Debate Winner? He Who Beats Expectations

(NEWSER) - John McCain and Barack Obama met tonight in the final presidential debate, their testiest meeting so far on a range of issues from the economy to negative campaigning, NBC reports. McCain pushed back against Obama's attempts to link him to the Bush administration. “Senator Obama, I’m not President Bush. If you want to run against President Bush, you should have run four years ago.” Obama kept it up, though, saying America doesn't need the "same failed policies." More»

Dem grabs clear debate victory in CBS, CNN polls

(NEWSER) - Barack Obama was the clear winner of last night's debate against John McCain, two separate polls conducted for television networks found. Minutes after the debate ended, 40% of uncommitted voters identified Obama as the winner to 26% who said McCain came out on top, CBS News reports. Viewers found Obama more likeable by a 2-to-1 margin, and 68% said they believed the Democratic candidate will make the right decisions on the economy. More»

Ready to lead with 'unnerving mix of cutesy platitudes'

(NEWSER) - Sarah Palin worked her perky just-plain-folks act to the nauseating end in yesterday's debate, Dana Milbank grumbles in the Washington Post. It promised to be "long night" when Palin, "wearing a glittery flag pin, blew a kiss to the audience." But Palin "had no problem meeting exceptionally low expectations" at her "public IQ test," notes Milbank. More»

'Showdown' could switch to town hall meet if only Obama turns up today

(NEWSER) - What if they held a presidential debate and only one candidate came? The scenario is looking like a real possibility as the federal bailout deal stalls, the Wall Street Journal reports. John McCain has said he will fly to Mississippi for the debate only if an agreement is reached in Washington this morning, while Barack Obama has made it plain he will show up regardless of the status of the rescue package. More»

Looking executive can benefit candidate far more than lip-flapping debate: Kristol

(NEWSER) - Senators and presidents have very different jobs—one debates and compromises, the other decides and acts. By suspending his campaign and heading to Washington, John McCain proves he’s a man of action, William Kristol writes in the Weekly Standard. The bold move might win over voters looking for the more “presidential” and less “senatorial” candidate—and it’s certainly more important than an overrated debate. More»