I know there will be volumes of very detailed and in-depth comments on the first Presidential debate by far much more knowledgeable and experienced analysts and pundits.
To me, an ordinary citizen, an ordinary American, what I was struck most by and what I will remember the most is the condescending, dismissive, contemptuous, patronizing, almost insulting, verbal and non-verbal attitude and body language displayed by Senator McCain towards his opponent, and colleague, Senator Obama. During an almost two hour debate, McCain did not look Obama in the eye even once. While I do not know what McCain’s reason was for such behavior, I thought it was very offensive.
I was personally offended by McCain’s attitude towards a fellow American.
Again, that’s just a first gut impression by an ordinary American.
Whether McCain’s insolence will have any effect on the polls, is an open question. And, while some may claim that McCain “won” the debate, in my opinion, he absolutely lost it in terms of manners, and civility.
Now, I’ll let the experts analyze the debate.
The author is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and a writer.