Some of the Early Takes on the Debate

Here are some of the early reviews of the performances of the two candidates last night:

Halperin gives Obama an A- and McCain a B-. He said of Obama, "Polished, confident, focused. Fully prepared, and able to convey a real depth of knowledge on nearly every issue." About McCain, he observed, "Cluttered, jumpy, and often muddled. Keenly aware of the grand, grave occasion, McCain wavered between respectful and domineering, and ended up awkward and edgy."

Chuck Todd observed, "I suspect that only the most partisan McCain supporters wouldn't say Obama looked as presidential as McCain . . . . There are some who believe a "draw" is better for the candidate perceived to be ahead. If that's the case, then the polls will continue their Obama drift. But I wouldn't be surprised if the polls don't move much in either direction because neither candidate gave a reason why voters ought to stop listening and make their decision now."

Marc Ambinder observed, "The press will probably conclude that McCain did not fundamentally change impressions tonight. And that Obama held his own."

Andrew Sullivan said, "My main stylistic impression was that Obama was crisper than usual, sharper, and more aggressive than in his debates with Clinton."

Ben Smith summed it up, "People tuning into the race now now think of McCain as an experienced hand, and Obama as a newcomer. Obama more than held his own, and McCain failed to expose him -- as he tried -- as out of his depth."