Debate: Obama Drives Home Message of Change

I'll have a more thought out reaction to the debate in the morning, but my insta-reaction was that Obama had the edge, on points.

I think a lot of observers go into a debate like this waiting for a knock-out blow, along the lines of a "You're no Jack Kennedy" moment. That almost never happens, and tonight certainly didn't have any lasting, humiliating moments.

I was a little surprised at the contempt McCain showed for Obama, refusing to even look at Obama during the debate. It was the height of arrogance -- McCain's not-so-subtle message was that he didn't even want to be on the same stage with his rival. I lost count of how many times he said Obama "doesn't understand" an issue, even when it was obvious that it was McCain who was confused.