will be taxed under the Obama and/or Mccain plan, then they must have heavy wax in their ears. Obama knocked the tax explanation out of the box. The wealthy benefit under Mccain / Republican plan.

Did anyone notice that McCain refused to shake Obama’s hand when given the chance? If he can’t be respectful and courteous of his opponent, how will he act with world leaders whom he doesn’t like? Interesting. Shame on McCain.

I believe McCain came off as a desperate man. I was really turned off by his sad attempts at cheap shots - was pleased Obama didn’t take the bait.

The whole debat was forgoten at the moment when Senator Obama reached out to shake Senator Mccain’s hand, Senator Mccain gestured for Senator Obama to shake Cindy Mccains hand. Mccain wouldn’t shake hands. Did I see that correct?? I’m in complete disbelief and will have to watch the re-run to see if that’s what actually happened. What a telling moment…. More so then the debate itself.

i am glad i did watch i said i wasnt going to vote for either one but i have decided because mccain has a human side to him on war,money right and wrong honesty can say yes and no when it is necessary the democrates got us in this mess to when mccain anserwed the questions first then obama would say i agree with senator mccain….i am so afrair of obama and his followers riotts are the next thing we can expect….so said…

I don’t get McCain framing a new mortgage-buying plan. I thought the bail out bill was already designed to do exactly what he was describing… do I have that wrong or is he just repackaging what we already have as his own?

I was wondering if USA sees these two candidates as leaders. This financial crises proved one simple thing: the lack of leadership in the country. The president did not have the authority to lead the people. hey can attack each other as much as they want but will they lead?

How come McCain said that the part of the 700 billion bailout will get into hands of terrorist ? seems like McCain has a plan to send this 700 billion outside America and and not help American citizen. Is there any solid proof that part of American money goes into hands of terrorist and if he knows that then how and what he is going to prevent this ?
Sarvesh
Penn state University

Am I the only one who heard McCain refer to Obama as “that one”?
I could not concentrate on the entire debate after hearing that. This only shows the contempt that McCain has for Obama. The comment was rude and disrespectfu in my opinion

Helen
Riverdale, Ga

overall obama won this debate. obama understand the struggle that middle class people faces. his health care plan, his economy and securtiy plan i think is shatter proof and we need him as president. however, senater macain comment calling senater obama “that one” came across raciest in my opinion. he was cinical and rude, it was uncalled for. at no time did senater obama refered to him as anything but senater mccain. 8 yrs we endure bush its time for a change and obama is the change and future of our country.

I noticed that following the debate Michelle Obama was going around shaking the hands of many people. I also noticed that Cindy McCain was following John McCain with her hands Clasped behind her> WHY?

I am an undecided voter and listened to both debates. I have a better understanding of Senator Obama’s plans but don’t agree with all of them. I hear the plans of Senator McCain but don’t understand how to get there. I like his (McCain comment on how he will save my house from a bad mortgage, I just wanted to know how.

INTELLIGENCE thats the difference , Obama has good well thought out answers , McCain just waffels and has no answers ……I cannot understand that prople can’t see this ..it is so obvious to me

yes he was on the attack, I guess at this point he and Sarah has the by any means necessary approach…

I am so sick of John McCain beating a dead dog. If your gonna make promises I want to know how you can keep them, and to not tell me that you can do everything (health care, social security, and energy initiatives) at the same time. It is like telling a child to go to a candy store with no list and no spending limit.

The defining moment for me was that McCain refused to shake hands with Obama at the end of the debate.

This message is from my 53yo mother in Baytown, Texas. She was really fired up this evening, pointing out McCain’s repetitive use of “I did this”, “I did that”, “I, I,I.” She asked if CNN had a venue to speak her mind so I offered to post this blog. If this election has done anything for the spirit of America, it has has fired up those who had previously turned away from politics. Our family supports Obama, and more importantly, my mother is voting the first time in many, many years!

