The final Obama-McCain debate was the best of the three, in the sense it was the most interesting and the most direct interaction between the candidates. It also was the best performance by far of Senator McCain, without any doubt. The first twenty minutes of the debate were his best, but after that, Obama clearly performed better. Also, Bob Schieffer of CBS News was the best moderator of all the debates, as I see it, a tribute to his long, distinguished career.
Despite the improved performance of Senator McCain, it is clear that Senator Obama won the debate on points. Senator McCain was on the offense, but Senator Obama was solid in his defense when challenged, and he was clear in his advocacy on health care and education and his economic plans. He gave a spirited response also to the William Ayers controversy and to his position on abortion in the Illinois Legislature.Â
McCain’s job was to win over independents, and in that regard, it is highly doubtful that he accomplished that goal. His constant references to "Joe the Plumber" were tedious and overdone and was unlikely to appeal to many voters or observers. Also, his body language demonstrated what seemed to be a sense of contained fury and anger which did not come across well. Obama again presented himself as cool, calm and collected, traits one would wish a President would have, particularly with the overwhelming economic crisis now faced by the nation. Obama appeared more statesmanlike and has, as a result of these three debates, given confidence to many who might have had doubts about him before these events.
In conclusion, this final debate did not change the basic dynamic, and now it is just 19 days to go until we are likely to elect Senator Obama as the next President, with Senator Joe Biden by his side. Senator McCain has done good duty in his Senate years, and hopefully, he will be a strong participant next year in the Senate in assisting the new President in his goal to revive the American economy and get this nation out of the greatest crisis since the Great Depression. The hope is that in these final 19 days, the campaigning by the McCain Palin ticket will elevate to a dignified level with real discussion of issues, rather than personal attacks.