I think you're being honest. I just wonder if we watchedd the same debate.
Barry's purpose in this thing was to prove that he belonged on the stage. He got schooled by McCain, like an earnest young teaching assistant being given the truth by a professor.
I thought McCain looked like what he was - confident, prepared (not by talking points, but by experience), ready. Barry looked liked a nice young man who would very much like to be President.
I agree TIO, McCain has a lifetime of experience and it was evident by the stories and memories of events he discussed throughout the debate. Not to mention discussion of his plans for taxes, handling of foreign matters, etc. McCain is grounded in his knowledge, Obama is a rookie. It seems so foolish that a 1 term senator who has spent most of his term campaigning is even standing on the same stage as McCain.
That is what the actual situation is. That is not exactly what it would have looked like to a Martian (or Joe Q Public) tuning in.