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Bottoms up
September 26, 2008 1:16 PM   RSS feed for this thread Subscribe

Now that the presidential debate is back on, it's time to prepare by selecting the most appropriate drinking game for tonight's debate.

posted by nitsuj (607 comments total) 25 users marked this as a favorite

If only I could watch the debates online... streaming... LIVE!
posted by bjork24 at 1:17 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


I'm taking a drink everytime I hear the word "Change". That should get me good and drunk.
posted by trbrts at 1:21 PM on September 26


Ah, and I thought I was the only one who came up with something to do besides seethe at the TV. Here are my rules:

Words or terms - Sips

- Debate Rhetoric-
Change - 1
War - 1
100 year war - 2
War: what is it good for? - 3
Economic meltdown - 2
Fundamentals are strong - 3
Whiners - CHUG
Terrorism - 1
Bin Laden - 1
September 11 - 2
Taliban - 3
"Obama is Muslim" - CHUG
"...my fellow senator" - 1
"...my dear colleague" - 2
"...this asshole" - CHUG

-Gestures-
Candidates shake hands - 1
Candidates hug - 3
Candidates bump fists - CHUG
Obama writes notes - 1
McCain strokes his chin - 1
Politician's "slice" with open hand when making a point - 1
Rests both hands on podium when making a point - 2
Pounds fist or shoe on podium - 3
Makes whacking-off gesture while rolling eyes - CHUG

- Audience Reactions-
Applause - 1
Standing ovation - 2
Boos and hisses - 3
Chicken or donkey noises - CHUG

-Press Coverage-
"______ won this round of debates" - 1
"______ showed remarkable composure" - 1
"Lipstick" - 3
"First black man/minority" - 1
"Latest white guy" - 3
"Oldest man" - 2
"First soul man" - CHUG
Comparison of Obama's suit to traditional Muslim garb (Fox News only) - 1
posted by seldom seen cid at 1:21 PM on September 26 [46 favorites]


> Sen. John McCain... believes enough progress has been made for him to debate Democrat Sen. Barack Obama...

Now that is a remarkable coincidence and fortuitous timing. If you'd read about it in a fictional novel type book you'd totally be finding it unconvincing.
posted by ardgedee at 1:23 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


I know that I'll be playing Lingo.
posted by Rinku at 1:23 PM on September 26


Here's mine: anytime McCain says "my friends," CHUG.

Clearly I plan on getting good and drunk.
posted by bitter-girl.com at 1:25 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


BTW -- 'Debate Drinking Game' already under discussion in this previous thread.
posted by ericb at 1:26 PM on September 26


but when you're between my thighs, you blow me awayyyyy.
posted by Dumsnill at 1:27 PM on September 26


If either candidate ends a sentence with the phrase "like Donkey Kong!", do a keg stand.
posted by GuyZero at 1:33 PM on September 26


trbrts: I'm taking a drink everytime I hear the word "Change". That should get me good and drunk.

Unless you are using tap-water, this drinking game will likely kill you.

That said, I'm going to take a drink every time McCain says something that is a direct contradiction of what he's said in the past year, and a big shot every time mentions being a POW.

I'll also take a drink every time Obama mentions the word Hope, but that's just because I want to get good and stinking tonight.
posted by quin at 1:33 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


I'll be playing a gig. Anyone know how to stream the debate to the iPhone? I'll be at a bar but drinking games only slow me up.
posted by sourwookie at 1:35 PM on September 26


I'm taking a drink every time US election filter pops up. I'm constantly drunk.
posted by Dumsnill at 1:38 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Best drinking game ever.
posted by Marisa Stole the Precious Thing at 1:42 PM on September 26


Don't forget the Twitter drinking game: a shot for McCain saying "my friends," and a shot for Obama saying "change." (That page is fun to watch, too.)
posted by fiercecupcake at 1:43 PM on September 26


Is there anywhere in the UK this is going to be on live?
posted by By The Grace of God at 1:45 PM on September 26


I want to drink just because McCain is showing up.
posted by never used baby shoes at 1:49 PM on September 26


McCain wins debate!

a screenshot of this morning's WSJ
posted by elwoodwiles at 1:49 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Surely everything is live on the Internet
posted by IndigoJones at 1:50 PM on September 26


Oh boy, I am going to need a handle of Jack Daniels for this one.

I can't wait!
posted by clearly at 1:51 PM on September 26


"American People"
"9/11"
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 1:52 PM on September 26


I'm planning to watch it on cspan.org (I have a computer hooked up to my TV).

So, yeah, it's live on the Internet.
posted by greenie2600 at 1:52 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Is there anywhere in the UK this is going to be on live?

Apparently both BBC News and CNN are showing it from 2am tonight, likely the other news channels will as well. More4 are repeating it the debate 11pm tomorrow (Saturday).
posted by HaloMan at 1:52 PM on September 26


You don't have to listen! It is already won!!



His gang just couldn't wait to let us know so we could, like McCain, get to bed early
cause he missed his nappie to fly back from DC, where he fixed the bailout and made
the GOP a bunch of smiling ultras, convinced that a free market fixes all things but
what a vasectomy calls for and a flat tire.
posted by Postroad at 1:54 PM on September 26


Clearly I plan on getting good and drunk.

