20080926_Oxford_MS_FirstDebate0344

Fortyseven    says:

VERY nice.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Sylvieblissplace    says:

I like these stolen moments.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

cookiesdivine says:

I thought Senator Obama demonstrated great leadership qualities during the debates last night in Oxford, Mississippi. Senator Obama was respectful throughout the entire debate when he was asked to address a question, he looked at Senator McCain when making his comments. I look forward to see what will happen in upcoming debates. May God continue to bless both candidates and their families throughout this process.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

[ olivia ]    says:

This photo is really humanizing. Wonderful photos. And a wonderful debate for Senator Obama. Wishing great success in the bid for the presidency!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

allahuakbar79 says:

Why do people always assume they have to be religious? It shouldn't matter in matters of public policy.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Mike Hoffman says:

This is a wonderful photo. So nice, in fact, that noticing your CC license, I had to mess with it here.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

lrayholly    says:

@allahuakbar7 & @Sylvieblissplace: I think this is the man being who he is. Since this wasn't taken for "publicity" purposes, I suspect this is part of his preparation for the night. I don't think he was assuming anything except his faith. I've not heard him try to push his faith on anyone. Neither should anyone try to strip him of his. Your right to believe or not believe, is just that - your right... and his and mine.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

lifesundeath    says:

He's the man! Great work giving McLiar what for!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

slackwaresupport says:

did you have a teleprompter?
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Nik_Doof    says:

I think this is one of those photos that will be referenced for years to come.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

slitobac    says:

Great photo, is there a larger version??
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

s t e p h e r    says:

This is a superb candid.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

mcrezin says:

am i to understand the comments above interpret this photo as praying? It looks more to me like he's doing some good ol' fashion reviewing for the debate. I agree with the posters above, religion should really have no place in a debate of public policy
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

euklides says:

don't crop out people's feet!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

tsevis    says:

Nice one!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

antrover    says:

Great! (but I wish there was a larger one)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

rastariza    says:

Wow....yes, this will be referenced for years to come...No matter what happens in November, Barack Obama is changing the world.

BTW ---Prayer Changes Things---
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

kilo6109 says:

greatness combined with humility, im glad to see this in my lifetime
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Chickenboots    says:

Go Obama! Cool shot.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

me.at.work    says:

When I clicked All Sizes, it was the same small size. Can't you post bigger pics, I can't see the detail.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

kabeljauw says:

this is a wonderful picture
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Neu Black    says:

This is so powerful!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Zane Perry    says:

Great Pic. Would love a high res version.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Tom @ Timescapes    says:

great photo.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

joško    says:

elect this man!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

irongategallery says:

very presidential
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Zamoraography says:

im posting this comment froma mobile phone, so i cant see what licensing u have for it. but i think this is such a fantastic photo, i would consider only posting a web sized photo. im sure you know how much people love to use photos for profit, without permisson. you should be compensated well for this if its ever used. kudos!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Yahoo Store Design Book Author    says:

Mississippi was proud to host the debate. What a powerful photograph...
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Seapixy    says:

Great photo! Go Obama!!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ottoman42    says:

I work in theatre and its very interesting to see a presidential candidate in a utilitarian setting.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Lapsus    says:

Terrific capture of a very personal moment. Keeping my fingers crossed come November.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

siegling    says:

fantastic.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Samuel Parkinson    says:

Such a great picture, well done.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

me.at.work    says:

Why did you delete my comment asking for you to upload a higher resolution pic instead? I looked through and saw you have uploaded other photos which have a much larger "original" size, so I don't know why you're trying to censor me.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Tiago S Costa    says:

nice!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

GeekRockChick24    says:

A picture is worth a thousand words and I can't express what I think about this photo. Simply wonderful.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

camh    says:

Is that a large bag of money in the corner?
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Brad_Williamson says:

This picture becomes great once you try to imagine what's going on in his mind in that moment. The weight of the world was, literally, on his shoulders as he sat in that dressing room.

Brad Williamson - Virtual Biographer
My Virtual Biography: www.IAmGHOSTBLOGGER.com
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

mbshane    says:

It's so great to be INSPIRED by a presidential candidate. An inspiring photograph, a special moment captured.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

_heather_r_    says:

This photo nearly brought tears to my eyes. "Here is our next president," I thought to myself, "gathering his thoughts and praying for strength" (I presume). Makes me hopeful and happy.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

empiricalgod says:

Australia supports you Barack Obama.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ozir says:

Michigan supports you Obama.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Sylvieblissplace    says:

And France is with you too.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Boris A says:

Europe for Obama '08!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Matt McGurn    says:

cool picture

--
Seen on digg.com (?)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

filo1000 says:

Wisconsin for Obama!

