I didn't watch the debate, but I think I know who won!

I had a Bible study to lead last night, so I missed the debate. I did catch the last 10 minutes or so on the way home on the radio, but I had to depend on the pundits to tell me what happened. When I got home, I turned to CNN and heard several pundits say that this was McCain's best debate and that Obama seemed flat and professorial. But as the night wore on, the polls came in, it appeared that first impressions might have been wrong. Perhaps John McCain didn't win. In fact, despite his best effort, he fell far short.

Of course, expecting that a third debate would be a game changer was probably a stretch. McCain had to come out aggressive -- which he apparently did -- and hope Obama made a big mistake -- which he didn't. Obama came into this election cycle not being the best debater. He likes to give longer answers, when debates require short clips. While I was concerned about the drawn out primary season, it appears that this may have helped strengthen his campaign. Hillary is a far better debater than McCain. Hillary was much better at getting under Barack's skin. And he seemed to be cautious, because of her gender. McCain, on the other hand, wrapped his nomination early, never had to deal with that many debates and may have lost his edge.

From the looks of things, McCain took the bait on Ayers and Acorn (remember there is a clip of McCain speaking at an Acorn convention praising the group he now condemns) and Obama had an answer. Obama was apparently asked about Palin and didn't take the bait.

You know, I have always respected John McCain. He's a war hero and a champion of important causes. But he has not shown the temperament to be President. He may have experience, but he doesn't appear presidential. Obama on the other hand, though inexperienced, shows great calmness, great control. I was watching PBS for a bit last night and Doris Kearns Goodwin and David Brooks were talking about Obama's cool -- it almost appears that he doesn't have the passion to do this, but Goodwin suggested maybe that the passion, the drive lies deep within, but he has learned to regulate himself better than perhaps anyone else. He's in control of himself and his surroundings. At a time like this, when we're in a crisis, having someone in leadership who can offer calmness might be a good thing. Yes, McCain is a fighter, so is Hillary, but the people seem to be choosing the calm presence. It's interesting how we choose.

So, we're done with the debates. John McCain got bested three times in them. Obama has more money and a decent lead. McCain has tried the negative approach and it doesn't seem to be working. McCain complained that Obama has spent more on negative ads than any other Presidential candidate in history, but at least in recent weeks his ads have been almost completely negative and the voters are perceiving McCain not Obama to be the negative campaigner. But what else does McCain have left in the arsenal. He could decide to run a positive campaign, take the high road, but while that might have worked a month ago, now it's too late. Ultimately, McCain has to wait around to see if Obama does something stupid, and Obama has proven himself able to stay away from such things!

Is it over? No. Is McCain in a difficult situation? Yes. It's a bit like being in a best of seven baseball play off series. McCain is down 3 games to 1. He needs to sweep the last three, Obama just needs one. Can it happen? Yes, it happens occasionally. Will it happen? I'd think it's unlikely. But Red Sox fans will tell you that they came back to take it from the Yankees, but that was then and this is now. This year they couldn't overtake the Rays, even as the Dodgers couldn't come back against the Phillies. Possible, but extremely difficult.