WWLDD? (What Would Larry David Do?)

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This Is Funny

In response to last night's debate, the Obama campaign will be releasing this commercial nationally. It's actually funny watching McCain's facial expressions. The last video clip in the commercial says it all too.

Jumbled thoughts on last night's debate...

I want to say a few things about last night's debate, but my mind is pretty jumbled (too many late-night Sox games, not enough caffeine), so let's try a little stream of consciousness:

• First off, the town hall format stunk. As a New Englander, to call that debate a town hall meeting is ridiculous.
• Second, who came up with these rules? You know darn well neither candidate can answer a question in less than 2 minutes, let alone 1. The issues are too complex.
• Surprisingly, Tom Brokaw was disappointing as a moderator. He seemed a little rusty and lost control of the proceedings. I think he was penned in by the debate rules. You could see him becoming frustrated. I wish he had chosen better questions.
• On that note, why can't we debate issues that neither candidate has touched on yet? Aside from the umbrella topic of energy independence, neither candidate has explicitly laid out his plans for scientific funding. That issue matters to me and my job. And what about abortion? That's a big fat elephant in the room. Why can't we let Americans hear whether John McCain stands by his running mate and her desire to overturn Roe v. Wade? The economy, health care, energy independence, Iraq, and Iran are vital issues, but I would like to hear more on other topics of interest.
• If the town hall format was supposed to be John McCain's strength, that's scary. He came across looking very erratic and frazzled, but above all, ANGRY, MEAN and PETULANT. His disdain for Barack Obama is tangible. The McCain camp has come out and said they will not win if this election remains about the issues. Therefore, their only hope is to attack. People at McCain-Palin rallies have actually starting shouting things like "Terrorist!" and "Kill him!" It's true...watch the videos. It's utterly repulsive and John McCain should be embarrassed. Last night, McCain became so concerned with attacking Obama that he neglected to answer many questions.
• The ugliness of his campaign is translating over to McCain's image. Somebody get that man a makeover. And a new haircut (the combover's not working). Last night, McCain looked every bit the 72 year old man. How do you sell yourself as an agent of change when you're that age, you've been in the Senate for 26 years, and you still pine for Ronald Reagan? Which generation are you going after?
• Once again, John McCain did not use the phrase "middle class." Out of touch.
  
• Barack Obama did not knock the ball out of the park last night, but he did well enough to win. At this point, with his growing national lead and his in-roads in traditionally red states, that's all he has to do...protect the lead. Let McCain continue to implode on himself. I thought Sen. Obama rambled a bit more than usual, and he even dodged a few questions, but he gave some nice answers. I particularly liked how he would call on Americans to make sacrifices in these dark times. Let's begin with a green initiative...gas rations, perhaps? Barack Obama's closing statement was also fantastic. He was inspirational and gave me the confidence that he could pull us out of this mess.
  
• Best line of the night: "John, I think the Straightalk Express lost a wheel."
• Second best line: "You're right, John. I don't understand. I don't understand why we're in Iraq..."
• Third best line of the night: "I don't think it's walking softly and carrying a big stick when you sing "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" or call for the annihilaiton of North Korea."
  
• Worst line of the night: "That one." Are you kidding me?
  
• Where did John McCain go at the end of the debate? My theory -- he has an overactive bladder and had to run to the bathroom. Barack Obama stayed and shook hands with everyone in the hall. He worked the room like Bill Clinton.
  
• Bottom line: Everyone said that McCain needed a game-changing performance. He didn't get it. He didn't even tie. Pundits, independents, most people watching thought he was steamrolled. Barack Obama handled questions on the economy better, he was strong on foreign policy, and he exuded professionalism and confidence.
• That being said:

PS: Shout out to all you Virginians who are carrying Obama to a lead down there! Keep up the good work!

And now....

Enough political talk for today. Let's show an adorable picture of my wife that has been recently unearthed.

Barack Obama's Plan for the Economy

And then take a look at this potential breakdown of your taxes in 2009.