Yea, me too.
posted by clearly at 1:57 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


No matter what happens, I'm going to get wasted and cry my eyes out on election night.
posted by space2k at 1:59 PM on September 26 [6 favorites]


A Drinking Game for November 4th

If Obama wins, pop open a bottle of wine.

If McCain wins, down six shots of hard alcohol, chug six beers, pop open a box of wine, siphon down that tub of moonshine you have in the basement, and do this every day for the next four years.
posted by halfling at 2:03 PM on September 26 [16 favorites]


down six shots of hard alcohol, chug six beers, pop open a box of wine, siphon down that tub of moonshine you have in the basement, and do this every day for the next four years.

That's what I've been doing for the last eight...
posted by elwoodwiles at 2:06 PM on September 26


And the pills, halfling. Don't forget the pills.
posted by vibrotronica at 2:12 PM on September 26


I'll just watch the debates, and drink myself into oblivion whenever I realize one of these two schmucks will become our next leader. That's my drinking "game."
posted by not_on_display at 2:13 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Everyone gets two drinks. Whenever Obama says "change", switch to the other drink. Whenever McCain says "change", drink more of the same.
posted by gurple at 2:15 PM on September 26 [48 favorites]


Unless Even if you are using tap-water, this drinking game will likely kill you.

Overhydration can be fatal.
posted by DevilsAdvocate at 2:18 PM on September 26


And the pills, halfling. Don't forget the pills.

Too true. Although, I was worried it wouldn't qualify as a "drinking game." Thankfully, science has us covered.
posted by halfling at 2:18 PM on September 26


• One shot for every reference to McCain as a POW
• Chug one tumbler of Wild Turkey if McCain claims personal responsibility for progress being made on the bailout bill
posted by Thorzdad at 2:19 PM on September 26


I'm probably going to puke before I even start drinking.
posted by mullingitover at 2:20 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Here's mine: anytime McCain says "my friends," CHUG.

The man's name is WALNUTS!
posted by Ironmouth at 2:21 PM on September 26


McCain: The debate is off.
Obama: No it isn’t.

McCain: ...!?
Obama: ...

McCain: ok
posted by Smedleyman at 2:23 PM on September 26 [51 favorites]


I now share with you the greatest and most excellent drinking game of all time.

You Drink

Get together with a bunch of friends.

Bring alcohol.

Sit in the same room.

Any time anyone wants to, point at any other person in the room and say "you drink."

The person who was pointed at drinks.

Repeat indefinitely.
posted by Joey Michaels at 2:23 PM on September 26 [6 favorites]


I've been working my way through season 1 of Deadwood by having a shot everytime Al Swearingen does. It's the best drinking game I've ever played.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 2:24 PM on September 26 [3 favorites]


Gah! - add *drink*
posted by Smedleyman at 2:26 PM on September 26


If McCain wins, down six shots of hard alcohol, chug six beers, pop open a box of wine, siphon down that tub of moonshine you have in the basement, and do this every day for the next four years.

So, more of the same, then?
posted by enn at 2:33 PM on September 26


I suggest the game Drink. The rules are simple. Sit in a circle with your friends and draw straws. Whoever draws the short straw takes a drink first. Then each person, one at a time and moving clockwise around the circle, takes a drink. And every time you see someone else take a drink, you take a drink.

Drink has nothing to do with the debate, but it will help to put you in the appropriate frame of mind to deal with American politics these days.
posted by The Card Cheat at 2:44 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Whoever draws the short straw takes a drink first.

Whoever draws the short straw also gets the short glass, I hope.
posted by pracowity at 2:52 PM on September 26


I'm going to watch this on Al Jazeera so I won't be able to drink alcohol, sorry.
posted by matteo at 2:55 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


We should keep this thread open during the debate. 8,000 identical comments in a row ("DRINK!") would definitely be the best of the web.
posted by gurple at 3:00 PM on September 26


Hugh Hewitt says it's even money that Obama will use "Ah..." "Uhm..." "You Know..." "and..." and other forms of verbal filler at least 35 times, about one per minute of air time when he's talking.
posted by Class Goat at 3:00 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


"McCain wins debate!

a screenshot of this morning's WSJ"


McCain wins lots of things.
posted by An Infinity Of Monkeys at 3:02 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Oh yeah, I got another one: I'm gonna yell Na zdoróvje! and take a drink every time someone mentions "Russia", I'm going to turn that drink into a shot if the reference is to it being visible from anywhere in the states.
posted by quin at 3:09 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


McCain wins lots of things.

Washer-dryer combo caused me to nearly spit on my monitor. mcCain is, truly, a winnar.
posted by GuyZero at 3:12 PM on September 26


Wow. That's a lot of alcohol poisoning.
posted by billypilgrim at 3:33 PM on September 26


Getting drunk is the only way these debates will make sense.

How I wish Gallagher was moderating this debate...
posted by Alexandra Kitty at 3:34 PM on September 26


Chug everytime you hear "You know what old Jack Burton says at a time like this."

