Heads up DU, Obama is not speaking to you in these debates.

[Unsane]

He is speaking to about 10% of the population who haven't made up their minds. He already knows you're going to vote for him.

Those who plea for Obama to "ask why McCain won't look him in the eye," or "ask about charging for rape kits," or "call McCain a liar," are sort of missing the point. The goal for him in these things is to: look presidential, in command of the facts, sincere, respectful but forceful, and effectively draw contrasts between himself and McCain. Following this strategy to a tee, Obama effectively won last night's debate, coming across as presidential, while McCain portrayed himself as a sneering, grumpy old man.

[JimWis]

1. And he did get to those people. I have heard more folks toady

say they are voting Obama. These were undecided, or independent. These folks don't know Obama like we do. They are busy with their life and work and never watch any of the stump speeches unless it is where they live. They only see the commercials and occasional news coverage. Last night they met Obama for the first time. And they got it. He was successful. And the posts here all day have been telling similar experiences. Plus the polls.

[Diamonique]

2. So true. Last night he had to introduce himself to all those independents...

... and undecideds who haven't been paying attention.

He needed to let them know that he is knowledgeable and ready. He had to make them be able to see his as President. Last night was not the time for him to be angry and combative. It was their first impression of him, and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression.

But don't look at these debates individually. Look at them as a series. Last night was just the first in a series of 4 debates. Over time Obama will be a little more feisty later.. when it's time.

He knows what he's doing.

[FrenchieCat]

3. Last night, his mission was to make himself Presidential and likeable

and make McCain Unpresidential and Unlikeable.

He was more than gracious with John McCain,
while McCain acted like a petulant spoiled child.

McCain played his part to the "T"!

The contrast was jarring!

Mission Accomplished. :patriot:

[mzmolly]

4. He spoke to me

just fine. :hi:

[fujiyama]

5. It's hard for many of us to even remember

that a significant percentage of the population still doesn't "know" Obama like we do. There are so many idiotic rumors and lies about him out there that have shaped perceptions of him.

Among them was that he wasn't informed about foreign policy or wasn't strong on it.

Instead he went head to head with a senator for whom foreign policy, rightly or wrongly was considered by many to be his strongest suite. He went head to head on this issue and either won, or tied at worst. He came off strong and made hits when needed. He looked respectful, composed, and completely in control. I especially liked his comment that McCain acts as though he believes the war started in '07. He was absolutely on target with regards to military aid to Pakistan and he didn't back down when it came to Iran.

Sure, he gave a bit much ground on a few issues and he probably could have hit McCain harder on a host of statements or issues. But he let McCain come off as a spiteful, obnoxious, entitled, and smirky jerk. Obama looked like he could be president. That's what he needed to do. And he did it.

[Unsane]

8. yep

[chalky]

13. Thank you! I had a friend griping about that last night.

She thought he'd hidden his light under a bushel. But, I told her, that’s because she’s seen him when he was on fire. So many people don't follow politics the way we do.
He was going after the ones who, after feeding, bathing, and putting the kids to bed, try to "stay informed" by getting all their news from MSM outlets like (heaven help us) FAUX (all while living in complete ignorance that the fairness doctrine is dead and buried).

They didn't get emailed the YouTube link to watch his speech on Race.

They didn't (like we did) see a heads-up post on a website that maybe they ought to postpone that bathroom break and instead, catch the speech that Illinois senator would be making during the 2004 Democratic Convention.

Their exposure to him took the form of a few two-minute soundbites that at best got lost in the shuffle of other news or at worst got masticated, digested, and crapped out by hacks. Last night these people got 96 minutes of undiluted Obama, and it was a revelation to them. And they showed their opinion in the polls.

[ClarkUSA]

6. He did beautifully. How much ya wanna bet McCain will look him in the eye next time...

... and mention the middle-class?

[Curious_Quebec]

7. Smart post...

Short and right to the point. You people need more of this and less of:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7223753&mesg_id=7223753

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7225013

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x7225036

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=132&topic_id=7224264&mesg_id=7224264

and so on....

Good grief...

[Cha]

9. And, we've had at least two beautifully

written essays on DU with just that mind. Thanks for another reminder Unsane.

Even my, newbie to politics(Crash course Obama 101), son understands that.

[ElboRuum]

10. The first step to making breakfast...

...is to know what side your bread is buttered on. Obama is very lucky. The people who support him are smart enough to figure out his strategy. Which is... hey, Freeplurkers, ya wanna help me out here? Oh wait, you AREN'T smart enough to figure that out.

[K8-EEE]

11. He absolutely did what he had to do.

All the "non-political" people I've talked to came away with a great impression of him.

John McCain talks to us like we're kindergartners. People like the RESPECT Obama gave McCain AND the audience.

[blondeatlast]

12. You frequently piss me off, Unsane--but not this time. You are spot-on. nt

[Binka]

16. No Unsane Still Pisses Me Off

This post is condescending and full of shit. Just like Unsane.

[Psst_Im_Not_Here]

14. And watching that independent line on CNN last night

I noticed that it dipped below the median line when McCain attacked Obama. To me it seemed the equivalent of an eye roll from the middle.

[MattBaggins]

15. Yes he is... nt

[JeffR]

17. ZOMG how dare he not speak to us...!

He's just so snooty...