And the winner is ... McCain
HERE'S MY scorecard in judging who "won."
KNOWLEDGEABLE: McCain, 50; Obama, 50. McCain spoke more often with the authority of firsthand experience, while Obama spoke with the authority of knowing policy and process.
TELEGENIC: McCain, 37; Obama, 63. They both looked dapper, but Obama is obviously more telegenic.
GRAVITAS: McCain, 55; Obama, 45. Both candidates projected appropriate presidential stature, but McCain seemed more comfortable in his skin.
INSPIRING: McCain, 60; Obama, 40. Surprisingly, McCain had more inspiring moments.
SOUND BITES: McCain, 50; Obama, 50. McCain made the argument for experience, saying, "I know how to do this." Obama attacked McCain on Iraq, saying, "You were wrong!"
TRUSTWORTHY: McCain, 50; Obama, 50. Each seemed relatively sincere.
CONTROL THE AGENDA: McCain, 57; Obama, 43. During the segment on the economy, Obama put McCain on the defensive. But in the discussion of foreign policy and defense, Obama was often on the defensive.
HUMOR: McCain, 68; Obama, 32. Obama never said anything amusing. McCain was often wry and softened attacks with humor.
AVOIDING GAFFES: McCain, 50; Obama, 50. Each will have some explaining to do about "factual" assertions. But neither said anything wacky that should backfire.
EXPECTATIONS: McCain, 54; Obama, 46. Obama has a deserved reputation for eloquence, but he didn't impress with his rhetoric. McCain isn't a great speaker, but came across genuine.
. . . And the winner was: McCain, 53.1; Obama, 46.9.
Todd Domke is a Boston area Republican political analyst, public relations strategist, and author. 