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Debate on economy is money in bank for Obama

JOHN IBBITSON

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 9:37 PM EST 07/10/08

To the extent that talking about the economy benefits Democrats over Republicans, the debate rebounded to Obama's advantage ...Read the full article

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  1. What about the dinosaurs, Sarah Palin? from Canada writes: America, change is in the air. Go for it. Elect Obama-Biden.
  2. Anthony B from Maritimes, Canada writes: Does McCain have Palin’s permission to participate in this debate?
  3. Cameron M from Hogtown, Canada writes: Presidential debates are mainly meant to figure out the better liar. It's all about a candidate's ability to lie and not get caught. Positively 99% of everything they both say is pure lies. It's amazing that only recently has the media started to pay attention to this fact. Makes you wonder. Eventually, and as in any other election, the better liar ends up winning he White House. As simple as that.
  4. Allan Eizinas from Simcoe, Canada writes: If McCain does not have a 'seniors' moment then it will be a draw - unless of course if he winks at the audience and sends a message to his friends and former compatriots at the 'home'.
  5. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    While watching this debate one thing comes to mind.

    Isn't it nice watching a debate where you don't have one (or more) candidates constantly interrupting the other while they are talking?

    While I watch this debate I simply feel embarrassed as a Canadian when I think of the rude and ignorant behaviour of May, Layton and Duceppe in the Canadian leaders debate.

    Dion may have a poor platform, but at least he was polite.
  6. Mary T from Toronto, Canada writes: This format seems to favour McCain.
  7. David Stevens from MONTREAL, Canada writes: Sorry McCain, it's too late.

    People have already lost their homes or will do so by January when your administration will take over and there will be months of congressional wrangling attached even after that.

    It's like Harper promising to abolish the senate in Canada. Sure...

    Just get all the provinces, without exception, to sign on the dotted line and change the constitution. Politicians should promise something that is actually in their power to promise.

  8. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    Obama wants huge investments in solar, wind and other alternative energy.

    Why doesn't he just use a 'revenue neutral' Green Shift like the Liberals propose?

    Then, just like us, he can have all these things for free.
  9. Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes: :

    Either way, the Republicrats win. The race is a ruse. There is no Right/Left in a Feudal State. Only top and bottom.

    In 4 years, when those you elect inevitably disappoint you, will you promise never to vote again? Please?

    Don't force your choice on me and I will promise that I won't force my choice on you. Democracy is the opposite of freedom. It is political might makes right and a 'mob rules' coercion.
  10. Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: Very cynical thinking, Tax Me! - I wish I could say that you were wrong...sadly, I don't know if you are... :)
  11. dick brown from missy, Canada writes: David....'His' administration bragged about home ownership being at an all time high awhile back. Bush, the socialist, drank the Democrats kool-aid that some overweight single mom making $25K a year can afford a $200K home. Bush proved he was just as dumb as the socialist left.
  12. Howard Citrin from Canada writes: I really don't see the love in with Obama. His speaking ability doesn't seem to be above average, compared to other US politicians. Compared to CDN politicians, both are miles ahead.
  13. Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes: :
    Simon Templar from Vancouver, Canada writes: Very cynical thinking, Tax Me! - I wish I could say that you were wrong...sadly, I don't know if you are... :)

    ----

    I'm not. I wish I was. It took me more than 30 years to open my eyes.
  14. Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes: :
    So I looked at the bailout bill McBama signed. It is 471 pages long filled with complicated legalese to ensure the public hasn't got a freaking clue. I had to look around for others analysis to have it explained to me and cross check it back with the Bailout bill. If you work with software, you will understand the comment, 'Now that I know how it works, the manual finally makes sense.'

