ShAARP Session: Observations from AARP

Being a conservative, of course I'm going to think McCain won, just like I'm sure all Libs will call it for Obama. I thought that Obama treated the debate like his own personal campaign stop, completely ignoring the time issues over and over. I'll admit that I had to turn the channel about 2/3 thru, just to clear my head during another "he said, but....". I assumed that the time it took for a commercial would be a good time to turn back, but he was still droning on and on. Overall, I didn't hear anything from either that I hadn't heard a dozen times before, EXCEPT that McCain finally brought up the fact that Obama was #2 on the Freddie/Fannie gravy train and the Dems have fought all efforts over the past several years to reign them in. Obama denied or disagreed with several points that McCain made during the evening, but never said a word about that because he couldn't. I honestly would have rather heard one of them say "Yes, we're in really, really bad shape financially in this country, and it's going to get worse before it gets better. Probably a lot worse." One point I adamantly disagree with McCain on is his plan to re-write mortgages to the current market rates. Someone got a loan that they couldn't afford for $200,000 on a $150,000 house. They defaulted and now they can buy it for $100,000 when I would have gotten a good mortgage for $150,000 and faithfully paid my mortgage and still owned the house. We paid off our mortgage this past year in 14 years on a 30 year loan. We did that by budgeting and saving and denying ourselves instant gratification purchases in an effort to get out of debt. We still don't have a flat screen tv - not because we can't afford one, but because we have other prioritries. I heard Sarah mention it during her debate, but neither one mentioned it tonight - we need to get our country under control. Families need to start living within their means, not within their credit limits and beyond. Again, it goes back to the instant gratification. And a celebrity President will only make it worse. IMO

Obama. However, I wish he answered like me - Straight to the point! McCain did well, considering his limitations (failing campaign, unclear strategy..) Again - However, he still did not attain making even one strong case against Obama.

I do believe that Obama - should have come more stronger, with wider explainations for his POVs. He has given the undecided voters nothing new than what he gave in Debate 1.

But, Anyday, McCain is only a non-choice for a ballot that has Obama on it.

Obama - he gave a detailed explanation of how his tax plan would work - providing a tax break for the middle class, and how his health care proposals would work. McCain's $5,000 health care tax credit is a joke. He taxes health benefits, gives the $5,000 tax credit and let's you go out into the market place to buy health insurance that costs a lot more that $5,000 - that's called being in the hole.

McCain will just continue the tax breaks for the rich and the big corporations.

I am very worried about Obama's ideas in all areas. He is a very good speaker but HAS NO EXPERIENCE IN ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING. ANSWERING PRESENT BUT NOT TO VOTE IS VERY UPSETTING. HE DOES NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF LEADERSHIP !!!!!!!!
ANY ONE WHO VOTES FOR HIM JUST BECAUSAE HE TALKS WELL IS FOOLISH.

John McCain comes across as petty in the debates and did himself no favors in this one when he called Obama, "that one". I think that is the moment a lot of people remember. McCain seemed to wander all over the place with his proposals and his constant "my friends" felt disingenuous. Being a maverick in and of itself doesn't mean much-and despite his no I'm not like Bush mantra, he is. The maverick and the cowboy are dangerous people to have guiding our country at this time.

I agree with John on Obama....HAS NO EXPERIENCE IN ACCOMPLISHING ANYTHING. ANSWERING PRESENT BUT NOT TO VOTE IS VERY UPSETTING. HE DOES NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF LEADERSHIP !!!!!!!!
ANY ONE WHO VOTES FOR HIM JUST BECAUSAE HE TALKS WELL IS FOOLISH.

But the American Public loves the glitz and glamour (he is young, polished and nicely dressed) and the fast talk, sound bytes so I dont have faith in their opinion to make a sound judgment. Everyone who cares needs to go out and vote if only for president. This is a critical and I mean VERY CRITICAL election. Seasoned veteran is better than slick talking, questionnable background, new guy.

