I never understand this complaint: people get bored with "running the numbers," and then later complain about the candidates not going into details. Well, which is it? The details are IN the numbers.

If Joe the plummer's business is netting him $250K a year maybe he can give Palin's maybe son-in-law a job.

Mcain continually refuses to talk about any issues just keeps whinging about his hurt feelings ! unbelievable crybaby !

Sen. McCain cannot express himself in terms of Economic policies, instead he keep on attacking Obama.

McCain is obviously running scared. He is skirting around answers and his attitude is so condescending.

McCain makes me so angry. He is such a hypocrite. How dare he dismiss the hideous comments made at his rallies? How dare he act like he is the wronged party in this? I can't even believe this!

And now he is trying to say that Sarah Palin is an example to women! Not so. I wish she would leave my gender, post-haste.

why is john mccain always writing if i were bob i would snatch that pen,its so rude

Hi from Bogota, dull at a times it has been, you can tell it by the lines on the bottom of the screen. Obama has looked subdued at a times And Joe the plumber! are we ever going to meet him ? Now here goes Paln, the beauty queen...

Seems that Obama wanted to argue the points and all McCain wants to do is express his hurt feelings.

i've religiously woken up at 6am to watch all the debates...I have to say I'm a little disappointed in Obama...I expected more out of him...the squigly lines aren't leaning as high as they were previously...n why on earth is he sparing McCain on the Palin issue...?? The woman is clueless!!'

Why is Mccain dogding economic specifics and engaging in depending his image more than addressing the financial crisis in the U.S?

It's amazing how McCain can be so strange when he's running scared of some situations like Mrs.Sharon said he's so condescendening he's giving answer that looks like bullets to Obama but he doesn't talk about the economy, the most important matter now!

McCain, please don't bring up Canada like we're on your side. WE DO NOT WANT YOU!!!

If you ask anyone all over the world (as a Canadian, living in England currently...), each person will say, "Everyone wants Obama!"

I must say that I'm a bit disappointed. I really hope the US people (who so far have not impressed me at all with their ability to elect a competent leader or indeed run free and fair elections within their own country) ..I really hope the US people do not buy into McCain's rhetoric and skirting of issues.
He does have a more friendly approach to camera, and yes, Obama is a but subdued.
I really hope this mannerism doesn't sway this election.

I really am very scared that Americans will get to the election booth and vote for 'better the devil you know' rather than this smart-thinking young man with the funny middle name.

It is as base as that. There is a huge amount of ignorance in the "richest nation on earth".

richest my a**. They are broke beyond belief......

I feel Sen Mc Cain is breaking the basic rules of decency that I have seen being followed in American society: look in the eye, don't write perpetually during a conversation, don't interrupt etc.etc...

OMG McCain keeps blatantly dodging the question!!

i find it strange that people are uncommited..all they have to do is open their wallet and decide which party is better for them...and why when obama states a fact mccain acts as though he didnt hear him say it

John McCain's smile is very goofy and his demeanor is not President like.

if the Americans i adore and respect vote in mccain and palin into the white house then let them be prepared to learn "chinese" this message is to those who can read between the line for its already scripted out that way.please america take heart

Obama is subdued but he hits the target when he goes into detail. McCain's early attacks were solid, but I believe he lost his way when discussing Acorn and Bill Ayres – he can't claim to be avoiding these type of personal attacks and then make them straight away himself.
Rob, Australia

Shame on you McCain to bring up the subject of the FTA with Colombia, your country is not informed enough to make a decision.

No Game Changer yet from McCain, has only really sounded like we need to exploit the environment as much as we possible can. Hm. So much for climate change....

Im from France, and been following both previous debates, and I find McCain a lot more aggressive and probably cutting through more than the previous debate.
HOWEVER, he is still not saying anything about what he will do, and all he talks about is negative things about Obama.
Obama is good, but Im afraid he might not cut through to the common JOE dude in the states....
Obama should keep is cool, and keep on being on top of facts.
My 2 cents...

Jonnathan

I am a Canadian working temporarly in Brazil and I am presently watching the debate on CNN Int'l .
My issue is that the moderator is the lousiest I have ever seen. A moderator is supposed to redirect the answer to the question. A good moderator is supposed to stop a debater when time is out. A good moderator is supposed to tell the debater to talk about himself and not about the opponent....
The moderator is very much like McCain they both missed the bus ...when it come to their profession!
Sam

McCain is Dangerously OUT OF TOUCH ! I can't believe he keeps using the same lines over and over again ("goodies", "countries that don't like us very much", "drill", "maverick", "POW", "I am", "I can prove it", "General Petraus", "my friends", etc, etc.. !! almost parrot like!

didi you just see mccains reaction when obama said he "DOES" understand the situation in colombia his facial expression are too funny

McCain is so condecending... Did u see the raising of eyebrows/sighing/eye rolling!!!

I really hope the people in USA doesn't make the same mistake here in Brazil we've done once when we decided to pick to be the president the person with the greatest age just because that would mean to be more knowledge about who the economic games are played. That cost us here 15 years of crazy recession and a lot of lost jobs. So I really pray that people in America make the wisest decison and choose like Mrs.Monica said "The Young Guy with the Funny Middle Name". Let's see if the same mistake the USA made when they choosed George W.Bush will be repeated i expect that not gonna happen. And Good Night for Mr.Mann and all the people who are watching the Debate!! Brazilian Saudations for All!

It was very interesting to see the confidence Mccain puts behind his claim that he is hurt by the negative campain run by Obama. WHAT ???? I thought it was his railes that called Obama a terrorist and the ads they had put up. People be real please, you determine the course of world in current financial crisis.

obama just brought up an excellent point about alternative fuels, fuel efficient cars.
McCain is now going back to sitting down without precondiiton and taxes....etc....

he is so crap.

Excuse me? Obama barely addressed trade in that last comment and thet's all McCain grabs on! Why don't you talk about how you don't seem to care about looking for solar or sustainable energy sources McCain?

dorrian: "why is john mccain always writing.." .. @Dorrian.. the guy's old for heaven's sake he can't remember enough!

Is it my imagination, or is the moderator (Bob Schieffer) letting John McCain have the last word more often than not?

McCain hasn't had his morning cofee. I agree he is VERY condecending. And it is awful of him trying to project Sarah Palin as a model american mom. America deserves better – Go Obama.

McCain again is showing us what kind of president he's gonna be when the problem with the another countries start to show..Now i see Mr.McCain as not only an American problem but an Worldwide Problem!

If I were an independent this debate would put me safely on Obama's side. McCain is despicable!

Come on McCain, you are not in one of your rallies, please be respectful.

A much more compelling debate – the interaction is far superior to the townhall.

Obama – kudos for being calm, cool and collected.

McCain – did you take an "upper" before the debate? why so twitchy?? the over blinking, rolling of the eyes is killing your chances.

oh, and, enough with Joe the plumber. How about the mid-level banker who has overwhelming health care costs??

I want to see McCain talk out of his script. So far it is the script writers versus Obama – andyet Obama is ahead. McCain is NOT debating. He is just talking ....afraid he might forget his lines.

just watching John McC making the same old accusations as his campaign made throughout the last months - boooooring. Everybody knows by now that these are a lot of "streched half-true opinions". does he really think that average people are stupid??

Sarah Palin an example to women??? Isn't she being investigated by a bi-partisan committee into corruption/abuse of power allegations?? Didn't she and husband refuse to testify at hearings? She makes incendiary comments about Obama "paling" around with terrorists?

Is this the example to womanhood that McCain professes? He admires how well sh can fire up a crowd by stretching the truth? This is almost comedic and it would be a comedy if the economy wasn't so bad!

As I'm watching this debate right now, I got the feeling that Sen McCain doesn't want to talk about the real issue, he just wants to attack Sen Obama. And his arguments are just the same old things, and not consistent (and there goes Joe the plumber again). Sen Obama was too nice when he was talking about Sarah Palin. She's just an embarrassment with no leading capacity. Oh, I'm Indonesian by the way, so I can't vote. But the American people should be able to decide who they should vote now. I hope.

