Nightline's Daily Line

John McCain was outstanding! He should have gone into more detail about Obamas
Chicago affilitations and the toxic
scum that he really is. George
Stephanophalis....totally off again!
He is not fair and should be ousted
from his opinions. Guess the only place
we can get good reporting is with
Fox News.

Obama: A+

McCain: C-

Obama won, clearly. He has the ability to listen, digest, and think issues through clearly. McCain always looked like my teenager does during an argument --- never listening for comprehension, but rather trying to figure out what he's going to say next! And then McCain would have this silly smirk when he knew he had a great mocking line to put Obama in his place, or something. Honestly, how can he reach across the aisle when he can't even listen? When he can't respect his opponent? He wants to win at all costs, and I don't know why he even wants to be president anymore, since his policy claims are entirely changeable and inconsistent with each other . . . why does he even want the job??

My take is that overall McCain won points overall on the biggest topic of the economy...and that is taxes and spending.

Who would raise taxes? Obama
Who would increase gov't spending? Obama

McCain can drive a tank through these two points.

Obama definitely won. I thought McCain was too reactionary, too vicious, and not nearly as intelligent as Obama. McCain's health care plan is ridiculous. $5000 is a drop in the bucket and taxable - what is that? It showed that he has no real comprehension of what it means to be a working class American.

McCain was strong and forceful. Obama looked dazed and off-balance.

Diane

You do represent the same image that McCain projected tonight. Crude, rude, and confused.

diane , what planet have you lived on the last eight year's. Mccain's plan is the same republican crap that has been shoveled since reagan. The middle class has taken it in the a** for year's.It is time for REAL CHANGE not more bush ideas.

Obama is smarter and more savvy and would serve our country proud. What happened even 10 years ago, does not always reflect what a person will do today. With McCain showing his true colors by making faces, is not the sign of a person I would want to serve my interests in Washington.

I wish media-sponsored blogs (like this one) would stop pretending the debates were close. Obama won, hands down. He's won all three. McCain strong? Maybe strongly personal, non-responsive and offensive.

Art Kelly

I think you made a mistake: don't you mean it was McCain that appeared dazed and off-balanced.

The mccain campaign cynically used the karl rove handbook to slime mccain through a vicious untruthful email whispering smear job. They also thought they could win votes cheaply with a wink and a simple reference: JOE 6-PACK (Sarah Palin). mccain also thought if he just hits the buttons of every special interest group: autistic kids, Joe Plumber, etc, they were his. I'm glad they were not so cheap.

McCain still can't communicate on the issues. NOT PRESIDENTIAL! We don't need a president that continues to want to change the subject. The subject is the ECONOMY. Will someone please tell McCain?

Obama A-

McCain G+ (AKA the grade lower than a big fat F)

Sorry ABC NIGHTLINE crew-- voter fraud does matter!! -- it is a serious frontal attack on our electoral system.
You guys should be exposing it, not covering it up!

Obama won again. Cool, calm, collected, unflappable, thoughtful and specific.

McCain just repeats tired mantras and tries to change the topic to suit his answers. The Bill Ayres business is just embarassing, sad and desparate.

John, if that's the best you have, and you think Sara is qualified to be President, it's not only time to give up the race, it may be time to head home altogether.

OH MY GOSH! DIANE'S COMMENT ABOUT FOX NEWS CRACKS ME UP! I WAS JUST GOING TO POST A COMMENT HERE AND SAW DIANE'S AND I'M LIKE...IS SHE FOR REAL?! LOL! OH YEAH...GOOD OLE' BOY FOX NEWS...YOU KNOW...FAIR AND BALANCED :) ANYWAY, MCCAIN WAS VERY SCARY REALLY, TO THE POINT OF LOOKING AS IF HE LOST TOTAL CONTROL (REPEATEDLY). SENATOR OBAMA NOT ONLY STUCK TO THE TASK AT HAND, BUT ALSO ANSWERED TO MCCAIN'S RANTINGS AND RAVINGS TO BOOT. DEFINITELY CAN USE A CALM STEADY HAND/HEAD FOR PREZ OF THE UNITED STATES. THANKS SENATOR OBAMA...YOU DID A WONDERFUL JOB. MCCAIN? CAN YOU SAY "NEW HAMPSHIRE IS IN THE NORTHWEST?" OH...WELL YOUR PICK FOR VP CAN :)

