[Editor's note: After our wildly successful debate polls of the vice-presidential debate and the second presidential debate here at RG&B, we decided to provide you with one last chance to speak your mind about who won a major debate this campaign season.]
Please join us in our third little experiment in political science here at RG&B by answering our poll question.
With full knowledge that a simple poll question cannot adequately capture your nuanced position on the presidential debates, you are encouraged to leave a comment below. If you’re happier with a simple poll, just follow the link – no strings attached.
Click Here to Answer the RG&B Poll Question: Who Won Wednesday Night’s Presidential Debate?
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About Timothy B. Hurst
Obama won. Yes, we can change
McCain’s Volatile Demeanor Disturbing
I would love to play poker with John McCain. He was unable to hide his emotions in a simple debate. Heaven forbid some national catastrophe should emerge needing a calm head. It was clear that McCain was having a very difficult time containing his volatile nature. We have already experienced 8 years of thoughtless, knee jerk reactions. Now combine that with a hot temper.
BEST COMMENT OF THE NIGHT
***SENATOR OBAMA IF YOU WANTED TO RUN AGAINST PRESIDENT BUSH YOU COULD HAVE DONE IT 4 YEARS AGO!!!!!
McCain is kicking OBama's ass!!!!
McCain made a bunch of wild statments and Obama put him in his place every time. Obama Won
McCain once again seem to stumble, bumbling, angry still, I do not want him as my president. Obama once
again maintained his calmness. Thank Goodness. Obama still has the american people focus on his agenda. He Obama won this debate.
McCain did not quick Obama's ass Brad. He kissed it often, saying how "eloquent" Obama was.
MCCAIN TOTALLY KICKED OBAMA'S ASS/
VOTING MCCAIN
John Mccain showed his knowledge being the leader of Unites States of America. Obama clearly shows he is not the leader of a strongest country in the world!
He does not debate like a president at all!
OBAMA
McCain deffinately won the debate. He needed to come out swinging and he did.
McCain won……but of course it doesn't matter what you or I think….all that matter is impartial news shows…McCain had to come out punching…he did
I am overall a conservative….just letting you know…the above is my opinion not my way of influencing you…think for yourself America!..Research!
McCain just an angry frustrated old man. Put him out to pasture.
McCain wasted his golden oportunity to lay before the citizens the strength of his plans for our future. Instead he chose to elevate himself by belittling his opponet. In my opinion McCain came out looking cheap and unsure of himself! I've been a republican all my life.
I think Obama is indeed, very eloquent and even elegant next to McCain. HOWEVER, being communications specialist, I am trained to look at the person's demeanor as well as what and how they say things. While Obama is a better speaker with words, his eyes and his frustrated smile give him away as being just as angry and frustrated by McCain as McCain by Obama. McCain's greatest flaw is also his asset; his military background. While he may have a temper (as does everyone, including the more elegant Obama), he has self-discipline and restraint. But who gets to whom most is not what should be judged! Judge each on the actualities of what they said AND be sure what they SAID was specific enough to be able to gauge its' value. Which one has the most to say that really addresses the issues? Truthfully, they both do a hell of a tap-dance around the hard-core aspects of all the issues because they both know that as President, they still have to work with the Senate and Congress to get anything done; therefore, their promises are virtually meaningless. Thus, you are perhaps better to judge them on the basis of their track records of PERSUASION of their colleagues, peers, and oppositional leaders – who's been most successful at persuading others from one stance to their stance most frequently? Realistically, that's been McCain – mainly because he's been there longer and knows how to navigate the system better. It's still anyone's guess who will really win this election because I don't believe the debates have really done much to aid either candidate. Either way, this will be one of our country's most historic elections: We have the first multi-racial candidate; the oldest candidate; and the first Republican nominated female V-P nominee – it's all about to become WORLD HISTORY on the demographics of the candidates alone!
Obama is so much smarter it's amazing. McCain would lose to a 5th grader. I think the smart guy would do the best job.
McCain is so yesterday to quote my students – Obama once again sounded so reasonable and clearly progressive for the future of America. I have already voted early for OBAMA!! One questions the sanity of the last comment here about McCain kicking a certain part of Obama anatomy – how crass!
Obama has been hiding something, defensively and looking for words to elaborate on nonsense.
McCain's clout negative aspect is being after Bush's agenda, overall the support as a president can be given to the latter.
McCain was rolling his eyes around and looking into space like he was listening to a voice in his ear.He certainly didn't seem relaxed.
I agree that McCain was on the offensive tonight. I believe that Obama showed a true calmness and acted like a leader. McCainn showed disdain for everything that Obama said. I believe that the debate may have been a draw tonight…and was definately McCain's best performance. However, as most will agree, Palin is not fit to be President, McCains age is something to be concerned about. I think after watching all three debates and listening to what they have to say,Obama is the next President of the United States.
Obama definitely won! McCain is so sorry – I used to like him but I have already voted for OBAMA – early voting……
Obama won! McCain shot crap at Obama and he kept his composure. McCain, however, seemed to have difficulty controlling his temper. I like how Obama would bring the topic back after being attacked over and over. That's a true leader!
Look we all know he's not Bush but his policies are the same
Hey, C.A. Wren. Your poker statement was one of the wittiest I've seen the whole election. Thanks! I'm going to quote you and credit you (unless people really start to like me for how original my comment was…)
Lily please tell me how a The President should debate,i.e should he stumble and bumble through everything and bring up all the same old polices the Bush admin has been running for the last 8 yrs.
