A question about foreign police to Obama – if he now somethink about the political situacion in Slovakia – we have somebody like him in the goverment – it is our PM Fico and it is a tragedy – beware AMERICA !!!!!

WEll, it´s 3:45am where I am watching this right now :o)
I would like Mr McCain explain what he means with "winning" in Iraq.
In my view there is no such a thing regarding this terrible conflict

I woke up at 5:00 am in the mrning to watch this debate and actually went to bed at 3 am after watching the situation room (am in Dubai), I still haven't seen John Mcsame look at sen Obama once in the eye??????? Is he so disgusted by Obama or personally can't stand him???? I thought this is a debate and candidates should debate with each other and look each other in the eye when expressing themselves (and in some cases the audience & amercian people at home) but I still haven't seen mccain look at obama once. SHOCKING!!!!!!

Hi
Nobody can help anyone. If we want USA be number 1 country in the world. We have to do to many things.

THere are no free trade between any county with USA.

If any product make in USA, NO SALES tax or State tax, but any product form made in China, India or any other country. We have to calect(GET) 100% tax for tht prouct. Same thing about JOBS. IF AT&T have tech support in INDIA, all customer get 50% on their bill, becaue they give work to other country.

War did not help any country.

IF oil price more than $100, We (USA) can not be in power or stroger in Economicalllly. We need oil price less than $50 per berrilll.

I hope you understand... where i am stand for...

I am USA citizzzen

karan

Jonathan, sitting in Brussels and as a European Journalist watching the debate, how do you see Iran subject coming up? One thing that Obama said right is that Iranian Prez is not the MOST powerful person in Iran.

I am so surprised and turned off by the grimaces Sen McCain keeps making everytime time Sen. Obama says to him "this is not true". It only proves to me that he is not telling the truth and he is trying to cover it. His people did not train him how to behave during the debate.
So far, he only talks with confidence about the military. Well, there are other issues besides the Military. And, this comes from anArmy wife the widow of a USArmy Veteran.
I trust Sen. Obama and am sure he is honest. Sen. McCain is not.
I am now more confident than I was before the debate that Sen. McCain wants so badly to become President, if only for one day and he does not care about Americans. If he did, he would not have chosen Palin as a Vice President.

Georgia-Stella Martin

To clarify, I am the European journalist (and you are the Canadian knowing US politics very well).

It's the Iranian *Revolutionary* Guard Corps, not the "Republican Guard." I thought Obama would catch McCain on this, but no joy.

Where is Sarah???

Obama, clearly has a grasp on the current climate in Middle East. Further he was spoke of how to work with foreign countries in a manner diplomatic w/ Iran and N. Korea, and using firm and precautious w/ Russia. Assuring a responsible response regarding nuclear weapons.

I am a Obama supporter, but I have to admit, Mc Cain is definitely holding his own. Clear on comments, while Obama is slipping up on his own comments...

Obama should have been more prepared....

John McCann can not look at Obama during the debate. He's full of ........... He is a very sly person God help America if he become President.

I would like to know how many times Obama has said, "Senator McCain is right". Obama looks lost and unable to give direct answers.

I'm not particularly fond of Iran, but the 2 candidates should not call Iran a rogue state. The mollahs are in power since 79 through a popular revolution.
America is a rogue state. they invaded Irak in an illegal way

I can't understand why McCain can't look at Obama, he is so rude to do this! I liked the way that Obama said he had a bracelet too!!
Good debate and made me realize how really important it is to see this....By the way, I am a Canadian!!

What do you say Jonathan about the Americanisation of World Power Equations by McCain?

I want to see Obama attack a bit more and have McCain waste the first minute of each question rebuting the attack. McCain is a war hawk and at this point, that's the last thing we need. Take care of your own back yard first. Go Obama!

When Mcain asnswers the questions, his answers begin with an absolute condescending sentence. "Obama doens't undersand", "he is naive", "oncec again he doesn't udnerstand" this shows how someone with mccain ideology thinks....
sad sad sad

I'm watching the debate. McCain has no manners. He has not looked even once at Obama's . Seems disgusted or what???

Notice Obama looks at McCain sometimes when he speaks, but McCain has never looked at Obama when he talks!

I like the fact that Mccain called Obama on his statement on meeting with Iran with out 'pre conditions. We don't negotiate with terrorist until they change their ways.

Hi everyone enjoying this debate. I'm in Australia and it's about 12:20pm here on a Saturday afternoon.

We had a "change" in our government recently after 11 years of a conservative leadership. We've had many many interest rate rises, inflation is high, and the only thing protecting us from the nightmare in the US is our resource exports to China.

When I look at Obama and McCain I see the same choice we had. I see one has having a very pragmatic approach the other is concerned only with appealing to small town America during the campaign.

I find McCain very disrespectful in this debate towards Obama.

Also, I think we realised here that when you vote, you're voting for a whole party, a system, a group of people, ideals, and not just one single person. The republican party needs a big clean out and a time-out for a term or two to think about what they've done, and how they can change for the good of the country. Let the democrats in and clean up the mess and steady the ship.

Polls show the US wants it. The world wants it more. We need it.

p.s.
I agree with Chris Rock, a guy with only one house is scared about losing his house. I'd vote for that guy.

McCain will not look at Obama in the eye?! Why is that? Is he not confident in himself? Does he fear his opponent? What kind of man doesn't look at his opponent during a debate? I was giving McCain the benefit of the doubt but he is now proving he is NOT a man of character. He is arrogant and weak! Obama continues to look his way but McCain is completely ignoring him... I don't know who else is noticing but I sure am!

Who is McCaine smirking at!!! It's almost as if he doesn't take the debate seriously or maybe he is just nervous. God help America is he and Palin win in November.

obama looks sick and unpresidentiable. for me mccain is the best choice for america.

