My view: A functional tie, until I see what the polls show happened with truly undecided voters. I thought McCain condescending and grumpy. Obama was too deferential except in his litany of ways in which McCain was wrong on Iraq.

The bomb-bomb-bomb-Iran crowd undoubtedly found McCain more forceful and ready to fight. That’s not necessarily a good thing with many voters. Moreover, the war doesn’t seem to matter much at the moment.

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On the economy and domestic issues, Obama was the clear winner. McCain’s earmark obsession paled against better health care and middle class tax cuts.

Defining moments: None likely to make an endless cable loop.

The trailing candidate, McCain, didn’t close ground from where I sat.

UPDATE SATURDAY MORNING: Check the headlines on Real Clear Politics. Some give it to Obama. Some to McCain. Some see a push. Several aging white guys seem to like McCain’s condescension to Obama and general certitude. It’s forceful leadership. they think. Bush II, except more dangerous, I think.

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