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Viewer Comments On The Second Presidential Debate

We asked about your thoughts on the second presidential debate on Tuesday night. Here are your responses:

It was not a true town hall meeting, the questions asked were controlled by NBC. Obama is a product of his marketing team and his "knowledge" is only what has been fed to him by his handlers. On the other hand, I wish John McCain would quite rapping Obama and just stick to the issue... McCain missed many opportunities to go deeper into his answers, get into the nitty-gritty of as an example his plan for reducing defaulting home mortgages... he should have talked about how it would work. I am just sick and tired of all the damn sound bytes and additionally am sick and tired of the television networks telling me, the voter, how to think. As an example, the ridiculousness of Katie Couric's grilling of Sara Palin... can anybody explain what the hell has Couric ever done for her country? Sara Palin has achieved some significant things and, although she is not an expert in foreign affairs, neither is that phony Obama. --Pat

A lot of Senator McCain comments were misleading. For instance, when he cited that Obama voted 94 times to raise taxes. McCain was demeaning when he said 'that one', hardly civil to be an American representative of his country, not to mention presidential. --Joan P.

The second presidential debate was no contest at all. Presidential Candidate Barack Obama did well in the second meeting against John McCain. Barack Obama had a definitive idea for resolving the energy situation, Social Security, the economy, and education. He hit it right on the head when he would invest up to 20 billion dollars on various energy sources to lead the country towards independence from foreign oil. He also hit the issue well on the economy. A need to quickly regulate Wall Street -- will be needed -- to rid the nation of this futile economic crunch and future economic doldrums. Social Security needs reformation in terms of providing more benefits -- without the need of bloated items in the budget ... like pork barrel spending and wasted money on the war with Iraq. Education -- such as the No Child Left Behind -- needed a useful review to allow schools to pass without bureaucracy and red tape. This plan has worked against poorer school districts into retaining quality teachers -- and maintaing highly educated students ... particularly in Chicago, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Clevleand, Philadelphia, and Kansas City. Barack Obama will win the 2008 Election ... all because the American public -- like you and me -- are fed up with this futile, disguisting, obscene, and sickening state of affairs in Washington, D.C. Any Questions? Obama ran a well-balanced debate; McCain ran out of time ... despite putting out a sensible debate. --Eric L. Ellis

Obama looks and acts intelligent...a quality I certainly require in a President. I was disappointed to hear McCain repeatedly dismiss the immense problems this country faces with an offhand "I know what to do....I know exactly how to fix that" and so on. If you think it's that easy and you know just what to do, how about letting us in on your plans? I've heard darn little real meat, and a lot of self congratulation. Anyone who, until very recently, thought deregulation was still a great thing is way off the beam and learned nothing from the Reagan experience with the same. --Twyla Yednock

Barack Obama says cirrent government spending too much money on war with terrorism,does it mean he can fight it spending less catching osama bin ladin ?I dont think so... --Jenetta

I thought McCain comes across much clearer on the issues.Obana talks about health care for everbody but it would become like medicare you would still have to have a supplement to go with it. --Alma Powell

I think McCain is fake with his "my friend" references. I think Obama did a great job nd answered all the questions without firing jabs at McCain. I think McCain doesn't have a clue and wants the American people to just "trust" him. --Beverly

Our Country is in very difficult times,Economy,Health Care,and War. We need and experienced leader not an apprentice. --Marlyne Roth

I thought that the media wants Obama to win. Everytime The McCain's camp says anyhing the media turns it all around to make Obama look good. McCain understands what needs to be done and maybe if Obama would have just been quite instead of responding to McCain each and every time maybe more questions could have asked. Plus why was obama allowed to respond each time and McCain had to ask for some chance the Obama was given. It was very obvious the hoist was just for Obama. Also why didn't the media pick up on the fact that Obama needed to clarify each time what he had said early. All I hear from Obama is alot of nothing with no track record. Plus has he done anything for Illinois the job he was elected in the first place. Oh hey that is right he vote for a three million dollar projector. That must be some projector. I wonder if that three million could have bought some books for schools, given heat to a single mother, a senior their medicine and a child some food. So I guess Obama is all for spending three million on nothing and that is a great track record. --Kathy

I really want to know McCains easy fix to Social Security, if it is so easy why hasn't it been done? I think that McCain is the naive candidate when all he say's is that his experience in the armed services gives him the ability to solve all national problems but never really states what his programs are. I thank him for defending our nation but I don't think that directly relates to being a good president, I want to hear about the future not the past. --Ralph

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. --Vito

Why no discussion on Immigration enforcement since the 2 canidates have been chosen? It's clear neither one wants to lose the Hispanic vote. --Rich Laczynski

McCain, during the debate stated that he knows how to get Bin Laden and that he would get him. Why don't we have Bin Laden if that was really the case? Is he holding out... because he is always truthful, or was it just a little white lie? Interesting... --Kyle Phillips