I cant believe Mr. McCain is elected to tun for the US presidency. I am awake at 3 am in amsterdam and all I see frim him is complaining and accusations and worthwhile talk. He does no talk any sense. Also his poitn are well contered and still keeps rambling the same, he is like a puppet.

Anu

look at johns face hahahah...he looks soooo confused when obama said zERO

McCain's healthcare plan is ridiculous! Obama's plan has made more sense from the begining!

Joe the Plumber again!!?!?!?!?

If hear "joe the plumber" one more time....why oh why isn't senator mccain debating the issues and not dredging up the dirty laundry from the campaign trail. shame on you senator mccain.

Sarah Palin is NOT my role model.

McCain should realize that. She is nobody's role model, unless perhaps they enjoying shooting animals, forcing their teenage daughter to have a baby or calling a respectable politician a "terrorist".

Obama is doing wonderfully. HE is my role model!

Thanks Jonnathan....I am here...in Sao Paulo, Brazil
By the way I love Jen's comment!!!

I wonder if "Joe the Plumber" is single? Hmmmm.....

Is McCain constipated – what is with that smirk on his face ??

It seems Obama knows more about Mccain's policy than Mccain himself.

Does anyone know who this Joe character is? I don't care about him!

Why doesnt the moderator ask Mccain to explain where his points are coming from , particularly since they are ALL being refuted by Obama? What is the role of the moderator tonight?

healthcare in John McC´s hands will be a desaster, I have heard enough of that. There is no single proposition that seems to work for the middle class

McCain's disturbs me. When Obama starts talking, he scribbles some things. For heaven's sake, why? It seems to me that he is too arrogant to listen to Obama's points, like telling the world "I don't need to listen to "THAT ONE."

One thing more, has McCain been a stenographer? He is taking notes!

Thanks, Samir :)

I just wish McCain would spend his time telling the American people what he would do to help us instead of spending 3/4 of his time telling us what Obama will do that he doesn't agree with...and stop talking about JOE THE PLUMBER!!!

Joe seems to be McCain's Mascot!! I hope he's watching how McCain's using him !!!

just a comment –
It is with much chagrin that I watch and listen to this man, Senator McCain, a man at this age and with the life experience he has, present himself in this event with such a condescending attitude ......this is not a debate ...it is a bait...the tone of his voice is extremely patronizing....he constantly trys to bate Senator Obama...but the brighter one does not fall into his trap...

I believe Senator Obama is a young, bright and forward thinker...Senator McCain, I BELIEVE, is most envious of this bright new star...

Government is doing the job of insuring folks here in Norway and it works wonderfully well. Perhaps America can learn from countries like Norway, France, even the UK

To state you are having too much government at these times of greed and corruption driven by the lack of regulations and the weakening of the State, that´s what we call being out of touch.

Is McCain rudely taking notes as they debate to help him avoid an unfortunate "senior moment".

McCain just said if you have transplants covered by your insurance policy you have a "gold plated" policy!!! He equated cosmetic surgery and transplants!! OMG

I'm watching from Australia. I have been following the election coverage on CNN from down under. Its over for McCain. He has lost his message and is erratic. He does not inspire confidence. Now Joe the Plummer? Is he related to Joe Six Pack? The world needs an intelligent and thoughful leader to be Preseident. Our ecomonies, foriegn polices and so much more are closely aligned. The Australian stock market dropped six points on opening this morning on the back of the US slide. Elect Barack Obama President and you will hear a great big sign of relief all over the world.

It is very astonishing Mccain is best at sending attacks than answering clearly to questions.

who is Joe – he is off to TV interviews this week ....

IS IT ME or is McCain sooo condescending, I am watching this now from Oslo (3 am my time) and I can't understand why he spends more time attacking Obama than convering his own issues? Not to mention he continues to misconstrue Obamas' points and says it with a tint of anger!

I'm sorry for the U.S if they elect Sen. McCain, this guy is dead out of touch and his running mate is no match to Sen. Biden.

Is it just me or are the "Joe the plumber"-starting to get a bit old. The pre-planed folksiness is just stupid and fake.

give your collective heads a good shake!! obama is always playing the cool dude card!! this is just a cover to protect the fact he is unproven and he knows it!! this is a classic case of making a decision based on "dealing with the devil you know or the devil you don't know"!! pretty simple......elect mccain!!

I am waiving the BS flag on McCain for his litmus test lies, he voted for those nominees because his State (AZ) told him to. I am also from AZ and I remember all the pressure he was getting.

why is it so hard for McCain to answer a question without throwing out a personal attack on Obama? It's really pathetic and reeks of desperation to me.

"I think that women are the best people to make this decision..." – Obama on Roe vs. Wade.

SING IT! I love this man. Finally. Someone gets it.

I am looking for a husband.....maybe McCain can hook a sista up with "Joe the Plumber"

Hello,

McCain is smirking all the time...He is doing that ,even when they speak about great problems ,that american people are facing...and I am sick of Joe the plumber...I WAS UNDECIDED...after this Iam notforanymore...certainly I am NOT going to vote for McCain...Obama looks more presidential and confident...and he is not smirking all the time....

Joe the plumber?
What about Josephine, Jose, Johann, Joe the car worker, Joseph the college professor, Jollie the student? McCain seems to be talking to about 5000 men called Joe who work as plumbers. I think the population of the US must feel somewhat excluded by his proposals by now. I certainly don't feel reassured, as someone who has to live day after day with the consequences of US foreign and economic policy, by knowing that Joe is going to be all right under a McCain presidency.
Enough already

Why vote for the devil at all? Vote Obama.

You begin to wonder, is Mccain really note taking, or actually writing out the rehearsed prompts on attack points on each subject?

McCain is so out of touch. Living outside of the USA for the last 4 years has shown me what a mess the Bush government has left our country – and if we want in any way to fix our image globally – we cannot elect another Bush – which no matter how much McCain squirms and beats his fist like a kid that he is not Bush, not only are his policies similar, his demeanor and attitude towards global issues is the same. It is like listening to more of the same – and I only hope that our nation does not make the same mistake for a third time. Lastly, it is offensive to me that McCain stated that Sarah Palin is a role model for all women – again – to even consider stating that shows how clearly out of touch he is.

Jen, I fully agree with you, too, I hope Sarah Palin will never get her hands on the red phone ( which is not science fiction, since McC is pretty old already and seems to have at least poor judgement in picking his running mate)

Obama explains his ideas clearly,Mccain seems to dodge questions and issues and just skirts around them and then comes back to attacking his opponent,so fed up............GO OBAMA !!!

You can elect the "devil you know" or you can do your homework and make an informed decision. If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got.
It's time for change.

McCain is so desperate that he keeps bringing a short, off-the-side TV exchange that Obama and "Joe the Plummer" in a news clip and is making it the main subject of the debate! STICK TO THE ISSUES McCAIN !

McCain would search for the smartest people in the world to solve issues.. who would that be? Batman & Robin? Superman? Walker Texan Ranger?

Energy dependancy reduction question – Obama handled it pretty well and Mccain didn't.
Charaterisation question – Obama did it pretty good
Mccain is not looking cool and we could see fear and rage in his face. Obama looks calm, cool & confident. mccain shud hv talked as if he didn't see the dropping polls but he is not able to hide it i guess.
Economy policy & auto industry – Obama tied everything together and is appealing to a guy in india..
I think if Obama had brought up the Keating five and Palin's Troopergate case a few swing voters might have leaned to Mccain. But Obama's smartness lies there and I see obama using the words "middle class", "sending kids to college", "how am i going to pay my mortgage loan".. these are appealing.. Mccain is still in the attacking mood and he is not explaining the details. man – he is ON THE ISSUES OF PPL AND NOT PLAYING OLD SKOOL POLITICS. Its amazing!!

Here in Colombia, we women say if the Pope was a woman, abortion would be a the eleventh Command

Changing the culture of America? Those who are "proudly pro-life" get it? What the hell is McCain talking about? I am so shocked by this. What a patronizing attitude toward women who have to make such an agonizing decision.