Senator McCain is telling us how it is. I believe he has shown he is much more qualified to lead this country than Obama. In this time of hard times, this country needs a tough leader not a soft one.

I woke up at 5am in Africa to watch this debate but am very disgusted by McCain's body language towards Obama. Senator Mccain is fundamentally quoting Senator Obama out of context. Its now clear that Senator McCain if elected will alienate America more from the rest of the world than President George Bush ever did

Hi .I´m an Argentina citizen , who lives in my own Country . Here is not traition to have this candidates debate, but certainly all politicians share the same way to say nothing . All are promeses about how to improve everything , but very few words about a definitive propposal. I hope americans can go to vote with a clear head, and to vote for the best but not for the lest worst

Why does Obama have to agree with whatever McCain says and refer to him with his first name. McCain is doing none of that and has not even acknowledged Obama using his first name.

For crying out loud McCain is not even looking at Obama!

Looks like the biggest failure will be Jim as the way he started handling it with much punch but looks like soon ran out of gas!!!!!!!

All we hear from Mr. McCain in this debate is that he intends to do more of the same of Bush, More wars, he doesn't understand the concept of carrot and stick.
He will keep destroying the US economy in favor of big co operations.
God help the Americans, and the world if he is elected.

Where is Jonathan? Promise of being here :-)

McCain is making me sick with this pretentious crap.

As the daughter of parents from Spain, it pains me to hear that Senator McCain thinks that we shouldn't talk to the Prime Minister of Spain. Senator Obama is correct – Spain is a member of NATO. Not only is it a member of NATO, it is a strong ally of America. Moreover, Spanish soldiers have fought and died in Iraq and Afghanistan on the side of American troops. Does that mean that their deaths don't matter. If McCain doesn't know who our friends are, how can he know who our enemies are? Senator Obama is clearly showing that he has the intelligence and judgment necessary to be President of the United States.

Why does john McCain keep having flashbacks.....!

Obama, " I give senator McCain great credit" Is Obama endorsing Senator McCain.
I guess Senator Obama does not get it. He is suppose to provide us with a better choice. If he keeps complimenting Senator McCain, why should I take a Junior Senator over someone with so much experience and know how!

I am pretty shocked listening to Mr. McCain. He is and will be an soldier, – and the old generation, too old. And in his head even older! It is terrible to listen to him, – his weapon for everything is war! I wonder if anyone have been counting all the times he have told us how old he is. He has to change his view of the world.

God; I was shocked at the lack of motivation for this debate. They are too polite, too boring, and I switched to another channel; they are both Boring!

If these two were surgeons....

Obama: Before I operate, I'm going to explore all options, consult widely and then make my final carefully decision.

McCain: We must operate, I'm not here to be popular and listen to any other advice, I'll muddle through this fine. We must continue to operate until we've won, you won't die without honour.

McCain knows it all and I do not know where is Jonathan to hear his remarks!!

I love how the Obama supporters can only talk about how McCain won't look at your candidate.........who cares?????????? I care about the words coming out of the mouth and McCain is clearly winning. Not surprising BO supporters care about looks and not the facts!!

I pray that the voters listen to the canidates' views on the substantive issues and not to the "spin". McCain has been spinning ...

Why cant people see how "trigger happy" McCain is, diplomacy is not a weakness. Obama is the future. But please argue back... he is being too easy on McCain. Argue back!!!!!! Go Obama!

I just want to point out that it is true that Ronald Reagan did not associate with Fidel Castro or Iranian leaders, but instead he met with, for example, a notorious war criminal like Yaroslav Stetsko, responsible for the death of 7000 jews during world war two. He also invited the “Godfather” of Central American death squads Mario Sandoval Alacron to his inauguration ball.
Those are the kind of people that Senator Mc Cain’s idol Ronald Reagan gave legitimacy to

I'm sorry, but I'm just not liking McCain not looking at Obama's eyes when speaking. That is so disrespectful.

Why does McCain have a smirk on his face each time Obama speaks? I am sorry but expressions are critical and make people form opinions, rightly or wrongly. Also, most times he seems to be promoting himself with " I did this" and " I voted that bill" and " I met this leader" etc.

McCain keeps saying "Obama doesn't get it," obviously trying to paint him as unprepared. Well, the fact is, McCain is showing himself as "not getting it." When it was him and his cronies running the country these last eight years, this last (we hope) farewell to the country by a sort of "thanks for letting us get away with all of this these past eight years, and by the way, here's the check: $700 billion. Well, A check. Not THE check. There will be more. Thanks again." John McSame doesn't get it. And when he dies in office, God help us, because Palin "gets it" even less.

What stops McCain as a US Senator from helping the returning soldiers NOW or during any of his years in Gov. Not only when they are coming back from a war zone. and when he is running for President.

As a POW he should been helping all along...

I am wacthing the debate from Sweden.
Mc.cain is not looking for a peace in the world and he just keep talking about war and wining. He just dosen,t understand there is no a winner in war. American if you wont change for whole world vote for Obama.

Senator Obama needs to stop stuttering. It makes him look unprepared and nervous. I looking at these debates to select the best candidate, right now I'm leaning towards Senator McCain.

McCain is definitely not winning a thing. He is a warmonger and it is clearly showing.

No fireworks......defensive tacts from both

I think that they all made so much noise about Russia. They are not able to do anything to Russia and they admit it. They say they have to pay, there have to be sanctions, but noone's telling what these sanctions would be like.Why? Because there can be no sanctions to Russia. Nobody wants second cold war. It's something unimaginable. They did in Georgia what you did in Kosovo. The sitaution is exactly the same as it was in Kosovo. The difference is that the USA made the hit in Kosovo and Russia did it in Georgia. You have learned to admit you're not the ONLY great power in the world. Both Obama and McCain said it is a disaster. America have done it before. Just admit Russia is a huge factor in the world.

