The 2008 Presidential Debates, Round Two

The 2008 Presidential Debates, Round Two

Nashville, Tennessee, 7 October 2008

Tonight's debate was really the last opportunity for John McCain to chip away at Obama's lead, and he didn't take it. To be honest, I was bored. I have already heard both candidates' opinions and talking points many times, neither candidate strayed from their widely known positions, and neither candidate made any promises or efforts to answer questions specifically. Also, Tom Brokaw proved to be a shitty host, because he kept getting upset at the candidates' repeated efforts to extend their arguments past their allotted one minute response slot.

With regards to the issues that each man talked about, I think that McCain did a better job than he did at the last debate; but both candidates gave shaky performances. What was different about this debate was the incredible physical difference between the two men: Obama looked and sounded very healthy, but he kept his distance from people, so as to possibly appear aloof. McCain, on the other hand, looked remarkably unhealthy - he appeared to have difficulty standing and sounded out of breath - and moved in very close to audience members who asked questions, going so far as to shake hands with a questioner, who obviously loved this candidate-to-voter contact. This debate probably won't change perceptions that people already have about either candidate, with one important exception: McCain's visibly deteriorating health, which would impact his capacity - and Sarah Palin's - to become President.