Debate take 2 - What's New, and What's Not

If anything should be the headliner coming from this debate it's this new statement from McCain. Unfortunately for McCain it's a negative headline.

In regard to Social Security, McCain said “we are not going to be able to provide present day workers with the same benefits as present day retirees get today.” That means that he intends on CUTTING Social Security benefits for the middle ‘working’ class.

McCain tried to claim something new when he talked about the treasury buying out ‘bad’ mortgages. THAT ISN’T NEW - it’s authorized by the bailout package voted on last week. McCain never read the 3 page proposal from Paulson; now it seems he hasn’t read the legislation he just voted for. What is new is the way he suggests that the treasury implement this; direct with homeowners like a giant mortgage company. He would effectively nationalize the mortgage industry. That's an approach most Republicans would scream over. He clearly got off his talking points and campaign positions on this one, so I expect the spin from the campaign to be revising this tomorrow.

McCain suggested the former CEO of Ebay, Meg Whitman for heading up the Federal Reserve. What she knows about money policy or economics comes from business; not on the banking side which is what the Fed deals with. She is a quite capable CEO, but without a banking background I'm not convinced.

McCain seemed on edge and uncomfortable for most of the debate. Particularly while throwing his barbs at Obama he seemed very contrived. I have to say that his "That One" snipe was well beyond just disrespecting Obama; to me is smacked of a racial cast. Remember, that's SENATOR OBAMA you are referring to. He only looked at Obama briefly, never mentioned 'middle class'. There was a strange attitude coming from McCain all night affecting the entire tone of the debate. Perhaps it was because Obama got off to a great start, scoring points early. To me, McCain came across as a mix of desperate, condescending and petty. Not likable at all, and certainly not Presidential.

Clearly Obama made a strategic choice to not contest, nor argue these types of attacks, although clearly he could have, especially since they've all been contested and responded to in the press, in ads and on the campaign trail. Most of McCain's attacks have been proven to be either untrue or misleading by independent organizations. Obama didn't play into McCain's sleaze, taking and maintaining control of the debate by choosing his attacks on McCain on his own terms. When Obama did strike, it clearly set McCain back on his heels; particularly when he reminded McCain about his 'Bomb Bomb Iran', Bagdad's next, and obliterate North Korea statements. You could visibly see the reaction on McCain's face.

There wasn't much new on Health Care or Foreign Policy. The Health care issue question 'is Health Care a Privilege, Responsibility, or a Right?' put an interesting twist in the discussion. McCain feels it's a responsibility; Obama a Right. Clearly that fits with the Obama plan's goal to cover Everyone. McCain's plan leaves it up to individual families to set their priority in the context of food, housing, and other necessities, without setting a goal of providing health care for anyone. They spent the usual time on McCain's $5000 tax credit, or dividend, or whatever he wants to call it today. At least McCain didn't try to call it 'budget-neutral' like his running mate. I call it the largest windfall for insurance companies in history. Obama missed the opportunity again to call McCain's tax on employer paid health care benefits a new tax on the middle class. Every time McCain talks about Obama taxing the middle class, Obama should be striking back with what would be a huge new payroll tax that would hit the lower and middle class workers hardest of all. Those with the best health care plans through their employers or union would get hit the hardest on McCain's plan.

The ‘other’ news is the McCains left moments after the debate ended. The Obamas hung around for more than 20 minutes, shaking hands, signing autographs, posing for pictures, talking and greeting everyone personally. Big win for Obama on that; it was noted on the news coverage as well. It was a contrast from the 1st debate, when McCain tried to act victorious at the end. Clearly, McCain must have known that he didn't do what he needed to do, that he didn't win the debate or do anything to turn the tide of the election. There was no celebration. On a modicum of hand shaking, a few akward moments with Cindy clearly being uncomfortable, and a couple of waves - McCain was gone. So are his chances November 4th.