by uwp » Thu Oct 16, 2008 1:40 am
McCain bringing up Ayers and ACORN was a bad move. It was really the turning point in this debate (IMO). I thought McCain was doing well up to that point, but it was downhill from then on.
He had to know Obama would be prepped to answer, and it really just gave Obama a chance to settle all the questions surrounding the accusations. Things were better for McCain when he could say "Just what is Obama doing pallin' around with these terrorists and voter fraud people" but once you let Obama talk about it on the stage, voters can make a relatively informed decision instead of just being confused and scared.
This is truly the key to Obama's recent success. Like the 1980 election, voters want change, but they want to be reassured that the new choice is relatively safe. The debates have given Obama that opportunity.
Overall, I felt this was the most entertaining debate, and each one shows just how much McCain really does not like Obama. Like, a serious hatred I think.