    a) Pork and all: $850 Billion.
    b) FDIC insurance on accounts raised from 100k to 250k. This is to make up for the last time it was raised to account for the inflation tax the Banking/Government cartel stole the purchasing power of your money all these years.
    c) The Treasury says that it will publish a list of purchases made. It is meaningless. If the bank buys a bond at 300M, has a current market value of 10M, and the Treasury buys it for 50M, in effect a 40M dollar subsidy was just given to the bank.
    d) There will be sharks (lobbyists) circling the money looking to see how much money they can give to their friends.
    e) CEO's must go the Fed to give the board a handjob to determine how much money they will make each year - however, only for the next 2 years. After that, they can circle jerk on the corpses they created and are protected by the State via limited liability laws.
    f) An Office of Financial Stability has been set up. They will have a tough time deciding what friends will receive the loot. There's. Just. So. Freaking. Much. Of. It.
    g) The SEC gets to decide what banks have 'fair market' or 'MTM' rules suspended. Small banks will be allowed to fail. Big ones will be hugged.
    h) There is a tax cut for manufacturers who make a certain kind of wooden arrow.
    i) Oh, the debt ceiling was raised to 11.3T. We all pay for this via inflation.
    j) Oh yeah, and a tax cut for Native Americans.

    How do you feel?
  15. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    >>Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes:

    >>a) Pork and all: $850 Billion...

    >>How do you feel?

    How do I feel?

    I feel like Dion and the Liberals want to do something similar here.
  16. Norman Petit from Calgary, Canada writes: In watching this debate live, it seems to me that Senator Obama is trying to get ideas out in a concise, clear manner and Senator McCain is interested in dodging questions and attacking Senator Obama. MCCain's reply to that fellow about the economy affecting the military's ability to serve effectively overseas was brutal.
  17. Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes: :
    Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    >>Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes:

    >>a) Pork and all: $850 Billion...

    >>How do you feel?

    How do I feel?

    I feel like Dion and the Liberals want to do something similar here.

    -----

    Don't fall for the ruse, Peter. Partisan politics is simply that we get to decide what shade of lipstick goes on the pig of government. After we vote, the shade fades...and it is still a pig.
  18. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    >>Tax Me! I'm Canadian. I'll roll over! from Canada writes: Don't fall for the ruse, Peter. Partisan politics is simply that we get to decide what shade of lipstick goes on the pig of government. After we vote, the shade fades...and it is still a pig.

    Totally agreed.

    But we are required to elect someone, so I'd like to elect the pig that I believe will cause the least slop.
  19. Howard Citrin from Canada writes: Does Obama not remember the questions he is answering? He just goes on and on to answer whatever question he feels like tackling rather than what's been asked...
  20. David K from Guelph, Canada writes: Methinks McCain doth protest too much:

    http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/07/check-point-the-second-presidential-debate/?partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

    or more simply:

    http://tinyurl.com/2df89g
  21. J A from Ottawa, Canada writes: I like watching this far more than our debate in Canada. They do not cut off each other in the middle and it is so much more civilized, and they really present their points and thoughts clearly. Well done!
  22. Will Hoaccio from Canada writes: Boring!
  23. Keith H from Canada writes: What a laugh, Obama slaughtered crotchety old McCain.

    Even though my faith was lost when Americans voted Bush again, it can be restored if they get Obama in there!
  24. Norman Petit from Calgary, Canada writes: I'm online with the NY Times watching the post-debate camera work, and for a minute I thought I was getting an 'Obama-feed' until I realized that Senator McCain and his wife shook hands for 30 seconds and abandoned the ampitheatre, while the Obamas have been circulating in the crowd for a good 12 minutes now. I don't think that signifies anything we don't already know about the candidates, but no one in the audience seems eager to leave.
  25. R L from Canada writes: They both disgust me.

    Obama & McCain are pure lobby-centric scum.
  26. Festina Lente from United States writes: Did Obama answer any questions?
  27. Addie Bundren from Canada writes: Did Ford distance himself from Nixon and much as McCain does from Bush? Better, one supposes, than admitting he's ashamed to be a Republican.
  28. strider 643 from Canada writes: John McBush comes across as very old and doddery. I couldn't imagine anyone with an IQ over 100voting for him. If America wishes to continue on it's path of self-destruction then definitely vote McCain/Bush & Palin/lCheney. Go for it~!
  29. Dick Garneau from Canada writes: Obama won hands down!
  30. Moe Unting from Calgary, Canada writes: McCain was more clear than he was last time out, and his home owner mortgage bailout had specifics. Obama was treading water, nothing ventured, nothing gained, but more importantly, nothing lost.
    McCain had a good moment when he was chumming it up with the CHief Petty Officer, saying all the lessons of life he learned from a petty officer.
  31. G MACK from Canada writes: Yeah, he's a war hero...great for a Depression???????????????
  32. CallofDuty . from Toronto, Canada writes: Not even a contest, Obama won hands down!
  33. Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: I think McCain just promised to buy everyone a home.

