So I decided to watch the debate on ABC, mainly because I only have an antenna on my television and ABC comes in the best.   I would rather watch on PBS, alas.

And the first question is?

Surprise surprise, the economy.   Let’s see what Obama has to say…

What a beautifully crafted answer, he starts with a hello, moves on to an explanation of the problem and then goes into a step by step answer of the man’s specific question, including information on how he plans to do it. Score for Obama!

McCain’s thoughts = nice thoughts, but I don’t understand how he is going to fix the problem by cutting everyone’s taxes?  Also, when he says “it’s going to be expensive” - doesn’t that mean money coming from the taxpayers?  Otherwise where is that money going to come from?

Not you Tom?  What kind of answer is that?  Stop being mean to Tom Brokaw.

Way to go Tom - lay down those rules.

Question 2 : Yes, explain the bailout!

McCain - Suspended his campaign? What does this mean, what did that do? That’s great that you helped 2 years ago - explain the bailout.. OK, he’s getting to it.   OK, he’s kinda saying something, but not really.   Also, he’s talking down to that man, I don’t like that.

Obama - Starts by answering the question, it makes sense and explains the bailout! Woo-hoo. “I’ve got to correct McCain - not surprisingly” - unfortunately too true.

Discussion period (Brokaw is kicking ass - excuse my language - he’s actually making sure the candidates explain themselves) - Obama and McCain kind of say the same thing

Question 3 - Economy again - how can we trust anyone? (Too true Teresa)

Obama - Blames it on Bushy-Boy (as my Grandma would say), not a bad way to go with that question.

McCain - Bipartisanship.   Seems to be connecting with the lady. (Obama tries to ignore McCain’s comments about his liberalness). Planetarium in IL?

Discussion period : Brokaw - love him - forces them to answer with a question that tells them to name 3 priorities

McCain’s priorities:

1) scratch that he won’t answer…

CUT HIM OFF BROKAW!

Obama’s priorities

1) Energy - 10 years to the moon, 20 years to Energy Independence

2) Healthcare - yes yes yes!

3) Education

Question 4 : What sacrifice’s will you ask Americans to make

McCain - Eliminate programs, examine all agencies.   Defense spending needs to be worked on. Eliminate earmarks. Across the board freeze.

Obama - Opens with 9/11. Bush told people to go out and shop - anti-consumerism - WOW, awesome.   Each and every one of us needs to save energy - WOW, yes! Peace corps.

Discussion period :   Obama - Washington needs to practice what it preaches.   Earmarks vs. CEO tax cuts. McCain - Obama’s taxes are like nailing Jello to the wall? What tax plan John? I thought his tax plans were Jello?  Small business talk.

Obama speaks up..

Question 5 :   Entitlement programs - would you give Congress a date to reform social security.

Obama - We will take on entitlements quickly. Straight talk express lost a wheel (I think it lost more than 1).   Obama explains his taxes, does it clearly and simply.

McCain - Snarky remark about answering question.   Congress can’t fool with it anymore - he seems to be talking down to the crowd. Record and record.

Question 6 : I had to stop listening for a minute, I got upset.

Tom Brokaw made me smile.

Question 7 : Healthcare

Obama : Buy the same insurance as he and McCain. McCain will give tax credit but tax employers. Need to fight for patients

McCain : We need choice (WE DO! - of all kinds)

Discussion : McCain sees it as a responsibility. But is against mandates.

I’m starting to lose my debate momentum… sigh.

Some friends status updates on Facebook (no names though)

“PERSON thinks McCain and Reagan should get a room”

“PERSON is swimming in cronyism”

“PERSON is laughing that four status updates in her feed say “stop calling us your friends.”

“PERSON is nailing jello to the wall.”

“PERSON if i drank a swig every time mccain said “my friends” i would already be dead of alcohol poisoning”

OK, I’m ready to get back to the debate..

Question - RUSSIA

McCain - Not going to have a cold war. But Russia is not behaving well, esp considering their wealth. Putin’s eyes say KGB - need International pressure.   Russians must understand that their actions are not acceptable.

Obama - Russia is key. Support needs to go to lots of places, folks need to rebuild economies. See around the corners and anticipate problems. Obama is faltering a bit..  Need to be strategic.   Energy is key in dealing with Russia.

Brokaw - YES OR NO!

Obama - Evil behavior.

McCain - Maybe, depends on how we respond.   Gives a good answer. Stop talking, you did fine.

Question - Israel - attack or wait approval.

McCain - not waiting.   Obama will negotiate, no preconditions.   Put pressure on Iranians, need to be tough. Modify their behavior. Join with friends (sounds like a party).

Obama - Will work to prevent, and won’t take military actions off the table.   We do need to use all of our tools to prevent.

Question -  What don’t you know and how will you learn it?

Obama - Ask Michelle - You don’t know the challenges, America gave Obama opportunity.   Need to fix the past 8 years - fundamental change.

McCain - Doesn’t know what we all don’t know, what’s going to happen. (I don’t know what the unexpected will be either? Do you?).   Knows what it is like in hard times.   Believes in this country.

And it’s OVER.

Overall I liked Obama, he was clear and calm. McCain seemed on edge… Although I could kind of see steam coming out of Obama’s ears. Also I have to agree that the Town Hall did turn a bit with the moderator asking questions, but in Brokaw’s defense the questions were coming from the internet.

What did you think?