Debate 3: McCain's Wrath meets Obama's Serenity

Last night's third and final presidential debate drew the boldest contrast between the candidates. For an hour and a half the two candidates addressed issues and debated plans. Moderator Bob Schieffer did a great job of allowing the candidates time to answer and rebut the other's statements and charges. What did we learn about the candidates from their tone and styles? How would they act as President for the next four years?

Senator McCain came out of the gates playing the role of the angry grandpa. His voice was strained and often filled with mock sarcasm (did he learn that from Governor Palin?). McCain's body language was stiff and jerky and he seemed to rise and fall with every comment Senator Obama made. McCain's facial expressions changed by the minute and his eyes rolled around in his head several times. If McCain wanted to come across as vigorous, I think he overplayed that card. His actions and demeanor seemed to reinforce the "erratic" characterization of him by the Obama campaign. McCain was on the offense but Obama's defense was better.

Then there was Senator Obama. He was serene and steady. He was composed and never rattled. His body language exuded a calm in the midst of McCain's raging storm. Obama seemed the model of a statesman. He was rational and even smiled occasionally. Yes, he seemed a little sad at times but that seemed to match the tone of the country right now as Americans watch the market go through a meltdown and we keep hearing news about a war that seems to go on forever.

In this last head-to-head debate, Americans were looking at these two candidates trying to judge which person has the right tone and bearing to lead our country for next four years. McCain misplayed his hand and failed to make that case. And this "misplaying his hand" seems to be a pattern by McCain since the Republican convention. His choice of an unqualified person to join his ticket (which he couldn't defend last night and failed to make a case for Palin when the question came up) is one example. His odd decision to "suspend" his campaign and head to Washington D.C. during the beginnings of the financial crisis (but then fail to lead his Republican colleagues) is another example.

Senator Obama won all three presidential debates this campaign season (all the post-debate polls say this). This level of debate dominance rarely happens during a presidential campaign. Now I hope that some civility will return to the campaign trail over the next three weeks. Americans are tired of campaigns waged on fear, hatred, anger, and uncivil behavior. Simply stated, the race is over for John McCain. Please Senator McCain, go out with some dignity still intact.