The first presidential debate confirmed (to me) my sense that we have two good candidates. Very different candidates, indeed. But both would make good presidents. I can’t say that one person won and the other lost. Both did well.

Let’s make that three good candidates.

NBC talked to Joe Biden. But though they invited Sarah Palin to appear, the campaign said, “No, you can’t talk to her, but we’ll let you talk to Rudi Guiliani.” Hmmmm. Their confidence in Palin overwhelms me. They are hyper-protective and controlling of her. The Obama campaign has no such lack of confidence in Joe Biden. Will Palin turn out to have been just a…tactic?

Some other thoughts from the debate:

• Jim: Obama and McCain really don’t want to talk directly to each other. Let it go.
• Obama was overly defensive, wanting to correct McCain’s statements way too often. Chill, dude.
• McCain’s demeanor turned me off.
• Barack: Yes, we know about that speech you gave long ago opposing the war. It only shows that you got one right. Doesn’t mean you’ll get them all right.
• Did either one ever actually answer a Jim Lehrer question?
• I’m totally with Obama about talking to Iran and others. It’s the biblical approach: when you have problems with someone, go talk to them. McCain’s harping about preconditions seemed empty.
• McCain’s experience came through strongly. Several times, he said, “I know how to…whatever,” and he does.
• And yet, on a range of key issues, I prefer Obama’s view of things, even though it’s built on a foundation of relative inexperience.
• David Gregory did great anchoring for MSNBC. Fair and balanced.
• Watched a few minutes of Olberman’s “special.” Couldn’t take it.
• Babylon 5 fans: Doesn’t Mike Murphy’s hair remind you of a M’nbari?