What's your take on the presidential debate?

This is my take on the candidates' debate performance without discussing fact-checking and their policy differences on the main topics/questions.  The debate was very interesting and spirited.  There seem to be no major blunders or standout moments for either candidate.  Both held their own, but their styles were very different.  Clearly there are very significant policy differences between these two, and it will be interesting to review them point by point.

John McCain is behind in the polls and needed a clear victory, but I don't think he achieved that.  McCain's muscular performance might give him a boost in the polls which could make the choice between the two more difficult for some Americans.  As a younger man, Obama held his own up against the older and more experienced candidate.  Although it remains to be seen how the public will interpret and respond to their different styles (and policy positions).  As always, the public was probably frustrated when the candidates didn't answer questions directly and with specifics (Jim Lehrer seemed to be).

Just over half the debate was spent on the financial crisis and the economy and the other portion on foreign policy.  McCain made a lot of jabs, attacked Obama on experience and tried to work him over on foreign policy ('Senator Obama doesn't understand...').  The McCain campaign probably feels they achieved their objective by attacking Obama on experience and readiness.  Obama held up well against these attacks and seemed have a more diplomatic and non-partisan approach ('I agree with John', etc.).  The Obama campaign probably feels they succeeded in making McCain look like the past and Obama the future, and that Obama will have better judgment, strategy and big-picture vision.

The vice-presidential debate is going to be very interesting as well!  Palin is the wildcard here.  We'll see how she holds up against a feisty Joe Biden.