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Mark Halperin’s Grades for the Final Presidential Debate

McCain
Substance: Grade: A-

Style: Grade: B+

Offense: Grade: A-

Defense: Grade: A-

During the first half of the debate, showed off the best of himself — dedicated, sincere, patriotic, cheery, earnest, commanding—all without seeming old or anxious. Even scored some points in the “change” category, against the candidate who has owned the theme. Clear, upbeat, and totally on message. To his detriment, became more aggressive and distracted during the second half, and perhaps lost a chance for the truly dramatic event he needs to change the game. Still, if a majority of persuadable voters watched the debate, they saw why McCain’s advisers have faith in him and still believe he can win this race.

Overall grade: A-

Obama

Substance: Grade: B

Style: Grade: B-

Offense: Grade: C+

Defense: Grade: B+

During the first half of the debate, too often displayed his worst traits—petty, aloof, imperious—and behaved as if he had someplace better to be, although he became warmer and more engaged as the evening progressed. Did not seem to have an explicit strategy; instead, he answered the questions piecemeal as they came his way, without driving a message or even a theme. Retained his consistently unflappable air, and had a few fine moments. If he was sitting on his lead, it worked - but perhaps at the expense of relinquishing part of it.

Overall grade: B