Nightline's Daily Line

Obama demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of our situation. I feel he would take a measured, thoughtful assessment before acting. He seems to be a consensus builder.

Obama was clear and answered the questions. McCain seem erratic and avoided giving any direct answers.

Senator Obama won the 2nd debate. Senator McCain was playing attack and I don't like that. Calling Sen. Obama "that one" Give me a break. As an undecided, I've had enough of the attacking. I want substance. Obama has my vote.

Strategy:

Obama: A+

McCain: c

Style:

Obama: A+

McCain: C-

Accuracy:

Obama: A-

McCain: C

Obama won! He told us what his plans and ideas were. McCain rambled.

McCain A-
Obama B++

John McCain is Tired. John McCain may be a decent guy but I think the rigors of the campaign are starting to get to him. He looked tired and at times even a little confused at times during the second debate. Will he make it to election day???

Obama

McCain had some moments but it wasn't a game change.

Close, but Obama showed more poise and behaved more Presidential. I think a president should have dignity when speaking officially at all times. Palin hasn't a clue? Scary indeed!

You know we're just going to get a lot of rah-rah for the home team with a question of "Who dominated?"

The after-debate commentary, as I flicked through the stations was the payoff for enduring the debate. Chris Matthews was at it again, not nearly as effusive as in thrills up his leg, but probably more poetic. He said something like, "Obama was blessed at birth with a wonderful smile."

While you're grading, give Brokaw a C minus. Satisfactory for each candidate.

I just heard your reporter say that McCain got "up close" with the audience, while Obama laid back, cool & calm, and that it might have cost him some points...

Well, this was quite an irony, since following the debate, McCain quickly took off, while Barack & his wife Michelle, hung around with the audience members for quite a long time! How odd to broadcast the opposite of what actually occurred....

Oh, not to mention that the millions viewing via TV, were not embraced by McCain's "closeness", no, we just wanted to hear what they had to say...

Typical media, don't have the stones to disagree with the right, so they try to act like it was a close contest.

Obama received a B because he didn't answer all of the questons, but McCain received a D because he interrupt Obama, answered even less of the questions, wondered around like he was lost, etc. etc.

Surprise! Stephanopoulis gives the Democrat the win. McCain was the obvious winner regardless of what the pundits are saying. How about a little objectivity, George?

Obama F
McCain A

Obama is so dishonest in the debate - with his solve-every-problem for everyone and everything. He didn't do much as a Senator before or since he's running.

Obama won and seemed more reasonable and presidential.

Obama, give me diplomacy any time rather than shooting from the hip first and talk later.

StevenCee

They were talking about during the debate. After the debate it was expected to walk around and talk to the guests.

McCain was the clear winner. Obama speaks in riddles...a lot of hot air with no details. America needs the experience of McCain, now is not the time for inexperienced leadership.

McCain has started to use botox to look younger = what a sad and vain oldman

Obama is smart, articulate, and president material. I think he would make an excellent president. He has proven himself time and time again.

McCain is always stumbling around answers and never directly answers the questions. I don't think he has any "friends" right now. He should stop using that "My friends" phrase.

When questioned about healthcare, Obama said a country as wealthy as ours... Wealthy? Our countries debt is growing faster then ever! The guy out of touch is Obama, wake up. And in the first debate he said to Mccain, "your President". NO it is OUR President.

This question again its clear. As a hardcore republican I will put country first and vote for Obama/Biden. Lets be real folks McCain looked and acted like he was lost and confused. He was also a bit errotic. In contrast Obama connected with us folks and looked very presidential. I really belive that is over for McCain. Theres nothing to suggest why Obama will not be the clear winner at this point. I just hope race will not be a factor and if it for some then shame on us. We are better than that. Lets elect Obama/Biden

Obama clearly understands what we need to do to get out of the mess that McSame got us into. Anyone who votes for McCain is clearly deaf and blind!