    Whoever said Canada is Soviet Canuckistan should be tarred and feathered. Next to America, we seem to be a country run by 308 Milton Friedman's.
  34. Cliff Pallette from Kearney, Canada writes: Obama is such a nice man helping the old man off the stage.
  35. kitty kumari from Canada writes:

    The moral of the story is:

    Let your actions do the talking for you.
  36. had enough from Canada writes: Keep in mind that they are both liars and cheats and politicians oh ya I said that.

    In a couple of years after Obama has been elected and things are no better, then all the excuses will start about him inheriting a mess and on and on.

    Bottom line is that neither he nor anybody else has any answers for the mess we are in.
  37. Jeremiah Travistock from Toronto, Canada writes:

    I lost all respect for the American hero when he refused to shake hands with Senator Obama.
  38. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    Obama seems to be very interested in alternative energy, climate change and pollution.

    So can someone honestly explain to me why he isn't proposing a Dion Liberal style 'Green Shift'?

    After all, it's such a great idea, right?

    Just think, with a 'revenue neutral' Liberal style Green Shift, Obama could tackle climate change and pollution and it wouldn't cost a thing. It would be FREE, just like Dion and the Liberals are telling us.
  39. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    the ' program to renegotiate individual mortgages' has already been signed into law.............

    ........ when will 'that' old man read the law he voted for this week
  40. Brian Abbott from Boise, United States writes: Very boring. No dynamism at all. Five days ago Paulson told us that the bailout might not cost taxpayers a penny. The government would buy the 'toxic assets', wait til they appreciate, and make a tidy profit. Now McCain comes out with a plan to get the toxic assets off the books as quick as possible. This will really help the honest guy sell a home in a viscious market already. Obama's Health Care Plan is a joke/no plan. McCain's plan would work but they should give a $5000 health care stimulus check to get the program rolling. I can't see borrowing $5000 for health care now to get a tax credit in 2009. I like doubling the child tax credit because it rewards fecundity and will cause the abortion-lovers to snarl and furthers their extinction. I agree with the above comments that Obama can't answer a direct question and becomes boring. I am tired of McCain's 'join me, lets fight for our country' malarkey after he votes for the most costly taxpayer-funded bailout in US history. I am voting for the first time this year, gaining citizenship in a couple of weeks. Very boring is all I can say. Hopefully the next debate will be in Spanish.
  41. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Jeremiah Travistock from Toronto wrote:
    I lost all respect for the American hero when he refused to shake hands with Senator Obama.

    yes Jeremiah,
    McCain cut and run ..........
    ........... just like Palen
  42. F P from Canada writes: Dear God, please tell me, that america won't elect obama!!!
  43. R L from Canada writes: .

    USA sucks.

    Never have I felt such a complete and total disconnect from the American people as ever since 9/11. The Bush path of destruction will continue on under President Obama or President McCain (most likely Obama), albeit on a larger scale than even Bush. The failed War On Terror will continue on and be accelerated, and just as nations around the world move toward settlement with the Taliban and withdrawal of combat troops from Afghanistan, that is when USA (under Obama/McCain) will be pouring in the troops with the failed Bush-style strategy of aggression. Total disconnect. Iran, Israel, Russia, etc. Total disconnect.

    I am only concerned with how their actions will affect the rest of the world (aka everything outside of the United States). Well, their actions will be fundamentally identical. Obama poses an even greater danger, due to his charisma.

    USA will continue to be the most hated country in the world. The American people can change this by voting for someone like Ralph Nader who does not take orders from the AIPAC or Wall Street cronies, but they won't because they are brainwashed by the U.S. mass media.