I think that McCane came across as a nasty old man. He is through and should retire to one of his seven houses. He has an ax to grind and it is very apparent. I do not want to vote for someone who is such an angry man. Obama calms me at a time when this Country is in such flux. Further, I am ready for change and I am interested in doing away with the lobbyists that right now are running McCanes campaign. 4 years of McCane is nothing more than more Bush. I am frightened half to death of Palin and find her to be an insult to my gender in every way possible.
By far, Obama won this last debate.

What I heard tonight was a man who clearly was desperate to get on top. McCain, in my opinion was a total copy cat of everything that Obama said. I heard nothing original from him or a clear understanding of what he plans to do as President. What I heard from Obama was a clear package. He was very precise on his answers and his agenda as President. Let’s face it, McCain is clearly out of touch. To me, him seeemed a bit cenile and unfocused. If I wasn’t sure about who to vote for I am now and my vote is for Obama. Regardless of how much knowledge or experience he has. He made sense to me. If the American Public viewing the Debate didn’t see it, the are blind. Remove the waz fromyour ears and the catarac from your eyes people and see behind the veil of deception. McCain is trying to decieve you and make you think that he is for you and he’s really not. He is for himself.

Who is the “That One” that John McCain referred to. Is the “that one” a person of color or the midlle class. McCain is showing his true decisive side. McCain like Palin do not answer the questions. They talk about their opponent, but do not talk about the issues.

How can John McCain say Obama will need on -the- job training, when Palin needs to get on-the-job-education & training. I am not holding against her that she did not graduate from an ivy league university. I am concerned that during her VP debate against VP Biden she used the same 5 responses to all the questions. I could have done that & I attended only one college for my BS degree, unlike Palin’s 6 to earn her journalism degree.

I think Obama won. He may not have the most executive experience but I believe he really cares for the middle class and will do everything possible to help the middle class. John McCain has big business written all over his face and behavior. Who is say because you were in charge of a army troup makes you a good executive.

One thing that is turning me off is all that horrible things they are saying about each. I believe McCain is the cause of it all because he is desperate to get voters. One thing that tey both should remember is one way to turn voters off is the mean things they are saying. They both should be truthful

McCain is absolutely attacking Obama. The problem is he was snide, negative, condescending and plain rude and disrespectful when he refered to Senator Obama as ” that one.” Well McCain was successfull tonight. He successfully turned off many undecided voters by his rude, underhanded finger pointing.

Why does Mccain keep talking about Obama ( that one) and himself. He should stop focusing on making the Obama campaign look bad and start focusing on the real issues which are the country and its people. Mccain should stick to the issues and solutions and stop worrying about making Obama look bad.

Have you ever been in a church service that you just can’t understand the speaker? Well thats how I felt when McCain was speaking! Get it together John

Anderson,

I found McCain’s comment insulting when he said to the young African American that “I bet you never heard of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac until all of this”. He don’t know this man’s income, or whether he is a homeowner, or whether he is concerned about the economy or not. That was just wrong..

McCain referred to Obama as “that one.” That to me is an insult. He might as well have said “you People.” Obama was much better in handling this debate. I also notice after the debate McCain wife keep her hands behind her back. Was she afraid to touch anyone? I think they have people issue no matter what race you are.

I thought that the town hall meeting was McCain’s area but according to what I observed tonight, Obama was just at much apart of the town hall setting as he was.

McCain still never gave any definitive answers for questions and he really needed to do that in order to move forward. He appeared to be MAD at Obama. He should try not to wear his emotions on his sleeve, that’s not healthy.

When will both candiaites realise that the American people do not want “dumbed down” answers. We want to hear about accountability with an actual plan. It is a deteriment to the morale of the American people to be hearing more of the same old politics!