McCain speaks truth, the media is bias and it shines in their interpretation of this debate. I can not afford Obama to win, It will tax me into the stone ages. My grandchildren can not afford for him to win for they will be the ones who have to return to Iraq in ten years. The reason we spend more in Iraq is because Afghanistan has more NATO troops but Obama wants to send more there. What happened to his talk of peace. Anyone who does not see we will have more war not less is not listening to him

McCain A

Obama C

Obama clearly won! He was presidential and gave well thought out answers. Mccain was condescending and patronising to Obama. McCain clearly looked his age and represents the past, while Obama looks like the embodiment of change and the future. what a starkling difference!!

Obama is the Unanimous winner of 81 pct by most polls.... He is articulate, and professional while McCain comes across as pathetic... I wonder if his so called experience would help us now because his track record shows he has voted the same as Bush.... what are these people thinking?

Nice touch having a Democrat cheerleader grade the winner. How wonderful that we have the media trying to influence the election instead of report on it...again.

Obama is the most steady candidate.

Obamah all the way

Why doesn't ABC News Just campaign for Obama.. It is all ready obvious who they support or who they want to win. Might as well campaign for them at least they will not be living a lie..

Senator Mccain-arrogant and receives a F--
Senator Obama-did great in defending his position with a A

"That one!" With those two small words McCain lost what vestiges of integrity and decency he had left. By allowing his campaign and Palin in particular to invoke Ayers et al., McCain sold his soul and for this he will not only NOT gain the whole world but will lose the presidency.

i think obama answer the Question better than mcCain i think he won the debate

Obama was Presidential in this debate with empathy for the people, he is calm and collective which is a great asset for instilling confidence for everyone. I am confident Obama will make a great President!

McCain is the winner. Obama does not have expereince or a plan. Obama has a marxism way of thinking. Obama sounds like a socialist or communist.

Obama, won this debate , as he did in the first debate. Mccain, was on the attack, still fousing on experience, when he chose a running mate without experience.

the media needs to report and quit throwing their agenda into the face of the people. People need to read Obamas books. McCain won the debate. Obama is the partisan lackey.

I give it Obama. McCain seemed stiff and snarky. Obama has an ease about him that's inspiring, he was more direct in his answers. He didn't let McCain knock him down, he is a more gracious person overall. One thing we have to remember is that Obama got where he is today through sheer hard work and an innate intelligence. McCain spent his life getting places through his family ties, avoiding consequences of many unconscionable actions because of his family's status. He has misrepresented himself to the American people on many fronts, and if he's so hung up on experience then why would he put an Alaskan Pop Tart on the ticket with him who could never take over the Oval office if she had to.

Obama A
McCain C

John was he writing down the question.
To OLD?!?!?!

Obama was cool and collected, Mcain was angry and stuck to his talking points. "My friends"............. It is clear that we need change. He is connecting to the middle class. Mcain is not part of the middle class. He has never been without health insurance. He has no clue what regulat people are going through. He is totally disconnected.

Obama definitely didn't do the political dance as McCain always does. Obama answers the questions versus avoiding them. McCain is so insecure all he can do is exaggerate facts and scrambled for anything to try and sell us on him. We do not need another Bush and thats exactly what McCain is. Good Job Obama. McCain..good job on proving it's time for you to bow out.

in 2004 election debate, according to all the media, John Kerry always won in all the debate. And his pools were always ahead of Bush. And why Bush won at the end? Can we really believe on who won these dabates and the current polls?

Obama - A
McCain - C

OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA OBAMA!

It seems no matter what news cast you turn to ALL of you would give these debates to Obama even if he fell flat on his face! You are all in the tank for him and so much so that you cannot even help yourselves as you give your commentary. You're not journalist who want to give both sides of the issues you just want to ensure he wins. From my perspective McCain is the most credible and experienced candidate and the one I would trust with our economy, our security and our nation! For many of us there are many things that matter; however, character and the candidate's record speak volumes. McCain won this debate loud and clear and he is the best person for the job of President of the United States! Country First! Proud sister of two marines!!

Other than the debate which should have been better, but Tom Brokaw has now proven he has no control, insight on how to handle a debate with rules and regulations. He should just retire. After all his years in the business why did it appear that he was just green. He had no control over the process. Especially when he comments that the lights do mean something and at the end the candidates were standing in his way of the script. Come on your years of experience should have enabled you to come with something to end the segment. It appeared that he had been drinking or on medication. Please whoever out there don't let him back in charge of anything. VEry disappointed a good debate should have a good in charge moderator. Tom Brokaw was not that.

