Commentary

McCain Less of a Zombie in Third Presidential Debate

I watched the third and final presidential debate of campaign 2008 between John McCain and Barack Obama at a friends home. I had two beers – and some cheese and pretzels to keep my keen senses of observation sharp. A financial crisis was still brewing outside the window, but I was seated comfortably near the TV – all was good in my world. There was a small crowd gathered. Everyone was rooting for Obama. But I remained objective, sitting quietly, eating my snacks and nursing my beer.

I noted in my observations after the previous debate that McCain “darted around the room flailing his arms like a zombie robot on fire.” This time he was stuck in a chair. McCain showed an even greater sense of urgency – and a bizarre obsession with a plumber named Joe. However, I think his performance last night was a bit better than in the first two debates. McCain was slightly more human and a little less of a crazed zombie this time around. There were some outer planetary comments, but they were noticeably less frequent.

Although, McCain’s eyes did glow with undead intensity when attacking Obama for his associations with William Ayers, a former domestic terrorist, and ACORN, a coalition of community organizers accused of voter fraud. (Both of which were rationally explained by Obama and accepted by residents of the known universe – where the Fox News Channel’s signal is very faint.) Throughout the evening McCain tried to slam Obama for wanting to spend plumber Joe’s money on a massive expansion of the federal government – success in this relentless pursuit seemed to elude him.

Both candidates exchanged punches over fixing the collapsing economy and the dysfunctional health care system. They also traded jabs on energy and trade policy, and even abortion rights and judicial nominees (both are attached at the hip). But they were rather vague when asked what programs would be cut once the reality of an actual presidency set in.

I think Obama did better than McCain in the final debate because he was clearer about his priorities and appeared calmer and more measured than his frantic rival. Times are tough – just ask Joe the plumber, or his buddy Joe six pack. A completely new approach is needed. The comfortable and morally bankrupt ways of the past have to be tossed on the garbage heap, along with worthless mortgage securities and outdated and ineffective regulatory structures. In the end, McCain still seems to be using his rudder to smack Obama’s character, stirring fear and anger in rural America, as opposed to steering a sensible course that will deliver America from the horror of the Bush years.

Here are some links to debate coverage both left and right leaning publications:

The New York Times

The Washington Times

The NY Daily News

The New York Post

Let me know what you think. Remember, I was under the mild influence of beer and snack food. Maybe I missed something. Maybe you’re a zombie who’s tired of being kicked around. Fill out the poll on the home page.

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© 2008 Splendid Marbles.