McCain done fair at the beginning,then after that he lost it,gets his words all twisted-up because he is so mad he can't talk.what gets me is these people that don't want to listen to the media that is trying to get the facts and report it get mad and want to listen to Fox news that is strictly for the Republicans I listen to all news except Fox.To Bias for me.Obama's got my vote

Diane,

Before you can "go into more details", you actually have to have some details. McCain always says Senator Obama is hiding something. Don't you find it the least bit curious that he never tell's us what that something is? In fact nobody seems to be able to tell us. Not Fox News, not Sarah Palin...not you. In fact I would have liked it if Senator Obama had said "John you keep saying there's more to my relationship with Bill Ayers. Could you please tonight on national television, tell the American Public exactly what that is, because apparently you know something I don't". That would have been great. Watching McSame stumble over himself trying to come up with an answer.

Obama: B+

McCain: D

TWO WORDS

AND LET ME BE PERFECTLY CLEAR

PRESIDENT - OBAMA

ANY QUESTIONS.

I cannot wait to see the "expressions of the grumpy old man" ad

John McCain did an outstanding job in this debate. Obama's main trait has been to run away from every past associate that becomes a controversy and shows who the real Obama is and who he truely supports and is aligned with. I think it is a shame and shows how bias ABC is relative to this election to use George Stephanophalis to critique the debate when the whole world knows he will support only the Democratic point of view and who worked for Bill Clinton one of the lowest integrity presidents we have ever had. I hope John McCain stages an upset.

Paul,

I disagree with you regarding the middle class taking it in the a**. The reason I say that is because over 40% of those so-called "middle class" citizens don't pay any income taxes anyway..so Obama's 95% tax plan is very misleading. Sounds wonderful, but the increased taxes that Obama wants to impose (those with incomes over $250K) are the people that create the jobs for the middle class. Joe the Plumber is an excellent example of the case against Obama.

obama: A+
mccain: F
Mccain looked like a nit-wit geezer who kept trying to pin discredited smears on Obama. He had the script practiced and couldn't land a punch because it was obviously a smear. Pathetic!
Obama looked cool, acted smart and logical.
The days when a whiff of rethoric sent Americans looking under the bed are gone now I think...

Obama won

Obama = impressive, McPain = depressive. McPain's defense of Palin's qualification for president was weak. McPain projected anger and an inability to control his emotions. Erratic is the nice word to describe McPain's behavior during this campaign as he "suspended" his campaign and said he was not going to debate if the bail out bill hand't passed and then campaigned on the CBS Evening News and showed up at the debate.

Why would Obama and the Democrats believe they can gain votes by threatening to tax the American people when the Economy is so bad? Joe the Plumber will lead John McCain to the Whitehouse.

John McCain was Awesome?

I think Obama won the debate because he went into his plan to help the ecnonmy. I have not heard anything from Mr. McCain but attacks. It is really getting old. Voters want debates that discuss issues. Obama has done that. I did not hear that from McCain.

I agree with George S. on Obama, McCain was strong but still negative. Negatives before answering questions and didn't want to let go!

Wonder how many jobs have left the country because of Democrats' regulatory policies--
McCain missed this big time when Obama talked about the areas that are already leased but the oil companies can't drill on because of cumbersome over-regulation. McCain should have pointed out that the Democrats actually make it unprofitable for companies to operate here so they go to countries that are more business friendly.

John McCain won the debate ! {A} for McCain. {B-} for Obama. I'm very leery of a person like Obama who stays too cool,and hides all emotion.
McCain has passion ,and did not appear to be rehearsed. McCain has definitely shown he has more experience in all the related issues in running a country.
It was really great to hear McCain say "I'm not George Bush" !It put Obama in his place,and Obama was for once,at a loss for words!

Mr. Obama is without a doubt, the more eloquent speaker, but I am not at all impressed by his slick persona. He lacks character, integrity and experience. I believe he poses a serious danger to the well being of the United States. We cannot afford to have this man at the helm. While I don't agree with John McCain 100%, he is clearly the ONLY choice, if we want to keep our country from turning into a Socialist republic.

