First Debate

Interesting.  The first debate was last night between McCain and Obama. 
Not really sure if anything I heard last night was all that
surprising.  The one thing I heard that I had never heard previously
was when McCain stated that prior to Musharraf taking control Pakistan was a failed state.  When I think "Failed State" I think of Somalia or maybe Sudan. 
Places where there is no central government and things are ruled by
warlords.  I had never heard that in reference to Pakistan.  Whether
this is true or not, or whether anyone even cares other then me I don't
know.  Also, in reference to Pakistan, McCain seemed to agree with
Obama on attacks across Pakistan's border, but his only difference was
that you just don't say anything about it?  He didn't say he wouldn't
do it.  He just said he wouldn't SAY he would do it.  To me that's
probably the best course of action for a President to take, but maybe
not for a presidential candidate. 
A candidate is trying to convince the American people that he will
track down the terrorists whereever they may be hiding.  McCain's
distinction may be lost on many people who will believe he is saying
that without Pakistan's permission he wouldn't approve military strikes on their soil. 

In general I thought both candidates
came across as knowledgeable and competent.  Some policies I liked
better then others for both candidates.  This debate left me feeling
that either one could probably serve well enough as Commander in
Chief.  Probably not what either side was looking for though. 

One last note.  I watched the body
language of both candidates.  Obama would often turn to his opponent
while he was speaking as if he were directly addressing John McCain. 
I don't know if I ever once saw McCain do the same.  Does it matter?  I
don't know.  Just thought it was an interesting distinction, as if
McCain couldn't stand to look at Obama and felt a little
uncomfortable.  Whereas Obama seemed a little more relaxed and willing
to talk to McCain directly.  Next up…Thursday's VP debate.  Can't WAIT
for this one.

Meltdown

McCain suspends his campaign and cancels his appearance at the debate on Friday. 
Obama continues his campaign and has said he will still appear at the
debate on Friday.  Is one side playing politics with this financial
crisis?  Actually, I think they both are, to some extent.  McCain
obviously wants to appear like he is the Man in Charge and that the
campaign will have to wait because the Country needs him now.  But you
have to keep in mind that economics is not McCain's strong suite.  The
debate was supposed to be on National Security
and Foreign Affairs, which is his strong suite.  But with the financial
crisis all that has been in the news lately McCain's campaign is
wanting to push back this debate to a later date when hopefully
National Security will be given more attention.  Since this crisis
began McCain has fallen in the polls.  Most now show Obama either ahead
or tied, whereas previously he was behind.  Obama knows he can gain
momentum from this and is trying to act as presidential as possible,
while not really supplying any answers on how to solve this problem.  I
guess its just the nature of the beast that in the middle of a Presidential election there is just no way to completely remove politics, even during a time of national crisis.