I don't think we should frame McCain's reluctance to look at Obama as a RACIAL thing, per se...

[Bicoastal]

...simply because we can't climb into John's head and know what he's thinking. If our side coached in these terms, the GOP would (perhaps unfairly) claim we were playing the race card.

It's damaging enough as it is. McCain is the elitist-looking one now.

[mucifer]

1. his handlers probably told him not to look at Obama so he wouldn't blow a gasket

[FrenchieCat]

2. Yep....I think it is envy myself...

That's why McCain steals all of Obama's material.

He wants to be him....and looking at Obama reminds him that this is impossible!

[BattyDem]

3. I don't think it was racist

I think it was childish and rude! This guy wants to be president? He's an international incident waiting to happen!

[liberalmuse]

10. Yeah, well, there's that.

You are probably right.

[Epiphany4z]

4. I thought it was a "I hate losing thing"

[calmblueocean]

5. You're right. Still, the burden is on McCain to explain his behavior.

And honestly? Whether it's based in racism or anger or contempt, it's still really inexcusable and unpresidential behavior.

[Tatiana]

6. I liked Eugene Robinson's assessment of McCain needing to "demonize" his opponents

to get up for battle. However, I asked myself whether McCain would have done the same thing to John Kerry or John Edwards or Chris Dodd.

I dunno.

[liberalmuse]

7. Okay, I'll back down.

It was a stupid ploy that could be misconstrued by many as being a racist jab. I don't normally go there, but I went there tonight. It was just so damn obvious, and I couldn't see McCain doing this to Biden, or any other white man, and he sure as hell wouldn't have done it to Hillary, because he would be considered 'sexist'. The racist shit is so subtle, I don't even think some people realize they're doing it, but they are.

[Bicoastal]

13. Oh don't get me wrong, it may very well have BEEN a racial thing & I'm not saying it wasn't...

...but I don't think our side should CRITICIZE McCain for being a racist, because there simply isn't enough evidence of that. Let's just call him what he is--a rude, childish, obnoxious jerk.

[RagAss]

8. Per se

[blogslut]

9. I don't know who is doing that

But I don't care what McSame's motivation was. That man came off as an asshole. That's my take.

[Bicoastal]

18. I saw at least two other threads on it, but I'm actually glad it isn't gaining more traction.

Do we really want McCain to do the whole "look how many minorities are on my staff" song and dance?

[Median Democrat]

11. McCain Is An Equal Opportunity Prick

[aint_no_life_nowhere]

12. The constant smirking by McCain as though Obama were a child bothered me more

I think it's unbecoming for a debater to try to belittle the opponent in that way. A smile of derision here and there might be expected, if the opponent has scored a major point. But I think McCain was doing it continuously throughout the debate.

[tammywammy]

14. It's not race it's anger

He was pissed that's why he couldn't look at him, it had nothing to do with race.

[rucky]

15. I think he was ashamed to be on stage with Obama...

given McCain's antics over the last couple of days.

[ErinBerin84]

16. oh, I don't think it was a race thing.

I think it was an "I take everything personally, I hold people that I'm jealous of in contempt" thing, ala Mittens. What a two year old.

[Kurt_and_Hunter]

17. He knows he is being dishonorable. He still has a tiny capacity for embarrassment

[ailsagirl]

19. Not racial-- no. IMO. Just contempt that some young, skinny

"kid" can thrust and parry so well. Reluctance to concede to youth and ability.

[rufus dog]

20. Occam's Razor

He could just be a fucking asshole

[rwheeler31]

21. What would he have done if

Hillary were his opponent?

[Bicoastal]

22. Probably woulda tried backhanding her across the mouth like he does w/Cindy...

...at which point Hillary woulda STOMPED his ass!

[SalviaBlue]

23. Who said it was racial?