What? What are you watching tonight?
posted by Durn Bronzefist at 3:39 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


It's just gonna be me and my cats watching tonight—I've had a long week, and I'm taking it easy. To that end, I have a bottle of my favorite Shiraz, a sack full of blue tortilla chips, and my trusty lounge-around-the-house pants.

I fully expect Obama to trounce McCain. (I also expect that a significant portion of the electorate will neither notice nor care.)

What I'm really looking forward to, though, is the VP debates. After watching Palin for the last few weeks, I suspect she'll be a twitching pile of hamburger by the time that's over. And it'll be fun to watch.
posted by greenie2600 at 3:40 PM on September 26


Blue tortilla chips with Shiraz?
posted by strangeleftydoublethink at 3:46 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


My drinking game is to drink a lot and shout at the TV

I'm like "THAT IS MALARKEY"
posted by Greg Nog at 3:59 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Blue tortilla chips with Shiraz?

Sure. I'm cosmopolitan like that.
posted by greenie2600 at 4:01 PM on September 26 [3 favorites]


Another excellent non-political drinking game:

Big Fish

After fishing with a bunch of friends, place all the fish you caught in a cooler.

All players reach in and pull out a fish. Player with the biggest fish assigns drinks.

Repeat.

Should the fish start to come apart, the game can become Big Chunk of Fish.
posted by Joey Michaels at 4:19 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


Blue tortilla chips with Shiraz?

I only have Pecan Harvest Ale and a bag of mellowcreme pumpkins (really, long story). Can I play anyway?
posted by jonmc at 4:20 PM on September 26


I have Bronchitis and a sinus infection, so I'm not drinking at all. Maybe I'll do an anti-drinking game. Like, I'll take a drink whenever McCain makes sense. That should keep me sober.
posted by Biblio at 4:30 PM on September 26




Anyone know where I can stream the debate online, full screen? Seems C-SPAN's RealPlayer (I'm on a Mac) makes you keep it tiny
posted by bukharin at 4:32 PM on September 26


Where can I watch the presidential debate online?
posted by carsonb at 4:42 PM on September 26


I only have Pecan Harvest Ale and a bag of mellowcreme pumpkins (really, long story). Can I play anyway?

Goddamn fuckin' elitist!
posted by ericb at 4:52 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


bukharin: try cnn.com.
posted by greenie2600 at 4:53 PM on September 26


The first time anyone says 'sloozy' -- moderator included -- I'm drinking everything I've got in the house as fast as I can.
posted by mazola at 4:57 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


greenie2600 writes "I fully expect Obama to trounce McCain. (I also expect that a significant portion of the electorate will neither notice nor care.)"

This. The debates are pointless theatre.
posted by mullingitover at 5:07 PM on September 26


John McCain Debate bingo (pdf)
posted by euphorb at 5:07 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


every time a mefite points out that debates are pointless - 1
posted by boo_radley at 5:08 PM on September 26


My let's-get-drunk plan for the Canadian debates is to drink every time one of them mangles pronunciation in the official language that is not their mother tongue. This way, between Harper/Layton on Wedsneday and Dion on Thursday I should be drunk for over 24 hours straight.

You guys have the right idea, doing this on a friday. I'm watching tonight, I have my Corona, now I just have to choose the game.
posted by aclevername at 5:32 PM on September 26


So, is this the debate thread? I'm here for the debate thread.
posted by odinsdream at 5:47 PM on September 26


I am here for the live debate thread. I have beer.
posted by The Whelk at 5:49 PM on September 26


I too am here for the debate thread. I have cigarettes, beer and coffee. And pizza.
posted by slackdog at 5:59 PM on September 26


boo_radley writes "every time a mefite points out that debates are pointless - 1"

Regurgitate one drink?
posted by mullingitover at 6:00 PM on September 26


I keep hearing about this debate thread...
posted by defenestration at 6:00 PM on September 26


I am here for the debate thread. It's 2am and I have diet coke and ice cream!
posted by triggerfinger at 6:01 PM on September 26


Jim's eyes! his eyes! Like inky windows to nothing! I'm terrified and it's only 30 seconds in.
posted by The Whelk at 6:02 PM on September 26 [8 favorites]


Rum and coke! Let's get it on!
posted by Big_B at 6:02 PM on September 26


No cheering allowed? BOOOOO!
posted by Big_B at 6:03 PM on September 26


Well, no visible wires.
posted by box at 6:03 PM on September 26


That was very disciplined applause. I'm already liking this crowd.

And man, Lehrer's right out the door with the finance stuff. Delicious.
posted by penduluum at 6:04 PM on September 26


I'm here for the debate thread as well.