Don't listen to the McCain-Palin position that Barack Obama will raise your taxes. 4 out of 5 Americans will receive a tax cut under Barack Obama's plan. If you make over $600,000, only then will your taxes be raised. That's either simple fairness, or as they say, to those whom much has been given much is expected. For those making between $250,000-600,000, your taxes will remain exactly as they are under the Bush plan. For those making between $111,000-250,000, your taxes will still decrease, just not as much under Obama's as McCain's plan. Notice finally the VAST differences between Obama and McCain's plan for those families earning less than $111,000. For each income bracket, Obama's tax cut will be greater than McCain's. That means Barack Obama want to put more money in your pocket. The choice is clear.

Uh-Oh!

Guess who's #1 in the latest World Soccer Power Rankings: Steven Gerrard and LIVERPOOL!

O Campeones, the one and only, We're Liverpool!

Let's get one thing straight...

There's only one REAL Maverick:

Sarah Palin Debate Flow Chart

Our good friend, Erin Wolf (holla!), sent this image to us. Enjoy!

Thoughts on last night's debate...

Let's begin by saying this...I was disappointed there was no new episode of The Office last night. By Thursday, I need my weekly dose of Michael Scott, and no issue of national significance should stand in the way of my fix. Nevertheless, Bev and I had also been looking forward to the vice presidential debate for some time, and last night's event definitely lived up to the phrase "Must See TV."

We really enjoyed this debate. There was a warmth from both candidates that was mysteriously lacking from the first presidential debate. It's safe to say, too, that both candidates surpassed expectations. The bar was obviously set very low for Sarah Palin following her disastrous interviews with Katie Couric, and you have to say she succeeded by failing to have any moose-in-headlights moments. Likewise, Joe Biden kept his verbosity focused and avoided any foot-in-the-mouth gaffes. That being said, there was one clear winner: Joe Biden. If you look at this debate from an unbiased standpoint (which I'm trying to do), and if you judge each candidate on what they said and how they said it (without considering any pre-conceived expectations on how they would perform), Joe Biden won the debate and is clearly more qualified for the office of vice president. His arguments were clear, direct, and displayed a nuanced understanding of the issues that can only come with experience. Joe Biden's indictments of John McCain's proposed policies, along with their obvious ties to the failed policies of the Bush administration, were also very effective (My personal favorite: "John McCain has been no maverick on the things that matter to people's lives"). Sarah Palin, on the other hand, while well-coached and well-rehearsed, was only comfortable talking about specific issues, as evidenced by her explicit refusal to answer some questions. The answers she did give often meandered and lost their focus. Another thing that disturbed me was Sarah Palin's folksy tone ("Darn right," "You betcha", etc). There is a time and place for this sort of comportment, but on the national stage-- in these dire times -- a folksy tone comes across as a lackof seriousness, an ill understanding, a lame joke. Have we learned nothing from George W. Bush? He has brazenly flaunted his folksy, anti-intellectual attitude, and time and time again he has proven that the executive office requires curiosity and a nuanced understandings of issues. As Sarah Palin herself said last night, "Diplomacy is hard work by serious people." You may want "Joe Sixpack" as your friend, but do you necessarily want that person making decisions that affect the entire world?

On a different note, the most poignant -- and likely most memorable -- moment of last night's debate: Joe Biden emotionally recounting his personal tragedy and relating how he understands what it's like to be a single parent, wondering if everything's going to turn out okay. I'd say a lot of people's opinion of Joe Biden changed with that intimate and telling moment.

One final thought. There's been a lot of attention paid to how Sarah Palin revitalized the McCain campaign. Well, after last night's debate, Bev and I come away with re-energized support and enthusiasm for the Obama-Biden ticket. I would venture to say we're not the only ones feeling this away. For all we can see, Joe Biden is a great man, a great American, and highly-qualified for the office of vice-president. What are your opinions? We'd love to hear!