Tonight at 8:00 John McCain and Barack Obama will debate each other – face-to-face – for the first time!

Just Wednesday, however, McCain threatened to back out of the debate in order to focus on the economy and the discussion going on in congress. Just a few minutes ago – McCain announced he WILL attend the debate! They’re meeting in Oxford, Mississippi, home of the University of Mississippi.

Do you think the debate will change any person’s mind? Or will it reinforce what they already believe? Also, what’s more important, what the candidates SAY, or HOW they say it?

It’ll be worth watching – entertaining television to say the least! (Seriously) I’ll be watching it on DVR a few hours later (or Saturday morning). They’re showing it on CNN and MSNBC (and maybe more channels).

Was there a clear ‘winner’ and ‘loser’? Did the candidates appear respectful of each other? What did you learn from the debate?

Let me know what I missed in the comments!

If you write up a debate summary with some of your own analysis and turn it in on Monday, I’ll give up to 50 possible points!!!

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) began last night in Denver, CO! Usually these Conventions are full of pomp and circumstance, so orchestrated that the speaker can’t sneeze without permission. First Read has a good analysis of the last night’s speakers up.

There will be rock bands, movie stars, speeches, and lots and lots of cheering! I’ve never been to a national convention, but I understand these events always sit on the verge of pure chaos. Pure, orchestrated, chaos.

But that’s interesting about this DNC is that there is STILL feuding between the Clinton and Obama camps. Some Clinton supporters are still quite upset about what happened in the primary and they’re going to let everyone know about it. What’s interesting is that Hillary Clinton herself has put her full support behind Mr. Obama.

The Democrats hope to get several things done this week at the Convention. Most of all, however, they want to introduce Joe Biden as the new VP, and get a big boost over McCain in the coming weeks. Remember, as soon as the Democrats finish their Convention, the Republicans start theirs up!

It’ll be a fascinating week, and a fascinating introduction to politics for most of you!

Watch the conventions tonight and write your constructive comments on them here for 2 ‘possible points.’

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A new poll produced by members of the UT-Austin Government Department and the Texas Politics Project, found that 67% of Texans think the country is moving in the wrong direction. This reflects similar polls across the rest of the country.

Texans do, however, support John McCain over Barack Obama 42 to 33%, and incumbent Republican John Cornyn over challenger State Representative Rick Noriega 44 to 31%. Libertarian Bob Barr and Independent Ralph Nader are both polling less than 5%.

Keep in mind, however, that Nader will not be on the ballot in Texas.

Find more detailed information here

Here’s an interesting article claiming John McCain wouldn’t be a good president due to his lack of technology knowledge.

Find it here.

No word yet on George Washington’s experience with Internet Explorer.

On the eve of the Democratic and Republican conventions, Blender Magazine polled Barack Obama and John McCain for their top 10 songs.

Sen. John McCain
1. Dancing Queen ABBA
2. Blue Bayou Roy Orbison
3. Take a Chance On Me ABBA
4. If We Make It Through December Merle Haggard
5. As Time Goes By Dooley Wilson
6. Good Vibrations The Beach Boys
7. What A Wonderful World Louis Armstrong
8. I’ve Got You Under My Skin Frank Sinatra
9. Sweet Caroline Neil Diamond
10. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes The Platters

ABBA? Really?

Sen. Barack Obama
1. Ready or Not Fugees
2. What’s Going On Marvin Gaye
3. I’m On Fire Bruce Springsteen
4. Gimme Shelter Rolling Stones
5. Sinnerman Nina Simone
6. Touch the Sky Kanye West
7. You’d Be So Easy to Love Frank Sinatra
8. Think Aretha Franklin
9. City of Blinding Lights U2
10. Yes We Can will.i.am

Political Wire has all of the candidates MP3s available for listening.