iZania Blogs

CNN's poll of people who watched the second presidential debate showed 54 percent saying Democrat Barack Obama won and 30 percent thinking Republican John McCain was the victor.

The most telling observation about Barack Obama's debate performance was an observation that he looked "more Presidential -- in command of his plan, his vision, his prioirites." 

In response, John McCain was ineffective in recycling his stump speech talking points.  He was unconvincing, erratic in his arguments, and was not very crisp in offering specific solutions.  He seemed angry at the world for the mess we are

This was a very close debate.  Each candidate scored points, but no knockdowns, and no knockout.

• Barack Obama says John McCain wrong about Iraq 
• McCain says Obama "doesn't understand" some key issues 
• Candidates debate earmarks, taxes, economic plans

Up against McCain's clearly superior advantage in experience, Obama's performance illustrated that he was able to present  a clear contrast in his approach to restoring global leadership for the USA.
McCain sees the world through the prism of military victory, and Obama envisions a path of diplomacy supported by a strong military.

A CBS Preliminary

This morning Barack called John McCain to suggest a joint statement of principles that would help Congress resolve the immediate financial crisis.

Then John McCain went on television and said he was suspending his campaign and that Friday's presidential debate should be postponed. 

Obama also made it clear in a follow u press conference that -- with only 40 days left for the American people to decide who will be responsible for leading our economic future -- it is more important than ever that the scheduled debate takes place.  He added, "Presidents are going to have to deal with more than

The New York Times reports on the preparations for the upcoming Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates.

Preparation for these debates is akin to that of a heavyweight fight.  Mr. Obama plans to begin debate camp on Tuesday with a tight circle of advisers at a site in the Tampa Bay area of Florida, his aides say, with a prominent Democratic lawyer, Greg Craig, playing the part of Mr. McCain in mock debates. McCain aides refused to say when his debate camp would be or where, or who was playing Mr. Obama or Mr. Biden. (Gov. Jennifer M. Granholm, Democrat of Michigan, is playing Ms. Palin for