McCain has serived this contry for a long time now. And for that we should thank him. But use his own campain slogan (change is coming) he is right
the change that we need is someone with fresh ideas. (Oboma) John thank you for your sevice but if we want change it's time for someone who is not stck in the old washington.

NO for Obama, YES for America. I rather have the same, then change our country. I do not want to change into communism, nor socialism. A vote for Obama is a vote for socialism, wake up. Obama is a good speaker but has no substance.

Obama has his chance to show his leadership when the bailout fiasco was being discussed but rather he waited for washington to come up with a plan first rather then being bold and coming up with one himself. Mccain on the other hand stepped up to the place. We need a leader not a follower.

Keep this country American.

Look at Europe. Look at Middle East.

McCain C Obama D

It is a sad situation where this is the best I have to choose from. Can anyone answer a question? I need to be an irresponsible borrower so I can have the government pay off my mortgage. Dumb of me to owe nothing on my house.

I think Barack Obama did an excellent job in answering the questions posed by Tom Brakaw, although Tom at times seemed to favor McCain when it came to the "time" issue during the forum. I understood the frontrunners position on foreign policy for example. For me, Obama seemed to have a clearer and focused plan for the issues.

i think that obama won tonight. mccain focus on military experience but everyone that is in the military is not more experience than anyone else. palin stumbles over answers just as well as mccain. i think they are a example of beauty and the beast.

Once again, McCain showed serious leadership, Obama just gave lip service.

The Nightline "report card" is so biased. By your own admission the differences come down to A- v. B+. I am a college professor and the last I knew the difference between those two grades is sometimes no more than 2% apart. IF the difference is truly no greater than 2-3%, then it's too close to call and CLEARLY not overwhelmingly to Obama. Yet, viewers looking at your rating get the idea they're supposed to think Barak won. You think we're brainless?

So...Now George Stephanopoulis is in objective journalist who can divorce himself of his Clinton era experience and Democratic party alliances to deliver a neutral "award" of the debate to Obama? NOT!

The definite winner was McCain. Obama gave no specifics as to what he would do when discussing any of the topics. McCain has a record of what he has done.

McCain A
Obama C

I am furious. John McCain did well, better than I expected and definitely better than Professor Obama. Yet ABC's talking heads make it sound like Obama walked away with this debate.

ABSOLUTELY outrageous!

I think McCain sounded more sure of himself on foreign affairs. Obama stammered quite a bit and parroted alot of information that he seemed to pick up from McCain. Obama seems 'slicker' but McCain seems more honest and direct to me.

McCain gave clear, direct answers and he has ACTUAL examples to give us every time to demonstrate his record of going against the tide, taking action, working to actually accomplish things to make a difference. Does not anyone see that Obama HAS NO such examples?? Ever?

This is the highest office in the land. Are you really ready to hand it to the complete and absolute rookie? This may be fine for your PTA president or maybe class president, maybe experience isn't so important - but this is our country's highest office.

Don't be irrational.

McCain wins this debate because he has substance to his answers and he shows knowledge about the issues. Obama just keeps spouting the same ole things.

I am sorry so many people are fooled by Obama. He did not win tonight because he did not tell you the truth about his true intentions. First, if you tax the rich (5%)and corporate America more, we will pay for it with higher prices for our products. It is actually a tax on everyone and Obama is not telling you the truth of what he intends. Second, if you want to blame someone for the terrorists, blame Clinton who did nothing to stop 911 when he had the chance to stop the terrorists during his 8 years in office. You cannot state like Obama has that he will attack Pakistan territory to go after the terrorists. That is worse than attacking Iraq.

Tie no game-changers. This is probably good news for Obama, overall, but as for this debate, no clear winner.

Concerns abound...from the questions no one asked...to the statements by Obama that he would, in fact, violate the national sovereignty (a nuclear capable nation at that)of a country to attack purported Al Queda bases, if they were "unable or unwilling to take action". I don't know what is more terrifying, Obama or the radical leftists he has aligned himself with.