But I have to be very quiet, as I'm at work...surrounded by surly Republicans. I have my trusty iPod headphones plugged in, and some tea subbing for some beer.
posted by sara is disenchanted at 6:04 PM on September 26


So is that five or six "uhs" already?
posted by Big_B at 6:04 PM on September 26


Obama looks tired.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:04 PM on September 26


Here we go. Can I bear to watch this?
posted by jokeefe at 6:05 PM on September 26


Someone has trained Obama to inhale every time we want to say "uh."
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:05 PM on September 26


Let's do it.
posted by sciurus at 6:06 PM on September 26


And to say "and" instead.
posted by penduluum at 6:06 PM on September 26


Kennedy!
posted by mazola at 6:06 PM on September 26


WTF?! Kennedy?!
posted by sara is disenchanted at 6:06 PM on September 26


Kennedy's still in the hospital? I heard he was out already...
posted by slackdog at 6:06 PM on September 26


Huh? I thought Kennedy was at home.
posted by jokeefe at 6:07 PM on September 26


Liar. He's not in the hospital, he's home. Double drink!
posted by yhbc at 6:07 PM on September 26


Cheap shot emotional manipulation
posted by LooseFilter at 6:07 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


I'm glad he's feeling better. WTF?
posted by jokeefe at 6:07 PM on September 26


The play on Main Street/Wall Street is getting a little tired
posted by casaubon at 6:07 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


So he's trying to strike a conciliatory tone here? That's rich.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:07 PM on September 26


Jim Lehrer's tie is heinous.
posted by sciurus at 6:08 PM on September 26


Jesus Christ. He's lying right off the bat (not the Kennedy thing; obviously he hadn't been told yet). They fucking HAD A BAILOUT DEAL BEFORE HE SHOWED UP AND KILLED IT.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:08 PM on September 26


He's a bald faced liar. Talking about bipartisanship when he disrupted the deal? What the hell? He sounds like he's groping for something he thinks he should say...
posted by jokeefe at 6:08 PM on September 26


McCain's sounding rather sick... Keeps clearing his throat and coughing.
posted by Axle at 6:09 PM on September 26


The end of the beginning... the beginning of the end... lots of work.... is my two minutes up yet? Please? I can has win?
posted by jokeefe at 6:09 PM on September 26


Kennedy had a seizure and was taken to the emergency room. Supposedly caused by a change in meds.
posted by Big_B at 6:09 PM on September 26


The "and" thing was noticeable, but better than "uh".

Kennedy
posted by dejah420 at 6:10 PM on September 26


Greatest Invasion in Forever--he can see FUTURE HISTORY.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:11 PM on September 26


FUCKING LIAR.

I don't know if I can actually watch this.

Eisenhower? WTF?
posted by jokeefe at 6:11 PM on September 26


What the shit is he on about now? I stopped listening for 20 seconds and he's talking about letters? Or something?
posted by penduluum at 6:11 PM on September 26


The "back and forth"...not so much back or forth.
posted by dejah420 at 6:12 PM on September 26


Lehrer is trying to get them to actually debate each other, but they keep talking to him.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:12 PM on September 26


Obama seems to me to be commanding and forthright. McCain hasn't said a thing of substance yet.
posted by jokeefe at 6:12 PM on September 26


Obama should drop the axe: "Senator McCain, you have long been a strong proponent of deregulation and that is what lead us directly into this crisis."
posted by LooseFilter at 6:13 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Obama is eating up the back and forth time. If he keeps that up, McCain will seem passive, but at the same time will have less of a chance to f-up.
posted by sciurus at 6:14 PM on September 26


Dear lord, what the hell is he on about?
posted by dejah420 at 6:14 PM on September 26


WTF is with this "force them to talk to each other" shit like they're in marriage counseling?

I'm having a lot of trouble comprehending the idea that I think Jim Lerher is being a shitty moderator. It's like saying Mr. Rogers is an asshole.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:14 PM on September 26


The future's so bright, McCain's got to wear those big wraparound shades they give to cataract patients.
posted by penduluum at 6:14 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


why is spending out of control John McC???

cough**Iraq**cough
posted by triggerfinger at 6:15 PM on September 26


So.... I guess this isn't a debate about foreign policy, then.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:15 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


What about a $700B earmark for dumbass banks?
posted by sciurus at 6:16 PM on September 26


Wait: all of them? Every spending bill? Uh, I mean, we have to spend some money, right?
posted by penduluum at 6:16 PM on September 26


what! does McCain oppose science projects? I don't get it.
posted by dhruva at 6:16 PM on September 26


Pork caused the market crisis WHAT.
posted by enn at 6:17 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


McCain seems to be trying to sound like Reagan. Sadly, he's chosen to imitate the post-Alzheimers Reagan. You'd think they would've warned him.
posted by jonmc at 6:17 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


You can tell Obama's pissed when his blink rate shoots up.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:18 PM on September 26


Obama should bring up the fact that IRAQ is costing a grillion dollars a year.
posted by sciurus at 6:18 PM on September 26


Jon, heh.
posted by jokeefe at 6:18 PM on September 26


heheheh
posted by salvia at 6:19 PM on September 26


"They called me the sheriff."
posted by salvia at 6:19 PM on September 26


FUNDAMENTAL DIFFERENCES!
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:20 PM on September 26


I thought he said Cindy called him "the sheriff"
posted by Big_B at 6:20 PM on September 26


THE NEW SHERIFF'S A NI-*bell ringing*
posted by sciurus at 6:20 PM on September 26 [12 favorites]


Fuck ya'll, I'm going to Ireland.
posted by penduluum at 6:21 PM on September 26


YOU FORGOT IRELAND
posted by slackdog at 6:21 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


my friends - DRINK
posted by Big_B at 6:21 PM on September 26


pushing your pro-biz leanings is probably not a good idea at the moment.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:21 PM on September 26


Oooh, split screen. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.
posted by quin at 6:22 PM on September 26


Oooh, split screen. That's what I'm talkin' 'bout.