I thought they both did well, definitely McCain's best debate so far. But overall, Obama was in command of the issues and totally has his head together; McCain has a bratty streak that I find unprofessional and his health plan is ludicrous and unrealistic. problem with McCain is his family has never had to worry about being able to pay for health care and he's always had great coverage. Unlike Obama's family, he has no idea what it's like to be without it.

Obama - A
McCain - b

Yes, I listen to the mainstream news a little -- just to get the basics. But I always tune into Public TV, Public Radio, and also the Canadian News stations as they give a whole new (and truthful) account of things. Fox? Nope...not even on my best or worst day. That's common knowledge but anyway... gettin' late. Senator Obama did great.

The issue that will make a difference is the question of abortion. With special emphasis on partial birth type.This will change a lot minds about Obama more than the media is willing to admit. They clearly spelled out their differences and it rests with taxes, health care. Obama has no way to be qualified to be president on a bases of foreign affairs. Defined this makes one party for big government and the other opposed.
I still ask why the financial crisis now when this has been going on for years. Are we under attack to disrupt our election which is exactly what they did in Spain??

This will be my first Republican vote.I do not trust Obama, John McCain proved to me that Obama is not to be trusted. I can trust Mccain after tonight's debate. McCain will get my entire families vote.

Obama came across as the intelligent, sincere, and knowledgeable person he is, qualitiies we need in a president. McCain, in contrast was intent upon attacking Obama on unimportant issues rather than explaining his ideas. And the constant juvenile expressions on McCain's were certainly are not very presidential! I guess when you don't have much to say for yourself, you just attack the other guy and hope no one notices. My vote goes to the guy who takes the higher ground, Obama.

I think Obama is well spoken and has done well in the debates--but the problem I have with Obama is the green resume. I still think he lacks enough experience to lead the country at this time in his career.

I believe Sen. McCain won this one. You cannot take away the experience he has. Se. Obama has been in Washington for 243 days (estimated). Sen. Obama is smooth, he has yet to say anything of substance.
When is he going to be asked about the things he wrote in his boooks: Barack Obama "Dreams from my father" and Barack Obama the "Audacity of Hope". Here are just a few passages: 'From Dreams of My Father:'I ceased to advertise my mother's race at the age of 12 or 13, when I began to suspect that by doing so I was ingratiating myself to whites.'

From Dreams of My Father : 'I found a solace in nursing a pervasive sense of grievance and animosity against my mother's race.'

From Dreams of My Father:'There was something about him that made me wary, a little too sure of himself, maybe. And white.'

From Dreams of My Father: 'It remained necessary to prove which side you were on, to show your loyalty to the black masses, to strike out and name names.'

From Dreams of My Father:'I never emulate white men and brown men whose fates didn't speak to my own. It was into my father's image, the black man, son of Africa , that I'd packed all the attributes I sought in myself , the attributes of Martin and Malcolm, DuBois and Mandela.'

And FINALLY the Most Damning one of ALL of them!!!

From Audacity of Hope:'I will stand with the Muslims should the political winds shift in an ugly direction.'

P.S.
Clint, Senator Obama wasn't at a loss for words, he just had more important issues to discuss. But Joe Biden did state it at the V.P. debate... (para-phrasing) you have to look back and remember where we've been as a country before moving foward because you need to remember where we've gone -- lest we repeat history the same over and over again. Besides...McCain might not be the big "w-yah" but history shows his footprints are a near match right on down the line so-to-speak. later.

McCain's attitude was nasty, cocky & disrespectul. He acted somewhat like a banty rooster!Obama smiled & acted civil despite McCains effort to rile him.McCain clearly LOST AGAIN !!!

I had a problem with Obama. I had a begger problem with McCain when he selected Sarah Palin for his running mate. She doesn't have a clue as to what a Vice President of the US does!!!!
Who in his right mind would vote for a woman whose bangs distorts her view from her eyes! From what I have heard and read her education doesn't qualify her. John McCain has served well but his selection of Sarah Palin as running mate says that he is not ready to be President!!!!!!!!!

It is clear to me Obama is CLUELESS on the economy.

His idea to raise taxes and spread the wealth around are not going to create jobs!

As Joe the Plumber said, many small business will affected by Obama's aims to spread the wealth.

omgosh people--

who the flip cares about their attitudes during the debate? The bigger observation needs to be about the substance of the issues, the experience of the candidates, and who has the policies that make the most sense.