I have a novel idea for both candidates. It would be a refreshing change to have them address the issues and answer the questions. Perhaps in the next debate, we could make past voting practices and out of context quotes off-limits, and have them actually tell America what they will do for the country in these most tying times. I want to know what they are going to do, IN SPECIFIC DETAIL, to deal with the financial crisis, corporate greed, excessive executive compensation, the run away cost of healthcare, the dissappearance of the middle class….. basically stop calling each other names and tell me what YOU willd do to fix it!!!!

So did anybody think it was interesting that Obama would refer to the lose credit laws in Deleware when his running mate, Joe Biden, is a senator of Delaware and he has had questions brought up about his dealngs with the credit companies in DE?

I am a supporter of Obama, but I was disappointed in the debate I felt that Obama did not answer the question as it was asked. I felt like it was somewhat avoided.

John McCain is such a putz.! He refused to shake hands with Obama at the end. He was for Spending freze and for buying up all the bad mortgages. Too old and incompetent to be president.

I can no longer stomach the cheerleading of Mc Cain, we need the understanding of our past and present. The leadership of our future I see , and hear in Obama.

Yes, It pisses me off that AIG higher ups are getting massages and playing golf, with ocean view rooms. But let’s really think about how much we want our government looking into how we all spend our money.

Its amazing to me how the liberal media is so bewitched by by Obama. Not only did Obama not answer the questions that were asked him he rambled on and on. The information that John Mcain gave had so much more depth than Obamas. Obama gave very superficial shallow answers. If we are that moronic to not notice these things, shame on us. Are we going to vote for a patriot or a charismatic leader that has a smooth answer for everything and no substance behind what he says. When talking about Iran. Mcain had so much more knowledge behind his words. There is no quick fix to any of the problems that face us, but we do not need to have someone who does not have the experience in the White House.

I can’t believe McCain is so out of touch with America,it shows when he debates and it has shown by his VP choice.America needs a new direction and Barrack Obama is it.

Macain looked bitter at the end of the second debate and did not shake Obama’s hand when Obama extended to do so. I think that showed that Macain knew he lost.

For all the talk about the town hall meeting being McCain’s forte, I thought he was terrible! His lame attempt at jokes was embarrassing. He looked like a tired, little old man… a bumbling one at that. Obama was a star. He was calm, relaxed and talked directly to the people. I can hear the Fat Lady singing for the Republicans.

Talking about regulations and waste, these debates should have rules that now allow them to spend 90% of their time either tooting their own horn and attacking each others. They should of been required to answer the question only. Americans (especially now)
do not want to here there bickering or a constant recap of what they have or have not done. Just more of the same.

Hi, I know that talking about illegal immigration is a sensitive subject, because the candidates want the Hispanic vote,but do you think they realize how important this issue is?

McCain is clearly in favor of the wealthy of this great country. I would like him to tell me where a family, even of just 2 or 3 can acquire health insurance for $5,000 a year…which he would apparently tax as well. I was a single woman who had to pay just under $500 per month to keep my HMO insurance for retirees with Bechtel…one of the huge companies who received no bid contracts in Iraq along with Haliburton. This nearly $500 a month was my portion I have no idea of what Bechtel paid. Most of the general public doesn’t have this back up. Even at $450 per month, my health insurance cost me, for one person, $5,400. Where does McCain get that $5,000 before taxes tak care of a family’s health insurance.

Senator McCain’s comment at tonight’s debate about the audience probably never having “heard of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac before this economic crisis” was a big mistake. He obviously underestimates the intelligence of the audience and the country.

I think someone should turn the mikes off after a given amount of time. I’m thinking it might help focus the answers. I also think they should answer questions from the audience that isn’t planned.

Another thought. How about you’re not allowed to refer to your opponent or his campaign at all…

I don’t know the answer.. I just know I found this boring and uninformative.. I’ve it all before.

Did anyone else notice that McCain wouldn’t shake Obama hand at the end? Obama wound up shaking McCain’s wife’s hand. McCain patted Obama’s wife on the back - sort of. I am an Obama fan but frankly my first reaction to Obama many months ago was he was a grown up. Once again McCain has a childish moment…