From Deseret News archives:

Presidential debate — Both had a strong finish, but no game-changers

Published: Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2008 12:38 a.m. MDT
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 
Who best utilized the town hall format?

Webb: Both candidates were comfortable and cool throughout the debate. Sen. John McCain had a little more fun, using humor more effectively and addressing the audience more directly. The debate wasn't as free-ranging and unpredictable as it should have been because the moderator selected questions from hundreds submitted that were very standard on just a handful of well-rehearsed issues. Neither candidate was surprised by any of the issues, and we didn't get to see them spontaneously respond to off-the-wall questions.

Pignanelli: Last week, McCain promised to take the gloves off and "take on" Sen. Barack Obama. When the gloves came off, bare knuckles were not exposed, but rather two wads of soft cotton candy. McCain demonstrated unusual energy but did not offer any great distinctions from the Illinois senator. His constant harping about earmarks has moved from irrelevant to annoying. Obama consistently exuded calm, confidence and an articulate demeanor expected of a president.

Who succeeded in addressing the economic turmoil?

Story continues below
Webb: McCain tossed in a surprise by pledging to stabilize the housing market through a partial buy-down of mortgages, helping people who owe more than their homes are worth. I'm not sure most viewers understood the proposal. Overall, I trusted McCain over Obama in dealing with the current financial crisis. McCain quite effectively criticized Obama for his campaign contributions from Fannie Mae.

Pignanelli: McCain failed to expand on his novel concept on a federal mortgage program and allowed Obama to personalize the suffering of Americans.

Who articulated the better foreign policy?

Pignanelli: With the stock market in the trash, who cares? Both offered the same rhetoric regarding Iraq, Iran, Israel, Pakistan, etc. McCain lost the opportunity to sound Reaganesque by labeling Russia an "evil empire." Last night's discussion on this topic will not drive voters in either direction

Webb: As usual, McCain demonstrated better instincts and far superior experience to deal with America's enemies and friends abroad.

Who committed errors?

Webb: No major gaffes by either candidate.

Recent comments

did anyone else think it looked like McCain looked as though he was...

illyana | Oct. 8, 2008 at 10:34 a.m.

Sure it would have been a change of pace if McCain stood up at the...

Campbell | Oct. 8, 2008 at 8:46 a.m.

The only memorable lines from Clinton are "I never had sex..." and...

Clinton - Energetic vision?? | Oct. 8, 2008 at 8:19 a.m.

Related content
previousnext

Latest comments

Reading the letter, I am not sure that it is eating that is the sin, but...

The media that Sarah criticizes so much is the same force that is providing...

3A: Juan Diego's last-gasp play

We'll be back next year. I know it, and I hope that all of our coaches and...

Utah Utes whip SDSU

This year TCU has proven to the world how weak the MWC is (MWC=WAC). BYU and...

Secularists and religious arguments

I have no problem with religious people voting their conscience. I do,...

I have to agree that the comment about "the pesky seniors" is uncalled...

I was in my Latin class in High School in California. Our teacher hadn't...

Glenn Beck is Oprah's heir apparent since he has a larger following and can...

Atheist groups flourish on campuses

of atheism just as morally equal to spreading the Gospel of Christianity. To...

Yes, 40% of doctors polled said they will definitely or seriously consider...

Advertisements