Also, sounds like "Jacksonville Web Design" is a racist bigot.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

rossneugeboren    says:

You should've cropped out the camera reflection.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

feckineejit    says:

he truly is a great man.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Carbon Images    says:

Well, I for one, won't be using Jacksonville Web Design. Could anyone have posted a more moronic comment?

Great shot...Australia for Obama 08!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jethmo says:

Wow, as someone else said, very humanizing. I hope that's our next president sitting there. Hi res version? :)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

biuku says:

cool.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

nmarieliebau says:

What faith are you?,Jacksonvill Web Design, that allowes you to throw stones?
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Das Bishop says:

Nice staged pic.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

kshane says:

That photo really says a lot. Beautiful.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Vanshea    says:

A man in politics studying!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

kshane says:

Cellenin - nice staged comment.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

bizzlenj    says:

dugged, prepare for views
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

j.ro78 says:

Facing qibla.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

lunyboy says:

:) History, right here, right now.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

JSam76    says:

Wow, such a great moment. :)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Shawn Blower says:

Off topic, but I felt compelled to respond to Jim Summer, aka. Jacksonville Web Design, and how better than by using his own words.

"I truly believe I am a cut above the fray. A quick example... I have been seeking web design employment in Jacksonville, Florida for about 3 years. I applied to a lot of Jacksonvlle web design firms and never even received a response."

wufpackvictory says:

I guess this proves it, Obama's tax plan DID originate in the crapper!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Richard-    says:

Well done David, great set, makes a great slide show.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

DerrickT    says:

Obama, respectful? Yes, perhaps to a certain degree, but he had a tendency to interrupt McCain everytime McCain was speaking. How exactly is that "respectful"?

I'm not an Obama supporter (obviously), but I do have to state that this particular image is quite fabulous.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

market at the square    says:

Unlike Sen. McCain, Obama made eye contact with his opponent during the debate. That's respect, in my opinion.

I do agree that this is a fantastic image.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

tdominey    says:

Classic. Feels very humble, modest, and private.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

noelmartinezdotcom says:

this picture evokes Abraham Lincoln for some reason... IDK, just seems something out of a history textbook...very larger-than-life.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

devils rancher    says:

Truly inspirational photo.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

DerrickT    says:

market at the square: It amazes me that people keep bringing up the fact that McCain never looked at Obama, as if it's some "crisis" because he never did, as if McCain should be tossed into the abaddon of the earth because of it. It is just another silly fie on the parts of certain individuals that aren't McCain supporters that have to find something to bash McCain about.

Big deal, he didn't look at Obama! Just because Obama chose to look at McCain and McCain chose the opposite doesn't immediately make McCain some unforsoothed "Obama-hater." It's ridiculous. Yet, as stated, people don't acknowledge Obama's disrespectfulness in regards to repetitively attempting to interrupt McCain while he was speaking. McCain didn't do that once while Obama was speaking. I suppose if one wants to start being nit-picky about these things, then the same magnetic can be flipped towards the other side of the fence, as well.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Bethany Fields says:

love it
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

AttackOfTheDad says:

@mcrezin - I think it's so funny how you commented that religion has no place in a debate about public policy. Should we stone Obama if he WAS praying? God forbid, what if he prays A LOT??...BURN WITCHES!!!! Way to promote your own asinine beliefs (or lack thereof) as being the necessity. A lot of people with a lot of different religious beliefs have great ideas...and wouldn't you know, some of those people even attribute those great ideas to answers to prayers. I know. Small world, eh, stupid? I bet the Founding Fathers prayed too. They even referenced God in public policy....clearly causing us every problem this country has ever known, right? Shake your head.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

El Mariachi 94 says:

Really would like to see a larger size.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

cjvanston    says:

A GREAT MAN

read about Lincoln-he was ridiculed for his height, his squeaky voice, his backwoods sensibilities....

this is one brilliant, amazing man folks, whether you realize it or not.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Hiratsuka says:

Wonderful photo. It would be great if this photograph could be posted in a larger size, or sold somewhere, because I would definitely buy it and would not have any problem giving funds to anyone involved in the Obama campaign.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

qwertyfriesen says:

DerrickT: If you read through the transcript, or rewatch the debate, you'll see that there are numerous places where McCain interrupts Obama. He does it while Obama is going through his "you were wrong" sound bite. So I don't really see how you could have missed that.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

yellowplease says:

