“During and after the debate, Democracy Corps conducted a set of dial and focus groups among 45 undecided voters in St. Louis, Missouri. These voters had an unmistakably Republican tilt, voting for President Bush by a 2-to-1 margin in 2004 and self-identifying as 33 percent Republican and 27 percent Democrat. But playing on his perceived strength of national security and before a friendly audience, McCain could only manage a draw among this group. Of our 45 initial undecided voters, a quarter moved to Obama and a quarter to McCain after the debate with the rest remaining undecided. Moreover, by a 38 to 27 percent margin these voters said that Obama won this debate.”
http://www.democracycorps.com/focus/2008/09/first-presidential-debate-obama-makes-important-personal-and-national-security-gains/

To me it looked to be more of a draw than anything on international policy, which works to Obama’s favor in the end since he already has a steady lead in the polls; all he has to do is maintain it, show his competence and not slip up. On the economic issues, McCain looked shaky and it took him until they were rolling in foreign policy details for him to get a head of steam. He actually looked revitalized and not as old and frail as he did in the beginning. But the problem for him is that this was his strong suit. If Grampa McCain comes out for the next two debates instead of Commander McCain that we saw at the end of the last one, it will be very difficult for him to gain ground on Obama.

http://dissentingjustice.blogspot.com

As for declaring victory, man, this guy declares victory faster than Bush declares “mission accomplished!” That’s my kind of leadership!