[EE-BO]

I thought the debate was a wash, but that both candidates did fairly well. In terms of personalities (which is what matters when trying to discuss complex world affairs in 90 minutes or less), McCain got to show that cool, confident experienced side that will help him on the foreign policy front, and Obama got to show he can be tenacious and not just aloof and elite. He had some fight in him last night, and it was much more controlled and appropriate than his outburst earlier this year when Bush gave that foreign policy speech that took a jab at him.

The one thing that really struck me though was just how much these 2 guys must really loathe each other. I do not think they ever made eye contact during the entire debate. With Bush-Clinton in 92, it was more of a coldness with Bush seemingly bored, but McCain and Obama seemed really hateful of each other in a sense.

I just bring it up since McCain has a track record for reaching across the aisle and Obama has made unity a big part of his message.

I do think both are capable of that, and we know McCain is based on past history, but to watch the debates it is difficult to really get comfortable with the idea.