The results are in - BARACK OBAMA WON LAST NIGHT'S DEBATE!!

My Review from http://www.dailykos.com/storyonly/2008/9/27/61841/6831/1015/612238

Partisans preferred their own candidate, but Independents saw Obama as the better choice. Barack's answers seemed more rational, well thought out, and he appeared more presidential overall. And part of the reason is because he didn't ATTACK McCain.

I was watching on CNN, and they had a "reaction" meter. EVERY time there was negativity, that meter went DOWN, no matter who was speaking. People realize we need a bipartisan leader for REAL change.

McCain claims to be a bipartisan leader, but he kept saying "Obama doesn't understand" and "Obama doesn't get it". On the other hand, Obama kept saying "I agree with John, BUT..." and "John is right, BUT..." showing that you don't have to attack your opponent just because you have a different opinion.

I think Obama did a wonderful job of treating McCain with respect, while showing strength and getting his messages across. Obama even let McCain get away with minor attacks while he focused on issues that are more important to all Americans.

Grades: Obama A-, McCain C+

FYI, this debate was critical for McCain. It may be difficult for him to recover.

Poll results and highlights below.

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Who won last night's debate?

Obama McCain
CNN 51% 38%

CBS 39% 25%

MSNBC 52% 33%

AOL 46% 44%

Wall Street Journal 58% 39%

NY Daily News 68% 32%

TIME's Report Card:

Obama McCain
Substance B+ B-
Style A C-
Offense B C+
Defense A- B-
Overall Grade A- B-

Summary - John McCain
McCain was McCain — evocative, intense, and at times emotional, but also vague, elliptical, and atonal. Failed to deliver his "country first versus Obama first" message cleanly, even when offered several opportunities. Surprisingly, did not talk much about "change," virtually ceding the dominant issue of the race.

Summary - Barack Obama
Went for a solid, consistent performance to introduce himself to the country. He did not seem nervous, tentative, or intimidated by the event, and avoided mistakes from his weak debate performances during nomination season (a professorial tone and long winded answers). Standing comfortably on the stage with his rival, he showed he belonged — evocative of Reagan, circa 1980. He was so confident by the end that he reminded his biggest audience yet that his father was from Kenya. Two more performances like that and he will be very tough to beat on Election Day.

Obama: 'You were wrong' about Iraq

Obama: Focus on Bin Laden and Al Qaeda

Obama: Priorities Beyond Iraq War

Just For Fun: Bill Maher & Chris Rock Review the Debate