The Debate Barely Heard Around The U.S.

If you tuned into every major network tonight, you saw the first ever debate between presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama. But what was built up to be the political "rumble in Mississippi" between the veteran McCain and the newcomer Obama, was all hype and short on delivery. The suspense of whether John McCain would show up, if he was afraid to debate, and if Obama be would ready to slay, were answered in the first five minutes.

Both men began with their prepared speeches, almost oblivious to the questions coming from PBS host and moderator Jim Lehrer. However, the themes of the night, which were foreign policy and national security, soon took center stage, with each man laying out their differences and similarities.

On the economy, Obama and McCain both agree that any bailout plan for Wall Street should include greater oversight and transparencies, and not include "golden parachutes" for executives who ran their companies into the ground. Obama would also add help for homeowners, while McCain wants loans for struggling businesses. Interesting to note was when McCain seemed to backtrack on saying he'd fire the head of the SEC. Now, he claims he would simply call for his resignation; that is, of course, because the President doesn't have the authority to fire him.

Then, it was on to the war in Iraq: a war Obama opposed and McCain supported. While Obama pointed out that the terrorists who attacked us on 9-11 are thriving in Afghanistan while we battle in Iraq, McCain asserted that the surge worked, four years into the conflict. He refused to concede that it was a war in the wrong country, or to acknowledge that the 4,000 soldiers lost and 30,000 others wounded were victims of his failed judgment and decision to support the wrong war.

When asked what lessons could be learned from the war, Obama said, "We should never hesitate to use military force, but we have to use it wisely," while McCain said, "You cannot have a failed strategy that almost causes you to lose a conflict." McCain more concerned with winning and losing, Obama with choosing the right fight.

So, were there any fireworks? Actually, there were a few when the men differed on government spending, earmarks, taxes, health care and education. There were also some when each accused the other of being out of touch on these issues.

If anything was learned from the debates, it was that both men still have a lot more to say. Hopefully, next time they will say it with a bit more fire in their bellies.

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