Even at the handshake, McCain didn't really look at him... Very strange.
McCain had conviction, and spoke well, but his views are out-dated and won't work in this century. That's the big problem with him, he can't adapt.
He might have been better than Bush, anyone could have, but his time has come and gone.

Obama is articulate but his inexperience in the world stage is glaring. It creates doubt in my thinking of his ability to lead our military locally and in the world. He appears to oppose the war in Iraq but, wants to increase military activities in Afghanistan. McCain is of "old school" and such will he be better leader in the coming years? Leadership makes or break us the United States decades ago when America represents Decency and Strenght.

Isn't there greater issues to address other than war, military spending and every thing that has to do the sudject matter? Seems like Mccain has forgotton about the 3 million Americans who have lost there homes while their tax dollars are being sent to Iraq.

I am very concern about the potential state of the US economy should Mccain become president.

I am watching the debate from Africa - I am really amaze how body language tells us the characters of the candidates. Everytime McCain talks, Obama looks at him and listen carefully. McCain NEVER looks at Obama. Instead he makes faces. The way McCain talks is creepy. It is obvious that he is appealing to the mercy of voters so that when he talks, all he cares was how he can get sympathy vote or what he thinks will appeal to the voters and nothing to do with what he really thinks and what he believes. Obama's points are very sharp and he has obviously has a vision. Something is not right with McCain. Theree is a lot of untruthfulness and changing the twisting the facts. I hope that this debate will enlighten America on who is the better candidate.

Hello Jonathan, here its nearing 5 AM and I am surprised that you NEVER came online to express your views. I came here to hear you. Anyway good luck if you come back, you can always reach me at tsingh@neurope.eu (Editor-in-Chief/New Europe/ http://www.neurope.eu).
Good night to all from Brussels.

I'm up – It's 4:30 AM in the morning here in Europe – and I'm watching the presidential debate on CNN.

Being a Scandinavian I do of course have no influence on the outcome of the election. Still it feels relevant enough to get up in the middle of the night to have a look at the candidates.

I have to admit that – from a foreign policy perspective – I think Obama would be the better choise. Not just for World, but for America.

The American reputation in the world matters. Being a strong supporter of the USA myself, I have seen – with sadness – how the country's reputation in the eyes of the rest of the world have deteriorated over the last 8 years. In my eyes Obama made the most convincing argument for how that reputation may be restored.

sincerely,
Simen
Oslo, Norway

McCain can't look someone in the eye because he knows he is peddling lies–he and his campaign, just as the administration has done these last eight years (justification for going into Iraq, etc. - poor Colin Powell). Now hopefully we are beyond the point of their pulling to wool over our eyes, saying if you vote for this guy, you'll all die at the hands of terrorists, or he'll make all of you have abortions. The scare tactics and lies are hopefully something that won't work any longer - we're in serious trouble, and the $700 billion tab for their lies, while deregulating wall street and being a friend to business, even as the businesses go out of control to make a quick profit, bypassing safety regulations that should have been in place.... OK, I ramble, but the point is McCain can't look you in the eye because he is lying and he knows it. Palin was the same way - did you see her with Katie Couric? Very uncomfortable peddling these lies... reminded me of Colin Powell; he was obviously uncomfortable with it too once he realized what was going on. We all realize now. America is waking up we hope.

What baffles me watching John McCain is his constant stating that Obama "does not understand" this or that. Since when does having a different opinion on x, y or z mean that you don't undestand something. The level that McCain likes to patronize Obama is really quite offensive. I am not a US citizen but if I was, McCain would have lost my vote based on this very unpresidential treatment of a man that clearly has earned it!

Hi there, sitting up late (4:44 am here now) since I think this election is _very_ important for the global economy and stability in the coming years.

It seems like all McCain has to add to every debate is that he has been to this or that place and that he has been involved in lots of conflicts. However, he did not present any solutions to the current conflicts and failed to answer the questions about the economy.

Obama came across as more up to date with current economical problems and made me happy when he talked about how the US needs to build relations with the rest of the world. Everyone benefits from a strong US economy, americans as well as europeans and asians.

Finally, in the next debate I hope Obama doesn't have to correct lies from McCain over and over again.

I have been watching from Rumania. I have been residing in South East Asia now for 21 years.
Afghanistan.

Neither candidates have brought up or look back at the hystory of Aghanista\n. From the British Empire day to date nobody has succeeded in either controlling or changing the way Afghanistan is. USA will fail like Russia fail, lke the British fail.

Afghanistan can turn out to be far worse than Iraq has so far.

Iran

Well it will not go away in simple ways. And yes I think Obama has a better approach than McCain.
In the McCain will continue the Republican ways of doing things. With all due respect Iran will be the hardest country USA will have to deal in foreign policy.

Chavez-Russia

What will USA has to counteroffer to prevent another spine at his back!

We nearing 2009 and wars are all over, big and small....who's really reaping the benfits?

...and what about russian ships in Venezuela...what about Chavez, Castro, immigration...we do have foreign concerns in this part of the world as well...danger may be around the corner...

In the long run you can't have successfull military abroad without a strong economy at home. So McCain will be a poor choice for America.

John McCain has converted to George Bush Naziism. Just look at how he calls the press or anyone else with an eye on him, and on revealing the truth, biased. He shield his own VP from the camera, afraid that information will lead to knowledge - of the fact that she is clueless. The way these people get power and hold onto it is by manipulation of the media, and he's doing it. His ads are so full of lies it's not even funny. John McCain is as close to an American Nazi as it gets.

Obama's job was to expose McCain as the architect of the mess we are now in, and as such, is both hypocritical and unbelievable in suggesting he has that answers to bring us out of this.

Instead of pointing this out, he "agreed" with McCain several times, and offered complex answers – which while accurate and satisfy the educated – do not resonate with the average folk.