Mccain!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I am 62; if you had told me 40 years ago that I would think we needed to elect a black man to save this country from ruin, I would have called you crazy. The idea of Palin being president is truly nightmarish.

George Stephanopolous is just one person and his is only one opinion.....how about doing like Fox News (the very best news station!).....ask the PEOPLE. They will reflect the real truth. They are reporting the people's winner.....JOHN MCCAIN! Barack Obama doesn't stand for the unborn.....how can he make any other decisions when he can't get the basic right of every human correct.

Obama is clearly the winner..........AGAIN.
McCain is out of touch and out of his mind. Obama is the "MAN" we need to lead this country, not McCain or his wacked out VP pick.

I thought McCain was much more in touch with what our country needs both economically and in foreign policy. Obama will ruin our country with his socialistic ideas of redistribution of wealth and his dangerous approach to our enemies. While he is talking to them they will stab us in the back!!

McCain wandered around the stage like Daffy Duck. Even in the background as Obama spoke, McCain was clearly nervous and sounded like a scratched record, repeating himself. Not impressive.

Everyone said Kennedy was too young, inexperienced. They also said President Clinton was inexperienced. Wellll, Clinton was a liberal and he managed to turn this country around from a Republican deficit, so it can be done. But not with Republican presidency again.

McCain said we don't have time for on the job training, but the American public must drop the mustard and wait for McCain and especially Sarah (the know nothing Palin) and ketch-up !

I want Mccain to show specifically how he is planning to pay for everything he promises whithout raising taxes or ending the war in Irak. Obama is the clear winner tonight

Obama clearly dominated. McCain portrayed himself as a rude, angry man. By the way, with McCain's new "Maverick" idea for the government to buy up bad mortgages, how about doing something for those of us who are not in forclosure, but find our home values have deteriorated because of those who are in foreclosure? Sounds like McCain is for big government after all.

I must be out of touch. I cannot see why in times of crisis people want to rally around and support the unknown equation. McCain has played the game well and badly over the course of 30 years - but he has played the game. How would have Obama played the game over a 30 year senate career? He has no record to criticize, so he can be whatever wants as long as he can communicate well, and he does. McCain A+, Obama D+ on experience and substance. Obama A, McCain A- on poise and delivery. I say let's nuclear arsenal over to the pretty boy with a little more grace- who by the way will destroy our country with taxes, just look at FDR. This is no time for playing games. It is frankly scary - the radical left running both Congress and the White House.

Strategy:

Obama: A

McCain: B

Style:

Obama: A+

McCain: C

Accuracy:

Obama: A-

McCain: C=

Obama has style, understands having a solid foundation, uses forethought and determination.

OBVIOUSLY, THE MEDIA FAVORITE WON PER GEORGE ET AL OTHER DEMOCRATS. I PERSONALLY AM A REGISTERED DEMOCRAT WHO FELT THAT MC CAIN BEAT OBAMA. I HEAR LOTS OF PLATITUDES BUT NO SUBSTANCE FROM OBAMA. THEREFORE I WILL VOTE FOR MCCAIN AND WILL BECOME FOR THE FIRST TIME A WESTERN PA REAGAN DEMOCRAT.

The media is sooooo bias and especially abc. I would not allow obama to lead a group of first graders to the cafeteria'

Obama

McCain seems so out of touch with the middle class American. I truly fear for those of a lower economic status under a continued Republican administration. During the past 8 years, America has sustained a devastaing attack (9-11), engaged in a major war, and now is experiencing the worst economic nightmare we have seen in years. Give us a break! It's time for a POSITIVE change.

McCain is clearly the winner! Obama came off as a frozen professor, cool and aloof from people's real concerns. Nightline dissappoints me with George Stephanopoulos so obviously being prejudiced to Obama's side. ABC please correct your "yellow journalism" by getting a more objective commentator. Thank you!

McCain won by far. I thought he did a much better job than in the first debate. While Senator Obama appears poised, he is not able to clearly articulate how he plans to carry out any of his strategies. I'd like to see both stop pointing fingers and stick to how they plan to make the changes necessary (and not everything needs to change). In the end, John McCain was more convincing and Obama was not able to back up his statements.