"Pro-life"? More like, ANTI-CHOICE. I really, really detest McCain right now.

Oh please, McCain won that debate, its evident the people posting here are Obama sympathisers, CNN start being more objective in your delivery of events.

Good to see John taking notes from Obama

Draw. No doubt. Obama missed chances to pounce. McCain somehow made himself sound sane. Jon Mann rocks

Truly a sad display of curtsy on McCains's part. Obama continues to provide insightful details in his responses. McCain's behavior is painful and disappointing.

stop beating around the bush McCain! He is just afraid to say that he wants to overturn roe vs. wade! If its an ideology choice, i think the winner is clear! he is digging his hole deeper and deeper. I will be very disappointed in my fellow Americans if by some miracle elect Sen. McCain.

I sent my absentee ballot out weeks ago! I hope it will make a difference in Indiana this year.

Obama/Biden 08'

I am also sick of McCain being so negative...Enough...

if i hear "i have the scars to prove it" i may smash my TV. the policies of the mcCain supported government has scarred the world...WE have the scars to show. Out with the filibustering ! The world wants OBAMA.

What is wrong with McCain? he seems to be busting with rudness. breathing so hard like he is about to have a heart attack

I can't believe McCain just put the 'HEALTH' of the Mother in quotation marks. He is so ignorant. I am baffled by his attitude. Is he trying to reach out to women? Is he pretending that women don't ever get in life threatening situations concerning pregnancy?

What the hell is going on? How can anyone even CONSIDER voting for this man?

What would happen to the world if the Alaskan Barracuda became president . It makes me shudder with fear for the whole world. I believe even George W is smarter than her. Don't the US need someone smart in the white house who has a larger vision than just getting elected at ANY cost including implying his opposition a terrorist and then whinging about being called on it ! I cannot believe this guy and his posse.

Am I unashamedly biased towards Obama or is it that he really provides a gripping contrast of truth elegance and maturity as opposed to Mccains bitter, rude condescention?

McCain is off the ball ... his repeated use of colloquial phrases is not connecting with voters it's putting them off ... why would the American people vote for McCain or Palin when they never answer the serious questions?

McCain is'nt helping himself by trying to attack Obama on his 'Eloquent use of words' and by being condesending or rude... it tells everyone where he's coming from ....the losing end.... he's battling to keep his head above water!

Im looking forward to Obama and Biden winning!!! Americans need a leader who will guide them into believing in themselves and bring about the change they need!!!

Truly a sad display of curtsy on McCains's part. Obama continues to provide insightful details in his responses. McCain's behavior is painful and disappointing.

Obama continues to stay with the issues – McCain his script. There lies the difference.

McCain is almost painful to watch.
Please Americans! the world is watching: your decision will have an effect for all of us everywhere: we are begging you: choose the most intelligent man. McCain is not the man needed for the times. And Palin is downright scary, because we do not have a single clue who would be controlling her if she became president (nobody has any ill wish for Sen. McCain) because she obvioulsy knows very very little. .

Who do want in charge of education? Someone who barely graduated? Or someone who graduated with honors. mmmmm

Erm, is Joe the plumber related to Joe sixpack by any chance?

I smell another attack on Obama coming

Hey Jonathan... could you please introduce us to 'Joe the Plumber' in the next episode of 'The Campaign Trail" – I've heard so much about him, I feel like I know him.

Did you see McCain's eyes again! What an incredibly rude man! Thank goodness Obama is cool and level headed. I value the manner he handles this.

Pro-Abortion movement? Come-on McCain, no one is pro abortion. Most people are PRO-CHOICE. McCain is ridiculously out of touch. He is running the most negative slanderous campaign in history. I am so horrified and disgusted with him and his running mate, Palin, that I have no words left.

He keeps using the words "pro-abortion" , words that have no meaning in normative English. He is running on script and can't think for himself.

Obamas has perfomed much much better in tha second half of the debate, more in control, more substantial in his argumentation, more respectul to that other.Sorry! to McCain.

Patricia: I am an independent and can see for myself.. I am interested in the issues only.. so don't call me an Obama supporter just for the sake of it.. McCain says nothing about the issues, just the same unsupported old arguments and policies! This debate has made up my mind that OBAMA is concentrating on the issues and McCain is concentrating on personal attacks... This is not a football game, the choice will make a difference in your standard of living so wake up and smell the coffee and vote for issues and the best candidate and not for who can deliver the best "put down"... Obama is the only intelligent choice to make.

Patricia, listen to McCain: he´s babbling. If not worse.

on PALIN....where ...why and how did this woman even become part of this election....I beleive she was the distraction Senator McCain needed ....like a shot of viagra .......she IS NOT A ROLE MODEL for young women....she is not going to be included in the long list of women that have made differences for the causes of women in America...i.e. women's sufferage......she is an embarassment to womanhood!

Obama did the right thing by not attacking Palin even though he had the opportunity. I believe as far as "thinking" Americans are concerned, she is history and not worth spending time on. He focused on the economy but McCain was more interested on attacking him. Go Obama....the occupant of the White House will play a crucial part in what happens to the rest of the world....and we pray that Obama haters will not continue to be so consumed with hatred for anyone who is not white that they are willing to endure 4 more years of Bushism!

Definately American must listen to a man from Harvard University on educational issues, than one half baked with a retarded ex-druggie for a wife

No matter how hard McCain tries to hide it, it's obvious from his demeanor and behavior that he knows it – he's loosing the battle! His sarcasm and cynic glib remarks, hammering on his brief handshaking experience with Joe the Plumber, making an example of that was IMO a pathetic strategy. And his facial remarks, raising of eyebrows, rolling of eyes and sighing that can even be heard through his microphone were simply poor manners!

I still cant understand how he can consider Palin to be his running mate whe she obviously doesnt have the experience and knowledge to be the second in command. Its ironic that he attacks Obama with lacking in experience while he endorses one who doesn't. The strategy was obvious, that is, to get the women's vote which became available when Hilary didnt make it to the endorsement.

I'm not particularly fond of Obama because I'm for Hilary but between Obama and McCain, I would go for Barack anytime of the day! He sounds more credible and honest that McCain ever was.

Hey Patricia take a look at this :

http://www.iftheworldcouldvote.com/

Hello everybody,

I am seek of the smirking McCain and Joe the plumber...McCain looks to negative and eratic...Loose with honor...I am not an undecided anymore...My vote goes to Obama.

Why is it that when Obama talks, McCain looks at him in an indecent, smirky manner? Is there something about what Obama is saying?

I like Obama's views on the education issue. Get the system right and focus on improving the system itself, rather than on the teachers. I believe that McCain's plan on education will only reward teachers, but it is not quite clear what it will do to improve the system.

I'm not american and yet... I am fascinated by the elections. I wept when George Bush Jr. got elected the first time round and swore blindly the second time. I have watched all the debates and I too am scared (like Monica) that Americans will elect McCain. Why do I care so much? The question bothers me as much as McCain's hypocrisy. I'm not sure. I think I look to the States for world leadership... not because of any recent demonstration of greatness but because of the this potential. I keep waiting for this potentially amazing country to step up and I keep getting disappointed. But I'm hoping. I'm hoping. And right now I know Obama is a step in the right direction. So I sit here and I watch the debate taking place somewhere far away and I yell at McCain and I cheer on Obama and I keep my eyes on the funny dials at the bottom of the screen. And Obama just made my day with what he just said re abortion (in response to McCain).

Meanwhile, I do need to say (to CNN) that I haven't been particularly impressed by the analysts. CNN keeps on mentionning "the best political team on TV" (we do get it by the way, there really is no need to keep repeating it) but I was quite disappointed in the quality of the post debate discussions. I found myself turning over to Spanish Television or TV5 to hear more in depth analysis, which is a shame really.