It's amazing how liberals look at candidates with such animosity. They comment on how Senator McCain did not look at Senator Obama, yet they are willing to not give Senator McCain on his experience and wealth of knowledge..........The future is forged with lessons learned and experience not words and speeches.

Country First?! That sounds like one of those mortgage companies that failed. Great sloagan, McCain. To use your own words, you just don't get it.

liberals? you mean living souls?

McCain & Pallin apparently have never heard of Cross Cultural Communication and think it has no place in 21st Diplomacy.

The 21st century is definitely a smaller world than the last century and our next President MUST be prepared.

Yes, those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it., but you can not go forward looking back...

it doesn't take a liberal to notice, just a pair of eyes, genius!

Yes, those who have no good ideas, and no ability to convey their lack of ideas, can simply criticize "good speeches" - keep trying.

I agree with Simen. Am from Jordan (middle east) I studied in the US, and the US reputation all over the world is at its lowest.
I think Obama can restore The US reputation. I see him doing as good or even better than President Bill Clinton whom i hold big respect for.

After staying up all night to watch this debate, I have no aorta of doubt that the next president of the United States is going to be Barack Obama. He was concise and sharp, and have a thorough grasp of what he was talking about..this debate in my own opinion was won arms down by senator Obama. Lest I forget, I think the hatred that John McCain has for Barack is deep-seated by not looking at his opponent directly in the eye.

There is absolute no doubt that the best way fighting the war on terror is to stop the alienation and aggressive approach of issolating countries. It just has not worked and it will not work. Now so many countries has become treats to US. Countries like Iran, Russia and Venezuela. Certainly Obama is the President the world needs.

Nicholas from Nigeria

As a conservative, I can say, it's not just the liberals who are fed up with a Republican-dominated white house, or with Geroge Bush, one of the most corrupt and completely clueless leaders of all time..

It was very interesting debate, and altough I am a Obama supporter I think that Mccain was ,slightly better, and gave better answers especially on foreign politic , always insisting on his experience and moving away from bush´s policy. Obama looked better when they talked about economics , but not enough. I hope this debate will not distract voters on the main issue that Mccain is republican, just like Bush and that America needs complete change of policy.
Obama supporter from Austria

Mccain eat Obama at dinner. A old man defeat a arrogant trainee.

Wow – That was painful listening to tired old McCain try and talk. Any topic other than military seems to be beyond this guy! ...And he is soo negative. He seems so eager to take the office he is willing to distort soundbites out of context / twist facts...But if look at his body language, you can tell of the dishonesty in his shifty eyes!

GO OBAMA – Keep the momentum on the real issues affecting us Americans!!!

Someone needs to check Mccain information because I find him to be a compulsive liar

UK says...

Good morning (well here in the UK anyway!) everyone, I must say that I was rather disspointed. So much of the debate was really just rehersed lines, rather than an actual debate. I can't imagine those who are undecided would be completely swayed on this.

I think Obama marginally had it, because whilst McCain had the better pre-rehersed lines, Obama responded with what seemed to me to be a higer level of understanding on the issues.

This election is really interesting to us over here. Given how unpopular Bush is, it's actually pretty impressive how well McCain has done...still I'd expect an Democrat in the White House come January. At 4am, I think I'll head to bed.....or maybe just stay up a little longer to hear your excellent analysis!

Best wishes, Alistair (Bath, UK)

Yep, them arrogant trainees is so dumb.

The scores said Obama won and by my viewing he beat McCain soundly. I'm not sure why the analysts are acting like it was a dead heat. McCain was very condescending and angry and Barrack was Presidential...I'm not sure what the analysis is about???

Obama won this debate!!

McCain- very unimpressive. tried to use his experience to his advantage with all the name throwing, been there done that theme and the constant "senator obama doesnt understand" phrase. if anything, he came across as inflexible and immature rather than experienced. very strange that he refused to look at or address Obama even once.

Obama- much better, thought he conducted himself very well.

OK, America, it's your turn. Make the right choice. I'm out.

MCCain is showing why he came 790 out of a navy class of 795

The liberals are really angry people, they are down right hateful at sometimes. We are all American's and at the end of the day we are all on one team and in one fight, keeping America on top of the world. Name calling and hateful comments does not solve anything.

Just a quick word on McCain citing Ireland's low corporate tax rate to bolster his belief in cutting the rate in the US to stimulate the economy...Ireland is officially the first eurozone country to fall into a recession as growth contracted by 1% in the first half of this year. Probably not the best 'judgment' to use this example. Trust me, I should know as I'm an Irish citizen living and working (legally) in the US.

"John is right" i almost threw my ash tray at my TV hearing that from Obama on and on.

This was a debate against the guy who is competing with you. Surely who is advising Obama. Get this to Obama, don't praise your opponent for anything attack his positions only.

It is now 3:35 am here in Ireland. I have dual citizenship with the right to vote in the American election. I have not made my mind up who I will vote for and after the debate tonight I still have not made up my mind. Though it is true McCain did not acknowledge Obama's presence I don't think that is either here nor there. What I did find interesting was Obama seemed to understand foreign policy a bit more than I expected he would. In turn, McCain seemed to understand the Economy a bit more than I expected he would. At the end of the debate I am leaning slightly more towards McCain only for the fact that McCain from many of the past examples of leadership he mentioned seems to have more experience. In addition, McCain (regardless of how Obama wanted to link McCain to Bush) did not come across as a Bush policy supporter.
I look forward to the Vice Presidential debates.

Guys what we want here is true person by heart. Obama thinks with true heart. Obama will consult people and take decisions, but thats not the case how Mc Cain will do.

Gulliani could not keep from raising 9/11 every other sentence when running during the primaries. McCain can't complete an argument without making some sort of reference to his POW experience as if this empowers him or somehow provides him with wisdom. McCain kept referring to his long record and stating that Obama did not understand. Well, for someone that has supported most of the Bush administration's foreign policy, his long record speaks volumes of how wrong his judgment has been. Obama was the only one that actually tied the economic crisis to the future of the U.S. as a military power. McCain proves that age does not necesarily improves one's wisdom.

