Debate #1

The first debate is in the past, which means it's time for the Press Box to offer its opinion on one of the most historical debates ever. If you weren't aware, the debate took place on the campus of Ole Miss in Mississippi which is extremely significant because of the racism that existed only 40 years ago.

Anyways, back to the actual debate. I predicted a few days ago that this debate would be a tie. One would figure McCain would get the edge going in because it was a debate on foreign policy; however, with the current economy, I knew the economy would get discussed which means an edge towards Obama.

This is exactly what I think happened. Barack Obama sounded much more comfortable talking about the economy than John McCain, but McCain sounded better when discussing foreign policy.

First, let's discuss the economy part of the debate. Two things that Obama needed to do during this part of the debate were to hammer McCain for being so out of touch and secondly, ensure the American people that the economy will improve. He definitely did the first part, but I wasn't sold on the second. McCain didn't have any memorable moment from the economy part, so I give the edge to Obama.

Now, let's talk about foreign policy. Obama did a great job reminding Americans that he was the one that opposed the Iraq war from the start. Obama did one thing during this portion of the debate that was memorable...At one point in the debate, there was a question about foreign policy that Obama couldn't defend so he borrowed Joe Biden's biographic credibility. If you took any political science class, you would know that if you don't have the credibility yourself, then borrow it.

One man that doesn't need to borrow any biographic credibility when it comes to foreign policy is John McCain. He won the foreign policy debate because of two key moments...The first moment came when he was discussing Afghanistan. He hammered Obama for being a head of a co-committee and not going to Afghanistan. I completely agreed with McCain during this part of the debate. Obama should have gone to Afghanistan so he could have first hand knowledge of the subject at hand. Secondly, McCain had the clear edge when he discussed Israel. He kept repeating the fact that he wants to protect Israel. I have watched a lot of Obama speeches and am yet to hear any discussion about Israel. Interestingly enough, I don't know many Jewish people that are bringing this up. Anyways, the edge goes to McCain on the foreign policy part of the debate.

There were a couple comical moments in the debate that stuck out in my mind. The first one came during the economy discussion when Obama was attacking McCain for saying ten days ago that the fundamentals of the economy are sound. Right afterwards, moderator Jim Lehrer told Obama to look at McCain when he was talking, and McCain jokingly said "Are you afraid I couldn't hear him?" Well, actually John...I think he was afraid you couldn't hear him. I mean you are getting pretty old there pal.

Secondly, one can't forget the story McCain gave about the bracelet he was given by a mother who made him promise his son's death wasn't in vain, to which Obama exclaimed that he was given a bracelet as well. I listened to this part on the radio and when I heard McCain's story, I actually felt for him...but that was shortlived because Obama stomped on McCain's parade.

It is now time to get ready for Thursday's debate that will pit Joe Biden in one corner and Sarah Palin in the other. My prediction on this one: Palin will sound very convincing and strong but there will be a few moments where she doesn't know what she is talking about which is why I will give Joe Biden the edge.

Until next time, goodnight from the press box.