by Les Zsoldos

Created on: September 29, 2008

Many experts expected John McCain to win the first debate. It was to focus on foreign policy, an area in which John McCain is considered strong. Unfortunately for John McCain, though, the first part of the debate focused on the current financial crisis in the USA, an area in which John McCain appeared uncomfortable. As the debate progressed and turned to foreign policy, John McCain became more comfortable and aggressive, but Barack Obama responded forcefully to his attacks.

It was a surprise that John McCain opened his remarks by noting that Ted Kennedy was back in the hospital. He referred to Senator Kennedy as a dear friend and lion in the senate. This may have served to remind voters that John McCain has often voted against his party and is capable of working with both parties to pass legislation. However, it may have also reminded them that Ted Kennedy supports Barack Obama, a fellow Democrat.

While discussing economic issues, Barack Obama told listeners that John McCain wants to provide tax cuts for oil corporations, a charge which John McCain did not respond to. Barack Obama also emphasized that he wants to provide tax cuts to the middle class and not only to the wealthiest Americans. This may have helped to connect John McCain to the policies of President Bush.

John McCain definitely performed better on foreign policy issues than on economic ones. He argued that it is a mistake to publicly talk about striking at Al-Qaeda targets in Pakistan. This was a very good point, but as Barack Obama mentioned, coming from a man who has openly talked about the extinction of North Korea and sung about bombing Iran, his criticism is not so credible.

Barack Obama pointed out that Henry Kissinger is one of John McCain's advisors. This was an excellent way to point out that John McCain is a man who is stuck in the past. This served to connect John McCain to policies of the past in voters' minds. He clearly irritated John McCain when he noted that even Henry Kissinger has agreed for the need to have talks with Iran. However, John McCain responded that Henry Kissinger has never argued for the need to have talks at the presidential level. He also accused Barack Obama of using the word "preparations" to obscure his willingness to meet with world leaders without any pre-conditions. However, Barack Obama answered confidently when he stated that he would be willing to meet with a world leader at a time and place of his choosing if it would help the United States of America.

John

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