I makes no sense trying to teact an old dog who was even dunce as a puppy new tricks. McCain can only lead the US to destruction. can we fight the world at once. A little small country like Iraq is csoting us 10 billion a month. How much will it cost to fight russia. I am not asking McCain this I am asking u bloggers

McCain was clearly Presidential in tonights debate. He won my support. Maybe in 2012 Mr. Obama, but you aren't ready this time. sorry,

Senator McCain was on the defensive while discussing foreign policy. That's supposed to be his strongest issue. Obama more than held his own. He showed he has the proper judgment, intelligence and temperament to keep America strong and protect us from our enemies.

Senator McCain played the fear card over and over, seemed to be too angry or afraid to look Obama in the eye and used personal attacks and twisted statistics to try and rattle Senator Obama.

I was very proud of the way Senator Obama handled himself, answered the questions and was respectful of Senator McCain. He proved tonight that he's a competent leader who can begin to clean up the horrible mess that George Bush and the Republicans have created.

I feel Mccain did a great job on the debate. I also feel it should have been postponed, neither one of them is president, They are still senators and they should both have been doing their jobs and deal with the economic crisis. The debate could have waited a few days it is their jobs as senators to be dealing with this. I praise John Mccain for wanting to postpone the debate to work on this crisis IT IS HIS JOB AS A SENATOR!!!!!!!!!!

mtrought, I am interested in what others have to say about the Iraq issue also because frankly from what I heard Obama wouldn't really be doing too much different than McCain. Obama would not be pulling out of Iraq immediately and in addition he wants to beef up troops in Afghanistan. Please tell me if I heard wrong. Please tell me where all the money is going to come from to beef up troops in Afghanistan as Obama wants to do?

My question if it can be addressed is , what did Mc.Cain mean by "winning" in Iraq. What victory? You still have body bags. You have no exit strategy. You are spending huge amounts of the tax payers money. Your world opinion has hit rock bottom. What victory????

Mcain win. Easier

McCaine was strong in his ideas, no hesitations, Obama is having some serious gaps in foreign polices.
I used to see Obama as a cool guy, but thanks to this debate, I’ve discovered a cool McCaine.
Very good show , worth staying up to 6 am here in Romania.
All i wish is to see a strong USA.
God bless the USA.

I am a Chilean-American (lived in the US for over forty years) living temporarily in Chile. I watched the debate with great interest and I liked what I saw and heard: a very knowledgeable Obama and a very insecure McCain. I say I liked what I saw and heard because it cleared my mind completely, and here is why: It makes me feel very secure when I hear and see Mr. Obama and his approach to the real issues. On the other hand, Mr. McCain let us know, agaaaain, that he is a war veteran. I respect that but it is passed. This debate is the present, with now problems which need now solutions. We also heard of aaaall the places that he has visited, and aaaalll the people that he has met. Now, how come he has not learned very much from all this traveling and elbow-rubbing with people from so many countries? I hope he never behaved with them the way he behaved tonight with Sen. Obama: arrogant, rude. I think he was trying to ignore his powerful presence there. He never looked at him, never. What arrogance!!! Or was it fear?? Come on Mr. McCain, let the new blood into Washington. You have done your military duty, now do your political duty and clear the way for a maybe not very experienced, but young, intelligent, strong, Mr. Obama. He has the knowledge he needs to have about all the issues necessary to do a great job and be the best US President since the great Mr. Clinton.

the feeling that Obama should react to McCain with counter lies is really a foolish tactic. McCain has shown himself to be a complete fool and all he want to do is war war war. remember unless you own an arms company war today is expensive even for the victor

Poor Obama.

I have never watched an entire debate before, but I watched this one with great interest. I, too, noticed that McCain seemed to refuse to acknowledge Obama by looking him in the eye – strange. They're supposed to engage in debate, not talk to a camera. That's what they've been doing for months, and this was a chance for actual dialogue. Unfortunately, too much of it was posturing by McCain.

I admit I'm not a McCain supporter at all. I think he's more of the same, just like Obama says, but tonight he took it to a new level. His "team" was just as bad, speaking after the debate about how much better McCain was that Obama, because of his "foreign policy experience." My big question though is this: What good does foreign policy experience do if all your experience has led this country down the wrong path. As Obama said many time, we need to figure out how we got in the mess we're now in and fix it – not continue on the same road – which is what it seems to me McCain plans to do. God help us if McCain is our next president!

I'm an Obama supporter but too much "John-is-right" shows Obama's lack of preparation. It shows the audience who is confidence enough to be on the debate. McCain is quite convincing. He is good, his policy not.

Obama is a new Chamberlain.

its so obvious that mccain won but americans like youth and wed love to see a black president which could mean obama wins even though he supports partial birth abortion

As Department of Defense Dependent School teachers who have lived in military communities in Japan and Germany, and parents of a proud serving Coast Guard son, we worry that John McCain is way out of touch with our military. I have been in Landstuhl Hospital and seen our troops coming in by the BUSLOAD!!! from Iraq. I have talked to many young service members in the hospital who have expressed their FEAR of dying in Iraq for NOTHING!!!!!! If John McCain is so sure of his policies then let him fight, not my son or grandsons or granddaughters!!!! On the economy, I don't want my tax dollars spent saving businesses that will continue as before. If I can't travel or afford doctor's visits, why should I shoulder the burden of bad business practice!!! My Granddaughter can't afford college, we can't afford health care, and we will NEVER be able to come back to the US and retire. If you think Sara Palin is looking out for you, as a lifetime Alaskan, I can say think again, she is as crooked as they come!!!

The debate was run BAD. Equal time BULL. The most important thing is who gets the last word in. It is not fair when the same canadate has the last word every ,every, time.

