Commentary from around the web is already buzzing with a clear victory for Pantano in the first debate last night.  Even a flash poll at WECT-TV supports that assumption.  A confident Pantano was clearly in full command, and spoke passionately with the strength of his experience and convictions.  Comparatively, a visibly rattled incumbent McIntyre continuously shuffled a ream of papers as he read his canned answers from the notes in front of him. 

Oddly enough, McIntyre actually tried to make a case that his experience qualifies him for re-election, when it was clear that no one in the audience was satisfied with the caliber of his experience.  There is no other profession on the planet where someone can justify retaining their job by citing the longevity of an unsatisfactory performance!  Only in politics...

In this article at WWAY-TV, a clear distinction between the candidates was established on the subjects of term limits, government spending, and the effects of the stimulus.  In this article at WECT-TV,  McIntyre,  a majority whip for Speaker Nancy Pelosi, tried to distance himself from his own party, claiming he doesn't work for them (though he votes with them 90.5% of the time), and instead works for the people of NC.  News 14 also noted some obvious differences between the two candidates and their approaches to such major issues as the economy and healthcare.

This article at StarNewsOnline notes that the candidates clearly diverged on how to get control of the federal deficit, now soaring into the trillions:

Pantano, a Republican, countered that out-of-control government spending threatened to take down the entire nation. The stimulus spending, he said, had "proven to be a disaster."

Pantano voiced support for a small government approach to reducing the federal deficit, saying that any time federal hands "meddle" in the private sector, it produces "unintended consequences." [...]

"The federal government is not the path to prosperity," he said.

The Debate Watching Party at the Fox and Hound was SLAMMED!  Thanks to everyone who joined us for the party - it was wall to wall supporters and a great time was had by all!  AMAZING!

A full recap of the debate is coming later after further review.

In the meantime, here is a good cross-section of enthusiastic comments from around the web (click on Read More):

[Updated at 3:15 PM with more comments]

[Updated on 8/22 with more comments]

Doug Burrell I watched the debate last night with an open mind. I'm an independent voter and I wasn't familiar with Mr. Pantano. After watching the debate, he's got my vote!

Frank Fazzino PANTANO v. McIntyre Debate Summary: Front Page of Star News today has the perfect picture - McIntyre speaking from his shuffled Paperwork, verses Pantano, speaking concisely from his Heart.

Shannon McLaurin Fantastic Job at the debate last night! Very powerful statements!! We back you 100%~

Allen Turner Ilario clearly won the debate. While neither candidate made any major gaffes and there were no "gotcha" moments, the basic themes of the two candidates' messages clearly gave the debate to Pantano. Not only did Ilario not bring with him reams of paper to wave in the air while answering questions but not saying what t hose reams of paper actually said, but also his message of "it's time to end the pork, even if it's OUR pork" rang true. I think we're going to see an upset in November. The McIntyre folks are worried ... a paid McIntyre staffer acknowledged as much recently at the Watermelon Festival in Fair Bluff. They should be worried. Pantano is going to win in November.

David Watkins Congressman McIntyre made the statement that the Pantano campaign was a national campaign as if that was a negative. The office he seeks and McIntyre curently holds is a national office...it makes decisions that impact the entire nation. It is the years of bringing home money to local interests by all members of Cong ress that has helped get us into the mess we are in today.

Starnell Gigliotti Franklin McIntyre said several times he was effective because he plays both sides of the aisle--he just does not get it! We need a real conservative who lives his beliefs with conviction and DOES NOT WAIVER. We know who that is...Ilario Pantano.

Keith LaQuay Like most Democrats it was clear McIntyre had no idea what his agenda is or what he accomplished. It's to bad Obama's Teleprompter was not available last night and McIntyre had to rely on notes and visual aides procured from one of his assistance no doubt.  It was clear to see who was prepared and spoke from heart and be liefs not by some liberal agenda created by the likes of Nancy Pelosi. Job well done Sir. We are in your corner. S/F

Jennifer King Saucier Ilario you really did dominate!!! Had old Mike scramblin. (o: GREAT job!!

Frank Bullara GREAT JOB Ilario!!! you had him on the run the whole debate.. Congratulations

April Elkins Awesome job last night! Your answers could not have been more powerful, All-American, effective, eloquent, and refreshing for the future of our Nation!!! Let's bring back the Republican majority in Washington and U-turn this soon-to-be trainwreck around! Go America!

Lisa Fiske Boylan Great debate Ilario - the things we don't know are illuminating when coming from you. I can only pray for the change this country needs, you are in my prayers!

David Harris Great job at the first debate, Ilario! It was a definate win for you. Your answer to the final question regarding our greatest threat was right on target. Now, do it two more times!

Jason Butler Loved the question on term limits! Didn't even realize Mike had signed one and reneged on it!

Peggy Terry Murray Ilario, you did a fantastic job tonight. You were your usual calm, cool and articulate self! Congratulations!

David Watkins It was interesting that Congressman McIntyre, in his opening statement, said he wanted to move America forward in a "progressive" way. Sounds very much like how President Obama and Pelosi and the Democrats have us headed.

Marla Ragland Finn Awesome job Ilario!!! We are so proud of you!!!

Starnell Gigliotti Franklin Anybody else notice Mike had two tons of "cheat sheets' in front of him which he kept frantically pawing through and Ilario was calm, composed and with no "cheat sheets"?

Kevin Whiteman ‎"he kept frantically pawing through and Ilario was calm, composed"

That's because IP is a combat vet. He knows how to deal with stress. And it showed (for both men) last night.

Laura Triece Ilario SMOKED our sitting congressman tonite in the debate at CFCC North Campus!! Poor Mike 'bout broke his arm patting himself on the back all night about all the good he's done for us WITH OUR MONEY!!!! These Dems just don't get it!!! Way to go, Pantano!!

Jason Butler Mike seemed very flustered when he tried to prop up his spending record. I hope people wise up here and across the nation when it comes to pork project spending. Yeah the bailouts are bad enough, but all the little local projects add up!

Jason M. Roper I think its pretty obvious, the peoples choice in the 7th district is Ilario Pantano.

Jen Saviano Mike was definitely flustered lol He could not stop shuffling through his papers. He couldn't even answer the question about his fav book without looking through papers. I'd say Pantano wrecked him! lol

Stephen Shepherd Mike McIntyre lied in his opening statement.  He said that Mr. Pantano would raise taxes 23.5%. Obviously, he was talking about the Fair Tax. What he did not tell us is that the Fair replaces the Income tax or that we would never have to file another Federal Tax return. Not having to file a yearly financial report on ourselves in itself a great saving in time and money.  What this untruth tells us about Mike McIntire, that he is a committed Pelosi Democrat.

Napier Fuller Good job in the debate -- watched it in WECT.

James Jones Dear Mr. Pantano:  You have 2 votes here. Keep up the good fight.

Ed  Why does McIntyre have to look up every answer while Pantano does not need any reference material?

strongmommy  Did McIntyre really just say he wanted to "move forward in the progressive way"?!  Is he crazy?  Pelosi, Obama, Reid - they are all progressives!   We don't need progressivism, we need constitutionalism!

Diane  Did anyone find it odd that McIntyre had all his answers in front of him and read most of them? I didn't think the candidates knew the questions ahead of time...

Eric Bartoszuk  Thank HIM for me. REALLY. Inspiring and what I needed to hear.

cfortenberry  He did win, but McIntyre played the localboy to a tee

hmfearny  Just talked to my Mother in law, she met you at Brunswick Electric. My husband's "Dem" family is voting for you.

More comments to come...