The cause of this crisis is a Democratic-party social policy that forced banks to lend to non-creditworthy borrowers in the now-infamous "subprime" debacle. In a nutshell, it's Fannie and Freddie, which were decoupled from reality under Clinton. McCain TRIED to regulate them. Dems prevented it.

Sam, New York, US

Colleen, dear

It's a little bit late to be concerned about being sold down a river, isn't it? It already happened with the 700 billion bailout! Don't you get news in Texas?

Michelle, San Francisco, CA, USA

I saw the debate last nite & it was hard to see Obama stumble at the start. He's not a good debater. That being said, I believe the debate was a stalemate. Each candidate preached to their voters. I noticed that McCain didn't look at Obama. Don't ever trust a man that doesn't look you in the eye

Michelle, San Francisco, CA, USA

After watching the debate, I feel that Senator Obama was articulate and knowledgeable. Senator McCain is a man I admire, but he came across as an angry person. The choice of Palin as his running mate was a big mistake,as well. I think that Senator Obama is the best candidate.

Diane, Boston, USA

I'm still trying to understand how McCain feels Sarah Palin has the experience to be commander and chief and at the same time sees Obama as completely unqualified.  I bet McCain would have been better off as a no show.   

Jeff, Sacramento, CA, USA

Recognizing no man is perfect, recognize also that John McCain's the candidate who's earned his stripes in this campaign for the U. S. presidency. Better believe it!

Susie James, Carrollton, Miss., USA

I agree Robert, Seattle WA. It looks like one of the reasons he chose Sarah Palin as his running mate, so he can control her. It's obvious how they're using her, on how they're(or he) is controlling her every move, appearances, interviews, etc. Sounds like Mccain is the one who is sexist!

Torry, San Diego,

If McCain wins, will someone in England or Australia marry me so I can get the hell out of the US?

Sirena, Wisconsin, USA

I strongly think Ron Paul would have been the man who is speaking the truth about where America is now in time. But we know there is only 2 candidate, Obama in my view is the only one that adds up. But why can't Ron Paul be involved in re-shaping America working with Obama for the long trem good.

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

McCain's words about the "end of the beginning" seemed strangely familiar. See http://www.churchill-society-london.org.uk/EndoBegn.html

Does Mr McCain think he's Winston Churchill?

kath bell, Nottingham, England

I hope the Republicans are ready for the Great Obama Landslide 2008. McCain blew his chance last night, and Palin looks shaky in debates/interviews, the writing is on the wall. Unless Palin can pull a blinder in the VP debate this race is over or Obama slips up...

President Obama we salute you!!

vernon butcher, basingstoke, hampshire

The Repubican Party - including McCain seem to have forgotten that the root of the financial mess stems from a lack of regulation of financial services. This is a view he has directly spouted. Will he and his party now apologise to the world and accept the blame. I think not!!

vernon butcher, basingstoke, hampshire

Have another look-see at last night's presidential debate. In particular, await a close up; look deep into the the elderly senator's eyes. You'll see, his eyes were dilated. I'm wondering if John McCain's campaign staff is doping him up.

A.S. Joseph, Los Angeles, California

I was leaning toward McCain, but I am doubting now. It occurs to me he has a deep psychlogical issue or issues. I think he uses women just for his own sake. Both Cindy and sarah fell into that trap. I think I find Obama more genuine and also he thinks more about the struggling people.

robert, seattle, washington

Why is McCain being giving a pass to lie about his stance on torture and his support of veterans? Check his record! He sold his soul to Bush and voted against the anti-torture bill and has repeatedly voted against adequate funding of veteran benefits and health care! He'll take care of veterans? Hah

El, Albuquerque New Mexico, USA

During the debate I got the impression that McCain was much more at ease with a world where he can point to 'the enemy', rather than being willing to enter into constructive dialogue. Obama would certainly achieve more in Israel/Palestine.

Owen, London, UK

The good news is.. At least they can string a sentance together and seem to know what there talking about, unlike an american leader i know. Yeeehaaaaaaaaaaa,

Tim, oxford, England

I think the debate was too close to call. Who you think won will ultimately depend on your view towards the policies of either candidate. I personally felt Obama had the edge. McCain is rooted in the past, wheras Obama is a free spirit. Perhaps, then, his 'inexperience' can work to his advantage.