I have already considered the positions of the candidates on the issues and was looking to find reflections of character in the debate. I was disappointed in Sen. McCain. He seemed to be, (bluntly put) – rude and disrespectful. Obama, in a moderated manner, showed a willingness to engage in proper debate, and well, at a minimum standard actually tried to make eye contact with McCain. I know that the most important thing is to vote with the issues that you believe in, but its hard to shift aside the notion that the POTUS should have the ability to interact with friends and foes alike in a positive and interactive manner.

Obama is so naive...

Hello from Hannover,Germany

Before the debate I was afraid about how McCain will do it, but now I`m surprised. He did it very well and confident, particularly in the questions about the foreign policy. I think Obama must learn a lot about that issue.

Was Pakistan a failed state when Musharaff overthrew the democratically elected President?

I thought Obama attempted to stay on the issues. He was decisive and avoided pettiness. I was disappointed with mccain. His comments lacked the depth I expected and he did not respond to questions asked . He was condescending, and stuffy. I expected him to refer to his record of the 18th century evey time he spoke. He gained no value in my eyes by trying to make Obama seem like a naive teenager.

Isn't it naive of him to say that his policy for america's fiscal crises is to veto all spending which comes across his desk. I am in the caribbean and I stayed up to view the debate

It is the persons who say McCain won this debate I really feel sorry for. they really do not undertsand the issues. I have deep knowledge opf everry single prez of this country and and their capabliities. the only prez that McCain will do better than is Gamaiel Harding. Check his history at wikipedia .org. get facts before you ramble or are you just being a bigot like Ms rothschild

As US Citizens watching the debate from Buenos Aires, Argentina, we agree with our foreign friends that McCain has been dead for 20 years and has a martian drone in his head implanted by the Bush administration. Cómo se dice, cómo se llama, Obama!!!!

I feel so sorry for McSame. How can a man his age lie in such a way in front of the entire planet shamelessly. I couldn't believe my ears that McSame said the US won the war in Iraq. I guess the Iraq I know must be on a different planet or galaxy.
As always he was disrespectful, and once again Senator Obama proved to everyone that he can control his emotion, he is knowledgeable and he has class.
I really feel sorry for people who are going to vote for McSame, you really need to wake up, this is ridiculous. I can't wait to see Palin getting eaten alive by Biden on Thursday.

I am now 100% certain McCain won because all the foreigners claim Obama won. Don't worry guys, when McCain wins the good old USA will still come and save you when you get in trouble.....WWI, WWII........

Great debate tonight!

I must say, even though I hope to see McCain win the election, I am now even more convinced than before that no matter which one of these candidates wins the election, the end resault will be that the U.S. will end up having a strong, insightful and intelligent president.

They are very different, but I can see the qualities of both, and those qualities will benefit the country, just in different ways.

NeoCeon – Norway
Zuperstar_1@yahoo.com

After listening to the debates, I think the American people have a thorough understanding who the next president of the United States ought to be. The whole paradigm of exclusive approach adopted by the current regime has proof futile, therefore, the foreign policy paradigm has to be changed that will include direct dialogues with rogue regimes.

Yeee-HAR! McCain rides into town firing his guns! Too bad it's a ghost town...

How come all those posting from muslim countries on this forum are big suporteres of Obama ?
It may be Obama's origins , or McCaine strategies concerning Islamic issues ?

Obama was ridiculous

I believe it is well publicized that John McCain does not personally like Obama. His feelings towards Obama showed this evening by McCain refusing to directly acknowledge Obama. But I still don't think McCains failure to acknowledge Obama has anything to do with anything. Obama running over to McCain to shake McCain's hand at the beginning and end of the debate; and Obama's adressing McCain by his first name during the debate is an old political ploy to make the candidate appear stronger and more confident. It is a ploy that has never worked on me and usually just makes me dislike the person for using such an obvious political ploy

To me, Obama was the clear winner of tonight's debate. His responses were measured and well-thought. He backed up his remarks and didn't lapse into negativity. McCain was all negative – oh, except when he was talking about himself and how great he is. Do we need another gigantic ego with a less-than-stellar command of the English language representing us to the world? I think not.

The person who has the last word will most always win. Equal time bull. That means nothing when one canadate has the last word EVERY,EVERY time. poorly run debate.

Obama does not loose anything by stating "John is rignt"

It shows confidence and willingness to LISTEN to other points of view it is not naive and he is not conceeding anything but agreeing to a point and that is all.

Something the McCain campaign is not willing to do. They have very clear talking points for all Pallin and staffers. Not conscience of the question is, but trying to drive their message home.

Is there really anyone listening.

Hi,

I'm from Costa Rica and Obama is right: other countries do not admire/respect the USA as in the past, mostly because of Bush's position as "world bully". Wake up Americans: you can't impose respect, you have to earn it.

If the USA wants to be the world leader it once was, don't vote for McCain.

Thank you.

What is the definition of McCain, "Winning" in Iraq?

And why keep loosing our kids in iraq if it was a war that was based on a lie?

WAMU's CEO (latest) got millions of dollars for a few months of work, simply for taking the credit on JP Morgan's purchase or take over. Is he going to give a break to that kind of corrupt corporations?

I am from UK and I just dint need Caffeine to keep me awake !!! coz I found McCain so disrespectful in handling this Debate!!
McCain cant look in the eye when he talks!!! cant beleive this from a man who had voted so much for unwise spending!!!Has he ever learnt to address a debate!!! has he got the gut to stand tall and face the question rather than smirking!! and lagging behind his thirst for more war n war after war.Arent we here for a peaceful earth than countries shifting to hemispheres for waging war.Enough from a war hero...we want a constructive President ...not somebody who borrows money to finance a war that shouldnt have been fought for the first place!!!.
Now he is teaching Obama the difference between strategy and Tactics!!.
Enough of juggling with diplomatic words ...we want Obama to act to clear the foolishness that Bush n his aides have left.We need the America that people thought with respect!!Obama can handle it !!!HE speaks from his heart !! and he is concerned about the general Americans and their well being than some lobbyists who had been plying the livelihood of general Americans .Obama is a man of timely prudence!!
McCain-Dont you think you are too weak to look into eyes of the change that Obama stands for???
well you cant buy more time and practice for the forthcoming debates coz the Americans know that Obama talks about change that the whole WORLD wants from America .God save America!!

