Everyone who tuned into the presidential debate tonight saw a good show. Both candidates performed well. But on the issues the winner was Barack Obama. Senator Obama has a better understanding of America’s economic needs and clearly was right when he questioned John McCain’s failed judgment on Iraq. On the economy and on Iraq – the two most important issues to face America in this generation – John McCain has followed George W. Bush and helped to led America into trouble. And tonight McCain offered what amounted to a defense of the last eight years. Senator Obama offered something more: a vision of an America that is strong and respected across the world once again.

Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright offered her own assesment:

Tonight was a breakthrough for Senator Obama, who showed himself truly ready to be president. He responded knowledgeably, thoughtfully and confidently to the toughest questions on the economy, Iraq, and terror. Meanwhile, Senator McCain spent so much time attacking his opponent, he neglected to show how a McCain-Palin administration would differ from Bush-Cheney. As a result, Obama answered the threshold question about his candidacy; McCain did not.

Get your popcorn ready for the vice-presidential debate next week.