What channel?
(And do you have this sweet reaction trendline at the bottom?)
posted by salvia at 6:23 PM on September 26


What channel are you on salvia?
posted by sciurus at 6:23 PM on September 26


Am I just amazingly biased, or is this already looking like an absolute mop-the-floor debacle?
posted by hincandenza at 6:23 PM on September 26


Sweet. He got the health care benefits tax in there.
posted by Big_B at 6:23 PM on September 26


"Festooned with Christmas tree ornaments?"
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:24 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


NBC has splitscreen
posted by slackdog at 6:24 PM on September 26


"A classic example of walkin' the walk and talkin' the talk."

ooh, folksy
posted by salvia at 6:24 PM on September 26


CNN
posted by salvia at 6:24 PM on September 26


I'm watching it on PBS, no split here.
posted by dejah420 at 6:25 PM on September 26


Is McCain is scared of Obama?
posted by ryoshu at 6:25 PM on September 26


McCain's smirk is really irritating.
posted by lullaby at 6:25 PM on September 26


McCain looks like he's having a mild stroke...
posted by slackdog at 6:26 PM on September 26


Ah, CNN's got the split now. Thanks, CNN!
posted by salvia at 6:26 PM on September 26


I'm watching it on CNN Live (online).
posted by sciurus at 6:26 PM on September 26


(And do you have this sweet reaction trendline at the bottom?)

That would be why I turned CNN off. I don't want to be made to feel good or bad about whether or not other people feel good or bad while I am already feeling good or bad.
posted by lumensimus at 6:26 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


McCain creeps me out. Seriously.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:26 PM on September 26


Most U.S. firms paid no taxes over 7-year span from 1998 to 2005
posted by Big_B at 6:26 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


I can't bear to watch, so I'm going home. Best of luck, you guys.
posted by jokeefe at 6:26 PM on September 26


I'm glad Jim Lehrer decided to make this debate the economic one.
posted by sciurus at 6:27 PM on September 26


Purely from an optics viewpoint, it's amazing some staffer hasn't dragged McCain out for a basic teeth-whitening treatment.

sorry
posted by lalex at 6:27 PM on September 26


Yeah, McCain is standing there, looking down, grinning when Obama confronts him. It makes him look deceitful.
posted by ninjew at 6:28 PM on September 26


I'm glad Jim Lehrer decided to make this debate the economic one.

Yeah, I'm glad there suddenly isn't a war going on in Iraq too.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:28 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


CNN has a link to the split screen and live reaction on their main page, so you can watch it streaming, it's the "voters rate debate performances" link, here.
posted by hincandenza at 6:29 PM on September 26


I tuned in late due to technical difficulties (i.e., C-SPAN's video feed is apparently getting hammered, and I had to switch to CNN and install their stupid Turner Media Player).

Yeah, so what's up with the foreign policy debate turning into an economics debate?

Speaking as a quasi-libertarian who will be voting for Obama: man, he sure wants to spend a lot of money.
posted by greenie2600 at 6:29 PM on September 26


Eh, they'll get to that eventually.
posted by sciurus at 6:29 PM on September 26


Eliminating ethanol subsidies? Oh crap I actually agree with McCain on something.
posted by Big_B at 6:30 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


I swear, the "economics" debate had better have a hell of a lot of foreign policy questions. It would be a shame for them to have this same argument again.
posted by maqsarian at 6:30 PM on September 26


I'm an Australian so US-ians, answer something for me; who is the dude running the debate and is he biased one way or the other or not?
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:30 PM on September 26


I wish McCain would return the favor and speak directly to Obama. Avoiding that makes him look like a chump.
posted by doublehelix at 6:30 PM on September 26


Most liberal voting record in the Senate? Give me a break.
posted by lullaby at 6:31 PM on September 26


WTF, Obama? Why the fuck isn't he just saying "I want to end the war; that'll save us a few HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS right there" ???
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:32 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Effigy, he's Jim Lehrer. He's usually more laid back than partisan. It's looking like someone let Jim know that people thought he was boring last time around.
posted by Axle at 6:32 PM on September 26


It would be amazing if there were some kind of independent fact-checker available right at the debates. The whole 'that's a fact'/'no, that's a lie' is frustrating.
posted by stinkycheese at 6:32 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Spending freeze? That'll happen.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:33 PM on September 26


The first mention of GWB was also the biggest split in CNN's magic audience reaction graph
posted by Adam_S at 6:33 PM on September 26


Oh. Okay.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:33 PM on September 26


Yeah, I hear you there XQUZYPHYR.
posted by sciurus at 6:33 PM on September 26


Good call XQUZYPHYR
posted by MrBobaFett at 6:33 PM on September 26


The "independent" trendline went up on the "withdraw from Iraq" part.
posted by salvia at 6:34 PM on September 26


Obama is glaring at McCain every time McCain speaks. McCain won't even look at Obama.