I don't know Joe the Plumber, but I really, really don't like him.

well of course you elect the devil you know...simple......elect mccain!! and explain to me how you can make an informed decision based on a person (obama) who has little track record and his entire campaign is based on promises which the day dreaming/wishful thinking voters only think he can fulfill........he has no experience........iran, n korea, china, india are salivating and hoping that obama will be the next president.....they will eat him for breakfast!! "play big or go home"......and obama is not a big time player!!

John, her name is Michelle..........

McCain is definitely trying hard to revive his campaign. Not doing awfully well. On the other side Obama seems to just stay in control. I did expect to see a bit more from him responding back to McCain. I agree that he should have given him a bit of heat on Palin. McCain's argument why Palin would be a good v.p. was so louzy and open to attacks. The mentioned "qualities" have absolutely nothing to do with the country's issues or his policies.
I would definitely like to see just a little bit more heat from Obama.

I McCain is truly all set for so many "revolutionary" changes – what was he doing the past 30+ years? Waas he hoping to make those changes ONLY when he became President.

I agree with Francesca, the world is watching.

I think this is your final chance. Maybe the world has put up with Bush, just barely, for the past eight years, because anyone can make a mistake and elect the wrong person. HOWEVER, you have a bright, intelligent, well-spoken and decisive person up for election.

You also have a smirky, condescending, patronizing and tired person up for election, who votes with Bush 90%+ of the time.

The choice is clear.

There is only one "devil" here, and it isn't Obama.

I fear, if the US doesn't make the right decision, the world will wash their hands of you. One more chance.

i really think the moderator is biased.
McCain is getting the last word and Obama the first question.
not fair.
It needs to be done in rotation.

McCain is going to fall off the perch.
he needs to stop interrupting.

Somebody give Joe the plummer his own TV show.. it would be an instant hit..

Nori, Obama should ABSOLUTELY have attacked Palin. She's one melanoma away from being President of the United States!!!

It's horrific!!!!!! He should have taken the ball and run with it. He raised her saying Obama is "palling around with terrorists" (plural!) then let McCain say he can't control what crowds at rallies say!

He could have said "Um, John, your running mate said that...."

McCain is cringeworthingly sleazy. He is dodging questions and smirking...ewww.

Palin? Bush in drag.

I'd vote Obama, America, so should you ;-)

I found ridiculous McCain's point about suppposedly Obama's will to spread the wealth...

"Sarah Palin knows more about the children than most"? Did McCain just say that? Then americans must make sure they vote someone with experience with about 11kids or more. How condenscending of him

Americans: Look at John McCain.. he looks like one tired and angry papa.. is that who you want to be president. Looks so desperate...

The debate was not exciting. Mr McCain did not tell me much about what he'd do to make my life better. I think that Sen Obama would do a better job at running the country. Sen McCain was a bit rude with the eye rolling bit and seems to go on too long with his answers. Both candidates did not really stay on point for most of the questions. I'd vote for Obama.

Joe is moving to Canada...

Go OBAMA Go OBAMA macain very boring

Let's get it over with. Joe The Plumber For President.

But can he fix my faucet first?

Good consistency on display from both sides tonight. Refusal to rise to the bait and to stay true to good values and virtues from Obama and yet again, more of the same unfortunate standards from Mccain. Well done Barrack, what a pity John....

McCain just sounds like a very angry old man, as if he is somehow entitled to the presidency and he's afraid he's not going to get it. The way he lectures Obama shows the same lack of respect that we have witnessed in his TV ads and campaign rallies. Come on USA. Elect Obama for president.

Joe the Plumber earning over quarter a million dollars per year – is it really the true image of the American small business? If it is the case, I can only envy him and congratulate America. If not, why make misleading satements?!

McCain´s body language is a reflection of the lack of respect and consideration he has for Obama . We wander how people have read it.I feel sorry for him after this debate.

For goodness sake, this isn't a game "Coach". It's time for change, the greatest fear we have right now is "the devil we know".

Jen, McC makes his final comments, I think this were his last in this whole campaign. RIP. I am with you on every point you made. There seems to be hope for the US, if there were only enough of your kind.

Obama is right – sticking with the issues and not attacking Palin. That wopuld be such a waste of air time. Ignoring her is the best response – and I sincerely hope America does so too. I believe that most of us in Asia want a strong America – and believe Obama can deliver that.

Coach, those type of arguments belong in high school, as you surely do, based on you grammar and spelling.

If the so called experts gives this debate to Obama again. I will throw up because Obama like he always has been have been tentative in his arguments. Unlike Mccain who has no fear in spitting out his stand on the issues whether you agree with him or not. In one stand where Obama said there is no guy in America who is pro abortion.

It is almost as if McCain is looking at Obama as the little "boy" (a familiar reference of the 60s) across the table–out of place. I think he is still shocked that Obama is his intellectual superior, blunt evidence that that shatters his stereotypes.

Thank you Jonathan, it has been fun.

correction in my last blog...spelling error – believe

AMERICANS.........SHAKE YOUR HEADS......can you believe what you are hearing????....Senator McCain is downright PATHETIC in his behaviour...VOTE FOR SENATOR OBAMA....we in CANADA have respect for this MAN of integrity and conviction...
it is not what one has done that should be considered but what one will do for the future...and it is this eloquent one! Senator Obama ...
so AMERICANS....VOTE...VOTE ...VOTE...SENATOR OBAMA!!!

Even McCain acknowlegdes that Obama did a good job, first sign of defeat. Well done Obama!!!

Really good close for OBAMA!!!!!!!!
Excellent.

I am writing in from Singapore. I am just wondering how McCain is planning to win the third debate if, most of the time, he keeps attacking Obama rather than talking about what he will do for his country, and consequently, the world. The global economy and polity are in a state of distress and the United States, like it or not, is the most influential nation to help bring about change, and it will nice to hear what McCain CAN do rather than what Obama CAN'T do. So far, it's Obama leading in my opinion.

Robert.. what you describe McCain is doing also has another name: "Shooting from the Hip and see what happens".. America and Americans cannot afford this erractic behaviour anymore

SENATOR OBAMA!!!!!...YOU WIN!!!!

McCain is into too much personal attacks instead of addressing the real issue facing the American people. Obama is trying his best not to loose his temper . The moderate should at least have asked McCain to substantiate his allegations. Obama was too generous when he was talking about Sarah Palin – on the other hand McCain was not at all polite about Joe Biden. Between Joe and Sarah who is more qualified? Give us a break Americans and stop trying to fool us in Europe. I do hope that you people in the US are wise enough to vote for Obama.

Guys watch the CNN Analysts Grade the debate...

now the rep-pollster takes weird stuff about his candidate....yuk, I can see no win here for John

GRUMPY McNasty ... funny... yeah thats best description for mccain

I would say this was a neutral debate... but all in all I would suggest to all Americans to vote for OBAMA.

McCain is just another typical politician, while Obama is really what I would call a new-age president and a refreshing change for the US. I would not mind him for my president here in Australia :)

Once can only hope that finally USA will portray a new picture about itself to the world, for a change from the usual arogance and ignorance...

First of all this Debate is the best of all times.. Thanks to CNN's entire team on the coverage and having this live blog which allows ppl all over to express which alleviates the blame on media that they are biased at times.. This is really good politics.. and something on the debate – mccain was condescending the entire debate.. those are awful things Str. Mccain could hv avoided.. Mccain tried to pull the show but was not consistent.

I just wish Americans would just stop looking at the way someone looks! (That might explain the bad choices they make!!). Stop making fun of McCain's face. He went to war for God's sakes. Interesting how all the Democrats here don't see that Obama was digging a hole for himself when he talked about his terrorist connections and the irregularities with Accorn. Let's just hope the real story will come out. I really think McCain did a much better job tonight.

Obama is so rational and knowledge based ,he tried to find the common ground in issues,he's a good explainer of complex issues ,whenever Mcacain made a negative comment Obama took it to a positive ground,this is the kind of person America needs right now as President in these serious times.

NJ Olivier/CANADA.................i am going to guess you are from quebec??

