Is Obama Aiming To Woo Independents, Or Just Keep His Base Enthused?

Friday, September 26, 2008

BARACK OBAMA

Judging from the lines on CNN's scrolling graph, I think Democrats will be convinced Obama won the debate more convincingly and thoroughly than any candidate has ever won a debate before. The independents don't seem quite so impressed. (The scrolling numbers seem to confirm with what my gut says.) It's hit and miss, and they certainly seem at least as pleased with what they're hearing from McCain.

Periodically, when they go to split screen, Obama will shake his head or offer a half-smirk, as if, "I can't believe he went there." (One of my regular

Maybe the Obama camp has looked at recent good polling numbers and determined that what they needed to do tonight was ensure their base remains revved up and excited. Maybe they figure with their get-out-the-vote efforts and new voter registration drive, they're going to overcome whatever straggling independents come to join McCain. But I think Obama was strangely... not in sync with the independents tonight (at least so far).

First McCain, then Obama cite the bracelets they wear from mothers of fallen U.S. soldiers. (Eyes with a skeptical mind will contend Obama had to look to remember the name.)

09/26 10:03 PM Share