Washington
27 September 2008
Both U.S. presidential candidates were claiming victory following the first of three scheduled debates. Commentators, analysts and bloggers appeared split on who may have gained an advantage from Friday's debate. Many believe that both Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama performed well, but neither walked away the clear winner. VOA's Kent Klein reports from Washington.
"Obama's task was to show that he could go toe-to-toe with McCain on foreign policy, his supposed weakness and McCain's supposed strength. He had to look presidential, he had to convince people that he was ready to be commander-in-chief, and to be a president knowledgeable and with good judgment on foreign policy, and I think he accomplished that task," he said.
The 90-minute debate at the University of Mississippi was originally intended to focus entirely on foreign affairs. But the recent convulsions in the financial markets led debate moderator Jim Lehrer to spend the first 40 minutes on economic issues. Larry Sabato, Director of the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia, says that was a distinct advantage for Obama.
"In essence, John McCain got cheated. That was supposed to be the foreign policy debate. That is John McCain's strong suit," he said. "The McCain campaign was delighted that the series of debates began with the foreign policy issues. And, of course, because of the financial superstructure meltdown, the moderator naturally asked questions about the economy."
Some analysts have commented on the contrasting demeanor of the two candidates. While Obama argued with McCain on numerous issues, he said eight times he agreed with his opponent on various points. Some commentators have called that a sign of weakness. Bruce Miroff, however, says it hurt McCain.
"McCain very visibly smirked and showed a kind of disrespect for Obama, which was also evident in constantly saying that Obama did not understand this or that. And to some people that may convey strength, but I suspect to more people it was a negative for McCain," he said.
Larry Sabato says the candidates' behavior during a debate has very little to do with who is more qualified to be President.
"Whether McCain looked at Obama is irrelevant," he said. "Whether Obama was interrupting McCain because he was upset is irrelevant. What matters really is the substance of what they said. Does style play into it? Of course it plays into it. But that is no way to pick a president."
The second of this year's three presidential debates will take place October 7 in Nashville, Tennessee. The candidates will respond to questions on both foreign and domestic policy from the audience, and to questions submitted on the Internet.
Larry Sabato says the format of the second debate appears to favor John McCain.
"Town hall debates are McCain's strong point, and yet you never know what is going to be asked," he said.
There will also be one vice presidential debate, between Democrat Joe Biden and Republican Sarah Palin October 2 in Saint Louis, Missouri.