Barack Obama impressed with his “rock steady competence” while the most notable impression John McCain made was the contempt he displayed towards his opponent, who he called “That one”, writes Arianna Huffington in the Huffington Post.

“In Debate II, John McCain twice laid out the criteria for how the American people should judge the candidates: In tough times, we need someone with a steady hand on the tiller. By that measure, Obama was the clear winner. He was centered where McCain was scattered. Forceful where McCain was forced. Presidential where McCain was petulant. In the first debate, McCain wouldn’t look at Obama. In this one, he referred to him as “that one.” The contempt was palpable, and unpalatable.”

Read the full story here.