Obama holds own in debate

No one landed a knockout punch in Friday’s first presidential debate between Barack Obama and John McCain. McCain, coming off a tumultous week that saw him nearly cancel his debate appearance, sought to regain his footing and stop his sliding poll numbers. Obama, meanwhile, attempted to show Americans that he is ready to serve as president.
The candidates sparred on spending, taxes, the Iraq War, Afghanistan, and their respective Senate votes. McCain often criticized Obama’s grasp of issues, saying that the Illinois senator “doesn’t understand” foreign policy issues. Obama attempted to tie McCain to the past eight years of government policy.
Throughout the debate, Obama repeatedly found himself on the defensive, responding to attacks from McCain on his opposition to the Iraq surge, his willingness to meet with foreign leaders such as the president of Iran, and his alleged support for congressional earmarks. Obama also did something he may find himself regretting later-he often started his responses by saying “John is right” or “I agree with John.” The McCain campaign has already edited together a YouTube video of those com-plimentary Obama remarks.
Still, in a debate with a war hero who has served in Congress for 30 years, Obama held his own. He avoided making any gross errors or gaffes that could have endangered his candidacy.
McCain, meanwhile, stressed his foreign policy knowledge and his opposition to excessive government spending, even once referring to himself as a “maverick.” He used most of his remarks to criticize Obama’s lack of experience.