I cant believe these analysist are saying McCain did well. And to think they actually beileive he did well by defending Obama during his campaigns about correcting his public, come on?? Cant they see all that was all staged so that he would look good after Sarah had ran her mouth on Obama. Even i could see it was damage control by the republicans to make them look like they are now running a positive campaign

Hey Johny, you should take a deeper look at Palin's recent family connections with the American Independence Party, before questioning Obama's own connections as an eight year old

Contrary to the panalists, I think Obama did an excellent job tonight. Detailed and never losing his cool, he, in my perspective, totally came out on top. McCain, on the other hand, seemed jittery and kind of nasty.
You should find out who this Joe guy is! Good story.

COACH.....

no not from QUEBEC.......

from ALBERTA .......where there is OIL!!!!!!!!!...much OIL!!!!!!

I have watched all three debates and was surprised that both candidates were using the same lines as they did in the last two . Almost rehearsed ! Very annoying ! And neither candidate spoke about Bob the Builder !

Boris, no Mccain is not shooting from the hip and see what happens. What I'm trying to say is McCain is specifying himself unlike Obama who is very tentative and always playing it safe. Look I want a Democrat to be President but Obama is not just doing it for me. He has to show people what he truly wants, not just giving plain out rhetorics.

As a American living in Australia I see McCain was so angry old man and Obama didn't seem to get his pulse rate up much! I can't see this debate making any difference in the polls for anyone. People are beginning to see Obama has the right path and McCain is more of the same. McCain just wants to distract from the fact that his party has ruined the US view in the world and the economy as well. He has no new answers, Obama does thats the facts!

Yeah, you better be nice to Olivier. haha.

We in Canada supply the US with 90% of its oil.

At the beginning of the debate I started to worry that Obama was not being aggressive enough especially on the topic of the Vice President nominee. I though this was a bit of a missed opportunity for him to really go after McCain's judgement on appointing Sarah Palin.

However as the debate went on you saw a very composed and confident Obama next to what seemed to be an angry somewhat unfocused McCain who probably turned a lot of people off with his sarcasm and obvious disdain for his opponent. Also what's with the quotation marks? How do you misinterpret women's "health"?

Tonight's debate proved to the majority of Americans who has the brains and the temperament to handle pressure( Barak). John Mcain was doing well in the first moments of the debate but then started whinning about negative ads.

JEN....
thank you for that!

we love our neighbours to the south...we, your neighbours to the north – ( just to let you know ) – had an election yesterday......

PRIME MINISTER HARPER (re-elected) will be a good match for Senator Obama (soon to be President Obama)...I look forward to seeing their first meeting!

AMERICANS – BE BRAVE....embrace change!

robert has hit the nail on the head......when obama talks, he lacks substance....don't let the cool guy with the silver tongue fool.....

i would never say "i told you so" after the fact!! so i will tell you now....if the big "O" is elected, he will fail you.......i told you so TODAY!!

COACH

SENATOR OBAMA is EDUCATED!!!!.......that is how people with education speak........have you been hearing or just listening???

another minority government......another 5 years of nothing gets done!! another proverbial lame duck leader for canada!!

Sarah Palin, an example to women???????. Come on John you don't mean that.

COACH...I see from your comments this is why you support McCain...
" grumpy you are" !!!!!

and watching!!

grumpy??...do you mean my comments are incorrect?

COACH....

not incorrect but unwarranted....

fear not...even this MINORITY GOVERNMENT will supply USA with our oil!!!

How can you expect Obama to deliver on all of his propose programs when the country is losing so much money.

The fact is Obama focusses on economics not because he cares but because he wishes to deflect criticism of his dodgy associations. It is definitely about trust and you can trust a POW more than a posh senator from illinois

Coach, last time I checked, Presidential terms were 4 years and not 5. I have a feeling you might be a victim of that failed "no child left behind" initiative the candidates were talking about, no wonder the guy with the silver tongue was speaking over your head

and at the cheapest price btw!! which country supplies the most oil to the usa?

NJ, that is the problem with highly educated people like Obama, the "ivy leaguer", they tend to be intellectually dishonest, they don't speak from their heart. He is supposed to be the intellectual one but his statements are just too vague, unlike the straight talk style of McCain.

nacoshan......sigh!!......canada is 5 years!! obviously my writing was over your head!!

Coach.....sigh!! silly me thinking this was a forum on the US's presidential debate...yeah, whew,way over my head.
Don't flatter yourself Coach!

Independent and still somewhat undecided...McCain did much better and had Obama on the defensive however, I'm very tired of the "sniping" and want to hear more about programs, plans, etc... They still have 3 weeks to get their collective acts together and explain their programs, to include what they will cut from the old to pay for the new. Americans I know do not want hand-outs, they want jobs..!! McCain has the right idea to bring business back and hire here to produce here. Obama has a good idea about community service in exchange for college education (look what the GI Bill did for the WWII Vets). I like ideas from both sides. I'm not sold yet on either. Here's an idea...let's take the $700B and put people to work rebuilding our nations infrastructure...gives people jobs and pumps $$ back into the economy. Throwing that money at those who are in a hole only encourages them to keep digging. First rule when you find that you have dug yourself a hole is to stop digging, you can't get out that way.

hey nachoboy!! why would i flatter myself when i have people like you to do that for me!! my thread was between myself and olivier from CANADA......did someone recently elect you the you the "filter queen" of this forum?

Ball boy, aka.Coach, I now understand why you side with McCain so much...you appear to have many things in common, perhaps the most obvious being that when things do not go as planned, resorting to personal attacks is your only way out. Kudos to you!!

McCain is so hyper! Did he take Ecstacy before the debate? He sounded very condescending and bitter. He was also quite evasive to some questions. I was right about him all along – McCain is such a war-freak like the very impulsive BUSH.

I'll vote for the lesser evil: OBAMA.

good nite all!! see you again in four years!

referring to me as a victim of that failed “no child left behind” initiative is not a personal attack? you're the same as your buddy big "O"......no substance and all talk!!......bye bye big "O",,,bye bye nacoshan!!.......HELLO MCCAIN!!......

Watching the debate from Germany, I have to say I am really disappointed by John McCain. From my point of view he was aggressive, impolite (by interrupting) and repetitive (Joe the plumber).
Obama was not as good as in the recent debates, but he countered McCain's attacks very well.
McCain loses this debate.

The “I am not George Bush” retort captured McCain’s impossible position. Denial had come too late; prior association had been too visible and ideological platform too close to W to win over a neutral. Worst of all it allowed Obama to justify his charge – by citation of McCain’s record which is probably incontrovertible. If the polling has been tracking sentiments correctly then the gap should begin to widen in Obama's favor.

This was a case of reverse zinger – period

Greetings from Nigeria

There is an old saying that bad things happen in threes. United States has given us the Iraqi War and the current economic tsunami. PLEASE NOT McCain and Palin leadership!!!

The feeble attempt to derail Sen.Obama by bringing up the "Joe The Plumber" issue served to highlight the positivity and calmess which we need in the next Presidency.Sen.Obama is clearly the leader that the US needs now,not some elderly out-of-touch has-been.
Mr.Mc Cain retire gracefully,you have served your country enough in the past,during the Vietnam War etc.
Give Sen.Obama the credit he deserves and the highest office in the land.He is so dynamic,and obviously more in touch with the people than you'd be.
It wouldn't be nice to compare your image,(as you appeared nervous and flakey),so I won't carry on with any mean-spirited attacks on you.
Just retire gracefully,and let someone else do the hard yakker the job demands.
John,
Kwangju City,
South Korea.

I am in the United Arab Emirates and i have made sure i watch the 3 presidential debates this year and i honestly believe that Obama is the man the american people and the rest of the world needs.

Senator McCain in all these years in public life is unable to win 1 single debate and i believe Obama is the man of the hour

come on john........obama is a good salesman.....you say "dynamic"......"in touch'...how? give me examples...what has he done in his limited public service life to prove he is in touch with the people?....you people who are getting sucked into this believing this slick, cool guy, rope-a-dope, door to door salesman type have your feet firmly planted on venus........

