Revdarth.com

Last night’s debate was probably one of the most engaging debates that I have watched in my political life.  I appreciated the fact that both candidates actually talked to one another, challenged one another, gave some specifics about their positions, about what they were planning on doing, and also specifics that challenged their opponent in the election.  I also think that Bob Schieffer did a terrific job as moderator of the debate. As I reflected upon the debate, I had a flashback to 21 years ago.

In 1987, the Denver Broncos lined up in Super Bowl against the Washington Redskins.  The Broncos were the team that was coming in favored.  They had been to the Super Bowl the previous season (losing to the New York Giants), so they knew what to expect in the game.  The Redskins, however, were somewhat of a wildcard, staring a QB who had played in only 5 regular season games in Doug Williams and virtually unknown rookie running back in Timmy Smith.

The game started off as expected with the Broncos scoring on one of their first plays on a long pass from Elway (that season’s MVP) to Ricky Nattiel.  The Broncos later added a FG to go up 10-0 at the end of the first quarter.  All seemed to be going the Broncos’ way.  (I clearly remember telling my Dad after the 1st quarter that I thought this was going to be the one).  Next thing I know, the Redskins score a TD on the first play of the 2nd quarter on an 80 yard TD from Williams to Ricky Sanders.  Things rolled from there and next thing I remember, it was halftime with the Redskins up 35-10.  The game eventually finished at 42-10.

So, how does this fit with the debate last night?  I thought Sen. McCain had a marvelous first quarter.  While I didn’t agree with his points on the whole, he came out strong, direct, challenging, and clear.  He controlled the tone, the focus, and the energy of the debate right out of the gate.  His comment to Sen. Obama about “I’m not George Bush…” was a terrific line, potentially the equivalent of that Elway to Nattiel TD pass.  But something happened when Bob Schieffer asked about the negativity of the campaign.  For me, that was the equivalent of when the 2nd quarter began in SB22.

In responding first, Sen. McCain hit all his points - Ayers, ACORN, questions about Sen. Obama’s honesty with those questions, and so forth.  But Sen. Obama’s response to those questions seemed to take the wind out of McCain’s sails.  He took on each point even when the question wasn’t really focused on the candidates taking that direction.  While some may not agree with his answers, the reality is that he didn’t back down from responding to the direct challenges that Sen. McCain’s campaign had been laying out during the previous few weeks.  The rest of the debate, Sen. McCain seemed unsettled while Sen. Obama seemed to hit his stride.  Sen. McCain was continually shifting in his seat, huffing at many of Sen. Obama’s answers, and generally gave the sense that he was not comfortable at all.  Meanwhile, Sen. Obama was calm and consistent in tone and posture.  It was like Doug Williams dropping back and seemingly being able to not miss a pass while Timmy Smith was running through suddenly wide open running lanes.

Final score - Obama 42-10.  Or 53-22 (CBS poll).  Or 58-31 (CNN).