To accuse Obama of being Socialist inclined is absolutely ridiculous. Pray, can't we find better words to color a man who most likely will take the US to the next dimension of democratic prosperity? Obama is a delight to watch. optimistically,his era will bring delight to the US and the world.

Paul Aboh, Abuja, Nigeria

Well the clear result is it re-energized his base. Attacks, once again (to my surprise and delight) backfired. Gini - How wonderful that we live in a country where the right combo of work, time, opportunity and luck has led you to your success. Do we not want said opportunity for all Americans?

Patrick, Philadelphia, USA

If Obama becomes President, then every self-appointed victim group in the US will be looking for handouts and reparations.

Derek, Taunton, UK

I have to say this: I know how I feel being here in the States, watching this thing go down like a bad comedy sketch. It frightens me that folks around the globe seem to have more common sense about this election than my neighbors. Thank you all for your comments. Please keep us in your prayers.

susan, kansas city, usa

At last Senator McCain got his message across.
If sitting and smirking with arrogance while the Republican candidate spoke, then Obama won!! I beg to differ.
Socialism just does not work. It looks good on paper but it doesn't cut the mustard.
God hep the folks if the Democrat fools the population

Prudence Eely Bond McGuire BA, LONDON, ENGLAND- UK

I do not remeber this country (USA) being founded on socialistideals. No I remeber that it was founded as a Republic with Democratic ideals. I think Obama has forgotten this as most of his policies have the stench of pure socialism.

Robert, El Paso, Texas, USA

The debate proved to me that what you see is what you get. Obama is calm and intelligent, focusing on the issues and how to fix them as President. McCain seems flustered and afraid of losing as if this election was a board game. The process is like a game, but the position afterward is serious.

Rick, The Falls, WI, US

I'm watching the very well respected daily Rasmussen Polls, and the USA Today multi-poll tracker, and the gap is in fact narrowing again and near the margin of error. Though Obama is looking good, if I were a Democrat I wouldn't crow yet. Remember Kinnock at Sheffield (His pal Joe Biden does!)

Paul Freeman, London, England

I have heard the word "maverick" constantly used by McCain/Palin during this campaign as a positive. Someone close to me mentioned that another interpretation of the word could be "Loose cannon"! Imagine if these words replaced "Maverick" each time it had been used in their speeches.....

peter , vancouver, canada

I'm not basing my vote on debates but on the experience, character and integrity of John McCain. I have never been polled by any of the pollsters and I have voted in every presidental election since Reagan ran against Carter. I have never based my vote on who looked or sounded better in a debate.

Kathy, Kansas City, USA

McCain is a Bush puppet, Palin just shows what bad judements he'll make, and I laugh when he calls himself a "maverick" he is a career republican politician who for the last 20 years toed the party line, thats not being a maverick! Time for a change, a democratic change.

Gary Hack, Forest, Va., USA

Sorry Leigh, but a 100% of the moose population support Palin's election to Washington - because if she's there - then there life expectancy will be greatly enhanced.

And if she loses then they'll ...

odtaa, Richmond, UK

I am a American taxper with my own company. I work a long week. I do not understand why I should pay more in taxes so as to give more benefits to those who do not make an effort to work.
Nobama - I shall vote McCain and Palin

Gini, New York City, USA

McCain and Pallin are just wannabe angry manipulative people go Obama go

Adam Carson, London,

If it comes to which candidate is making more sense and talking less nonsense, Obama has come off better. He also seems more reasonable, sincere and trustworthy, despite McCain's considerable credentials.

stephen, Sydney, Australia

OK.
So we have Joe The Plumber ahead on 48%...Obama at 44%...McCain dead-in-the-water at 3% -
blaming Joe The Plumber and Sarah Palin for
sabotaging his campaign.

Also of signifance, an overwhelming 97% of Alaskan Mooses
say they won't vote the Palin ticket.

Leigh vernier, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Even if it looked like McCain would make a better president than Obama, no sensible independent would vote for him and risk leaving Palin in charge.

Richard, Edinburgh, Scotland

No knockout blow from McCain, more a series of missed blows and a few that hurt him more than Obama. While both candidates may prove, ultimately, to be much of muchness (the differences between them now may or may not come to frutiion over 4 years ) McCain has shown terrible judgement

Paul, Tokyo,

I feel sorry for the American people. Obama will liberalise the entire USA if he get ti office, and McCain will simply bankrupt the States with unjust wars.

Collin Brown, Cotgrave, Nottingham