Not to any great surprise, Senator John McCain was more in his element with the discussion of tonight’s debate centered on foreign affairs. He demonstrated a deeper knowledge of the issues, the players, and the international political landscape, as well as specifics on what steps need to be taken. Although Senator Barack Obama showed he was conversant on the issues, to me he lacked in the specifics, which is a theme I’ve been noticing from his campaign in general. He cites all the facts on what things have gone wrong in the last eight years, but his plans for the future are fairly generic in nature, and some even boil down to “I’ll make things better”. Such as, ‘when I’m President, we’ll be energy independent in ten years’. I find much, but not all, of his vision for America good, just lacking in particulars. For example, when the moderator asked what steps each might take in January given the economic troubles bubbling over, Senator McCain said he’d consider a spending freeze except in critical areas, while Senator Obama just talked generalities about how unspecified components of his energy plan might have to be delayed. And while Senator McCain talked about the realities of international negotiations, cultures (e.g., the intermarrying of al Qaeda in the northern parts of Pakistan), and the historical perspectives on Russia’s recent actions, Senator Obama appealed to more general notions of being open to talks with dictators and being sure the USA is perceived positively by other nations.
So that was my main impression: That while Senator Barack Obama demonstrated his knowledge and philosophical approach, Senator John McCain showed a greater mastery of foreign affairs and elucidated specific policies.
My quote of the night: Responding to Senator Obama’s assertion that this isn’t the time to stare into foreign leader’s eyes and read their souls, Senator McCain said ‘I’ve looked into the eyes of Vladimir Putin and seen three letters: K-G-B.’ 
