McCain and Obama met for their second debate in Nashville, Tenn, at Belmont University in a town hall setting. The candidates faced off on the economy, domestic policy and foreign affairs. They clashed fundamentally on the priorities for the next president, taxes, healthcare and the war in Iraq. As common for political debates of this intensity both men seemed to talk too long, spend most of their time defending their record and calling out their opponent.
McCain highlights: He reminded everyone of his bipartisan record, denied federally funded healthcare, promoted nuclear energy and when asked for specific steps on issues like energy conservation or social security McCain would often say something like, “The great American people will get it done.”
Bottom Line: Mccain was more comfortable in his town hall meeting context, but he struggled to give meaningful content and practical plans when asked important questions.
Obama highlights: Obama decried McCain’s tax breaks for the wealthiest, spoke about federally funded healthcare and how that would help with the family budget, talked about innovating new energy sources and dropped Warren Buffet’s name.
Bottom Line: Obama tried not to bristle too hard at McCain’s attacks, kept his composure, exuded confidence but only gave slightly more meaningful content than McCain in his answers to the town hall questions.
This debate goes to Obama by a slight margin. How well did the candidates do in your opinion?
