McCain V Obama Round 1

If Obama's objective last night was to position himself as presidential, to appear knowledgeable about foreign policy...then I think it is "mission accomplished." If his goal was to link McCain inexorably to the republican party and their policies, Iraq and the economy, then I think it was a missed opportunity. Not through any fault of his own...but because everyone seemed focused on McCain's bellicose manner, and not on some of the key points made by Barack.

McCain did a good job of reminding everyone just how experienced he is. Like Magellan, he rattled off a laundry list of countries he'd visited, and people he'd met. But his vision was primarily rearward looking, including the ineveitable reminders about his "maverick" status and his POW experience. But Obama held his own, he was confident and knowledgeable. And he was forward looking.

I do think Obama missed an opportunity to hammer McCain on the economy...that's his Achilles heel. And when McCain started to go on about earmarks and corruption, Obama should have countered with "John, I will have to defer to your expertise on political corruption and greed...as a member of the Keating Five you have the experience in that field."

Highlights: Obama did a good job using John's words against him on Iraq: "we know where the wmd are", "we'll be treated as liberators", "there is no history of Sunni/Shia violence", etc. McCain attempted to deflect any criticism by suggesting that Obama opposed the surge. Obama countered adeptly with: "John, you talk like this war started in 2007. But it started in 2003."

As I said, McCain is VERY vulnerable on the economy. Obama needs to remind America that a month ago McCain said the fundamentals of our economy were sound. His chief financial advisor said this was a "mental recession" that we are a "nation of whiners." McCain recently said he wanted to tackle the health care issue in the exact same way that the Republicans have managed the banking and financing issues: more deregulation. He admitted to not knowing anything about the economy. He supports four billion dollars in tax cuts to oil companies. He wants to provide tax cuts to the wealthiest Americans...evoking what Bush senior dubbed "voodoo economics." On the economy, McCain has been out of step and dangerously wrong for quite some time.

Sure - McCain looked like a sour old man, condescending and dismissive. But that was a known quantity. I don't think that will hurt him much in the long run. I can't wait until the next debate...but In the meantime we will have an entertaining under card next week. Unless they have to postpone so Palin can save the world from witches.