The debate is over and it is very interesting to listen to the analysis and reactions from the pundits and people from the main street (as Obama calls it). Republicans are syaing that Obama misquoted and misunderstood Mr Kissinger's view about engaging Iran. In McCain's website, his handlers categorically said that Mr Kissinger DID NOT say anything like that. But CNN just played a video on a forum they hosted for previous 5 Secretary of State's and their advice on foreign policy for the next president. And in the video, Kissinger clearly said that he strongly supports talks with Iran and that there should be no preconditions attach to it. I cannot believe how McCain camp twist the truth and make people believe what they want to believe. I don't blame Obama for going after McCain everytime he twist facts. How can you allow someone do that infront of the world.

McCain seems to lack basic courtesy and manners. Why is he avoiding eye contact with Obama??

It's outrageous, and very obvious whenever Obama speaks. McCain just looks down at the podium, and when it's his turn to speak, McCain can't even look at Obama.

isn't this supposed to be a 2-man debate?

McCain keeps stating that he opposed sending Marines to Lebanon because of the risks to their security. Oppossed to sending Marines because of risks????? Is he kidding? Whenever we send Marines anywhere there are risks and attacks should be expected, especially in the Middle East. The failure was with the security posture of the Marines stacked up in one place with, obviously, inadequate perimeter security and stand off distance from truck bombs. If security and safety of our armed forces were the driving forces on whether to deploy troops or not, our stateside barracks would be overcrowded.

Both candidates were leaders themselves. McCain had the advantage of what he had accomplished and what his participations were. Obama had the advantage in winning the hearts of people who needs pity. Love your own, as how we say it.

Leadership necessitates but is not limited to strength, certainly McCain was able to display a stronger man than Obama.(Obama in fact wasn't )

According to Machiavelli, it is better to be feared than to be loved. With the people who don't know how to separate the life of a human being and an animal, with people who can't fight like a man to face you(terrorists), I would agree with Machiavelli. McCain was a representation. Good job McCain.

Obama was ridiculously far better than McCain on just about every point. I think this country has a lot to make up for, and Obama is the only man who can even start that process. McCain will lead us into the darkest, blackest hole we've ever seen if he becomes president.

Both candidates were leaders themselves. McCain had the advantage of what he had accomplished and what his participations were. Obama had the advantage in winning the hearts of people who needs pity. Love your own, as how we say it.

Leadership necessitates but is not limited to strength, certainly McCain was able to display a stronger man than Obama.(Obama in fact wasn't )

According to Machiavelli, it is better to be feared than to be loved. With the people who don't know how to separate the life of a human being and an animal, with people who can't fight like a man to face you(terrorists), I would agree with Machiavelli. McCain was a representation. Hats off Pops!

saw the debate in portugal, i'm portuguese.
first, i like both candidates, usa will be ok with any of them.
but regarding this debate, mccain seemed much more concise, revealing some straightforward ideas on how to solve issues.
i felt that obama's head is not that organized

What I understand with this debate is that, everytime McCain talks, he talks about winning and isolating countries forgetting that while he is forgetting them, they are busy regrouping and energising their base. While Obama draws a clear contrast between war and diplomacy. He highlighted the reason to talk to your perseived enemies. My father always told me keep your friends close and your enemies closer. United stated cannot go on isolating independent and free country and calling them rogues. This is absolutely wrong. Its high time that my way and my only way is the option avaliable is put behind the American foreign policies. Let is be known that no country is willing to subject its freedom to scrutiny just as the US has not done so with theres but that does not means that we support terrorism or building nuclear weapons. Obama won the debate when it comes to diplomacy but McCaain won when comes to the use of force. But the world does not need force anymore. we need diplomacy.

Nicholas from Nigeria

I cringe every time that McCain calls himself a maverick mainly because coming from someone who was one of the Keating 4 and has surrounded himself with lobbyists, I've never been sold on that spin. Tonight he gave me another reason to cringe when he proudly and self-servingly stated that he has been called "the sheriff" in Congress. That's all we need, another horseless "cowboy" in the White House. Our nation is in dire need of a radical change of direction and McCain is not it!

McCain should stop talking about "the surge" All that means is that next to the wound, the next best thing he could do is apply a bandage

Bing, I believe you are misquoting what McCain said. I beleive McCain stated that (I paraphrase) "Kissinger said that a PRESIDENT should have preconditions but that KIssinger found it acceptable for lower ranking officials to have talks without preconditions. " McCain clarified several times that his "friend" Kissinger made a distinction between a President and lower ranking officials. In fact I believe Obama answered McCain by stating that of course a President should have preconditions.

Why so many analysts think Obama won the debate. I just simply don't see this at all...... Obama seems to be rushing out all he can the key words that he has memorized in the last years or so. Totally not talking from the experience but from a book or something. So unnatural and superficial. So short in many respects. No wonder it gets me irritated as well. It reminds me at work the talking points brought out from the jrs.. Good try but stupid questions/ideas in my judgement. The job is just too big for him to fill. He is going to have a lot of advisors surrounding him and get him confused. Too scary!

I listened to the first hour on the radio, watched the last half hour on yahoo. Mccaine looked good. I expect that the advantage Obama has in the polls will go down a bit tomorrow, but I still think he can win. I did not pick up on McCain's refusal to make eye-contact, possibly because I wasn't watching them on a TV screen, but hopefully that will alienate serious numbers of voters. American voters are funny. I suspect McCain's abilitiy to sustain a grandfatherly persona for ninety minutes will take him far.

