the citizen-viewer

Looking around the internet and TV, it appears that McCain did not get what he needed and what I feared he would.

He is not getting widely praised for toughness while Obama is criticized for timidity. The GOP spin is that Obama agreed with McCain, showing weakness, but the blowhards are calling McCain angry and Obama nice. That could be considered bad or good, but what really matters is what the press says it means. Not to say they control the world, just that there is not going to be a landslide of pro-McCain stories tomorrow, which is what McCain needs. Still, he probably stopped the bleeding by showing his base that he’s not dead, and reminding the waverers that fear trumps hope.

For the gasbag interpretation:

Time’s debate blog:
“Overall: I’d say it wasn’t a game-changer. Both men did better, I think, than during their primary season debates. Neither made any big mistakes or committed any gaffes that I could discern. But this was McCain on what was supposed to be his home turf. He had a far clearer message with his constant references to Obama’s inexperience and what Obama “doesn’t understand.” Obama seemed to lack a theme.”

CBSNEWS.com
“Neither man delivered a knockout blow and neither man made a major gaffe during the 90-minute encounter.”

Mark Halperin, uber gasbag: “Engagement but no big moments”

CNN: “First Debate: A few jabs but no body blows”

Chris Matthews: The sound of my own voice has put me into a dream state. Uh, oh yeah, and McCain’s too mean, but Obama is too weak.

For a reliable indication that some ground had to be conceded to Obama, check out Foxnews’ reaction blog.