    USA is a rogue country, not only the U.S. government, but also the majority (approx. 95%) of the American people. Thankfully 5% out of such a large population, still make for many millions of wonderful and well-informed Americans. The rest really need to wake up and not believe everything they see on cable television.
  44. Cam from Border City from Canada writes: Well...it really was back and forth...although Obama's presence and delivery were much better than McCain.
    I am tired of McCain's 'I know how to do it and we're going to do it, because I know how, and we will do it now.' But...he never says how.
    His referral to Obama as 'That one...' was snide and disrespectful. McCain is angry and he came off as angry.
    Prove me wrong...but I think it's over....unless something truly catastrophic happens.
    Watch the dirt fly tomorrow and the few days until the next (and last) debate. Watch race worm its way into this as well. In the end, Obama will win and America will have survived one more growing pain. It's history people...truly history in the making.
  45. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    >>aging oldtool from Canada writes: Peter Wojnar, if you can't figure out why debate styles may be different in Canada and the US you might sit in and listen to a class of grade eights discuss it without your cheap shots. When you have only two people debating an issue there are no others to interupt.

    How confused are you?

    There is a very simple rule in play, but apparently not simple enough for you.

    That rule is, when one person is asked a question and then begins their response, the others are to SHUT UP.

    When that person is done then you can have your say.

    During the Canadian leaders debate, May, Layton and Duceppe would never shut up simply because their own arrogance makes them think the only thing worth hearing is the sound of their own voice. Definitely not leadership qualities. Not even human qualities.
  46. Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: Peter Woynar
    Yes it was nice to watch a debate without the candidates talking over each other, but at least our candidates had some conversation and were not controlled by the moderator.
    However what stands out for me here in Canada Candidates don't call each other names like Terrorist which McCain has done to Obama.
    I am pretty proud of where I am! LOL
  47. James Bitty from BooneyVille, Canada writes: Obama has the Presidency in the bag, if Republicans REALLY wanted to win this election they should have selected a candidate that was:

    1)Younger
    2) More Eloquent and well spoken
    3)More up to date with current world affairs

    My favorite line from McCain was 'USA is the single most 'positive' influence of change in the world' (not the exact words but lulz anyway)

    Congrats President Obama
  48. Cam from Border City from Canada writes: DR.... there are many people who listen...but do not hear. I believe a lot of it is generational. Face it, people... McCain represents the past...the 20th century. Obama...represents the 21st century.
  49. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Peter Wojnar from Hamilton wrote:
    So can someone honestly explain to me why he isn't proposing a Dion Liberal style 'Green Shift'?

    Peter,
    The USA is populated with many ignorant uneducated voters ...........
    ................ much like Alberta
  50. Bob McDonald from Canada writes: Don't watch the debates - go to the fact checking websites a couple of days later and find out who lied the most. Gawd! What have be become? I want to move my family back to Europe. This is a cheesy continent governed by 'car salesmen'!
  51. louis pelchat from Canada writes: I watched most of the debate live online through myspace.com/mydebates ... I thought that although it was not a knock-out win, Obama did win this debate. McCain seemed old and out of touch in my opinion at least.

    After the debate, I was looking at the stats of the online poll done during and after the debate. (again through the same site) and it says some pretty interesting things. Among the 14 issues, it appears the viewer (I'm assuming mostly from the USA) agrees with Obama for 13 of those 14 issues... Thats at the national level on average, but still!.. Theres very few issues where McCain actually has more than a few states where the pollsters actually agree more with him than with Obama. Its all Obama!! Even in the deep south! Granted some of the states are 60-40 in favor of Obama.. but it struck me as being a sea of blue. Theres one issue where McCain has more 'winning states' than Obama and thats Gun Policy. (Americains and their guns eh) The few issues where McCain has SOME states (Obama still has way more) are Social Security, Immigration, Abortion and Energy.

    Check it out... I think it goes to show that the Republicans are in for a surprise. And for the better, might I add.
  52. Peter Wojnar from Hamilton, Canada writes:

    >>Karin Pasnak from North Vancouver, Canada writes: However what stands out for me here in Canada Candidates don't call each other names like Terrorist which McCain has done to Obama.

    I agree.