I utterly horrifying what our country has come to. We are more concerned in having a smooth talking actor for president then we are having morals and concern for our country. As the mother of an Iraq Vet it is heartbreaking to watch what people like Sen. Obama want to do to our country. I wonder how happy you will all be when he taxes you right out of your cars and houses. Thank God for John McCain and thank God for Fox news and people who still love AMerica!!!!!!!!

Obama A+

McCain D-

McCain is too old and always has to write write write .... he can't remember, or so it seems. He can't concentrate and makes too many errors. His lies have been proven false and he still continues to tell the same old lies ... not aware of what has even been said ... or maybe he has lost his hearing. He looks very worn out -- and it he passes, I would hate to think what crazy palin would do (or, I suppose her husband would rule as he apparently has been, and is known to, do in alaska). It is very apparent our Country needs the Obama-Biden team as our leaders.

I think McCain won the debate. Obama wants to take from the hard working people and give it to the lazy younger and black people to make them happy. I think if a person works hard and makes a good living then they are taxed enough. The lazy younger sect wants it now, without having to work hard for it. They want someone who has work hard all their life to hand it over to them. You can't believe Obama though. He thinks he can perform miricles.

I think we should all pitch in and get George and Charlie a nice button to wear on their lapel that says "I am a democrat and it does not matter what idiot is running I will vote for him"

Obama looked Presidential and calm, and his answers were thoughtful and intelligent. McCain looked ill-at-ease, angry, and petty. His answers were just rehashed canned answers he gives at every public forum. We've tried one dumb president and look where that got us. Let's give a smart man the chance.

McCain just doesn't get it ! OBAMA CLEARLY DOES ! I can't wait for him to go through government line by line and get rid of wasteful spending. I think it is long overdue.

GO Joe the Plumber!!!!

This guy is the best argument against electing Obama than any tv ad out there!!!

Obama should be named ObamaHood!

I thought McFossil was gonna blow a head gasket...Obama was clearly the winner and only one that looked presidential

Again I am very disappointed and disillusioned by your bias journalistic behavior. Every journalist on the Nightline staff, Good Morning America Staff, and all ABC and CNN News Staffs are so bias in their reporting on this election I am ashamed to admit I once enjoyed your reporting styles. However, your totally unfair method of covering this very important election is criminal, or dishonest at best. John McCain is an American Hero and Patriot and your prejudicial coverage of this election,always,though suttle sometimes, supporting the Democratic Candidate, is unfair and a disgrace to the true journalistic code of reporting without prejudice or bias. I am so disappointed in a group of journalist I once held in high regard, who I now see as almost un-American and definitely unfair. You may end up being the reason we lose the American way of life forever and the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave will be only a memory. What our fore fathers established as our freedoms and brave young men have died protecting, is going to be taken away by your liberal beliefs and your irresponsible journalistic behavior. I am ashamed and disgusted by everyone of you. I hope more true Americans will turn you off and leave you off. I am not a Republican or a Democrat, I vote for the person, Black, White, Male or Female. But I want it to be a fair election not bias by the Media and their exit polls.

Sincerely,

Wayne Bond

We need McCain in the presidency. Obama scares me. If we think things are bad now just wait if Obama wins this election. All you have to do is check out these allocations about Obama. He truly is hiding something.

We need McCain in the presidency. Obama scares me. If we think things are bad now just wait if Obama wins this election. All you have to do is check out these allocations about Obama. He truly is hiding something.

McCain looked angry, defensive and ready to explode. Barack looked calm, attentive and brilliant. I am voting for Barack Obama because he will fight for the middle class and fix our economy. McCain is clueless!

David's comments in an earlier post from Obama's books is very telling. This man is a fake. If ABC were not bias in favor of the Democrats it would do a news story on these comments in an attempt to illustrate what this man truly thinks. He has a secret agenda that goes beyond his smooth talking and demeanor. Americans - Show your not that stupid and support McCain - a true hero that loves this country!