My thoughts concerning the debate is, Obama won this debate. Because he knows what the people needs are, with health care, with our homes, with our children. He wasn't on the attack with McCain, he stayed strictly with the issues at hand. On the other hand with McCain was on the attack, he didn't explain a lot of things concerning the issues, he tried to crack jokes, which we didn't need at this time. He can out with saying that he would bail/out the peoples mortages, but he didn't go into details how he would do that. To me McCain is not ready to be president of this country, because he (McCain) brings to the table the same old thing has (Bush). McCain is 'Bush The Second'. McCain will not run this country, Bush will be on the side/line with him, and this we don't need another (4)years of. --Denise

talking sbout it is one thing doing is another. this is not a recession it is a depression. as far as health care,like the one lady commented, if you couldn't afford it you would still find a way to find a way. I pay for health care and I can't afford it but I need it. Get real. do you want Universal Health care run by the govt? NO WAY --Sylvia Abercrombie

How disappointing that someone like McCain who's gone through so much could be so childish saying "that one" and "me" Such disrespect even my 2 year old isn't like that. To top it off, to twisted Obama's word when Obama mentioned about Bin Laden & Pakistan, he never said that we'd go to war with Pakistan. What McCain did showed me he's not someone who'll be truthful. --Mary Ann

McCain has gone off the edge in desperation. I don't know what Obama will do, but I believe McCain will give us more of what we've had for the past 8 years. Something America can't stand. --John W. Anderson

As an Obama suppoter I still am worried about the answers given overall. How about a venue of where the questions are not filtered and the candidates are not timed. We need to see these candidates in a real life standing debate with un rehearsed questions and a blue collar worker looking them in the face and not just accepting their answer but making sure they actually answer and not dance around. I am paying more than $100.00 per month for gas most recently it was over $200.00 per month more than last year. McCain does not address very well the issues but want to bailout the housing market who will be ultimately resposible for that. arent we already footing the bailout plan that was just approved? --Mark Killinger

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! --Margaret Foshe

I feel that 2 and the other channels are bias and that you always put people on that you say are experts.Why dont you go to the streets and ask the people that really have concerns. Ask us how we feel about what they say.As for McCain what he said about Benladin that was a bucket of garbage.If someone knows how or where Benladin is they should have told someone about it. --Willie J. Patton

As a young voter I felt that Obama's political ideals resonated more with me. My generation is deeply concerned about the economic and social welfare of our country because as we grow older we will be the ones picking up the pieces. --Tonia O.

I thought Mcain's style of communication was aggressive and disrespectful. Calling Obama "that one" shows the kind of mentality that Mcain has. The president of the USA needs to be able to comunicate respecfully with the entire world. Obama's style was confident, respectful and to the point. I was happy he thought that health care was a right. Goverment needs to return basic rights to the people. ...we need our American Dream back. --Isabel Mulcahy

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. --Robin Bowling

I do have one question re: Senator McCain's health care plan. If the average cost of health insurance is $12,000 per year per individual for corporate health care plans how does the honorable senator suggest an individual maximize his $5000 tax credit to afford an entire year of insurance? Further, for someone like myself who has lost his job through injury and subsequently had to purchase private health insurance at over $1500 per month how does one stay insured with a $5000 tax credit? --R. Johnson

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. --Annie

Sen. McCain voted for the last three pork filled bailout bills. So much for his anti-pork policy. After all he has the gov. who had the bridge to nowhere. He talked about nuclear energy, but voted against nuclear waste traveling to Yucca Mountain in only one state, Arizona. That he did not think it is safe there, but it is o.k. any other state. When he talks about his care for the toops it is a lie. He has two veterans groups (Disabled American Vets and e veteranreportcard.org) both gave him a "D" and Sen. Obama a "B" on their voting record or lack of it. He kept saying he does not know Sen. Obama's tax plan. Except he explained it. That his plan would give the middle class 3 times more cuts over Sen. McCain's plan. The other plan that would give the majority of cuts to the top percentage of incomes. The opposite reason why he could not support Pres. Bush's original tax cut bill. --Steven Josephson

I thought that once again, Obama spoke to the questions. He promotes change and we desperately need that. He also tells us how he will accomplish that. He has the drive and passion to improve our country from within for us and without improving our standing in the world, where we have suffered. I believe in our country and I believe, once again, that Obama will work passionately for it. --Judy

nothing is said about sr's s.s., our raise was only 2.3%, didn't even go to cover the cost of living. i'm living on under $1000 a month and not even closest to making ends meet. electric, gas, food, gas for car, and etc. gone up over 10% this year. what are we going to get no raise. state aid says i make too much money. others my age where let go to hire younger people. i know of some. so let's give more money for foriegnaid and the hell with the srs. --Merle Kemmerling

Although it might be an improvement to have a Republican in office who can pronounce nuclear (just ONE U), it's not enough for me to vote for him! His plan to buy up bad mortgages makes me feel stupid for NOT buying a house I couldn't afford... --Mary Lou Griggs

Are supporters of the two presidential candidates divided by race? When watching your newscast at 10 this evening, all those who supported Sen McCain appeared to be white while Senator Obama's supporters were African American. Was this intentional? --Robert MacNamara

first of all, mccain believes everyone is his "friend" and secondly he is still living in the past. his mention of his hero teddy roosevelt and ronald reagan proves that he is stll not living in the present but his mind is in the past. his republican philosophy of trickle down economics does not relate to the problems of 95% of the working class people in this country.he has been out of touch with the middle class for the last 30 years. his has been a life of privilege and cannot relate to the problems of todays middle class;not when you own 7 homes and don't have to worry about paying a health insurance premium or mortgage or putting 60 bucks worth of gas in your car at a crack. out of touch and out of his mind. --Tommy H.

