Initial Thoughts

This debate struck me as a marginal victory for Obama on points, but because of the state of the race a substantial victory in terms of the overall race. Obama more than held his own. I think Obama's answers were more coherent. And there were several exchanges where I think Obama had very strong answers, which I noted in the live blogging. That said, McCain did fine. I think his supporters will think he put in a solid performance. But the bottom line is that right now McCain is losing. He has to shake things up. But he didn't.