    Name calling is reserved for the Liberal party supporters in these forums.
  53. Everythings Statistical from Canada writes: OK, have I lost my marbles, or is the McCain/Palin ticket showcasing themselves as 'The Original Mavericks'?

    So, unless I've forgotten how to use a dictionary (actually I just may have, I used the internet), 'Maverick' means:
    1. An unbranded calf or heifer
    2. One that refuses to abide by the dictates of a group

    Now, McCain isn't young enough to be a calf, but isn't democracy to a great extent about building consensus and acting in the interests of the majority? If he doesn't abide by the dictates of 'the group', then why is he bothering with the election?

    Now that we think we may have found which definition McCain falls under, let's now consider the other...
  54. Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: Mr. Obama, in response, said the real root of the economic crisis was the deregulation of the financial-services sector, championed by Mr. McCain, which led to abuses by banks and insurance companies

    There it is in a nutshell folks.
    The Savings and loan crises happened because of deregulation.
    Most of the modern debacles come about because of dereg.
    Kinda makes one wonder why the regs were put in place in the first place eh? NOT!
    Regulation came about because of excess in the past.
    McCaine is in favor of deregulation.
  55. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Bob McDonald from Canada wrote:
    This is a cheesy continent governed by 'car salesmen'!

    No Bob,
    I have bought a dozen cars over the past 30 years.
    Never from a scumbag like Mulroney, Bush, Cheney, Harper or McCain ......
    ............. you need to change car dealers
  56. Lyin Brian from Canada writes:
    CNN poll :

    Obama 57%
    McCain 30%

    nuff said
  57. Sir Les Patterson from Australia writes: the worst thing about a mccain victory will be having to listen to cry baby lefties, for the next four years, rant about conspiracy theories on how the republicans stole the election
  58. F. Lin from Canada writes: Glad to see it's just as tough to pick a leader in the US as it is in Canada...

    McCain was right though, it was the Democrats who told Fanny Mae and Freddy Mac to give mortgages to those who can't afford it -- the American dream. But I doubt the Treasury has the power to buy out everyone's mortgages. Besides, what does that serve? House prices are driven by demand and supply and currently there's no demand and plenty of supply. That plan is flawed in many thousand ways.
  59. xoxo hockey girl from Canada writes: Why do people think this economic crisis is a quick fix? Both of them couldn't convince me that they could solve it nor be able to fix it with just only one bail out.
    ----------------------
    Rome wasn't built in one day and neither will this nightmare will go away. Yes Obama, finally got in the grove and sounds clearier and sound but for me no one can answer the economic crisis when the stock market is so vilatile and trying to find a quick fix will not be the solution
    --------------
  60. Steve Smith from Lake Clear, NY, United States Outlying writes: I must say that when I feel a need to confirm in my mind that as an American, there are other countries who exceed the the US in self-serving smugness and just plain claptrap a visit to the G & M boards is just what the doctor ordered. When I see comments that just express hatred and ignorance of my country such as writing off 95% of the population as just plain stupid. The ignorance is mind boggling such as when people comment that they wish to see the US in chaos and crisis. Those are real people you discount so readily. The US has many faults and as I have noted in other posts has at times caused real pain in the world. But, I would think as a neighbor of the US you would wish us the best for the most part. Your self interest alone should be a concern to a reasonable person when you wish for the denigration of a country. We also need to learn that lesson. Do you really want 300 million crazy Americans looking to Canada with envy? As to the election, it does not matter who wins because the new president as of last week and for the forseeable future will be the Treasury Secretary. Neither one of these guys could answer the most imortant question that has been asked twice. How does the current fiscal crisis change how the president will govern?
  61. xoxo hockey girl from Canada writes: Peter, I agree naming calling isn’t needed in such a sensitive country that can easily be swayed one way or another. But I just find it amusing how Obama quickly disassociates himself from the person in question but found it distasteful for Palin to jump on this band wagon of the idea of Obama and Ayers as the same. They are not but a long shot. Ayers is more vocal in his beliefs, so much that is violent and not peaceful.
  62. Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization. I guess that objectivity died a long time ago in the journalism business. I can't wait for the day when print media dies. It is as corrupt as Lehmann Brothers.

