The majority of people are saying that Obama won the debate last night.  But it wouldn’t be because either candidate really answered all the questions or shut out the other in policy. No - it was mainly because of presence, interaction, and tone.  This NYTimes blogpost highlights a few of them (h/t K-Co). 

That is an interesting item.  Afterall, it is often said that little things make a difference in getting jobs - how well your suit fits, how fit you are, general attractiveness, and word choice.  The Presidential debate is really the same thing - a HUGE job interview except where the candidates know who else is applying and get to fight each other for the seat. 

Seriously, it was the first Reality TV, and it looks like Reality TV has taken a lot of pointers from elections.

The debate last night did not really deal with any new information or matters.  But it was revealing for people to watch the two interact - with each other and with the audience.  This debate became more about feeling and perception than about policy.

• Either of the candidates would be an improvement over George W. Bush. But, that said, this debate made me an even stronger supporter of Obama and more sure that McCain is wrong for the job. It came down to temperament. Obama came across as steady, presidential and thoughtful at just about every point during the debate. While McCain is knowledgeable, he also was irritated, sometimes sarcastic and often angry during the debate.

Why does this matter? It matters because we need to know that the president will maintain a cool head and will be open to listening to dissenting ideas – especially during a crisis.

• Sen. Obama handled the barbs from McCain with a lot of class. He seemed relaxed and well-spoken and leaves me with the feeling that he really does care about us. …
• mccain was good. he is honest not like you know who.we need someone honest for the people. not someone who does not speak the truth.
• I think Obama answered the questions better than McCain. On the otherhand, McCain seemed almost desperate to try to connect with his “my friend” comments! The finger pointing McCain did was past annoying–almost juvenile! McCain looked old and his breathing seemed labored at times. The debate reinforced my feelings that McCain is too old!
• John McCain’s body language, “side” comments, and laugh were inappropriate and disrespectful. Especially when he pointed to Obama and called him “that guy.” How fitting, so reflective of the attitude that has been in Washington the last 8 years. Obama was poised, professional, and answered each question. Obama, no question, won this debate.
• I think John McCain had the edge on Obama. I believe the liberal media is being biased on their opinions on who won this 2nd debate.
• Obama was clearly presidential tonight. Calm and prepared. McCain appeared awkward and at times incoherent answers, unfinished sentences, and lame jokes.
• I found the attitudes of both candidatess disrespectful towards Tom Brokaw. They were much more interested in voicing their opinions than listening and answering questions.

It seems that a lot of people were impacted by the tone of McCain’s jokes, whining, and his (lack of)interaction with the audience.  And in reality, McCain set himself up to be judged by a higher standard with his claims that he was going to “bring the fight to Obama” at this debate - and then fizzled under the pressure.  There were times he actually looked maniacal, and others where he seemed tired.  He behaved in ways that people felt were not appropriate - following up the rampant talk about not using Obama’s honorific of Senator and not looking Obama in the eye with references to Obama as “that one!” 

McCain’s talk of using a “walk softly, and carry a big stick” doesn’t come off so well when he’s openly making snide remarks.  (and besides…wasn’t Reagan his hero in the last debate?)

There was even one point where McCain spoke his piece, and then walked back to his pad of paper and crossed out several things on the sheet - right in front of the camera! 

Is this how a president comports himself?  When McCain’s speaking to the UN, is he going to be doing something similar, crossing out his talking points as he goes through them?  It seems uncomfortable, distracting, and frankly, like he’s just selling something based on bullets put together by his aides rather than speaking from his heart, his knowledge, or experience. 

I don’t have a problem with notes or bullets.  But I am in favor of looking like you know what you’re doing instead of constantly referring to your notes.  That’s a sign of a poor speaker - like the speaker is not really engaged with the audience, not knowledgable enough to really speak to the issues.

McCain did himself no favors by purporting to be energetic and ready to fight with his Straight Talk Express, and then completely being unprepared and lacking any real fire.  People talk about how he over-used “my friends”, and did not stay around after the debate.  These things create an image of him as feeling above other people and uninterested in the feelings of the average person.  McCain’s claims of being active and charged up for this debate only resulted in him appearing completely out of touch.

If you’ll note, Obama did not make such claims.  Many people have been calling for more energy, more emotion, but now that you look back on the debates, people are stating that Obama seemed “more presidential” with his calm, friendly attitude.  Obama’s not trying to be something he’s not - despite the fact that people are asking for him to make a scene.  And in the end, it is working for him - he’s playing up his strengths and refusing to follow the lead of the people hungry just for a scene, just for some sparks.

This is NOT a sitcom, people.  It’s the future of our country.  And part of that future is selling ourself as being a quality place to be, to invest, to depend on and interact with.  I’m not buying the America that McCain is selling.  And as the economy shows, the rest of the world isn’t either.

I think this comment really seems to sum up people’s perceptions of Obama and McCain.

Obama = George Bailey

McCain = Mr. Potter