I haven't had the opportunity to see the debate, but from John's general demeanor, his dogmatic bellicoseness and dismissive attitude towards his rival and the issues at hand , i would say there a very good chance that he did no better than in previous debates. consistency is his high point!
Greg(Australian) Bucheon city, South Korea

McCain? No!

I was disappointed that Obama did not state the main the difference between Biden and Palin. The main difference is that Biden is knowledgeable and decent and Palin is just an inexperienced rabble rouser.

to all you Obama SUPPOORTERS who think Obama was cool and composed? I say he was UNSURE of what to say and not knowing how to react to McCain's attacks, he exposed his vulnerability and inexperience. Was he caught by surprise, and with no one coaching him what to say, he'd rather just smile, sit it out, to give the illussion that he is cool about the whole thing? How can you not see through it? Didn't he look more like George Bush in the debate, totally lacking experience and substance. Now tell me, who will be more like the same?

I am a women who knows in my heart that McCain will hold our country steady, given all these problems we have, based on his notable experience and what he has proven in his lifetime. I am not just sure if he will win though bec. he is not as eloquent as Obama. But should americans vote based on Charisma and the promises made by a candidate? Promises sound good but will they translate to actions? I don't know what this Obama did for us, that makes him deserving of all the accollades he is getting from the media and his fans that adore him? Please remind me.

still no way will i vote for Obama, especially with the way CNN covered this debate. Why the choices to interview Hillary Clinton (DEMS) and Rick Davis (GOP), if they wanted to balance the commentaries? Such a mismatch! For the Republicans, they should have opted for Mitt Romney, or Guillianni for a good match up.

Are Joe The Plumer and Joe Six Pax neighbors? Friends? I think they are some of McCain's and Palin's imaginary friends and likely have lost their imaginary homes and imaginary jobs thanks to the Republicans destroying the economy and bailing out bankers rather than home owners.

While the Treasury is pouring money into businesses who send then send their overpayed executives on half million dollar weekend spa retreats the Joes are eating KD on the streeet.

I have watched all three debates between Obama and McCain and I must say that just listening to John McCain sickens me. I hope that Americans make the right choice and vote for Barack Obama, he is the man with the plan.

P.S. Seriously, who in their right mind could even think that Sarah Palin could lead the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA????????????? come on Americans do the right thing and vote for Senator Obama.

Bobbylee

America is a great nation, what you need is somebody like OBama to mend the world's perception of hawkish past. It will be terribily sad if Mccain continue another eight years of failed policies. The young generation needs young and energetic ideas and not history. Obama reminds me of J.F. Kennedy.

I have been a faithful watcher of all three debates at 3 am local time. My overall feeling was that John McCain was stronger in his attacks and comebacks, and Barack Obama was flat. McCain did look hyper and ready to bite from the very beginning. I appreciated Obama's cool and the fact that he never lowered himself to attacking Palin, who is unworthy of attention.
Today I will send my absentee ballot and
although I saw a stronger McCain, I still say VOTE OBAMA!

Advice to 'Joe, the Plumber', (AKA 'Joe Six-Pack, on weekends):

Since you appear to be the only person voting Republican, in the US Presidential Election - you need to vote early and often! (You might want to register through ACORN - I hear they're quite good at helping stretch a voter's potential...)

*Don't ask a 72 year old former sailor, with KNOWN physical ailments, including several bouts of VERY malignant cancer, and a bad temper, to do the work of a young, healthy, professor of constitutional-law, with a strong command of the issues.

* Don't vote for the Cold-War to continue, when you have a Post-Cold-War candidate, for the first time in history!

* Don't vote for the War in Iraq to continue. It's UNWINNABLE. 'The Surge' didn't work. The Sunni Awakening, (later funded by the USA), happened a few months before 'The Surge', and it was THAT which changed things in Iraq. The second the Awakening stop being paid by the USA, the Shi'a Iraqi government will arrest half of them, and stop paying any of them, and they'll re-join al-Quaeda. Ohhh... you didn't KNOW this? Darn those liberal media. They've been siding with Bush and McCain all this time!

* Don't vote for a HUAC and Segregationist fossil, when we - yes, I was there - have brought America so far from the excesses of Jedgar Hoover's FBI, the troubles of the Johnson Administration, and Brown v. Board of Education!

* Don't continue to alienate the rest of the world, because you are going to find out - whether you want to or not - that you NEED us more than you think. The rest of the world is weary of Republicans. Many of us are downright AFRAID of their beliefs... they're so XIXth Century.

* Try not to worry about anybody's middle name, or unsubstantiated rumours. NOBODY is allowed to be even a State Senator, without being thoroughly vetted by the FBI, CIA, NSA, and the rest of the alphabet. If there WERE anything to any of the 'anti-American', blah, blah rumours, the... um... 'mixed race' candidate would never have seen any office except his office at the University of Chicago, where he taught Constitutional Law.

* Consider the possiblity that paying taxes, if you HAVE money, is a positive way of giving back to your community - like, y'know, SHARING? Also consider the possiblity that 'greedy' and all those other bad words people used about those Wall-Street super-rich, is how the folks who live in the Projects, might see you, and your neighbours.

* I know she's cute, but c'mon, Joe, do you REALLY trust Sarah Palin to be President??? She may be a 'fresh face', but she's also been found guilty of 'abuse of power in elected office', and 'ethics violations'. I know those are civil, not criminal offences, but she's still open to trial! Besides, what do we know about the REAL Sarah Palin? She's given fewer interviews than Howard Hughs!

* Remember, please, that any off-shore, oil-drilling will show no rewards for seven to ten years. It's not a short-term solution. There IS NO short-term solution.

* Joe, honestly, would you prefer an old Navy man, who barely graduated from Annapolis, or a Professor of Constitutional Law, choosing the person or people to sit on the US Supreme Court? Who's more qualified? Howzabout you choose the Constitutional Lawyer to decide the US Supreme Court Justices - whose JOB is interpreting the US Constitution, as it applies to LAW.
This is a no-brainer, Joe. You're a PLUMBER. It's kinda like me asking my HAIR STYLIST to come fix a leaky pipe in the basement, to have a Naval-Academy flunk-out choosing Supreme Court Justices. Let the plumber do the plumbing, and the Constitutional Lawyer do the Constitutional Law, right?

* Don't be scared by words like 'liberal', when they're only using them to SCARE you.

I could go on, but I've been up all night, here in England, and I need to move on. Take it easy Joe. No more than one six-pack a weekend, bud! You gotta watch that beer-gut!

Jane 'Used to hang out with lunatic fringe radicals, 38 years ago', tea-drinker, UK

Well, even in Denmark, Europe, we are following your presidential debates and the election. It's not irrelevant for us who is going to be our primeminister's next close co-operator – not at all! And there's no doubt that from our point of view Obama is far the most competent candidate. As president of the United States Obama will prove that Americans are modern and change willing people. He will add length to the respect and honour the rest of the world will show USA. In the last 8 years terms like pride, honour, and respect have not been connected with your government, sorry to say.

So congratulaitons from here – it seems that you are going to get a great president. And most important – it seems that you are not picking the angry, confused, and constantly-changing-strategy guy. The one with the pitbull. Thank you so much!

Wooh ... a republican {McCain} disowning Pres Bush! serious, Jonathan help Me let the world see it to extend much kudos to McCain and the republican base that Palin help to energized!

I've been fallowing this race all the way along and as far as I'm concerned all the atacks on Obama ,- they just backfired!!

I have been watching the 3 debates from Singapore & the latest one is the most exciting by far. It surprises me that as a contender for the top job in the US, McCain is unable to hold back his anger and condescending tone. It's a Presidential debate for goodness sake & that kind of behaviour is just unbecoming.

Also, why is Palin a role model? Does a mom with a pregnant teenage daughter epitomize THE Amercian woman? Is that what America is advocating her mothers to become?

@ Jen

And now he is trying to say that Sarah Palin is an example to women! Not so. I wish she would leave my gender, post-haste.

