FYI, I did more listening to than watching the debate, but I have seen a clip of the debate showing their angles and responses, and I have also seen clips of Obama's recent interviews. I have a couple comments/questions:

1. What is the protocol for debates, are they supposed to address each other, the moderator or the audience?

2. This was a DEBATE, they were not trying to come to an agreement with each other, so why look at each other? Isn't the purpose for THE PEOPLE to learn their perspectives?

3. I have observed that Obama's m.o. is to be a warm & fuzzy, touchy-feely person. He makes an effort to look at people and I've seen him touch his interviewers on the knee or reach out toward them as if to make contact, multiple times. There is common psychology to this too. Personally, I find it a bit much for someone in his position, I think he takes it too far, to me it looks like he's always saying 'give me a chance' and 'I'm likeable, can't you see that I'm likeable?'. Clinton was 'personable' like this too. I originally found it appealing but have changed my mind since the days of Clington. Ha, I think I just made a Freudian slip, so I'm leaving it here.

4. McCain has multiple injuries from his years as a POW, particularly around his shoulders, isn't is possible that he may not be able to turn his head for an extended period of time? If this is a problem for him, I would understand completely, as I have to face or look at everything head-on myself. In a meeting or presentation I always sit where I will have a direct line of sight to the presenter without having to turn my head. I do not try to walk and talk with a person either. If I ran a fitness center I would arrange some equipment to be facing each other rather than side by side, for people like me who would talk and workout, if I didn't have to turn my head.

Also the stage was positioned for them to face outward, not toward each other. If I were going to debate first I would want to be clear about protocol, and IF we were supposed to address each other, I would request my podium be adjusted to face the person.