    CNN poll....yeah...now there's an unbiased organization...cough cough....nuff said, indeed.

    Hey....anybody been doing any checking up on that lunatic organization in the US, ACORN? The one that Obama was legal counsel for? The one where several of the people involved have been arrested? Sounds like the voting fraud has already started by the Democrats in the US.
  63. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Sir Les Patterson from Australia wrote:
    the worst thing about a mccain victory will be having to listen to cry baby lefties ...........

    yes Les,
    I recall how the lefties cried after Hitler won back in 1934 .....
    .......... and how the Bushs, Fords, and most Republicans cheered
  64. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes:
    This is not just a North American issue any more. It is a World issue. After all; the USA financial mess is what got the ball rolling down the mountain to begin with.

    The World will not listen to McCain if elected President. The World WILL listen to Obama when he becomes President.

    Hey McCain......we know why you're living in the past. Because your future is short.
  65. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization.

    no Joseph,
    The moderator lied when he claimed that McCain was leading in the polls on Sunday ...........
    .............. what is YOUR definition of BIASED ?
  66. Randy Keller from Canada writes: Obama did a nice job of weaving rebuttals into answering the question he was actually being asked.

    McCain was smart enough to leave the smear tactics to the aptly self styled 'pit bull with lipstick'.

    Draw.
  67. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization.

    no Joseph,
    The moderator lied when he claimed that McCain was leading in the polls on Sunday ...........
    .............. what is YOUR definition of BIASED ?
  68. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: Notive how many times McCain started almost every line with, 'friends' ?

    Oh please.....spare us all.
  69. xoxo hockey girl from Canada writes: Steve,
    I find it vital that you guys choose the one to guide you out of the chaos of the markets. I think too many people thought the bailout would cover the damage caused over the last few years of a dangerous market of the mortgage lending. This is the Domino effect, they are falling at a steady rate and each time it seems like they have stopped, it starts again.. Each country is hoping they are far enough to prevent a total meltdown in their own country.
  70. Lyin Brian from Canada writes:

    Well there is always Diebold.
  71. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization.

    no Joseph,
    The moderator lied when he claimed that McCain was leading in the polls ...........
    .............. what is YOUR definition of BIASED ?

    http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/09/28/meet-the-press-brokaws-fairness-facts-pulled-out-of-thin-air-to-make-mccain-look-better
  72. Syed Abbas of Toronto from Seattle WA, United States writes:

    Attended a Debate Watch party hosted by a local Moveon.org volunteer.

    From the American perspective, the positions of both are nuanced. But from a Canadian eye they look the same.

    Obama was more erudite and articulate, McCain more populist. Difficult to say who won, and whether the undecided were influenced. But with Obama in the lead, that is just the way the Democrats want it.
  73. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: You want to talk about fiscal responsibility? Guess what? The USA lost something a lot more important than $. They have lost the true meaning of credibility! So much for leading by example.
  74. Lyin Brian from Canada writes:
    Leslie Sanchez even admitted McCain didn't win this one.
  75. Andre Carrel from Salmo, Canada writes: Steve Smith from Lake Clear, NY, United States: 'I see comments that just express hatred and ignorance of my country such as writing off 95% of the population as just plain stupid.'

    Hi Steve. To paraphrase a common saying, 'you are what you say.' Don't take the insults and ignorance flung at US citizens from this side of the border too seriously. I would guess that about 95% of US citizens are decent and reasonable people. Most likely I don't share all their political, social, cultural, or economic views, but that does not make them any less decent and reasonable. I think you can safely assume that the percentage of decent and reasonable people on this side of the border is about the same, even if reading these posts may leave you with a different impression.
  76. joe garcia from Canada writes: Iain's Opinion from Canada writes: 'Mr. Obama, in response, said the real root of the economic crisis was the deregulation of the financial-services sector, championed by Mr. McCain, which led to abuses by banks and insurance companies

    There it is in a nutshell folks.
    The Savings and loan crises happened because of deregulation.
    Most of the modern debacles come about because of dereg.
    Kinda makes one wonder why the regs were put in place in the first place eh? NOT!
    Regulation came about because of excess in the past.
    McCaine is in favor of deregulation.'

