^[1] Well I had some fun with a live blog during last week’s live blog ^[2] of the Presidential Debates- so let’s try it again!

I will be blogging live on DC Metblogs during the final Presidential Debate ^[3] at Hofstra University ^[4]. I hope anyone interested will stop by during the debates- leave a comment or question while I continue to throw out my random commentary and running tally on buzzwords.

8:41 PM: Hello internet, I’m back for constantly update you with random thoughts about the final debate! It’s a little more than 15 minutes to go and here are my initial thoughts I have on top of my head coming into this debate:

• Towards the end of the workday I heard my state of Virginia is now apprently leaning towards Obama according to CNN ^[5]. To me this is the latest in current pulling ahead of Obama in the polls. It’s clear that here in the DC area, as well as across the country, that Obama could not only win this election- but may even win big. I am still a little sketpical of how realistic a landslide could be- and others ^[6] are as well. For me this debate is McCain’s last effort to stop the growing wave of Obama. I am waiting to see how McCain is going to play this last card in his deck.
• Bob Schieffer will be moderating the action tonight- will we see the candidates play by the rules? Or will this be another sit down message point delivery session?
• Will I pick better buzzwords this time around? I have 10 minutes now to pick some.

8:59 PM: Ok after looking at the C-SPAN Debate Hub ^[7] (thanks Steve ^[8]) some of the keywords that have been mentioned so far include President, Taxes, Spending, and Billion. Obvious words that would be said- but I’m looking for the buzzwords that wouldn’t normally be said. On that note I will look for these phrases: “voted with bush 90% of the time”; “just doesn’t understand”; “ready to lead”; “I got the scars to prove it”; and “maverick.”

Read the rest under the more tag…

9:02 PM: FYI, I’m watching the CNN feed again, and Wolf Blitzer just mentioned the stock market- it fell a whole lot today ^[9] so I expect that to be the first section of questioning…

9:04 PM: I am right on with the first question- it’s on the economic crisis. Bob tried to lay down the law: “if you don’t follow up- I will.” He also called them out by saying enough with the message points- let’s hear something new.

9:08 PM: McCain and Obama both want to help homeowners- McCain wants to buy mortgages and Obama wants to find a more direct way to help homeowners. McCain responds with quite the parry- calling him out on an interaction with a plumber in Ohio… looks like McCain is ready to fight “for his country” once again…

9:10 PM: Why I like the “Joe the plumber” comment- it immediately sets the table that McCain is going to be tough on Obama. Here is my disclosure: I am a Democrat and I will be voting for Obama- however I want to watch something exciting and right now this may something besides a power point presentation.

9:13 PM: McCain needs to go on the offensive and we know he’s ready for it- I think he needs to be careful on how he comes off, he needs to deliver his points in a way that looks like he’s the leader, not a complainer from the other side of the aisle. CNN’s dial testing is reacting positive to both sides.

9:15 PM: The public wants to hear details and I’m happy to start hearing them.

9:18 PM: Now we have a debate people! I am hearing arrangements here not message points. I also prolly picked the wrong buzzwords again.

9:21 PM: Again with the overhead projector! Maybe Obama’s hometown needs a way to watch some movies while they are out of jobs! Words I should of picked: “no doubt”; “overhead projector”; “Joe the plumber.” I’d prolly be really buzzed right now if I was drinking. Oh- McCain is taking on the Bush analogy! I should of also picked “hatchet and scalpel”- do you really use a hatchet when you need fine precision?

9:24 PM: With that list Obama just let out- sounds like he’s a Maverick! Guys doesn’t McCain look kinda stiff in that chair with his pen? Kind Bob Dole like. See that’s what he needs to watch out for- he can argue but he’s gotta look like a personable leader.

9:25 PM: That’s right McCain- you do have the scars to prove it! That’s Scars – 1. Time for a drink of water.

9:27 PM: If we did 10 town hall meetings, McCain would of gotten lost somewhere in the middle of North Dakota as he wonders off as Obama responds to an answer. McCain sounds hurt about some comments that were said against him- I hope he doesn’t cry on camera.

9:29 PM: Tip- if you don’t do town hall meetings with John McCain, he will hate you and will not send you an e-vite to his birthday party.

9:32 PM: Man McCain got to watch the Cowboys/Cardinals game? I had to go to a wedding. What the two need to watch out about is arguing over being negative against each other- it’s going to happen, the American people know it will, and we just wanna talk about the issues.

9:34 PM: I liked how Obama is trying to get back to the issues, McCain is clearly trying to attack character and tactics- problem is McCain is now sounding like a whining kid that is getting picked on too much on the playground. What do you think? Can we start talking about the issues again?

9:38 PM: John McCain is now moving on to painting Obama as a crook and terrorist. Obama responds by fully explaining the situation with William Ayers & ACORN- good move I think. Also if you wanna read more about what McCain is talking about with John Lewis should see the AP article ^[10].

