When it comes to small town-hall type events, McCain wins handily because he speaks slow enough naturally that he rarely gets misunderstood. Obama's far greater vocabulary and linguistic ability can tend to **** him up when he doesn't consider his answer ahead of time. When it comes to debates, Obama is in a class of his own. He could tell you what you don't want to hear, but you are still amazed that he answered it so well. For example, this is how he debates: straight to the point, no superfluous bullshit regardless of whether or not you want to hear it.