    ------

    Iain, it's not as simple as you make it out to be.

    Yes deregulation was a major contributor leading to this bloody mess, however it is pertinent to note that the US Democrats are just as much to be blamed for this.

    In fact, the Repeal of the Glass-Steagall Act by President Clinton in 1999 is at the ROOT of this deregulation, albeit it stemmed by a bill that was introduced by Republicans.
  77. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Joseph Bloggins from Canada writes: Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization.

    no Joseph,
    The moderator lied when he claimed that McCain was leading in the polls ...........
    .............. what is YOUR definition of BIASED ?

    http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/09/28/meet-the-press-brokaws-fairness-facts-pulled-out-of-thin-air-to-make-mccain-look-better
  78. Syed Abbas of Toronto from Seattle WA, United States writes:

    The defining question of the Debate:

    Is healthcare a right?

    Obama - a right
    McCain - a responsibility
  79. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: Back to the Town Hall people!

    All policies past, present and future aside.

    Who would you trust? Who would the World trust?

    Obama is the clear choice for all that is good for ALL the World.
  80. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Steve Smith from Lake Clear, NY, United States wrote;
    I see comments that just express hatred and ignorance of my country such as writing off 95% of the population as just plain stupid.'

    Steve,
    Can you honestly deny that intellectuals like Lou Dobbs, Rush Limbaugh, Shawn Hannity and Bill O'Rielly didn't vote for Bush and Cheney ........................ twice.
  81. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: Where is VP Cheney these days?

    Creating another War game exercise?
  82. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    Joseph Bloggins from Canada wrote:
    Well of course it bounced to the Democrats.....at least if you are a biased news organization.

    no Joseph,
    The moderator lied when he claimed that McCain was leading in the polls ...................... what is YOUR definition of BIASED ?

    http://www.crooksandliars.com/2008/09/28/meet-the-press-brokaws-fairness-facts-pulled-out-of-thin-air-to-make-mccain-look-better
  83. joe garcia from Canada writes: on the VP debate it seems Palin said the world 'Maverick' over a dozen times.

    Tonight McCain said 'my friends' no less than 21 times (consult the transcripts).

    seems overscripted and ungenuine to me.
  84. A J from Canada writes: This year, we get more information after the debates--not just the pundits chosen to comment, but poll results from instant polls.

    All the ones I saw showed that viewers considered Obama the winner of this debate.

    CNN snap poll response, for example--and this is a representative sample poll, not an internet poll:
    1. Who expressed his views more clearly in the debate? Obama 60, McCain 30

    2. Who spent more time attacking his opponent?
    Obama 17, McCain 63

    3. Who seemed to be the stronger leader?
    Obama 54, McCain 43

    4. Who was most likeable?
    Obama 65, McCain 28

    Those results were consistent with my conclusions. Of course, I'm an Obama supporter, so I'm biased. I thought McCain was rambling and ineffective.

    I think Obama did what he needed to do. He spoke more about how his policies would affect middle class voters, while McCain spoke more about what he didn't like about opponent.

    McCain didn't accomplish what he needed to do to change the direction of this election. Actually, I don't think that he could have changed the trends, no matter what he did in this debate.

    McCain's campaign was sunk when he chose Palin as his VP nominee, and he can't change that decision now. It got sunk even worse with the financial crash. He's clearly not the guy who can deal with that situation.
  85. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    C C S from Toronto, Canada asked;
    Where is VP Cheney these days?

    good guess:
    He is hiding in a underground brothel with Maxine Bernier, Jean Vellencott, Jim Pankiw, Perv Lewkinski, etc
  86. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: McCain vs Obama.

    Who won?
    Obama.

    Just wait until Bob Schieffer is the moderator for the final debate.
    Obama will have McCain wishing he wore Depends Diapers.
  87. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: Obama For President!
  88. The Last Honest Conservative from Western, Canada writes:
    C C S from Toronto, Canada asked;
    Where is VP Cheney these days?

    good guess:
    He is hiding in a underground brothel with Jerry Ritz, Maxine Bernier, Jean Vellencott, Jim Pankiw, Perv Lewkinski, etc

    does Canada even have a deputy PM now ?
  89. robert roels from Canada writes: It doesn't matter who wins or loses what. The normal middle class and working class taxpayer have lost any control in both the US and Canada years ago.