:-D ROFLOL. I couldn't agree more. The sooner, the better! Can she also leave the planet?

@ Roland

that is the problem with highly educated people like Obama, the “ivy leaguer”, they tend to be intellectually dishonest, they don’t speak from their heart. He is supposed to be the intellectual one but his statements are just too vague, unlike the straight talk style of McCain.

The former Editor of the Harvard Law Review is 'intellectually dishonest'. REALLY? How do you know? 'Highly educated people... don't speak from their heart'. Is that so? Do you know any 'highly educated people'? Your assertions suggest otherwise.

May I suggest an alternative, to your completely incorrect assessment, of why some of Senator Obama's answers seem vague, unlike the simplistic one-liners of John McCain? (Rhetorical; I will, anyway.)

John McCain does not see the complex levels of analysis involved in the answers to the very serious questions, about the future of the USA. He doesn't mind giving jingoistic, simple, half-baked, stump-speech replies, without a shred of thought.

Barack Obama stops to consider the seriousness of the question, the level at which he can reply to it, given the time-limits, and the stupidity of most of the American Voting Public. He knows how much is riding on his responses, and he prefers not to commit himself to something WRONG, than to say 'the situation requires more time and analysis'.

I expect no more, from an old man, who was never too bright (graduated fifth from the bottom in a class of over 800, at the Naval Academy), and hasn't had a new idea since Ronald Reagan was elected.

I expect no less, from a recent Professor of Constitutional Law, at the University of Chicago (not 'Ivy League', but close enough!). He is TOO thoughtful, and that doesn't lend itself to the 'sound-bites' that the Average American Voter is used to digesting.

I DID try to answer you from the heart, Roland, despite the fact that I have an 'Ivy League' education - that rivals Senator Obama's (though I did NOT graduate Magna Cum Laude, and he did). I honestly tried.

They don't ALLOW language like that on public fora, and I would have had to use a screen-name, because I find those terms offensive, myself. I don't use pseudonyms. It's a matter of personal honesty. So the best I can do is to say:

'Look, world, it's the American Stereotype! You've seen him on "Jerry Springer". Here he is, in person! He is afraid of intellectuals, because we are "intellectually dishonest" - which reflects directly on how little he knows, or cares, about anyone who is different from him'.

Let McCain have all of the votes of small business owners that make over $250k. Barack said that you taxes will go up if you make more than that, the will go down if you don't. That is putting a definitive line in the sand. McCain and Palin want to play the we're Joe America. McCain with his 13 cars 11 house a wife that were outfits that cost more than people make in a year. It normally works will middle class Americans, but this time they are broke, lossing their jobs. They know that they are going to get retrained a enviromental engineers, so now they will have to work into their 60's, especially with the collapse of the stock market. Look at how many middle class worker worked for the Auto industry. Look at Ford, Chrysler, and GM stock, it is in the toilet, most of these people were heavily investing in company stock. They will never recover. McCain need a meteor to fall on Barack.

uma.....come on....if you really are uma from liverpool...you have far to much time on your hands......there is a reason why they call these messages....THREADS......and not NOVELLAS.......you put me to sleep just like your friend obama/snobama

Guess I am a bit late for the blog because I am watching parts of the debate on CNN after it happened.

I would like to comment on the 'plumber and health care'.

A few years ago my husband and me had to take a tough decision. Where would we live in the US or Germany? My husband is American and I am a German. I would have liked to live with him at least for a good few years in the US. But we decided against it because of the health care system. I need medical help pretty regularly for a chronic illness. This would have excluded me from getting a private health insurance in the US that would have covered my needs. In Germany my husband and me are both fully covered by health insurance. Does it cost something? Yes. But it helps you sleep better... My husband is still pretty amazed in comparison to the US.
I wish for the American people that they are going to get a health care system like Obama is planning because it will accomodate many more people.

Hopefully the Americans will make a decision that is really in favor of their basic interests: HEALTH, PEACE, SURVIVAL OF THE ENVIRONMENT & RESPONSIBLE ECONOMY

With regards from Germany.
Veru

Now we have Joe the plumber on top of Joe Six-Pack , each of whom was introduced by Republicans trying desperately to connect with "the common man". Given that the Republican party will likely crash and burn in three weeks, will there be fewer baby boys names "Joe" in the coming years? Or will Joe be the preferred name for male children of the fringe right - such that in 30 years, 50% of the male staffers in Marc Morano's office (or the equivalent) will be called "Joe"? Will Joe Biden change his name to "Moe" - or reaffirm his common man status and call himself JoJo? South of the Mason-Dixon line, will coffee no longer be referred to as "Joe" and rather be referred to as "coffee"? Say it ain't so ... Joe!

Uma in Liverpool, UK

God!!! you wrote everything I wanted to say and more... kudos to you

and

Salihu, you mean the base that screams "Kill him" to an elected senator? even worse an elected senator that has not done anything extreme like abuse of power (even though senators can't abuse it, they just get sweet deals in exchange of their votes)

Like Uma said, all those rumors are LIES, there is no way the FBI would let a person that has ties with a terrorist group be elected in ANY office... give them more credit.

Eh?

You think that is a long post? for the second and first presidential debates, I wrote 5 or six responses as long or longer than the ones that uma wrote.

Now I can see you are scared of long speeches because your brain is not able to follow.

The biggest flaw in democratic elections is that the common people are the ones that elect leaders, when the common people are idiots you can expect no less of their leaders, that is why Bush got elected and 4 years later re elected, not to mention that the way he won was "strange at best".

Anyone can see Obama is the lesser of the two devils, or at least the unknown choice that may be even worse than Bush, but guess what McCain is not a game changer either.

Obama is the long shot, he may fail his promices of change, but at least he wants/promices to do the changes we need in order to keep surviving.

Coach when was the last time you actually decided to unplug the TV and the computer in order to save a little bit of electricity, Obama suddenly stopped talking about it, but he mentioned quite a lot of times in early debates, and you know, if all the Americans unplug the appliances that are not being used the energy consumption of the US would drop at least 4% with for you may sound like just a little bit, but we are talking about millions... and I should point to you the fact that I said at least and not at most.

errrr....

Damn 3 AM already in here and I can feel my brain failing, but to you Couch.

Go home and read a few BOOK'S, I know I know all the words are scary, but believe me is better than waste your vote on November 4.

Oh and I was reading all the comments at the top that is why it took me so long to reply...

oh well good night and remember, after November 4, no matters who wins we either get f***** together or we move forward together.

Just a thought, if you did not study and you want to pass, either you will cheat or make up a sad story and act the part so the teacher will pass you.

If you are losing and you desperately want to win, you will cheat or try to be good so people will symphatize with you.

Now who has the character, the knolwedge and the capabilities? WHo took his part seriously to study what plans can be made? The whole survey, who is winning the presidential race?

Definitely not Mc Cain

Therefore who is the probable cheater.

Definitely not Obama

MCcain is so pathetic,i feel sorry for him.

Hey! am in love with this man political idealogy, yes that one, of course he is cool. he is on the driving seat to realizing tne American dream

I'm curious to know if Joe the Plumber is a registered voter? Do you know?

Obama told us what he believes in his chat with Joe the plumber. He believes in spreading the wealth around. If you make more money than he thinks you need, he believes he should be able to steal it from you and give it to whoever he thinks deserves it.
He wants everyone to succeed but he will tell you when you have succeeded too much.
The essential difference between democrats and republicans is the question of who is best suited to managing your money, you or the government. The democrats believe they are better suited and should be able to take your money when they decide you have made enough and spread your money around to whoever they think deserves it more than you.
It is interesting that polls show that republicans give more to charity than democrats. Perhaps the democrats look at their own selfishness and assume all others are as selfish and will not give to the needy unless forced by their government to do so.
Republicans give willingly but they want to choose who they give to not let government determine who deserves it.

