The Heck with Substance

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Okay, it's half an hour later. Here's Politico: "The Republican still needs a game-changer, and he has only one more debate -- focused on the economy -- before election day."

NYT: "Tuesday night's presidential debate was remarkable for the dourness of its mood, for the frequently subdued demeanors of the candidates even as they tore into each other, which they did with somewhat less vigor and venom than expected, given how little time remains until Election Day, given how nasty the campaign had turned in recent days . . .

"There were a few moments during the long first hour -- and a few more during the quick last half hour -- when the exchanges grew more spirited and tense. Mr. McCain's apparent irritation with his opponent spiked as he exhibited condescension toward his younger rival."

LAT: "Seeking to turn around his faltering campaign after weeks of sinking polls, Sen. John McCain used tonight's presidential debate to unveil a dramatic new federal program to bail out homeowners struggling to pay their mortgages.

"The Republican nominee, who long has railed against excess government spending, outlined a program that his campaign said would cost roughly $300 billion."

Boston Globe: "Sometimes sarcastic and sometimes sincere, McCain seemed off-balance in a way that undermined his much-repeated claim of being "a cool hand at the tiller."

"Obama, who did not particularly excel at town hall-style debates during the primaries -- sometimes seeming lordly or professorial -- was better than McCain last night at connecting with audience members on their own terms."

USA Today: "Ninety minutes later, there had been no big flubs or knockout punches by either man, nothing that signaled the sort of 'game changer' that McCain needed at a time Obama is rising in polls nationwide and in key states."

There's that phrase again.

New York Post: "John McCain charged last night that Barack Obama would be the worst president for the economy since Herbert Hoover in Depression, by pushing tax hikes during a financial crisis."

And here I thought that was a silly line. Guess the McCain-endorsing tabloid set me straight.