Win for Obama with the EVIL EYE!
posted by zardoz at 6:34 PM on September 26


XQUZYPHYR: "WTF, Obama? Why the fuck isn't he just saying "I want to end the war; that'll save us a few HUNDRED BILLION DOLLARS right there" ???"

Right on. But I suspect that McCain could use that as a wedge in the debate. Maybe he's trying to avoid it for that?
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:35 PM on September 26


Lerher: "Let me see if I can ask the same question in a slightly different way."

What?
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:35 PM on September 26


Yes. I'm telling the truth! I'm lying! He's lying! I'm telling the truth! I'm lying!

A) I'd love for Obama to respond to the 932 million line, but I guess they didn't prep for that one.

B) This format isn't looking too good with a he said, he said thing going on.
posted by cavalier at 6:35 PM on September 26


FUCKING LIAR.

Can someone smarter than me help me out? Is Obama really "the most left member of the Senate"?
posted by inigo2 at 6:35 PM on September 26


"rule the country?" Since when do presidents "rule?"
posted by enn at 6:37 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


not handing health care over the gov't? You mean like we did with all the banks? Why, that would be socialism!!!!
posted by triggerfinger at 6:37 PM on September 26


On the "we'll get the money back" part, both Repubs & Dems were lower than Independents. Does that indicate that the people who pay attention to this stuff don't believe him?
posted by salvia at 6:37 PM on September 26


"rule the country?" Since when do presidents "rule?"

2003
posted by salvia at 6:37 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


"Mommy, what's an orgy?"
posted by casaubon at 6:38 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


ORGY OF SPENDING
posted by blasdelf at 6:38 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Is Obama really "the most left member of the Senate"?

I would imagine that Bernie Sanders is the furthest left.
posted by lullaby at 6:38 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


How did government spending cause the current financial crisis? How will it solve it? I don't get it.
posted by michswiss at 6:38 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Ooh, independents love his Bush-hating more than Dems!
posted by salvia at 6:38 PM on September 26


You just can't talk about government spending without mentioning Iraq.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:38 PM on September 26


Orgy. heh.
posted by Big_B at 6:39 PM on September 26


And I am buzzword, everyone knows this buzzword about me; I can't believe I have to remind everyone of buzzword buzzword.
posted by LooseFilter at 6:39 PM on September 26


Jesus, how many times can he say he isn't Miss Congeniality? He really relishes the role of asshole.
posted by gatorae at 6:39 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


"I think the lessons of Iraq are DON'T MAKE SHIT UP JUST TO GO TO WAR."
posted by inigo2 at 6:39 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


Is Obama really "the most left member of the Senate"?

If it's from the source I think it's from, then it's pretty much that they define left in such a way that Obama would be the most leftist member. Kerry got the same tag.
posted by drezdn at 6:39 PM on September 26


I enjoy hearing about Iraq in the past-tense
posted by Adam_S at 6:40 PM on September 26


Seriously.
posted by sciurus at 6:41 PM on September 26


I voted against Bush only 10% of the time, but those times really should my maverick nature, and caused me to lose Miss Congeniality, which went to Arlen Specter. That bitch.
posted by drezdn at 6:41 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Wow look at the red line go up with Obama talking about Iraq.
posted by Big_B at 6:43 PM on September 26


Heh - McCain seems to be lacking a flag pin on his lapel.
posted by lullaby at 6:43 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Quip of the night from the Grauniad:
Scorecard so far: Barack Obama is winning if you measure by substantiveness of answers. John McCain is winning if you count number of years spent in a Vietnamese jail.

posted by Sonny Jim at 6:43 PM on September 26 [3 favorites]


And looking back for a second, when McCain was repeating the bear-related earmark story, why didn't Obama mention the earmarks Palin got for an almost identical reason?
posted by inigo2 at 6:44 PM on September 26


Obama's points take awhile to get to, I feel that McCain is making better brief hits.
posted by sciurus at 6:44 PM on September 26


Mention paying the Iraqis to quit fighting!!! It's not just the surge!
posted by inigo2 at 6:44 PM on September 26


BAM! That's what I'm talking about: "You were wrong."
posted by LooseFilter at 6:45 PM on September 26


Ok, Obama got in some good jabs on Iraq. Crash! Pow!
posted by zardoz at 6:45 PM on September 26


Can someone smarter than me help me out? Is Obama really "the most left member of the Senate"?

I'm not smarter than you, but in 2004 Kerry was the most liberal person in the senate, in 2000 Gore was the most liberal candidate since McGovern, and in 1992 Clinton was the most liberal candidate ever.

That's where it comes from.
posted by ryoshu at 6:45 PM on September 26


McCain needs to learn some manners. Look at him when he's talking to you.
posted by Ugh at 6:45 PM on September 26


Does not understand the difference between a tactic and a strategy? Ouch. That's going to hurt him with the "I care about the difference between a tactic and a strategy" constituency.
posted by salvia at 6:46 PM on September 26 [5 favorites]


Let's not forget Paul Wellstone.
posted by triggerfinger at 6:46 PM on September 26


Why are my freedoms in Iraq?
posted by MrBobaFett at 6:46 PM on September 26


*snore*
posted by sciurus at 6:47 PM on September 26


"They inform on the bad guys, and peace comes to the country." Oh, and also get blown up.
posted by inigo2 at 6:47 PM on September 26


So who exactly is this 'Miss Congeniality of the Senate'?

