Considering that foreign policy was McCains strong suit it appears that the edge in the debate goes to Barack Obama only because he held his own against McCain and appeared just as informed and believable as the Commander In Chief. Obama showed clear knowledge of the foreign policy issues and came back at McCain whenever needed. The fact that Obama looked and spoke directly at McCain on many occasions while McCain never looked in Obama's direction gives Obama an edge on confrontational strength, an attribute needed when dealing with foreign leaders. What stood out here was McCain's refusal to face Obama even after repeated prodding by moderator Jim Lehrer to do so. McCain risks being perceived as too hot headed to debate another man eye to eye or looking like he thinks he is too priviledged to face Obama on the same level. Whatever it was it stood out as an oddly pious posture as McCain glaringly ignored the moderator's directive to face and speak to Obama. One might think this is a character trait of the Republicans general arrogance since George W. Bush also reacted in the same manner in his previous debates but more likely it is the character trait of those who know deep inside they do not have a leg to stand on mano e mano. Here again John McCain misses another chance to distinguish himself from Bush and this Bush-like arrogant debate posture is what McCain should have avoided like the plague.
Again it is not that Obama won this debate on points but because the doubt about Obama's capability to handle national security and foreign affairs hurt him in the minds of undecided voters this debate will have the effect of dispelling some of that doubt.
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