I make a point of not betting with my heart maybe you should really look at this objectivly. Our GOP sucks
Unfortunately, John McCain can not get a positive comment from the media. He was stern and confronted Obama on many issues that needed to be asked by him because the media won't touch Obama (they're too afraid of being called Racists). Americans need to know all of the facts…..How can Obama cut taxes for 95% of Americans when almot 40% don't pay taxes? That math doesn't add up for me. There is no doubt in my Democratic mind….it's McCain/Palin for me in '08 !
Jon it was a swing and a miss!!!!
Clearly Obama had real answers instead of personal attacks and an antagonistic attitude.
McCain won hands down. He should have demanded the terrorism issue more but he won.
I think obama won by being himself and letteing maccain look and behave as erratic as we predicted
With all due respect to Sen. McCain he needs to stand in front of a mirror and practice how not to be or look condescending. It was distracting, rude and disrespectful. We had a country before the titles of "conservative (Republican) & liberal" (Democrat) took a life of their own to mean "proud American for conservative & un-American for liberal". We lost the respect of the world that we use to be above the "hate" that exists in so many elections outside of our country.
McCain stomped Osamas ass!
`McCain had a great line about not being Bush. Obama proved he is faster on his feet applauding where McCain differed from Bush and then pointing out none of those differences were economic in nature. The round and the night belong Obama.
Obama. McCain is angry, and has no ideas of his own…did he really have to call Hillary Clinton for 'HIS' ideas? Wow. Double wow. The man is pissed off, ill-tempered, and anyone who believes that the same Bush policies with cut taxes and majically all will be better is smoking more pot than Bill Maher. Only one looks like a president, Barack Obama.
Some commens on here tonight reflect the mentality of the McCain Palin crowd…. ie stomping ass? kill him? terrorist? Say something positive about your candidate if you think he won…
Marla…no offense to your students, but because of where John McCain was "yesterday", americans have a tomorrow. His life long experiences can in no way compare to the 143 days of experience that Obama has. Ray….If anyone came across as condescending and belittling, I think Obama does that with the rolling of his eyes(just like my children), shaking his head and laughing under his breath. No doubt Obama can speak, but not everyone understands what he is truly saying! I'm not that smart, but I understand what he is saying and I don't like it !
McCain/Palin for me !
This was another solid win for Obama. He has proven time and time again that he has a great grasp of all the issues, knows how to counter-punch, and makes everyone around him CALM. By the end of this thing he had McCain telling him what a "great job" he did! I was stunned at how bad McCain looked in the split screen…..hell, he said "angry" FOUR times in his first answer! He just didn't look like a President. Grumpy old dude. That's who he has turned into. This Undecided Voter has just decided to vote for President Obama.
Obama is a black version of Hitler. Adolf was quite the talker, too.
OBAMA……………. McCain seemed so angry and mean I can't trust him to keep his calm when we might need it!!
Right on Marla! so Obama has 143 days of experience? What calendar are you looking at? McCain is an honorable man…he server our country well,…I hever once saw Obama roll his eyes tonight…I have one very good reason to vote for Obama/Biden……the reason is SARA PALIN
mccain was trapped in many situations, he was trapped by his own forceful nature towards obama, and obama put it in place, and made mccain the wrong one.
how many times did that happen tonight?
too many to count
This has been the third debate that Obama has clearly taken the measure of McCain. His clear explanations stand in complete contrast to the convoluted and strident messages delivered by McCain. Obama, once again, projected calm assured and confident presidential demeanor. McCain did not.
Do you think that a person making 42000 a year should pay a higher percentage in taxes than a person making 500000? I don't think so. Obama is not Hitler, nor is there any comparison. Obama has a difference in opinion about the path our country has been taken. It is ok to disagree with him…but calling him Hitler…is just LAME
I'm voting for McCain/Palin because she is hotter than Biden.
It takes intelligence and calm rational thinking to lead a nation. Before you decide who of the two candidates best represents this statement I would encourage you to visit bravenewpac.org/rage and educate yourself.
Is McCain a she? OMG>..i am shocked!
Looks like you are all for partial birth abortions…That is legalized murder of the most innocent. A baby being born is the greatest gift of God, then when it's half way out, the Dr severs the brain stem and kills the baby so that it dead upon full delivery. Just what we need a infanticidal president. Kinda funny against killing a convicted murderer, but for killing babies.
Obama is definitely the smarter President-to-be. Thank God for this. McCain is so terribly out of touch in this campaign. He would be a disaster as President. His chosen running mate makes it doubly dangerous!
Who is against drilling in ANWR and why? Have you ever been there, seen it, know where it is?
mccain is fighting for the presidency and obama is fighting for the people. this is a easy choice I chose obama
I bet Obama doesn't even know where Alaska is. He probably thinks it is part of Mexico. What is going to happen if he opposes NAFTA, Canada and Mexico will cease trading with us and go somewhere else. That goes for the oil and gas we get from them too. As if y'all haven't noticed how expensive gas is now just wait, Hussein will fix everything. Who can honestly afford a Hybrid vehicle? Where are the best ones made. How long before they become affordable…not during Hussein's reign.