Bravo to Uma and Ronald – such discourse!! And so intelligent! I am impressed here in sunny South Africa. Off course intelligent people don't blast out of the side of their mouths but think before they talk (a biblical concept by the way to all you conservative Republicans). I watched all three debates here in South Africa, taping it as it took place at 3am in the morning and yes, I do think that Obama was a bit more subdued tonight but he stuck to his guns, clearly stated his case and I appreciated the moderator asking questions on health care and education for the first time in these debates. Body language spoke volumes in this debate and where Obama came across as calm and in control and may I say, statemanslike, McCain looked pent up, angry and vindictive!! I am an optimist and therefore believe that the Americans will make the right choice when they each walk into that voting booth and make their cross. If they don't, then I despair for them and for the world. McCain should wake up and realise there is no more an "American dream" it is shattered and the proudly capitalists must now agree to government interference in their financial markets. So stop talking nonsense – we all "even in Africa" will suffer for the next few years because of the "American dream" that went horribly wrong because there were no checks and balances to keep unscrupelous, greedy people in line. Come and learn in South Africa how to regulate your banking and have a National Credit Act that save people from their own impulsive buying sprees!! Viva Obama!!

Emmerentia,
People still line up to try to get into this country and, for the bulk of them, it is so they can take their shot at the American Dream. The average unemployment rate in the more advanced "socialistic" european countries is 7.5% but people are calling it a disaster when ours hits 6%.
The current administration and the republicans that controlled congress until 2 years ago betrayed their party by spending like drunken sailors, with the support, I might add, of the democrats. Still, we were able to over come 9/11 and Katrina and maintain an excellent economy until recently when the house of cards built in no small part by democrats imploded.
It is a long story and, I am sure, too complcated for you, but suffice it to say, politicians, most of them democrats, began doing all they could to encourage lenders to loan money to people who were not good credit risks so those people, who should never have been allowed to, could borrow money to buy homes. They used Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to accomplish this task and they did it based on their idiotic concept that property would always go up in value. It didn't and the house of cards began to crumble.
Had the lenders been allowed to make their business decisions based on sound business judgement and not been encouraged to ignore that judgement fewer people would own homes, way fewer people would be losing their homes and our economy would not be in the tank. But letting people buy homes they couldn't afford was a great way to get their votes.

O.o

You are HALF right, democrats did encourage lenders to lend money to the people with "not so good" credit so they could also buy a house and have a small piece of the American dream, but that was not the boom, the boom is the conception that "Free Trade" and "Free Market" always work, you think that by letting the market run wild, everything will work for the best? that is something fundamentally WRONG with Capitalism.

Government is always needed in order to keep things working together and to avoid the greed of a few CEO's.

Oh well let me detail you how this boom that is now Imploding in the face of G. W. Bush came to be.

After the Vietnam war... meh is just pointless you won't get it "and is as long as an history lesson"

Lets say this:

A country (any country) can only sustain its military supremacy when the economy is soundly healthy, but that is not the case of the US, at least since Ronald Reagan, you see the arms war we had with Russia ended up destroying them "in the economic sense", but also damaged us a great deal, suddenly we had a lot more weapons than the ones we actually needed, any person with half of a brain would have recycled at least a 10% of them and would have used the spare nukes to build a few more nuclear reactors, but guess what we didn't, and even worse, kept working on the development of new weapons just in order to stay on the top or like some people say to have the biggest gun.

anyway, money we should have used to strengthen our economy was used to pay upkeep and a huge military that was hardly needed for anything as thus, you can guess what happened, the advancements that could have made the production of our principal exports cheaper and thus would had given us the ability to export more, never came.

But the US population kept growing and when a country grows and yet can't produce enough to keep all its citizens happy the country has to import goods, with thanks to the free trade was a good deal... maybe too good of a deal...

So each year we import more goods and export pretty much the same we exported the year before and some times even less than the year before.

You don't need to be a genius in math if every day you sell 500 bucks worth of goods, but at the same time it cost you about 550 bucks a day to run the shop 500-550= -50

I don't care what the republicans told you, but if you are in red numbers holding the money you have doesn't change the fact that you are running in red numbers, and if you don't change that soon, there will be consequences.

In the last few decades Democrats seem to be the only ones that managed to get the US out of the red numbers, just to have a republican "keeping the money safe in our pockets" and thus putting us in red numbers again, a dollar in your pocket is WORTHLESS, you need to have every penny working for you, or you are going to end as a poor bastard.

That is pretty much the deal with Walkstreet, they put the dollars of the American citizens to work, but thanks to the "Let the CEO's do their job, they known how to do it" and "Don't involve the government" the market went wild and did little to keep things on check.

At the same time America kept importing more and more goods and exporting less and less, we where going to hit a wall sooner or later.

and really I must say I am not going anywhere, I am trying to add a few things from here and a few things from there in order to show you the big picture, but I am not getting paid for this, and I really a need a job.

The only thing I can tell you is, you may not believe it, but the second the world stop to trust in our economy and in our ability to get the country together, that is the second we implode and face doom, the only reason we can still live the American dream and buy things (regardless of our red numbers) is because there has be always been someone out there willing to believe and thus willing to pay our bill at the restaurant, if they stop doing it, our world ends... they don't want to stop, because that would mean a lot of trouble for them, but if you think about how China and other countries are starting to react they are obviously thinking about it, and god knows I wouldn't blame them.

McCain is having 13 cars, 7 houses and he is enjoying a luxury private jet courtesy of his wifes company, yet this guy is a miser and selfish that he hates to see wealth spreading from people like him & his pal 'joe the richest plumber' to the NEEDY!

@Uma in Liverpool, UK

Your comments are the only reason I bother to look at the global perspective blogs on the US election. Thank you for your "far left of liberal" intelligent commentary on the political process. While I myself am pretty much interested in extremely small government (as protectors of the free states and nothing more) and fiscal conservatism to a small degree. I am intellectually drawn to your arguments. You are persuasive and on point.

A lot of us never stop to consider how our conditioning can make us racist in effect (and offensive to others). Take this true instance as an example of what I mean. This American film maker came over to Nigeria recently and over dinner used the term "people of color" in speaking of Nigerians (can you beat that – in Nigeria). Did he get an earful or did he? What Americans need to know is that the racial distinctions they make within the USA are not universal. In Nigeria, a "person of color" would be a white American, a European or an Asian, etc. Americans must know (and understand at the same time) that the principle implied by their usage of this term clearly means that you are only a "person of color" outside your "racial base." So a white American, a black american as well as a native American are each and together "persons of color" if they lived in china for instance. It is RACIST to use that term otherwise – GET IT? Please pass the word. PS: He (the film maker) did not get our business!!! + by the way you do not need any economist to tell you what is going on. Just pick up any intermediate economic text (i.e. MBA level) and you will find that what Obama proposes is valid capitalist economics same as McCain's ideas. The issue just now is judgment – which idea is most valid for this time? That depends on the way you see the polity and the sort of person you are. If you care about people and want to return to equilibrium quickly and with the least pain for unwitting individuals caught up in all of this for no fault of their own – you go with Obama. if you are rich, arrogant and operate on the basis that the end justifies the means then you would probably go with McCain. Its not my politics though so good luck.
PS: Come invest in Nigeria – returns are real good

why are those not voting for mccain palin are so negative? do they just want people to forget about the fraud?

I for one is really sick to my very bowels about hearing of joe the fake plumber; those who continues to bring this man up as he is the dapper don and rep for the voice of the people PLEASE FOR GOD SAKE STOP ALREADY!!! John McCain continues to refer to this man as if he is some kind of god. A man that avoided paying his share of taxes....Give me a BREAK! McCain needs to get a life and quick a start

does any one know why McCain is so angry all the time?.
is he angry with Obama for challenging him or the public for not giving him enough support?

JOE YHE PLUMBER COULD USE THE MONEY THAT MRS PALIN PAID FOR THAT PENDANT YHAT MRS PALIN IS WEARING TODAY IN IOWA, A DIAMOND AND GOLD PENDANT. I"AM JUST A PLAN PIT BULL WITH LIPSTICK, AND JOHN AND I ARE GOING TO WORK FOR YOU, THE UNDER DOG, AND YOU BETCHA.