Once again, Barack (AKA Barry in his book: Dreams From My Father) exhibited a professional, confident demeanor as he responded to questions by the moderator and vicious attacks, once again, by McCain. I couldn't keep from being antagonized by Mecain's ruthless, arrogant facial expressions and I thought, "God, help us if he's elected President and has to communicate with leaders of other countries with whom he disagrees!" I respect him for having had the courage that he did when he was held captive and came home to tell his story of his own heroism. But, he lacks communication skills and the temperment to deal with differences of opinion. Then, there is his choice of running mate! I think "Hockey Mom" needs to stay home, a while longer, and raise her own "special needs" baby. She, too, has some skeletons in her own closet! Take away a woman's right to choose and not know where your 10 houses are located! Enough to turn me to a winning team: Barack Oboma and Joe Biden! Good luck!

Once again, Barack (AKA Barry in his book: Dreams From My Father) exhibited a professional, confident demeanor as he responded to questions by the moderator and vicious attacks, once again, by McCain. I couldn't keep from being antagonized by Mecain's ruthless, arrogant facial expressions and I thought, "God, help us if he's elected President and has to communicate with leaders of other countries with whom he disagrees!" I respect him for having had the courage that he did when he was held captive and came home to tell his story of his own heroism. But, he lacks communication skills and the temperment to deal with differences of opinion. Then, there is his choice of running mate! I think "Hockey Mom" needs to stay home, a while longer, and raise her own "special needs" baby. She, too, has some skeletons in her own closet! Take away a woman's right to choose and not know where your 10 houses are located! Enough to turn me to a winning team: Barack Oboma and Joe Biden! Good luck!

Obama A

McCain C

Louise--

You are sadly very misinformed. You will be voting for a man whose goal is to destroy the American dream. I want a President who will fight for all Americans, not just the middle class. The idea of fighting for the middle class is a myth since more than 40% do those in the middle class do not pay taxes.

Sarah, hope you have a safe trip back to Alaska for your impeachment hearings. Also, make sure you take up knitting so you can knit a nice little suit for your illegitimate grandchild. Family Values? PALEASE!! Way to Go Barack!

rt, get real! John McCain is not able to conjugate a sentence without snearing never mind trying to "fix our economy". I am a life long Republican, 75 years old and have heard so much nonsense that I am ashamed of the Republican Party. George Bush has ruined it and John McCain will just be "more of the same"

McCain feels my wife and daughter don't have the right to have their health considered in case of a dangerous pregnancy situation where a late stage abortion might be necessary to protect them. In fact, he belittled the fact that Obama suggested that a mother's health was a factor that should be considered as an exception to a late term abortion ban. What a guy.

Lets see ... a war decorated AMERICAN POW ... or ... a hide away muslim american wanna be. I am an american, therefore I chose an AMERICAN candidate. Long live Mr. John McCain. Hope you win buddy, we are counting on you.
McCain / Palin 2008.

thank you wayne for stating so boldly and beautifully what main stream america thinks and feels. It is hard to believe that a few states on the very liberal west and east coast will get to speak for the rest of America. My only hope is that God helped us to survive 8 years of Clinton and his girlfreinds and we will survive nobama as well. No matter how hard he tries to destroy this country. I am proud to be the mother of a vet, I am proud to be an American, and I am proud to vote for John McCain, a person who truly loves America. ps that 27 year old Iraq vet will vote for him too. Oh, I am soooooooo proud to live in Texas!!!!!!

Louise,

I'm real....real informed.

Instead of worrying about conjugating sentences and snears, you need to "get real" about the myth you've bought into about the middle class tax relief nonsense that Obama advertises. It's sounds good out of his lips..but very bad in practice.

Joe the Plumber hits the nail on the head.

His ties with Rev. Wright, Acorn, and Bill Ayers shows his judgement. He had no problem with them until they became a burden to his campaign. The mainstream media sure swept it under the carpet in a hurry. He paid Acorn lots of money on a "get out the vote" effort. So Acorn floods the battleground states with fake voter registrations. Ayers is just a guy from his neighborhood? Obama launched his political career in Ayers livingroom. How about Freddie and Fannie, how much money has he taken from their corrupt execs? This election is a no brainer. You people voting against Bush will figure it out if we have the House, Senate, and Oval Office controlled by the most liberal bunch in history. GET READY, HERE COMES SOCIALISM! Higher taxes for everyone so the people who don't want to work can have a new house and everything else handed to them. Wait a minute, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton already did that. That's why we are bailing out the financial market now. Wake up people, Obama is not the change we need!

Hey..