Strategy:

Obama: A+

McCain: c

Style:

Obama: A+

McCain: c

Accuracy:

Obama: A+

McCain: c

Obama clearly won. He was very concise in his answers. John McCain is to busy making friends and running down Obama. People care about what is going to be done and not so much about what has already been done. We are already living that.

Any credibility Sen. Mccaine had as a potential leader was literally flushed when he asked that redicluous woman to be his running mate,simply as a marketing "tool" to appeal to the "joe sixpack" voter. Even joe sixpack isnt that dumb I would hope. Look, presidents don't run this country and i don't beleive the gov't works for "we the people" anymore. But I do think Obama is the only future n this race. He shows the world we can restore diplomacy with a real diplomat-- that we, the most diverse country in the world can actually elect a man or woman who reflects that. Mccaine needs to stay where his is, with his has- been, washed up-- Bush-league. Who is he kidding? not me.

obama seemed to be in charge and set the tempo, theres something about mccain that makes me uneasy, especially about iraq, these republicans are running there campaighn as if iraq is a positive focal point, we need to refocus our military stradegy and the time for change is apoun us!!!!!!!

Obama stummbled on his words and McCain looked confident and ready.
Obama-C
McCain-A

They both suck but we have to choose one and McCain has the experience that we need. Obama will have this country divided for certain

Obama wins .....

McCain looked old tonight ...like a wise old owl or a respected Grandpa but not President and then there is Sarah Palin.... a nice lady...6 pk hockey Mom but no world leader...

Obama comes across as much more stable, intelligent and open to differing thoughts and ideas. This is necessary for good leadership. BUSH surrounded himself with kiss asses and friends and JUST LOOK AT THE MESS THIS COUNTRY IS IN!!! BUSH KILLED OFF DIFFERING OPINIONS!! END NEPOTISM!! Let's get THE BEST candidate into office!

OBAMA 2008

America lost the debate. The candidates achieved a draw.

The senior fellow with honorable intent is shackled to his party's record and philosophy. Honorable intent matters, but the Republican approach is wrong.

The younger fellow did well by appearances, but his record and actions stand as irrefutable evidence that he cannot be taken at his word. The promise in his words means nothing because they stand on his character.

Nader or McKinney are the best choices available to Americans in 2008. Break the cycle of voting for the lesser of two bad choices.

Obama won this debate, hands down.

The debate did not boost McCain; thus, Obama won.

i agree with kris

OBAMA WON AND WILL WIN NOV 4th!
McCain looked old, worn out, sweaty, and his answers were all over the place, not mounted on a bit of practical, fair, judgement...and not much TRUTH!

That one WON!
McCain acted like the Racist Aristocrat he truly is... clear to see. TOO OLD McCAIN... RETIRE!!!

As the old folks used to say, "When you dig a hole for one, you need to dig two, because you will be the first to fall!

All of his campaign mangers are clearly funded and have big ties to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and let's not forget CHARLES KEATING Scandal, McCain's pal that went to prison for four years behind the S & L looting he did from his investment company. Let's NOT Forget McCain had strong ties to Keating, and that bail out cost tax payers 4.3 billion dollars... sound familiar? Hundreds of elderly lost their life's savings behind this..and this was about John McCain's deregulation of his friend and benefactor Charles Keating.
Go to google and key in
Keating Economics. Watch it for yourself. John McCain is too egotistical, hot headed, elitist, and hand in hand with too many lobbyist the same ones under investigation NOW...

I am a registered Democrat, but this election my vote goes to the most qualified candidate and the ticket that understands what we need most, a better economy, leadership against terrorists and relief from the enery crisis..McCain - Palin is what is right for America.

Obama, far and away. Obama has the wisdom, judgment and capability to address the issues and give specific answers to the questions presented in the debate. McCain, like Palin, repeats the same, often untrue, phrases over and over and over. McCain has served his time. We need new, young leadership at this ominous time in our history.

Obama handled this debate in an intellectual, concerned and commited style. He won the debate.

I am interested in an analysis of our nation's problems and seeking methods of resolution rather than attempts of character defamation. that is a ploy by Mccain's team because they do not have a plan for change and resolution. It is our time for Obama!