War and taxes divide McCain, Obama in first debate

I didn't watch the debate since I was at work but I know plenty of sites that should have it up and running to be viewed. I know these debates are crucial so take the time out and peep them out and determine for yourself who should be up in the white house

By CHRISTOPHER WILLS, Associated Press Writer

OXFORD, Miss. - In a faceoff that returned again and again to judgment, John McCain portrayed himself as a battle-tested elder running against a naive rookie, while Barack Obama suggested the Republican is a hothead who made the wrong choices on the Iraq war, corporate taxes and more.


Now they take the themes from an intense first debate back to the campaign trail, looking for some edge in a tight presidential race. With 38 days left, McCain is headed for Washington and the dispute over a Wall Street bailout, while Obama plans to visit Republican-leaning states where the Democrat thinks he can make inroads.

The debate presented a huge opportunity for the candidates to deliver their message to millions of Americans — or make an embarrassing blunder.

Interest in Friday's debate was amplified by suspense about whether it would even take place. McCain had said he wouldn't take part unless the financial crisis was resolved, then reversed course and decided at the last minute to participate without a deal.

McCain, 72, frequently referred to his age and experience.

Sometimes he joked — at one point he waggled his eyebrows and quipped that the moderator didn't think he could hear the question — and other times he went out of his way to mention the foreign countries he has visited and the years he has spent on Capitol Hill.

"I have a long record and the American people know me very well," he said.

But Obama, a 47-year-old serving his first term in the Senate, challenged McCain frequently and offered himself as someone who can be trusted to make sound choices.
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