Is "Maverik" a new term for erratic?

Well it has been brilliant reading all your posts. But I am wiped out and it is 4:30 am. Good luck to you all and I hope to read many of your great posts on here after I have slept some. Actually I like reading all your posts more than I liked the debate. I am getting more insight from this than I did from the debate which I feel was a tie. Goddnight all.

Well just before heading off to sleep I read the fact checker posted for the debate tonight. Appears Obama was incorrect in what he stated about Kissinger and McCain was correct. In fact it appears Obama was incorrect about a lot more things than was McCain. Interesting.

Laura, quite the opposite. The facts showed that OBAMA was correct in saying that Kissinger would sit down with the Iranian president. McCain denied this fact and argued that it was not true.

When it comes to a debate, one is presenting himself/herself to the public, answering to the moderator questions and facing the US public. THERE WAS NOT NEED FOR SEN. MCCAIN TO LOOK AT OBAMA'S face.
Besides Sen. McCain always talked respectfully and by title to Obama.
Despite what Obama did, to me it looked like purposedly called Sen. McCain as Jim, Tim or Tom.
I know of phony candidates – we had in Mexico one (despite he lost the election – he stills is mad about it, so sore that proclaimed himself as President of the great Tenochtitlan or something like that).
With all this economic turmoil – experience and stability counts.
Sadly the democrats didn't choose Sen. Hillary Clinton.

it's just unbelievable how many of you are seeing Russia as an enemy of USA. Fighting between USA and Russia can lead to nothing good. Both sides are going to run away from it as hard as they can no matter what they speak.That's just the right choice.

Obama was calm and collected. He already stated that Bush foreign policy centers only in Iraq but I think he failed to capitalize on the issue. When asked what should be cut in the budget, he should answer immediately the Iraq War. He should have easily linked Iraq War to the failing US economy. He should discussed further its effects of the war to the spending, allocation, deficit, social/ welfare issue and foreign policy.

If he was able to hold on to his views for couple of years, why not take sides right now. He said Iraq is wrong and failing, then he should defend it. If he does not feel about the bail out, then he should explain why. If he feels that US should take another approach in its diplomacy, then he should explain it further. I think he has the knowledge and leadership qualities that US needs right now. But I think he has to be more direct and concise on his answers.

BTW, Kissinger was lying. A CNN clip was played where Kissinger told an audience that US should engage diplomatic talks with Iran without preconditions.

I agree with Obana when he said: “I don’t think any of us can say that our standing in the world now, the way children around the world look at the United States, is the same.” I am from Brazil and i can see evidences of this statement. The people in here and around the world dislike the United States policy regarding diplomacy and ambiental questions. We want that AMERICA back.

One question: Both the candidates had not gone deep in the economic question. They did not want to lose votes or them don`t have clearly a solution for the problem?

We know the charismatic side of Obama, in this debate we be able to see the strong side of Obama.

Very interesting times for us Malaysians. On a global platform, we're hoping that Americans would just vote for change. It's frustrating not being able to cast our votes to decide the next President of the world. Whenever America sneezes, we catch a cold. Seems hardly fair that we have no say in it. What the world needs right now, and not a moment too soon, is an America that can lead, not an America out of control. And we all know what it's going to be like with a hawkish republican as President.

Here's another thing. When Americans voted Bush for a second term, I suspected half of Americans were gullible. But after 8 years of Republican politics, it suprised me that McCain should be doing so well (read running a tight race). I can now confirm that half of Americans are indeed gullible. I can relate to all this because on the local front, we too are looking for change, but the regime of the last 50 years are just so adept at clinging on to power with lies, scare tactics and real dizzying spin.. very much of the same like McSame.

Come on America, 8% of you sitting on the fence can bring change. I really can't fathom as to why you guys are still undecided. Its kind of like a no brainer.

An elemental and basic sign of HONESTY and SINCERITY is EYE CONTACT, we don't need a bully as a leader that is trying to scare the rest of the world, we need one that WE can trust, one that is trusted and respected also by the rest of the world, able to reestablish the strong alliances we had in the past and doing that is also able to bring back peace. From the beginning, the handshake establishes a difference between Obama and McCain.
And after all with all the so call experience he said he has, does he think that he can go bullying around the world scaring leaders, he’s living in the past, now the press of a few bottoms can destroy the world in a few hours. Those that want war think McCain, if we want to be stronger trusted and respected in peace the answer is Obama

"THE REPS.", OMG. I think we need to realize how far beyond the future they are sitting America up for failure. When they. (Bush's clan), called the people of New Orleans refugees, I was pissed. Than allowed them to struggle, some died, while the we watch live on T.V. We as Americans need to figure out what the reps. will accomplish by turning America into a "Third World Country." This is exactly what we are headed for.

Virginia resident

To us America is hope since we had joined with u.s.a and rejected the soviet offer.
I would like to as the following questions to Mrs: Palin
1. Do you support the U-S-India civil nuclear agreement a country which hasnt signed the the non-proliferation nuclear treaty and is engaged in the nuclear arms race in the subcontinent with pakistan?
2.Whats more important supporting Georgia's NATO bid or securing russia's cooperation on nuclear proliferation and iran?
3. What were the pros and cons of the last administration?
4.what are your favorite books on foreign policy?
5. How would you balance human rights and economic interdependance with china?
6. How would you tackle the enrgy and financial crisis in the u.s?
7.Who is the first world leader you would like to meet and why? and i know it wont be president zardari of pakitan after his comments?
3. Would you support the issue of domestic partnership in the country? Would u allow it?
8. do you acknowledge the sacrifices that pakistan army and pakistani people have made during this war on terror?
9. what s the secret of your beauty?