I thought we were having an debate, not a beauty pageant.
posted by rand at 6:47 PM on September 26


Things are heating up!
posted by Big_B at 6:47 PM on September 26


Not that the CNN "let's try to tell you how to think" line thingie is a fantastic idea, but it is worth noticing how the self-described "independents" line seems to be hanging with the Democrats most of the time.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:48 PM on September 26


Where does that CNN audience reaction come from? Where are they getting that data from?
posted by Quidam at 6:48 PM on September 26


"Voters watch the debate from Columbus, OH and give their reactions to the responses in real-time."
posted by sciurus at 6:49 PM on September 26


Does McCain ever say anything other than that the government should cut spending?
posted by peacheater at 6:49 PM on September 26


So, basically, a sample size of 10?
posted by casaubon at 6:50 PM on September 26


That's not true.


Asshole.
posted by Drexen at 6:50 PM on September 26


The Republicans never seem to be quite as happy as the democrats. Hmm.
posted by Adam_S at 6:50 PM on September 26


Ah. Now i see that.

It seems kind of ridiculous. McCain starts talking: shocker! Republicans react positively! Obama starts talking: shocker! Democrats react positively!
posted by Quidam at 6:51 PM on September 26


STOP WATCHING THE DEBATE EVERYONE! McCain has already won according to internet ads!
posted by Effigy2000 at 6:52 PM on September 26


shocker!

Yeah, it's the exceptions I find interesting.
posted by salvia at 6:52 PM on September 26


XQUZYPHYR: "Not that the CNN "let's try to tell you how to think" line thingie is a fantastic idea"

What would be a fantastic idea is if it just showed the latest post from this thread at the bottom of the screen.
posted by MrBobaFett at 6:52 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


They've intermarried with Al Qaeda and the Taliban!!
posted by languagehat at 6:55 PM on September 26


Finally it all makes snese, McCain is Flashman.
posted by drezdn at 6:55 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


So McCain knows the difference between Afganistan and Pakistan, right? He's just acting like he doesn't to scare up more votes and bumfuzzle the American electorate? Right? Somehow that's better.
posted by penduluum at 6:55 PM on September 26


Awesome shot! Songs about bombing Iran!!
posted by LooseFilter at 6:56 PM on September 26


Someone on Politico made a really interesting observation that I think is actually quite noticeable now that it's been addressed: McCain is totally not used to lying and then having someone immediately call him on it, and every time Obama counters him, he suddenly does that acidic smile thing.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 6:56 PM on September 26


So McCain knows the difference between Afganistan and Pakistan, right?

Yeah, Afghanistan's on the left of Spain, and Pakistan's on the right. In South America.
posted by inigo2 at 6:56 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


sense
posted by drezdn at 6:56 PM on September 26


I can't stand how McCain keeps saying "Senator Obama just doesn't understand," can't stand his constant lying, can't stand his rambling stories. UGH.
posted by mothershock at 6:58 PM on September 26


McCain just keeps on lying, even though he knows that everyone knows he's lying. It's insane.
posted by dejah420 at 6:58 PM on September 26


Why is he rambling on about Bosnia and Kosovo?
posted by languagehat at 6:58 PM on September 26


I was 2 in 1983.
posted by sciurus at 6:58 PM on September 26


Oh good, more war stories. Tell us about how Teddy Roosevelt used to take you out for cocktails, John. Talk to us more about Alexander the Great; you guys were friends, right?
posted by penduluum at 6:58 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


So tired of McCain trying to beat the "maverick" drum, ugh.
posted by doublehelix at 6:59 PM on September 26


Here comes the bracelet.
posted by languagehat at 6:59 PM on September 26


Dr. Pepper and Captain Morgan is pretty good together...
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 6:59 PM on September 26


What on earth is he talking about?
posted by LooseFilter at 6:59 PM on September 26


The bracelet?
posted by sciurus at 7:00 PM on September 26


Oh.
posted by sciurus at 7:00 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Mmmm, here comes McCain's A material.
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 7:00 PM on September 26


Wait, where's the bracelet?
posted by Axle at 7:00 PM on September 26


OH SNAP BRACELET FIGHT
posted by penduluum at 7:00 PM on September 26 [10 favorites]


"I've got a bracelet too." HAHAHA! This is surreal.
posted by aclevername at 7:00 PM on September 26


"I've got a bracelet, too"
posted by Stewriffic at 7:00 PM on September 26


I HAVE A BRACELET TOO!!!
posted by inigo2 at 7:00 PM on September 26


I HAZ A BRACELET
posted by The Whelk at 7:01 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


AND A FLAG PIN
posted by XQUZYPHYR at 7:01 PM on September 26


(Not, unfortunately, a slap-bracelet fight.)
posted by penduluum at 7:01 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Independents are down with Republicans now -- I don't think they're Dems in disguise.
posted by salvia at 7:02 PM on September 26


Weird thing: McCain supporters have no personal pictures in twitter.
posted by Memo at 7:02 PM on September 26


OMG they should make a Precious Moments figurine of McCain...Can't you see him in his little suit, with a flag, and a big head and those big, sad, wierd, tear-drop shaped eyes? and a single tear. It should say "I know what it's like..." On the little base.
posted by Green Eyed Monster at 7:02 PM on September 26 [7 favorites]


I'VE TRAVELED TO WAZIRISTAN! HE HASN'T, SO I WIN!
posted by languagehat at 7:02 PM on September 26


Muddle through. Wheee!
posted by ZakDaddy at 7:02 PM on September 26


No, I'm the subcommittee chairman. I know what our needs are.

