The Debate Made Me Feel Three Inches Shorter

Senators John McCain and Barack Obama stood on the red carpeted stage at ‘Ole Miss tonight in attempt to make their cases for why each should be president.

In the end, supporters of both John McCain and Barack Obama likely were heartened.
The first forty minutes of the debate focused on the financial crisis, the economy and spending. Both candidates seemed shaky at the start and neither seemed overly willing to talk about the economy. Obama seemed to miss an opportunity to take advantage on these topics he is said to have an edge on in the polls.

The debate transitioned to the planned topic of foreign policy. McCain appeared almost irritated to have to stand on the stage and discuss these topics with Obama. In an attempt to wrap the cloak of experience tightly around him, McCain rambled at times with disconnected facts. At one point he stated the people of North Korea were three inches shorter than their neighbors to the south. He also stated he was never voted Miss Congeniality of the Senate. I think he may have forgotten that his running mate actually won that award once.

McCain’s noted humor was missing tonight and he was anything but complimentary of his opponent. Obama was a bit more diplomatic and tried to engage McCain. McCain gave a series of lectures about his experience and Obama talked more about what he would do in office. The McCain team will say that it is experience that is needed and the Obama team will say it is vision and plans.

On to the next debate.