During Friday night’s first United States Presidential debate between GOP nominee Senator John McCain of Arizona and Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, the candidates touched base on the topics of the economy and foreign policy. So far it seemed that things were “calm” and “tranquil” when McCain and Obama had discussed the economy.
However, neither of them gave the specifics on how they would deal with the financial crisis. The day before the debates took place, Obama and McCain both flew to Washington DC to meet with United States President George W. Bush. However, no deal has been reached on the $700 billion bailout proposal.
But, the debate somewhat heated up when the debate topic shifted towards foreign policy. Still, the debate was rather lukewarm at best. There were no heavy hits between Obama and McCain. It seemed that both Obama and McCain were holding swords and slightly tapping each other.
There were no thrusting stabs and devastating slash marks. They were verbally thrusting, poking, and tapping each other.
The debate had gotten somewhat interesting and heated when McCain and Obama had discussed Iraq. While Iraq is still a hot topic, it has been losing its importance in recent polls. So far, the issue of the economy still holds the number one spot over Iraq.
Still, McCain is still the stronger candidate over Iraq. But, the issue has been overshadowed by the economy. Obama and McCain blasted each other on Iraq. But, they didn’t leave any blows that left critical damage.
McCain brought up his experience and Obama’s inexperience on the matter. However, Obama had something interesting to fire back at McCain.
Obama told McCain that he likes to pretend that the war started last year in 2007; but, it actually started in 2003. This is one of the highlights of the US Presidential debate that went on last night.
Obama said these words to McCain: “You talk about the surge. The war started in 2003, and at the time when the war started, you said it was going to be quick and easy. You said we knew where the weapons of mass destruction were. You were wrong.”
Perhaps these words will be making much impact within the next few days. It is inevitable that it will be brought up in next week’s Vice-Presidential debate between McCain running mate Governor Sarah Palin of Alaska and Obama running mate Senator Joe Biden of Delaware.
The first US Presidential debate was considered lukewarm. Perhaps the VP debate between Palin and Biden will become smoking hot. We can only hope.
We can expect Palin and Biden to clash on Iraq.