McCain will say either nothing or not nearly enough about: Obama’s “spread the wealth” comment, ACORN, his relationship with Odinga, Wright and Ayers, or any other of the things that we’ve all been shouting about on blogs over the last few weeks.

In fact I’m willing to put money on the fact that during tonight’s debate, most of you will be screaming at the TV. “Why aren’t you saying X/Y/Z? What is wrong with you? Don’t let him get away with that! Why didn’t you call Obama out on that lie?”

I’m also tempted to predict that McCain will tonight sound whiny, like he’s pleading with the audience not to believe Obama. That’s what I felt in the last debate.

The trouble is that Obama is a smooth talker whose voice and articulation add undue credence to deeply flawed arguments. This is in fact the only reason why Obama is ahead. He sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, which reassures voters who don’t really understand the issues and who are looking to climb under someone’s wing for protection. McCain however sounds unsure of himself, even though his arguments and policies are better.

If McCain had a competent campaign team, which he doesn’t, they would have worked on his voice and his articulation. They would have worked on him sounding more forceful, more natural. Obama has those qualities. He knows how to make rehearsed speeches sound “off the cuff” as if he’s thinking on the fly. He is nothing more than a good salesman.

Obama should have fired Rick Davis months ago. Every time I see the man on TV I cringe – he’s like the kid you loved to hate at school. He comes across as evasive and knows little about image projection. Meanwhile it’s obvious that Obama’s team have hired the best image experts around.

But for a better understanding of what she’s saying in that book, I would recommend two of her non-fiction books: “The Virtue of Selfishness” and “Capitalism – the Unknown Ideal.”

Therein you will find virtually everything you’ll ever need to beat socialists in debate. Everyone in this country should read her chapters about the nature of “rights.”

About 200K Ohio voters have records discrepancies

read ‘Atlas Shrugged’

Its a powerful story about brilliant and creative individuals who ‘go on strike’ in a society and refuse to contribute any of their genius because it would be like throwing pearls before swine-
the society no longer deserves their contributions.

Thank you for putting a title to how I feel (Y)

There is no such thing as the undecided voter,thats bullshit CNN created because Fox is getting the ratings, if there not voting for Obama’s ass after two years they never will. Got it?

I would love to reply on your site Soldier, but I don’t have that membership!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7auoVJZBOs

You’ve heard from people in this forum who are quite knowledgeable that the polls are not accurate, and even if they are close to accurate, it’s too early to call this election. Hold yer water, fer cryin’ out loud. This debate is not McCain’s last shot. It’s the end of the “getting to know you” part of the election for most voters. Now, in the next three weeks, there will be millions of dollars spent, dozens of rallies, and the heavy artillery.

And remember, this is not a boxing match. It’s not sports. It’s not American Idol, either. More than anything, it should be viewed as a trial. Don’t look for big emotional scenes or psychotic behavior. It’s two sides presenting their cases to the jury. It’s a civilized debate, not a sensationalizing talk show. It is possible that either side could devastate the other or leave a big WOW with viewers, but not all that likely. Most voters have already decided. This is aimed at the undecideds.

And with the courtroom model in mind, remember the adage that “an attorney should never ask a question he/she doesn’t know the answer to.” They can’t give their opponent an opportunity to surprise them live on TV. Some have tried intimidation tactics, only to have them backfire, like Gore strolling up to W while W was answering a question in 2000. These guys already know pretty much what they are going to say, and asking questions of the other is dangerous, mostly because the other doesn’t have to answer if he doesn’t want to, and can change the subject or turn the question against the questioner.

There’s also the issue of not opening Pandora’s Box if you have anything to hide or anything you’re ashamed of. Calling out past relationships and votes is typical, and often backfires. This is a case of being careful what you wish for. This should be a civilized discourse.

To most people, it’s just more talking heads, more campaign rhetoric. They are going more by perceptions than fears or facts. That’s been Obama’s dual-edged sword from the start. Some love him, some hate him, and that is not likely to change in the course of a debate. But those who are undecided about either candidate, for whatever reasons, will be judging from the gut, or by one statement. If they perceive unfairness in an attack, or see something that reinforces their preconceived notions, that can be the deciding factor.

What I hope for is that McCain will raise questions politely and press for answers, but only if he is confident he can win the point, and then keep raising the point if it’s not answered. Accusations or aspersions that can’t be nailed down in two minutes are going to make him look desperate. I want to see him confident and serious.

And please, Mac, don’t laugh at your own comments!

And, on Nov. 5th we will still have this blog to call home.

{{TEAK}}

I’m not worried as I have no wealth for them to take (or make me give away).

I don’t want a gov. check either. (I am on disability but worked over 20 yrs as well as serving in the military)

I didn’t even apply for the last $300 gov check. (I think I said that before)

Anyway, I just want to fix my heart, thyroid, etc and get back to a normal life (fingers crossed for stem cell research SOOOOOOOON)

so that works out great