Was that a Kenyan flag lapel pin that Obama was wearing during the debate tonight? I mean c'mon, I know he's half Kenyan..but he is an American right?

I think the world is still waiting for him to provide his certificate of live birth--maybe he was really born in Kenya.

Obama took the high road appearing more presidential and took away the debate. On issue after issue, he was able to refute McCain's accusations and eloquently state his position. I was more interested in thier positions as opposed to what they thought of each other, so the attack strategy of McCain's lost it for him in my eyes.

John Mccain should try living on what i make in a month.I don't make enough to pay all the bills.I make $840.00 a month and my bills are $850.00 a month. Let him see how it feels to live this way.I have two children that live in the house with me.It takes $400.00 a month or more for food.If it was not for food stamps my family could not eat.We do not have health insurance so my husband can not go to the dr. and get the right kind of help that he needs so he can go back to work or have a dr. say that he is disabled.The wages and the standard of living cost does not equal out.The wages should go up more than the standard living cost so it will all equal out and people could actually survive.The minimum wage should go up to the same or more than the cost of living.We think that obama did win tonights and all the other debates.McCain needs to get his head out of the past and come to the present.As far as we are concerned McCain scored a big F and Obama scored an A.

Steve--

Can I ask what issues you are referring to?

Need specifics on Obama's positions.

Hey Doris--

Sounds like you have enough for a computer and an internet connection.

doris lowery,

Just think of it this way. When Obama raises taxes and forces health insurance on your employer, they just might have to fire you because they can't afford as many employees. Then where will you be? I've got news for you. If wages go up, then the cost of all products people make goes up, therefore prices go up. you will make more money, but everything will cost more, and your in the same boat. If you lower taxes on companies, there is more there to give a better wage, if you earn it.

@ TKH.....JOE THE PLUMBER IS AN UNDECIDED VOTER..MEAN UNCOMMITED...JOE THE THE PLUMBER IS NOT AGAINST OBAMA'S POLICIY ISSUES.....
DO US ALL A FAVOR AND INFORM YOURSELF BEFORE YOU VOTE....
GOD HELP US...

Mccain won hands down. Of course the liberal news media thinks otherwise. Mccain finally made the point clearly of the high tax liberal spending Obama. I mean the gall of Mr. Obama to say to Joe the Plumber that he wants to "spread the wealth" to those less fortunate. Well Mr. Obama why don't you try telling those less fortunate to try and work for a living. Why should Joe the Plumber hand over to Mr. Obama his hard earned money so he can distribute it to those who are too lazy to work and fend for themselves. That is called Socialism another name for Communism. Take from the rich to give to the poor and before you know it we are all poor. Wake up America!!!! I'm a Cuban American and believe me Obama smells like Castro to me.

Dear human of the earth,

You do yourself a disservice by not reading the entire article my friend.

Mr. Joe Plumber stated...Obama's tax plan made him feel uneasy, and stated that he still thinks Obama's tax plan would make it less likely that he would be able to buy the business.

And..his further comment:

About McCain: "he's got it right as far as I go".

I have an adopted daughter who is almost 7. she is bi-racial as is nobmama. She was mad this week that we were not voting for the nice black man. what an oppurnity to talk about not judguing someone by their color. but did they ahve values, christian beleifs, could they be truste, did they want what was best for our country. after our long discussion we decided nobama might be a very nice man and it was great that a black person could run, but we needed to v ote for mccain. the man who loved his country and would risk his very own life to help america, in peace time and war. i am so happy to see her wear her little mccanin button

I did see the entire article and also listened to him myself....maybe you should do us all a favor and NOT VOTE

Yvette--

Right on the money.

Obama wants to punish those of us who work hard for our living and ruin the entire principal of the American dream.

What incentive do Americans have to work harder when more of their $$$ goes into Obama's pocket?

Live free or die~

Dear Human,

You may have seen the article...but did you read it?

Obviously not.

Oh..and don't worry...I will be voting for the ticket that doesn't punish Americans with more spending and higher taxes.

Mccain A+

Obama F-

C-Span was the place to be. After the debate with the callers and people that were there. All the cable news shows weren't speaking for me, and most of the comments on these news blogs are about as reliable as ACORN.

Independent for McCain

It is all over for McCain.

It is all over for Obama.

To Thinking:

Ya think? You better re-think your thinking!!!