Analysis of First Presidential Debates

On Saturday, Time Magazine had the following to say about John McCain and Barack Obama's performances in the first presidential debate of the 2008 election.

Letter grading aside, I agree with Mark Halperin's analysis (and brief summary) of each candidate's substance, style, and overall performance.

I don't think either candidate particularly outshone the other but the intended topic of the debate, foreign policy, is widely heralded as McCain's strength, and an area in which his experience far exceeds that of Obama's. I don't think that McCain effectively demonstrated superior command of foreign policy issues while Obama's preparation and grasp of the issues was clear. I don't think the debate altered much in public opinion regarding McCain but it gave Obama the opportunity to prove to the public that he does understand foreign policy issues, and that he is not as inexperienced or incapable of leading as Republicans have been attempting to depict him.