Adam Watson, Banbridge, Northern Ireland

McCain obviously shares a worldview that is very similar to Bush. His plan is to stay in Iraq until victory is declared or it becomes a democracy. The US will be bogged down fighting expensive wars in god forsaken countries for years. The US should focus on the crazies of al Qaeda and the Taleban

david Frey, NY, USA

I would never ask Obama to play poker for me. One look on his face and you can read exactly what he is thinking.

A good poker face is a necessity when you have to confront other people who have a different opinion than you do.

Never let the opposing side know what your plan it or what you are

Colleen Walsh, Hickory Creek TX, USA

Premiere Warlord McCain and his not so friendly environmentalist side kick Palin are not what the world needs. Obama has the ability to lead with an open mind and foresight for change. I really think Id rather move to AUSTRALIA then endure warlord Mccain. Alas, this will have a global effect.

Dean, AKRON OHIO, USA

One should never allow the other person to be able to read what you are thinking.

Obama had a very irritating smile on his face when he disagreed with McCain. He looked like a young school kid, playing around with the grownups. As soon as the debate was over he asked his wife "How did I do?"

Colleen Walsh, Hickory Creek TX, USA

Only this is not a high stakes poker game. This game of life is for real, and our futures depend on who gets to defend our way of life. If Obama gets in I am very afraid that his socialistic thinking well sell us down the river.

Since most of the Europeans love him I suggest he moves to Europe.

Colleen Walsh, Hickory Creek TX, USA

Senator McCain clearly is the best choice for our next President. He has the best qualifications backed up by a clear record of positive accomplishments and a realistic view of the current situation in the world and nation. Where is Senator Obama's record positive accomplishments?

Bruce W., Napa, CA, USA

I thought the most interesting thing said last night was when Sen. Obama advocated the invasion of Pakistan, if the government was "unwilling" or "would not" cooperate in the search for Bin Laden. Isn't invading a country unilaterally what the democrats are so mad at Bush about in Iraq?

S Glitz, Phoenix, AZ, USA

I don't know what some people were smoking but Sen. Obama showed last night he can get the job done. Not only he's very well educated but also wise and genuine. Mc Cain came across as a bitter man full of half truths and old stories. He never looked or address Sen. Obama directly. Shame on him.

Edward, Lafayette, CA., USA

I'm a democrat, voted for Hillary, think McCain won hands down. To those who say Obama will "transform" the States: Evidence? Did he do that in Chicago, possibly the most corrupt city in the U.S.? Did he do that for South Chicago, where he constituents live in poverty and gun-fire? Look it up.

susan k. (NYC), New York City, United States

Well, the article is a fair summation of the debate. Obviously McCain showed himself as the "the better choice".
But the most interesting was the "after-show" where the "unbiased" Cate Couric asked Biden what he tought of the debate...apparantly Biden was lined up for "damage control" just in case!

Andrew, Sacramento, USA

Regarding McCain gaffes, did you notice that his suggested response to the economic crisis was: "Well, how about a total freeze on [government] spending, except for the military and the veterans, and a few other vital functions..." It seemed completely off the cuff and irresponsible, and not a fix.

Hille Frost, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

I must have been watching a different debate. In my book McCain won hands down, whereas Obama came across as a shifty empty suit quite unable to hold his own when deprived of his pre-packaged soundbites. But then again I form my own opinions and refuse to be led by the nose by the pro-Obama BBC.

Maurice Jones, Waterfoot, near Manchester, UK

If I remember correctly.... was it not WOMEN who put BUSH back in office for a second term.

NOW they go to the other extreme.

ARE they just voting because of the good looks???

nanto, lisboa, portugal

McCain like Bush is a confronter, living and guided by the past. Obama is a transformer who, guided by the future, will reinvent the American spirit and identify a new platform for growth.

Good luck to Mr.Obama.

Antonio da Silva, Rosario, argentina

Margaret Mary, unfortunately for you, all the networks and the polls conducted after the debate agree that this was Sen. Obama's night! The debate was about Foreign Policy, McCain's domain, and yet Obama stole the show here as well! McCain is yesterday's man & stuck in the past. BHO was Presidential

Jimmy C, Letchworth Garden City, UK

I think the debate was a draw in much of its substance. The downside came in the perception that John McCain was very scripted. No matter whether appropriate or not, he kept coming back to the same phrases about Mr. Obama's naivete. My biggest concern was that Mr. McCain seemed tired and old.

