Final Pre-Debate Thoughts

Is McCain about to walk into a trap? With the Dow off by over 700 points today, me'thinks that the Bill Ayers stuff isn't going to be good enough -- and that's even before we (just) learned that the McCains accepted a free cell-phone tower on their property, to improve their reception. It's a story that hasn't blown sky-high yet, but surely could. Definitely one to watch. Ted Stevens happens to be on trial right now, not just in electoral trouble but literally on trial, for having accepted the construction of a free house from people who wanted influence on his committee, and, don't look now, but Mr. McCain's committee oversees the FCC.

For his part Mr. Obama can be expected to remain cool and nerdy and, while ready to respond on points, will almost certainly not take the bait of an emotional mud-fest. If McCain tries to have one with him, McCain will look erratic and cranky once again.

While I'm at it, I'm a little confused by the weight of public opinion in the direction of arguing that McCain needs to come out with some massive game-changing performance. Personally I think McCain needs just the opposite--a smooth and Presidential talk, that is both gracious and ingratiating, and just specific enough to make him (for once) sound like the guy who really is the steady hand at the tiller.

Whatever happens, I seem to want to think that Obama will err on the side of being just a little bit boring, and McCain will err on... well... the other one.

Let the games begin.

Dave O'Gorman
("The Key Grip")
Gainesville, Florida