I don;t know why, but this photo to seems to sum up Barrack perfectly for me. its amazing.
--
Seen on digg.com (?)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Flowering Moon says:

When I saw this photo, my first thought was "it will become a classic". We will see this for many years. It captures this very private moment so well and I love the feeling I have looking at it. Whether it is a moment of prayer or of gathering his thoughts, this image quietly tells me so much about the man.
Thanks!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Flowering Moon says:

I agree with those who say keep the web resolution small. This is a money shot! You should reap the reward.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

skaag says:

It does not happen often that we witness historical events of great importance, in our short human lives. The current presidential campaign is a critical one, and this man will change the course of human history for the better, and will help us all, even if in small ways at first, and of course, if we allow him.

I would definitely vote for Obama if I was an American citizen.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jwc62 says:

Obama seems to have gained humility after the backlash against his condescension toward Hillary Clinton. McCain's haughty condescension toward Obama beat him by a mile.

Initially I thought McCain didn't look at Obama out of disdain, then I cam to see that McCain is insecure and could not look at Obama. I suspect maMcCain not be emotionally healthy.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jwc62 says:

Please forgive my typos above.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

chotalynn says:

This is truly a great man. Not Just the U.S.A but the world needs his stewardship. we in Japan are behind you too!!!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jwc62 says:

Um, I haven't been watching CNN to get my opinions. Sounds like that is your thing.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

jwc62 says:

RedFoxONe, I am with you. Obama has gained my respect over the last couple of months. He clearly handles hiimself well, and has a well developed sense of social justice. And he is flexible but does not waiver on things that matter.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

greenleaflink says:

love it.

I was very pissed that not once did John look at Obama, not once.

Even after the moderator implied look at him not me.

argg.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

dregsplod    says:

What a message this photo presents. The fact this photo is on Flickr (technology, social media, open comments), shows Barack Obama (change, new era for America) with not only a "reflection" but also views from all sides.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

*SΛM    says:

That's a great shot!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

dommar1 says:

Obama...... 1 phrase: unpatriotic and unfit for presidency. Good job at not saluting the flag FTW www.youtube.com/watch?v=hU9iCANi02o who wants a president such as this, for sure not I. So many men and women have died for this country (does not matter which war and for what cause) they have died for us and deserve our respect and admiration which is shown in saluting the flag, and since he did not it is a slap in the face to every man and woman who has died for this country and our freedoms (we have so many which we already take for granted so do not say we have none). And to sit and listen to his minister preach hate about the US is unacceptable, this shows us how much he cares about this great nation. I doubt McCain or Hillary would have sat back and let their pastor/priest preach what Obama let his preach.
He is unfit for office due to what he has done and shown in his character, I do not care what else he has said or done, he will skirt the truth to gain votes and is a disgrace of an American.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

giasmom1 says:

This photo literally brought tears to my eyes. No photo op - nothing publicity about this it was his opportunity to be with HIS GOD....who ever it might be...and who should care? He is just awesome!
My Favorie photo of the whole night ! I saved it in my files...THIS is looking at our next POTUS !! THIS IS HISTORY !
My heart smiles BIG.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Kubrick Apostle    says:

I love the haters and there joining of flickr just to trash such a powerful photo. Get off the site you clowns. Its for creative minds only. GREAT SHOT!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

hepcat from FORT says:

Awesome photo, I'm glad I got linked to it. Very evocative.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

cedulka.na.dverach.EXIT    says:

I see american president. Nothing more, nothing lesss. :)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

turonmiah says:

Obama is the leader America needs, hope you get him in office!
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Alex Barredo    says:

Probably, the best pic i've ever seen in Flickr.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

auxlepli says:

That's a bad photo caption. In the photo above Obama is not particpating in a debate. It looks like he's praying or meditating or something. He's definitely not debating.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

MaskedM [deleted] says:

Such a good pic. Talk more than words. I've put it on my blog (a french one) : donjipez.wordpress.com/2008/09/30/la-solitude -du-politici...
Don't want to take part of choices of another country but in France Obama would be lected easily :)
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

gookla says:

I like the shot...gry online
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Perfecto Insecto    says:

cool composition, i love how you caught yourself too.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

Ben Jacob says:

He knows the top secret and most wanted thing in the election canvasing :D Canvasing God :D
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )

zIDEAz    says:

Senator Obama always seems like he has his balance when he's taking his shot, to use a basketball metaphor. That fact, and the way he's run his campaign, is probably one of the reasons so many people have such confidence in him.
Posted 10 months ago. ( permalink )