[Arles]

I think McCain got well under Obama's skin early on and Obama played defense all night. Half of Obama's statements began with "I agree with Sen McCain". McCain pretty much undressed Obama on nearly every foreign policy decision (Surge, Russia, meeting with Iran, threatening Pakistan). Meanwhile, all Obama did was keep going back to why Iraq was a mistake. I think that helps Obama a bit at first, but it doesn't answer all these other issues. He still never really addressed the issue of what conditions he would use to leave Iraq and left it as "we'll leave in 16 months no matter what".

Obama did real well early on the economy (middle class tax cuts), but once the Iran discussion started, McCain just took over and Obama just tried to block punches from that point on.

Don't know what the poll response will be, but I can't imagine the last 45 minutes going any better for McCain. Obama saying he will sit with Iran's Pres, threaten Pakistan, leave Iraq in 16 months no matter what and his stance on Russia.

Still, I don't know that it will make much of a difference this early. But, I don't think Obama made anyone worried about his handling foreign policy feel any better. Again, with the economy the way it is, foreign policy might not be that important so Obama may win anyway. My impression is that McCain helped himself tonight by not allowing people worried about Obama's foreign policy to "feel more comfortable with him".