Jim Lehrer has just opened the first presidential debate between Senator John McCain and Senator Barack Obama. This debate will cover foreign relations and financial matters.

Can't wait.

Question 1: Where do you stand on the financial recovery plan

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Question: Are there fundamental differenceds between your economic plans?

McCain: We Republicans came to government to change Washington and Washington changed us. Told that stupid story about bears in Montana. Talks about people under indictment or in prison for Washington-based ill-doing.

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Question: As a result of the bailout, what will you have to give up to pay for it.

Obama: We have to be energy independent in the next 10 years. Good idea. We have to fix our healthcare system, given that the deductible has increased by more than 30%, and we have to improve our educational system so that we can keep pace. We also need broadband and improve infrastructure.

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Question: What are the lessons from Iraq?

McCain: the war was mishandled. We needed more troops and other resources. We're winning now and will return with "victory and honor." Wants a stable Democratic ally. However, anyone who knows much about the Shi'a vs Sunni schism knows it's not that easy.

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Question: do we need more troops in Afganistan

Obama: yes...now. We need 2 - 3 additional brigades. And that is a strategic mistake (take that John-boy! Love how he turned his noggin towards McCain when he spoke). Talking about the combo of Afganistan, Pakistan, Al Queda and the Taliban.

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Question: What is your reading on the threat from Iran?

McCain: it is "an existential threat to Israel." He's proposed a "league of democracies." Huh? Wants to work around Russia. Wants to stop Iranian interferance in the region. Wants to include France and Brittain, who are not really happy with us right now.

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Question: How do you see Russia?

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Question: Likelihood of another 9/11 type attack on the US?

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I thought the economy would have greater emphasis. On foreign policy, Senator Obama held his own. Senator McCain was very passionate and seemed angry to me. Definitely played to the gut, though contemptuous and a little mean--but these are mean times.

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