OK, first things first. The Brody File does not provide debate analysis based on ideology or who has the better public policy arguments. Obviously the Obama and McCain camps both believe their guy 'won" the debate. Duh. Instead, The Brody File looks at the debate as to which candidate had the better "take away" from the debate when it comes to swaying undecided voters. This debate was a tough call. I call it a tie but a tie is good news for Obama because as the slight front runner he did nothing to shoot himself in the foot. He didn't say or do anything drastic during this debate will give voters pause.
Look, Obama's main challenge is that he has to convince undecided voters that he's ready to be President. Convincing voters that his public policy positions are better for the country than McCain's is important but what's even more paramount is that Obama show himself to be presidential material. Can General Election voters look at Obama and see a President? Tonight, Obama's demeanor and style seemed very presidential. Every time John McCain went on the attack, Obama had a response and never seemed flustered. (For example, McCain brought up Obama's opposition to the surge and Obama would respond with McCain's lack of judgment on his early assessments of the Iraq war.) There were other examples too but overall, Obama seemed very poised. He looked like he belonged on the same state with a man who, from an experience perspective is clearly ready to be President Additionally, in past debates Obama seemed to ramble at times and never quite got to the point but Friday evening he seemed more focused and direct with his answers.
As for John McCain he had a solid night. I have seen John McCain debate quite a bit and I must say he was probably as sharp tonight as I've ever seen him. He was constantly on the attack against Obama but it didn't seem angry or over the top. He also was spitting out foreign policy knowledge like never before and was able to passionately talk about his signature issue: wasteful spending. It was a performance he can be proud of. That said, he didn't have a game changing moment tonight. Some may think he needs one and he may before these debates are over.
I will say that one thing that was very noticeable was that McCain never looked over at Obama. He never made eye contact with him. Obama kept looking at McCain. Interesting. What do I make of it? I think it shows McCain's overall attitude towards Obama's candidacy which is that while he respects how Obama made it this far, he doesn't respect him as a serious candidate for President of the United States.
For those looking for flash, sizzle and "gotcha moments" you were no doubt disappointed. This debate featured a very clear contrast between the two candidates. It did not offer any embarrassing moments or flubs. Instead, voters are starting to realize that we have on our hands two very different men and two candidates for President who have very different visions for the country.
McCain seemed to tie nearly every topic tonight back to the idea that Obama lacks experience and knowledge to be President. Obama meanwhile kept hammering home the fact that McCain lacks the right judgment to be President. (Especially on McCain's assessments in Iraq)
Both campaigns like to play the expectations game in debates but it's fair to say that a debate on foreign policy is more to John McCain's advantage. And indeed McCain played it well. He is like the star baseball pitcher who is expected to pitch a solid game. He fulfilled the task but Obama came in as the foreign policy underdog. He is like the rookie pitcher going up against the foreign policy all star pitcher. And Friday, Obama, the rookie pitcher, held his own and in the process, looked pretty good himself. He didn't beat himself.