McCain never looked at Obama; never addressed him (suspect, racism, independent)

[vette-dude]

Originally Posted by TnHilltopper

I saw this a bit differently. McCain's almost condescending stare at his own podium while ignoring Obama probably ticked off the Democrats but I think it gave the appearance of the school master chiding the student. I think this played well with older voters and particularly older white voters.

Yes that's the impression I received also...

[rightofcenter]

Originally Posted by TnHilltopper

I saw this a bit differently. McCain's almost condescending stare at his own podium while ignoring Obama probably ticked off the Democrats but I think it gave the appearance of the school master chiding the student. I think this played well with older voters and particularly older white voters.

It looked good to people that were going to vote for him anyway - he has done this in every debate he was in where he didn't like the other guy. But I don't know if it is going to be perceived well by moderates.

[atxcio]

It did make McCain look very angry. Almost like he was doing all he could to keep his temper in check, like if he glanced at his opponent he might completely self destruct in front of the cameras. At least, that's how it looked to me.

On the contrary, Obama turned to address him several times. He tried to make eye contact, not avoid it. It was weird to see the body language so completely opposite. I think McCain will need to work on this for the next debates.

[Ironclad]

Originally Posted by sanrene

Notice whenever McCain addressed obama he said Sen Obama. Obama called him by his first name.

True but obama deserves a pass, he had no discipline in his upbringing. Tramps really don't mind their children.

[Mike Jones 1999]

Originally Posted by sanrene

Notice whenever McCain addressed obama he said Sen Obama. Obama called him by his first name.

...yes that is a good point too. However, Obama did look him in the face man to man... that is all I was trying to get at...but good point.

[Mike Jones 1999]

Originally Posted by Ironclad

True but obama deserves a pass, he had no discipline in his upbringing. Tramps really don't mind their children.

...what a great reply...did you think that up all by yourself?

[Anonymous Political Junky]

Originally Posted by atxcio

It did make McCain look very angry. Almost like he was doing all he could to keep his temper in check, like if he glanced at his opponent he might completely self destruct in front of the cameras. At least, that's how it looked to me.

On the contrary, Obama turned to address him several times. He tried to make eye contact, not avoid it. It was weird to see the body language so completely opposite. I think McCain will need to work on this for the next debates.

You didn't notice the anger that Obama had? How strange that is when it was quite noticable. of course Obama was his normal petulant and unrespectful self toward McCain.

The debate itself was more of a tie, though McCain pretty well cleaned his clock during many parts of the foreign policy.

[ZGACK]

Originally Posted by atxcio

As Hardball tonight correctly pointed out --

During this debate, where the format was 5 minutes of face-to-face conversation on each question by the candidates, McCain never once even looked at Obama! No eye contact whatsoever.

So what's up? No eye contact with your opponent would tend to indicate that you are either lying, misleading, or just plain intimidated. Even worse when it was supposed to be part of the format of the debate!

Do you look at a gnat before you swat it?

[sean283]

Originally Posted by Anonymous Political Junky

petulant

Another game idea: count how many times this guy uses this word to describe Obama!

[atxcio]

Originally Posted by Anonymous Political Junky

You didn't notice the anger that Obama had? How strange that is when it was quite noticable.

Not really. Body language was clear: Obama comfortable and confident, McCain barely able to contain his anger and/or fear of his opponent.