WTF?
posted by salvia at 7:02 PM on September 26


We will succeed in Afghanistan because I'VE BEEN THERE.
posted by aclevername at 7:03 PM on September 26 [5 favorites]


Does McCain visit all these places because he doesn't know how to use a computer, which can convey information over great distances?
posted by MrBobaFett at 7:03 PM on September 26 [19 favorites]


"We cannot allow a second Holocaust." Uh, OK.
posted by languagehat at 7:04 PM on September 26


I find it rather rich that McCain keeps ranting about how Obama hasn't sufficiently visited all of these foreign countries when his own running mate didn't even get her passport until last year. /head explodes
posted by gatorae at 7:04 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


Obama sounds Presidential. McCain sounds like a yapping chihuahua.
posted by matty at 7:04 PM on September 26


Sanctions on the Iranians. That will work.
posted by ninjew at 7:05 PM on September 26


Existential threat to Israel? Camus and Sartre trained on Tel Aviv?
posted by lumensimus at 7:05 PM on September 26 [16 favorites]


Why does the GOP have such a hard-on for Israel? Seriously.
posted by greenie2600 at 7:05 PM on September 26


THE LEAGUE OF DEMOCRACIES! (isn't that the UN?)
posted by sciurus at 7:05 PM on September 26


Obama has GOT TO stop agreeing with McCain on anything, even if it's a small little point.
posted by zardoz at 7:05 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Uh-oh... he said Holocaust..

"JUST HOOK IT TO MY VEINS!
posted by AloneOssifer at 7:05 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


Is anyone else concerned that Obama is not confronting Mccain enough? Mccain keeps attacking Obama with every response, but Obama is only throwing a jab here or there.
posted by Merik at 7:05 PM on September 26


I know. It would be so helpful to have a ticker running so that you could see and keep track of everything he says that's head-explosion-inducing bullshit.
posted by mothershock at 7:05 PM on September 26


I find it rather rich that McCain keeps ranting about how Obama hasn't sufficiently visited all of these foreign countries when his own running mate didn't even get her passport until last year. /head explodes
posted by gatorae at 9:04 PM on September 26 [+] [!]


Too bad Obama doesn't need to mention her name, that'd be a fun fight.
posted by ZakDaddy at 7:05 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


I'm sorry, did McCain just Godwin the debate?
posted by maqsarian at 7:06 PM on September 26


McCain just proposed to create the Justice League Avengers of Truth or something.
posted by Senor Cardgage at 7:06 PM on September 26


Bah, "Obama needs to not mention."
posted by ZakDaddy at 7:06 PM on September 26


"We cannot allow a second Holocaust."

He's really going out on a limb there. What a maverick.
posted by salvia at 7:06 PM on September 26 [1 favorite]


Why does the GOP have such a hard-on for Israel? Seriously.

I've always suspected it's because they're less brown than the peoples surrounding them.
posted by mrnutty at 7:07 PM on September 26 [3 favorites]


I noticed that too Merik - but to me it seems that Obama is actually trying to talk about the issues being brought up, while McCain is ONLY throwing jabs without addressing anything.
posted by matty at 7:07 PM on September 26


@ Merik

Obama has said "that's not true" numerous times so far.

McCain has simply smiled goofily.
posted by AloneOssifer at 7:07 PM on September 26


IRANICALLY!
posted by sciurus at 7:07 PM on September 26


I dunno, McCain is a big liar and all and Obama is a superhero, sure, but trying to look at it dispassionately, Oldy McFibberpants coming off much better than I had expected he would, and Obama not quite as well.
posted by stavrosthewonderchicken at 7:07 PM on September 26 [4 favorites]


"Our friends and allies." Close enough for a drink?
posted by ZakDaddy at 7:08 PM on September 26


Yup, I'm with stav on it.
posted by sciurus at 7:08 PM on September 26


I was really expecting Obama to wipe the floor with McCain.

So far, that's not happening.
posted by greenie2600 at 7:08 PM on September 26


"That's a tough one."
posted by inigo2 at 7:08 PM on September 26


Akma- Ahma- OMIDENIGAD!
posted by languagehat at 7:08 PM on September 26 [2 favorites]


Oh, that's fucking cute. The stutter. Nice one, that's presidential of you.
posted by penduluum at 7:08 PM on September 26


Yeah, so far (on the McCain isn't doing too bad thing).
posted by yhbc at 7:09 PM on September 26


ACHKC-MIDENIJAD!!
posted by greenie2600 at 7:09 PM on September 26


Colbert's gonna have a field day with that one.
posted by