Discuss the second presidential debate
October 7, 2008 | 3:54
pm
The Nashville debate between Senators John McCain and Barack Obama focused on domestic issues. Did the town-hall format benefit one candidate over the other? Were the issues that matter to you discussed? Perhaps most importantly -- how much will it matter to voters?
Share your thoughts here.
Photo: Justin Sullivan / Getty Images
Test post.
Posted by: William Hale | October 07, 2008 at 04:57 PM
You're live, William! :)
Posted by: L.A. Times Administrator | October 07, 2008 at 05:02 PM
Both candidates have started off well, but it's early.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Sen. McCain, please stop using the phrase, "my friends" its lame and sounds too political. And explain your VP's involvement in Alaska Independence Party.
Posted by: Gary C. | October 07, 2008 at 06:31 PM
McCain just lost it. He just hit the "testy" point. There's no going back with this guy once he's dropped over that waterfall.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:37 PM
The "my friends" comment is lame. Unfortunately, McCain isn't clear on that because he's out of touch.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:38 PM
McCain is attacking Obama and his anger is barely contained. More emotion from McCain but no content. McCain is defending tax-cuts for the FAT CATS. Amazing !
Posted by: Joe Rotes | October 07, 2008 at 06:42 PM
I really liked McCain, but this debate performance is pathetic. He mocked Obama for not answering the question of "Can you fix Social Security and Medicare in two years", when he *did* - yet then McCain snarks and then HE doesn't answer the question himself.
He just seems to be reciting these disjointed phrases - one minute he says the economy isn't going to get worse, then he's tossing an insult Obama's way that the economy is "bad".
I do enjoy Tom B. slapping down the both of them. That's the only amusement I'm getting out of this. Our country is in trouble, we don't have time for this crap.
Posted by: Tombstone Realty | October 07, 2008 at 06:49 PM
I really thought that McCain would do better. I thought that he would have the clear advantage in this debate. Right now I'd put Obama way ahead.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 06:50 PM
John sounds like the worst parts of Reagan, Bush I, and Bush II.
Posted by: bruce | October 07, 2008 at 06:50 PM
If McCain's Ginkgo Bilboa supplements wear off during the debate it's gonna' be embarrassing.
Posted by: Xenu | October 07, 2008 at 06:56 PM
McCain has become an empty bag for Karl Rove. What do you expect from someone who bypasses tens of more capable women to pick the following:
- brain-dead Sarah Palin
- golden-parachute Carly Fiorina
- two-timing Joe Liberman
He is way too patronizing and BITTER. Get this over with. It's a farce.
Posted by: Joe Rotes | October 07, 2008 at 07:02 PM
Wow. I honestly thought that it would be favored towards McCain, but Obama is sweeping the floor with him so far.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:04 PM
Stop saying "MY FRIENDS"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm not your friend mate.
McCain just said Reagan was his hero. Scary.
Posted by: Andrew Burt | October 07, 2008 at 07:07 PM
McCain is stuck in Vietnam. He's reliving it through the war in Iraq. I understand how he feels. I have compassion for him and his desire to "win" but we can't be doing that now. We've done enough in Iraq. He needs to get that. Not everything ends with the super happy ending of a World War II-type victory.
Did the veterans of Korea get a huge parade?
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:08 PM
Hey it's either Reagan or Roosevelt Mr McCain.
"My Hero", "My Friends".
My Goodness he is shockingly bad.
Posted by: Andrew Burt | October 07, 2008 at 07:12 PM
McCain getting a bit testy.
Follow ups allow him to be exposed.
An angry old man who is desperate to get the Presidency and stick it to the Neo-Cons.
He isn't interested in the America.
YES!! Obama calling McCain out on his Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran etc stoopid calls.
Posted by: Brian Daicos | October 07, 2008 at 07:15 PM
Obama just knocked out McCain. It's over.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:16 PM
McCain can't even get his "favorite" quote right.
Posted by: Benny J | October 07, 2008 at 07:18 PM
My friends is on my list now of words that are irritating - in the top 3 right up there with maverick, gotcha, and if I am so blessed.
Posted by: Mary Nell | October 07, 2008 at 07:19 PM
McCain almost sounds scrambled. Wow. I'm an Obama supporter and I was hoping for a tie. Instead I got an overwhelming victory by Obama.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:19 PM
McCain did beat Obama on the Russia issue. He was clearer.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:25 PM
Obama should not have avoided the last question. If he would have addressed it directly, he would have scored a grand slam.
Posted by: Jon K. | October 07, 2008 at 07:32 PM
Obama won hands down how can any country elect a senile president
Posted by: david martin | October 07, 2008 at 07:41 PM
John McCain won hands down. Obama could not give a straight answer to most questions. Watch out.....if you like communism and socialism...you have him in Obama. I think personal responsibility is what makes a country great. Obama is so lacking that it is down right scary. WAKE UP AMERICA! Vote for the RIGHT change!! McCain/ Palin 08
Posted by: Michele | October 07, 2008 at 07:43 PM