Obama did well in this debate and seemed to have his responses ready without having to resort to furiously taking notes like McCain. And about the "look at my record" response with McCain. He's a broken record. --Eric Koehler

I thought hands down that Obama won this debate. McCain turned certain Obama talking points to his benefit. I don't know if he just couldn't keep up with what Obama said or he purposely turned things around to try to deceive the listeners. I believe if he is elected we will have 4 more years of Bush's policies. --Cassandra Britton

Pretty good discussion though Senator McCain snotty (condesending)with comments like "That one" when referring to Senator Obama. Did not change my mind. --Sothstein Rothstein

I agreed more with Obama. Especially regarding all the money spent on the war when we can use that money to help us in America. --Laura

I think the $300 billion program is ridiculous. McCain is just wasting money when we can use it for something better. --Jill

I thought McCain needed to be more aggressive in linking Obama to Fannie and Freddie because his statements were right on. --Lionel Garcia

These troubled times it becomes clearer each debate, Obama is the obvious choice to take this country into the right direction. --Trent Stevens

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. --Beth

Everyone ignored long-term unemployment. Victims of peremptory job discrimination know that macroeconomic policies cannot end this. We're seething at being treated as if we are dead after we've been pushed entirely off the economic cliff. We're still alive, and we're NOT "America's Untouchables." --Jean SmilingCoyote

If McCain knows how to find Osama why doesn't he share that information to the goverment so we can stop the war??? --Nelida

I found it really unnerving when McCain referred to Obama as "that one" after a frustrated rant on voting records. --Topher McCulloch

Senator Mccain in my opinion was more concerned about bashing Obama. His childish comment were uncalled for. I do not want a president who makes childish remarks running my country. Stating his remark "that" pertaining to Obama is uncalled for. --Eliada Mora

My biggest concern with Sen. McCain's health care proposal of a $5,000 tax credit is, what about the people that cannot afford to pay for health care in the first place? His plan calls for the people to buy the healthcare and then get a tax credit. What about the families that cannot afford to pay for it and then have to wait for a tax credit? The only people I see day to day that focus on "tax credits" are the rich, it's the working middle class that need an affordable solution, not a "tax credit". --Chuck

Both avoided some questions and both were strong with points made before. However, Obama gave a bit more sensible answers. McCain hurt himself with the "that one" remark, belittling Obama. Both missed a great chance by saying that no one understands the ups and downs of the stock market and future of the economy when the last question of "What don't you know and how will you learn it?" was asked. --Danny Vu

I felt Obama touched everything that needed to be spoken about. He really knows what needs to be done. I watched tonight trying to decide who I will vote for and tonights debate really led me for Obama. McCain never really answered his questions, he only pointed towards what should be done. McCain has some good points, but with needed questions, he never gave specific answers. --Nicole Grohler

mccain hit it out of the park , home run,mccain is going to be the winner, liberals will lose and lose big --Lewis Cato

McCain clearly is very condescending in both his answers and his demeanor towards Obama. If he says "my friend" one more time, I'm going to scream! His insincerity is abundantly clear to me now. --Michelle

I believe that the debate was not won by either canidate. I do think that Senator McCain was quite childish when he refered to Senator Obama as "that one." --Amanda

I think McCain is wrong for wanting to drill oil in the U.S. Because it's just poluting the Earth and that's not gonna help us. --Debra

If you like Bush, you'll love McCain. --Ronald Ghilardi

McCain should not be coming under fire for using the term "that one". It was a humorous term, one I often use to refer to my friends. My college roommate and I laughed out loud when he said it because of the resemblence to the way we talk to each other. --Hannah Thompson

I am even more commited to Obama. --Matthew Mulcahy

Tuesday's debate allowed Senator Obama to soar above Senator McCain's mean-spirited and tired rhetoric. Senator McCain had nothing new or insightful to offer. Senator McCain is out of bullets, while Senator Obama has not even resorted to his big gun; the Keating Five issue. --Steven Snaer

Obama was clearly presidential tonight. Calm and prepared. McCain appeared awkward and at times incoherent answers, unfinished sentences, and lame jokes. --Marie

I felt that Obama made as clear as he could his plans. I don't understand how McCain feels giving people $5,000.00 to purchase their own insurance if the deductable are anywhere from say $500 to 10,000.00. That $5,000.00 is nothing and actually I don't see how it would help. Put a cap on deductibles...that's what is also putting people in bankruptcy courts and losing their homes...GO OBAMA! --Patricia

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