The Pundits

Chris Matthews just said, basically, that McCain's obvious contempt for Obama may be offensive to voters. The pundits are highlighting Obama's tendency to say "John is right."

There's a likability factor that might loom large here, though I agree the "John is right" stuff has to go.

The big X factor post-debate is the fact that Kissinger, indeed, did back direct talks with Iran "without conditions."

...Jamison Foser with a very good post about how saying "I agree with my opponent, but..." is a completely normal political construction.

KO is emphasizing that McCain admitted that this country has tortured under Bush. That's somewhat notable. I think the Kissinger moment is pretty telling. He out-and-out lied about that.

...this is kind of important. Throughout the 2000 debates, the big focus was on Gore's sighs. McCain sneered, chuckled, and was really pretty belligerent while Obama was talking. The media has a choice to make whether to focus on that, or focus on this "I agree with John" business.

...The polls seem to favor Obama, and I think the pundits are deciding to go with that since they didn't have a clear picture. I'm seeing Pat Buchanan kind of change his view within an hour or so. If McCain comes out of this as "the mean guy" that's going to be tough for him. I expect the SNL parody to focus on this, and the bobbleheads tend to follow their lead, crazily enough.

...if this gets played a million times Obama will be seen as the winner. A very strong moment.