Danny Davis, Deerfield Beach, FL , United States

BILL CLINTON "DEMOCRATS TO BLAME FOR FANNIE MELTDOWN -
Jim Angle Report Links To Clinton Interview-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHj8-HSi5AA&eurl=

Clinton Interview On ABC News ---
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalradar/2008/09/bill-clinton-do.html --

At least 6 Officials Should Go To Jail

GeraldD, Moulton, usa

mccain was on his game last night and appeared more 'presidential' then Obama. Obama is good, his lines were really rehearsed though. I would bet independents would have preferred mccain last night

Louise, NYC,

We're winning in Iraq? Awesome! So that means Obama can bring my wife back home from there!

McCain, go to Hell.

Kazuki, London, UK

I thought McCain did very poorly. He went on and on about our troops and veterans. Ok, all due respect to service people, but it takes more than soldiers to run a society. I don't know how you stand in front of the world and present so many half-truths as facts. People fall for that???

Liz, Chicago, USA

I watched this debate carefully. McCain won, hands down. Obama is simply in over his head.

Margaret Mary, Saratoga Springs NY, USA

Mr. McCain clearly won the debate last night. His knowledge and experience really came through. As a formerly undecided voter, I am now solidly backing McCain.

Ana Edmonds, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

During the debate McCain's body language(presenting his back to Obama/not looking at him) & risus sardinicus betrayed contempt for his opponent. Is it Obama's ideas he is contemptuous of or is it it something more personal?

James Butt, Columbia ,Missouri, USA

McCain came across as a fiesty old warrior which is what is wrong with America whereas Obama cut a more presidential and cultivated style which is what America desparately needs.

henry monono, LIMBE, Cameroon

Thank god for McCain "suspending his campaign" and "fixing" the economic rescue package...er, except he didn't.

Fix anything, that is.

As a old Navy man, he should know when its not "all hands on deck", but rather "abandon ship".

John, Cleggan, Ireland

It seemed to me as an observer from Australia that McCain was patronising and condescending and was relying too much on so called experiences of the past to make his case. Obama was intelligent and demonstrated a strong vision for the future. He focussed on the essentials particulalrly health

Esther, Sydney, Australia

Since Senator McCain was beaten according to democrats and media pundents before the Republican convention - i would say he did well in the debate with Senator Obama. McCain was supposed to be overcome by the greatest thing since Jesus but he either won debate or came up even. Not bad

rick, oklahoma city, usa

The debate confirmed the outcome of a scientific study (A New Leadership Ethos): McCain like Bush is a confronter, living and guided by the past. Obama is a transformer who, guided by the future, will reinvent the American spirit and identify a new platform for growth.

Marc van der Erve, Somerset West, South Africa

On the point made, in the article, that McCain made no gaffes...to be fair he did. He remarked, "...if we are defeated - as General Petraeus believes we will ..." I'm sure it was a 'slip of the tongue'...McCain's general strategy was to attempt to make Obama look out of his depth. It didn't work.

Austin, London,

I believe Obama has proved himself. His tax plan is forthright and common sense. We don't need the table scraps (trickle down economics) from corrupt bankers that indeed have their hand out for "table scraps" from the Federal Government.

For me, the handwriting is on the wall....Obama.

Bob, Austin, TEXAS, USA

In a BBC radio clip of the debate, McCain cited his meeting with Vladimir Putin in support of his foreign policy credentials, and said he "looked him in the eyes" and saw three letters, K G B, written across them! Is that the kind of experience he would base US foreign policy on? Frightening!

Diana Daly, Aberdeen, United Kingdom

McCain knows something else, who to talk to and who not to talk to. You don't need to talk, just blow them up. All that will happen is more refugees, & more terrorist, after all Mr Bush acheived just that, so what's wrong with few more. The only thing to spend money on is defence, forget US Citizens

Daphne Kenward, Cambridge, UK

McCaain blew it tonight. His supposed expertise and experience in foreign policy did not lead to a knock out punch, as was expected.
For that reason alone, Obama can safely be declared the winner.

sahir talibuddin, karachi, pakistan.

After watching last night's debate, I feel that Barack Obama showed that he has the energy, passion, vitality AND grasp of facts and issues to carry us to the future. John McCain, sadly, seems like a dinosaur who constantly brings up the past, whether it's Reagan, the Cold War, Star Wars, etc.

Susan Bernstein, Atlanta, GA, USA

McCain is right about one thing.We do all know him better which in my opinion does him NO favours at all.

D McGregor, St Mawes, UK