Initial Review to McCain/Obama Debate No. 1

Debate No. 1 in Mississippi is over and now all the talking heads on the networks are breaking down just about every word spoken.

Here is my initial review:

(1) Nothing took place during this debate that will end up being that significant "moment" when one of the campaigns pulls away.

(2) McCain was ineffective in going after Obama and the Democrats in the first 30 minutes when the questions related to the financial industry mess. Obama did MUCH better in "selling" himself to America on the economic issues. I personally do not believe most of what he said, but from an "impact" perspective, Obama came across as more effective on the economy.

(3) In the second half of the debate, McCain made Obama look like a high school debater in the second half of the debate when the questions dealt with foreign affairs and security.

(4) Related to the "intangibles", Obama seemed to have difficulties at certain times, especially on the foreign affairs questions, putting his thoughts together. His smirking at several of McCain responses also seemed immature for someone running for president.

(5) I will definitely be interested to see how Henry Kissinger responds to how his opinion on presidential negotiations with foreign leaders without preconditions was argued by the two candidates. This issue could be one to blow up in the next few days...

(6) McCain (fortunately) did not let Obama get him riled up. He also would have been better served to point out why Obama is inexperienced as opposed to just saying that he is.

All in all, I would score it 10-8 for McCain, but I was hoping for a larger McCain victory with the topics covered. We'll sit back and see how the polls shake out in the next few days.