If Obama wins, we'll know that the United States has grown up quite a bit! And the world will again respect us for it! This man represents a great mixture of black and white, reconciling the two
in his own person and his family. His ideas and planned solutions to
our financial and economic problems are sound, and he doesn't shy
away from sacrifices. He favors the poor AND the well-to-do middle
and small business class and will make those 5% who are more than
rich share their wealth with the rest of the country. He has clearly
enumerated the steps he plans to take but has admitted that because
of the present crisis he will have to proceed more slowly than hoped.
I am very sure that he will pick the right and knowledgeable advisers
in his cabinet as he has already shown with his choice of vice president. In all of the above, McCain is his opposite, apart of
being older and not as healthy and stable as Obama is.

neither one has has a true idea of the state of thing around them; thier poles are in paper only; true life has flowen by them. The true hardship we face everyday, to me they don't care about us little people who pay there way; just big business. I just wish there was a common person, who didn't give in to the rich and powerful, would run. Then maybe the "common" people would have a say so on the affairs of this nation. We were founded on "in God we trust". What happen to ; by the people ,for the people. went was it changed to, by the rich, for the rich--this is bull

I believe that Senator McCains statement that "We can work on all of the problems at the same time is definitely a more positive approach. Obama has stated by his comment that he is not capable of working on more than one problem at a time. If the president has the proper advisory staff does not place limitations on himself. I also like the McCain approach to buying up the failed mortgages and allowing the current property owners to stay in their homes by providing a manageable mortgage and interest rate. The system that, due to the escalation of payments based on a "POSSIBLE" increase of income should never have been allowed. The refinancing plan should also limit the borrowing of additional monies and commissions by the realtors and loan writers.

Boy, I had to turn the channel off and on just like nelliesmom but mine for a different reason. If I had to hear McCain say "MY FRIEND" one more time I would have killed myself. And avoiding the questions he did. Very sarcastic. Obama seemed very confident and calm as he laid out his economic plan. Sincere in his speech delivery which is what I think we need right now - someone with a cool head not a hothead like McCain.The $5000.00 credit for insurance is a joke. Where can you get health insurance for a family for $416.66 a month. And Sarah -OMG!!!Maybe shes a natural blonde. But I have had enough of the Republican Party.

Basically the Obama camp is without any true American true value` substance. Especially the experience and authentic true facksof his non accomplishments. Just a well organized show. The jargon bought by an uneducated following of the topics and history and or twisted following. A shame so many elderly Americans and aliens who never assimulated and never will, have not paid their dues, think of what they can get for free, rather than do their homework on the facts away from the talking head media and MPR. Obama a good speaker like a carny.
The Housing Crisis started with Carter. Even Clinton tried to send a change in to his party but it was overruled and shot down.
Obama's figures on tax's do not add up. especially when only 70% of the public pays taxes. Just a fact Not 100%.
Many of us really sacrificed and continue to pay the way for the majority of the 30% all of which like most Crimminals, unassimulated alians are Liberal democrats. As a an educated twice wounded Veteran I still do not look for a a way to sponge. The Small business tax routine is too rediculous to even comment on. This just gets down to why I no longer listen to AARP nonsense. My work has me living in Europe often for 18 years, (Civilian Educational historical work, No I am not a liberal). I have seen what lazy socialism does and has done and the overall attitude that we owe the world a pay check or welfare. Nonsense It started in W.W.I when the World discovered how easy it is to doop us, and they still do!

Obama Is so much more mature and seasoned than John McCain. Its no wonder the majority of the general public beieved Obama won the first two debates. His logical thinking, ability to speak to the Country, exdellent grasp of the issues and organizational skills puts him head and shoulders above John McCain. This country cannot stand more of the conservate thinking that has dominated and undermined this country for the last eight years: 1) ultra conservative appointments to the Supreme Court where conservative judges put Corporate rights ahead of individual rights,
2) indefensible pursuit of two never-ending wars (both of which have lasted longer than World War II, and 3) tax cuts that have undermined our economy, led to trillions in debt and the erosion of our nation's infrastructure and educational system. God save America from a McCain Presidency!

I just have one thing to say about the debate. Senator Obama convinced me that he is the right person with the knowledge to be our next President. He addressed the issues that we all are concerned with.

Senator McCain on the other hand seemed to be like a whinning kid. He tried to desparately to convince any one that Obama was a crook.

I think Obama won. McCain flip-flop too many times.

