Belmont

Who won? It depends on the issue.

Money
McCain did a little better on some economic issues and spending. The "That guy" shot was a good one. The tax increase thing put Obama on his heals. McCain looked good until he brought up buying mortgages. Where did that come from? In for a pound
In for a penny. He had me at hello but lost me at that point. Wash. Possible Obama if McCain kills more of his base.

Foreign policy

was a wash.

Energy

"Drill baby drill" or "Gas tank" that is all he had to say. He didn't. Wash.

Priorities
Obama brought up education. Good in the short term but not a real wise move long term. Not that education is unimportant but McCain can bring up what Obama did in Chicago with education money he got from Ayres and can talk about Obamas sex ed plans for 5 year old. That is if McCain is willing to talk social issues suddenly.

McCain brought up bipartisanship and willingness to cross over on issues. Nice, but a little late. That would have been good a month or so ago. Edge still McCain.

Health care
Obama empathised well. McCain made a good point by bringing up the Obama penalty and Obamas inability to say how much it would be, even when asked directly. The McCain tax credit plan did not present well. It is A little complex to do in a debate. Overall Push.

Presentation
McCain needs to learn to stand still. He moved around like Ali on crack. I saw more out of frame shots and pictures of the back of his head then I would if he was a marathon runner. I bet the camera guy felt like a lineman trying to grab Barry Sanders in the open field. One second he is there in front of you the next he spins an goes another direction. "Where did he go and where is he off to next?" Town hall forum was supposed to be McCains specialty. He needs to remember it is on TV also.

The hair plugs joke tanked. I mean crickets. If McCain was going to hit someone he missed some real opportunities to pounce on the Ayres connection and Obamas attacks on our military. I think that would have played better then some stuff he brought up. He should have brought up Palin or his support of women it would have shored up that area and pulled a little of the shine from her and put it on him. Overall Obama presented better.

Overall
Slight edge McCain but it was only slight. I could see some will say Obama won but I think it would be like the Nixon/Kennedy debate and radio vs. TV viewers. A tie helps Obama as he runs out the clock. McCain is down so he needed to move some seats, light some fires, take some hard shots and I don't think he did that. I don't know if it is really in him or his style. He doesn't fight like that. He wants everybody to be his friend. He likes to reach across and hug Democrats so much, that when it is time to enter the cage he doesn't know how to body slam them. Unfortunately at election time two men enter a cage and only one will leave with a belt.