The Debate

Ok, so I joined millions of Americans and watched the first debate attentively and with some anxiety. All in all, I think both candidates did pretty well, although both failed in some regards. I think John McCain failed in creating an impression in the viewers mind that he holds a significantly higher degree of understanding of foreign policy issues. He tried, by often stating "Obama doesnt understand" but it was a statement that remained unproven.

Obama did demonstrate that he had good knowledge and understanding of foreign policy issues, but he failed, in my opinion, to put John McCain in his place. Obama allowed McCain's claims of "Obama doesnt understand" go unchallenged. He should have, forcefully, used that statement against John McCain as well. By not doing so, he may have created the impression that he was a student unwilling and a bit intimidated to challenge his teacher.

At the end of the day, debates are not won by the submission of accurate facts, debates are won by convincing the audience that you are right, even if you have merely stated an opinion that can either not be proven or the truth of it is relative.

Thus, Obama needs to appreciate the value of propaganda in debates and utilize it to his advantage in the coming debates.

In the mean time, I cant wait to watch the debate between Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin