format
McCain didn't screw up too much last night. In fact, it was probably his best debate since he was focused both literally and figuratively (no wandering around the stage). Despite that, I think it was also his worst. There is one clear reason for that, and it was the format. He was on the attack in a format with ample rebuttal and quiet discussion. After McCain repeating every 30-second-TV-ad-attack, Obama had a wide open door to explain the true situation in a way he could never do in commercials, gaining from nearly every attack. Even the "you should have run against Bush four years ago" line that was supposed to be such a big win gave Obama the opportunity to explain exactly why it is reasonable to compare them.
Oh, and saying you're proud of the people who yell "terrorist" and "kill him"--very classy.
Oh, and saying you're proud of the people who yell "terrorist" and "kill him"--very classy.