    That is because they can't seem to agree on any one thing in numbers definitive enough to make a difference.

    When they do and can start making their voices loud enough then the lackeys in power listen, until then we the people are the lackeys.

    What will unify our votes and voices? A common fear or distress that will affect our comfortable little lives.

    This economic mess may start the wheels turning and wake up the silent masses.
  90. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: Yes he said 'friends' more than Bush has said 'you can take that to the bank'
  91. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: 'Cameron M from Hogtown, Canada writes: liar. ability to lie pure lies. the better liar'

    OK. The lies cancel out. Who is the better man?

    Obama.
  92. C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: It doesn't matter who wins?
    Why are you even part of this discussion?
    Turn your computer off and get some exercise.
  93. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: Yea, verily. 'That One' is the man for the job.
  94. Dawn from Minnesota from Minnesota, United States writes: To Joe Garcia: John McCain has been saying 'my friends' for decades. That is how McCain addresses groups. It is not scripted. I think McCain made his points in the debate. McCain's problem is that he supported the invasion of Iraq, and he has a history of voting for deregulation. As much as McCain tries to change the subject, the majority of Americans understand that McCain supported almost all of the policies of the Bush Administration. I doubt the majority of Americans are going to want to see four more years of the same failed strategies.
  95. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes:

    I enjoyed McCain's preformance but Obama is a rare talent indeed.
  96. robert roels from Canada writes: C C S from Toronto, Canada writes: It doesn't matter who wins?
    Why are you even part of this discussion?
    Turn your computer off and get some exercise.
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------
    I didn't know you set the rules. Why don't you stick your computer somewhere where the sun don't shine?
  97. sherry smith from Canada writes: Overall Obama scored higher if you watched that little scale below.
    McCain was too busy trying to be sincere which came across as phoney, especially when he tried to put down Obama, flat line was prevelant. I say, 'Give Obama' a go, as I believe he will be accepted as a progressive, the World over, compared to both war mongers, Palin and 'my friend' McCain. After tonight it's 'flat line, McCain', who was talking like we were children, just like McBush does.
  98. joe garcia from Canada writes: McCain's campaign is spinning downwards fast. Obama clearly has much more stuff happening. Even despite having Biden takin a few deserved days off Obma is still on top, there's hardly anything coming out of the Republican side.

    You have both Clintons appearing at various venues across battle states, you have Springsteen performing in front of tens of thousands, tomorrow you have Michelle Obama on Larry King Live, straight up and unafraid of facing the media head on and answering questions - unlike Palin who simply rambles on negative comments to partisan crowds while ignoring the media all together.

    There’s even been many occasions where Michelle Obama and Jill Biden appeared together at large gatherings, unlike the Republican spouses that have remained silent and thus of no use to their cause.

    McCain looked calm today, almost relieved to be nearing the finish line. He’s looking more like a senior citizen looking forward to retirement.

  99. He Shoots! He Scores! from Chicago, United States writes: The drinking game for tonight should be take a shot every time McCain says 'my friends'.

    Old John loses every time he talks about Iraq (or EYErack a la Palin). He couches the topic in terms that are a direct throw back to Vietnam. Everyone knows it. The US lost that war and everyone seemed to have learned or relearned that lesson since 2003. McCain is mired in the past though he does have an excuse because he was brutilized while a POW. PTSD.
  100. A J from Canada writes: Joe Garcia, I agree.

    I want That One for President in '08.

    Thanks, John McCain, for running the kind of campaign that helps That One get more and more support every day.
  101. A J from Canada writes: Dawn, maybe John McCain has been saying 'my friends' for years--but this is a habit that his campaign staff needed to train him out of for the debates. That repetitive 'my friends' sounded phony and weird. Some called it creepy.

    Of course, anyone who planned a drinking game around 'my friends' is probably not discussing the debate on-line tonight, and may have trouble getting to work on time tomorrow.