9:40 PM: 40 minutes in and we have answered one question on the economy and the rest has been about campaign tactics.

9:41 PM: That’s right Joe Biden knows where he came from- he should be in a shoe ad. I can’t wait to see what John McCain says about that hottie Sarah Palin.

9:43 PM: Yes Sarah Palin is a role model for women, if Hillary only did what she did…

9:45 PM: Obama is being nice to Palin there- good move. McCain is right, Sarah Palin has been exciting and getting people involved into the political process that haven’t been before… people like Sarah Palin.

9:47 PM: Uh oh we are behind! Not surprised- time to talk about Climate Control Change (thanks McCain!)

9:49 PM: I hear so much about clean coal it makes me wonder how big the lobby is for that. Don’t get me wrong, I think that if we have to use coal it should be clean- but how is it the top answer for both sides? Is nobody working on clean coal right now? Is it the revolutionary idea that nobody has thought of that we need to enact on 1/20/09?

9:53 PM:As we get closer to the first hour of the debate I want give a shout out to fellow DC Metroblogger Monica ^[11] who’s joining us below- always happy to have her opinion and comments alongside mine. Oh ya the two are free traders that have opinions about oil. I have to say that that McCain is well prepared with lots of things to say about Obama. What you may not see if Obama equally as prepared in handling a McCain that may come out swinging like he did tonight.

9:57 PM: Tough question on health care… I hope America knows Obama’s plan by now because he’s explained it at every debate- not knocking on it, just saying that repetition should put it in memory.

10:00 PM: Hour 1 is done! Good comments below for anybody just reading along I suggest they join in the fun! I think McCain does look a little peeved and like I said above, it’s not going to help. Good point on clean coal was said by the cheezedude, I didn’t realize that it’s a big part of the industry of many battleground states.

10:02 PM: We know that both sides will take plans and spin them in a way that makes them look good- McCain shouldn’t be surprised that Obama knows his own plan and is able to defend it.

10:03 PM: “I have the scars to prove it” – 1, “Joe the plumber” – 4-5…. oh wait now 5-6…

10:06 PM: Fundamental differences… I have to admit that McCain is appealing to his base with his comments… I hope you are listening Joe. Can we find him so he can go on TV and declare who he’s voting for? Why does this feel like the movie “Swing Vote ^[12]?”

10:07 PM: Federalist ^[13]? I thought McCain was a Republican.

10:09 PM: Of course he would “consider” someone- but will you ultimately choose someone? John McCain will you consider Joe the Plumber if he is nominated to the supreme court?

10:10 PM: Thank goodness I write for DC Metroblogs and not CNN- I have to commend the speed they had to research in order to find out Who is Joe the Plumber ^[14]?

10:12 PM: I haven’t heard about Obama’s “present” voting record ^[15] since the primaries…

10:16 PM: McCain just threw a punch at the pro-choice movement. I can imagine the anger tomorrow…

10:18 PM: Last question already? Looking at the tempo of the debate Bob Schieffer knows that it’s going to be long winded answer…

10:20 PM: McCain just stole Obama’s “no doubt”… just sayin’…. yes let’s find teachers another line of work… in another school… maybe as a PE teacher or a soccer coach….

10:21 PM: A classroom if McCain had his way with soldiers transitioning into teachers: “Class today we are going to do what I know: how to rip apart an M-16, torture prisoners, and toss a football around the camp…now drop and gimmie 50!”

10:23 PM: America’s Youth is the future- I am the future! McCain should look at the college graduation rates… it’s a problem…

10:24 PM:McCain thinks that DC is a success with the voucher system? I don’t think so- just ask USA Today ^[16]. As someone that hears the local news here- the education system is in trouble in DC.

10:27 PM: Ohhhh Bob is plugging a website- that why it’s commercial free…

10:29 PM: McCain sounds like that we need a change… too bad that Obama said that first…however we do know that McCain is a careful stewart… of big business’ money.

10:31 PM: Obama comes off more relaxed with his closing remarks. He’s got a message of hope and it’s resonating with CNN’s dial testing group… and that’s it- and in the word’s of Bob’s mom, “Go vote now- it will make you feel big and strong!”

10:40 PM: Ok time to listen to the days of analysis- I will leave you with my quick hits:

• McCain did his best in this debate and came out on the attack that he needed to, however he got too caught up on campaign ads and looked like he was hurt and emotional at times.
• Obama was more restrained in reacting and could of gone on the offensive at times as well but didn’t. However Obama did a good job in defending and clarifying his positions.
• Both sides stuck to their party ideals- if you are a liberal or a conservative you heard things you liked… and things you didn’t like. How did the independents feel? I don’t know.

Well it was really fun to do this again- I enjoyed reading everyone’s comments and maybe in 4 years we can do it again. Good night everyone!