Personally neither one will win with me until they begin to answer the questions with concrete plans for solving the problems facing this country.
Example: When asked "What don't you know, and how will you learn it?" Both candidates responded by talking about their early childhood upbringing and early years with single parents. I personally wanted to hear their true response to that particular question as it would shed light on where they would turn for guidance.
My other great concern is, Why is there no mention of the idiot legislators who added pork barrel ammendments to the bailout at a time when this country needed true patriots who were looking out for the best interests of this nation? They should be personally held responsible for treason and jailed like the common criminal they chose to be!

Obama is just another Carter, Biden is a bumbler. Corporations create jobs, we are acting like they are the enemy when it's greed that is our enemy. Yes, McCain is older but Obama is a heavy smoker so he is not healthy. Palin is more experienced than Obama. Yes, he has served as a senator for three terms but he has been campainging for two. Also I hear liberals complain that we lost other countries friendship that is not true most of the Latin American countries except for Mexico never cared for us and our allies are still helping out in the Middle East.

I don`t see alot of difference between either canidate.Obama says we need change.The last 2 years the Democrats have been in charge in the House and Senate and look what`s happening today.I don`t know if this country can stand anymore change.I`m not a fan of McCain either.I think he is to old and I don`t like some of his ideas.So,I am left with choosing between two canidates that I don`t like.I wish we had a strong third party canidate that I could vote for.I may sit this election out for the first time in my life.

I can't believe anyone would have said McCain won. The expressions McCain made and how he continued to intrrupt Obama makes me wonder how he will handle himself when in a room full of diplomats from other countries and he disagrees with them. I'm a republican so don't tag me as one of those liberals. I'm like John H - I wish there was a strong third party to choose from.

i actually think that obama won. If i was old enough t vote i'd pick him. I feel that he is actually thinking about our future. well my future since i'm 14. Like someone else said m-cain is trying to convince everyone that obama is a crook and that's not true!

Barack Obama won all around. He non only stayed focused on what they were to discuss but he showed how very intelligent he is and what he is planning to do to pull us out of this mess. Mc Cain was very negative and tried to rephrasing his negative remarks at Obama. Obama is right! Do we really need 8 more years of the same that has only contributed to more homeless, the terrible housing situation & McCain brought up Sarah Palin as to how she is so devoted to those children w/disabilities. I have a disabled son is now 43 years old. My husband and I went thru hell to make sure he was given the proper treatment and special schools which we had to pay out of pocket. How can she compare herself w/people who haven't all the money & help she has to help her w/her child? She knows nothing about having a disabled child and having to fight the red tape to do the best for your child! She is very insincere and I think uses her baby as a prop during the campaigning. McCain is very wealthy and doesn't know how the working class live. How many homes does he own? He brings up vietnam. Our young men were sent there and became fodder for the fields. We need to pull out of Iraq and get these young men home. I am living on Social Security and cannot find a job; I was forced out of my job last year because I turned 65. Does McCain know what it'slike to live on $1200 a month! Give me a break! Barack Obama comes across as a sincere and I know will not only get the economy going again but will also deal w/foreign policy the right way!

I believe Obama won. I do think McCain did a lot better than he did during the other two debates, but he diluted his strengths by his whining attitude, his school-kid facial expressions, and his attacks on Obama's character. That's too bad. I would like to have heard more about his (McCain's) actual policies and plans--there has been very little discussion about that, from the Repub. Convention onward. Attacks, no substance.

Also, to those who think that Obama voters are fooled by the fact that he "talks well" and "dresses well" and is "glamorous"--what??? If I were so gullible I'd believe all the wingnut crap about Obama being a member of Hamas, and a secret Muslim who went to madrassas in Pakistan, and refuses to honor the flag and the national anthem. Now, the folks who believe THAT stuff are the truly gullible among us. All it takes is a little googling and THINKING to find out the truth. I THINK, and it's my MIND, not an Armani suit, that brought me to support Obama.

John, Paul and Vicky;

Why do you let your fear and hate stop you from realy listening to what was said. After reading your comments I am afraid that if McCain and Palin win this you, as well as, the rest of our country will continue to suffer. I know you feel afraid, but Mcain will not be able to help us with his nasty reactionary leadership.