The Debate

Both candidates are doing well tonight. The attempt to deliberately misrepresent each other has been generally kept to a minimum, and they've spent some time discussing issues.

While neither would say they entirely give up any of their proposals because of
the cost of the bailout, McCain said he would be willing to consider a spending
freeze for everything except defense, veterans' care, and entitlements.
Obama opposed a general spending freeze, saying that some programs, such as children's health care, are starved for cash.

It seems to me that expectations are low for McCain - he's viewed as being a hothead, as likely to misspeak, as vulnerable to the failings of advanced age.

Obama continued trying to tie McCain to the unpopular president, saying that
McCain's pledges to control spending and help middle-class families after
supporting Bush for eight years is "hard to swallow."
McCain replied that he had bucked the president on torture, Guantanamo Bay, and other issues. "The American people know me very well, independent, the maverick of the Senate," McCain said.

As a result of the low expectations, my impression is that McCain is coming out on top tonight. He is lucid, more to the point than Barack - very sharp in his presentation. His answer on Russia was delightfully rich with detail and understanding. Any concern of McCain being too old - a concern shared by 20% or so of the population, should largely be satisfied.