Political Writers Have Their Say

Robert Shrum: Put McCain Out of His Misery
McCain had to be presidential but wasn't, maybe because he knows that's now catch-up ball for him, not a game changer.

Ari Melber: Obama T.K.O.s McCain in Last Debate:
Obama won defeating his opponent without ever knocking him out. John McCain hit hard, sometimes wildly, accusing Obama of links to terrorism, voter fraud, and racially divisive politics. It was the first time McCain played the Ayers card in a debate, only after Obama taunted McCain for failing to level the charge to Obama's "face."

Marty Kaplan: The Faces of John McCain:
Ninety minutes of John McCain making faces was more than enough for a lifetime. It's hard to imagine anyone willingly inviting that antic lemon-sucking grinfest into their homes for the next four years

James Love: Not Boring, Substantive, and Obama Dominates
McCain seamed smirking and aggressive when he was not speaking. He blinked a lot. But as these things have gone, he did not disgrace himself. He was energetic and tough, even though he often came across as a jerk.

Ta-Nihisi Coates: You just heard why John McCain will lose
He pivoted from an attack on ACORN and Ayers to his campaign getting the economy back on track. Worst segue ever.

Ezra Klein: McCain was Angry and Petulant
McCain looks angrier and more petulant than any participant in any major debate I've watched. Watching him try to stay seated is like watching a furious kid try and obey a timeout. He can hardly hold himself still.