Debate preview
With the backdrop of the struggling US economy that had the DOW lose another 700 points today, the presidential candidates, Senators Barack Obama and John McCain will have their final presidential debate tonight at Hofstra University in New York. Here are some questions and observations for tonight:
-John McCain is trailing by increasing amounts in the polls as the US economy continues to struggle. Will McCain be able to connect to voters about their economy concerns, or will Obama? This may be McCain's last chance to connect with the voters about their economic concerns, an area which he has struggled in the previous two debates.
-One of the bigger questions is whether McCain will raise Obama's past associations, such as the one with former Weatherman William Ayers and Obama's former pastor Jeremiah Wright There is currently a divide within the McCain campaign about whether he should bring it up, with some saying that it comes across as desperate while others say that McCain needs something to shake up the race.
-It is generally expected that Obama will try to remain calm and collected during the debate, and continue to hammer away at George Bush. However, if McCain brings Wright or Ayers up, how will Obama respond? Most likely, he will try to say that McCain is practicing an 'old' brand of politics and that he is intentionally trying to be divisive.
-Speaking of attacking, McCain has a very tough tightrope to walk tonight. He is assuredly going to attack Obama, but he also has to guard against sounding overtly angry and grouchy. Essnetially, McCain has to not only has to come across well, he likely needs a game changer, as the current trajectory of his race is largely not in his favor. Obama, on the other hand, needs to not lose tonight. If he emerges unscathed, even if the debate is considered a draw, he is in extremely good shape for the next 3 weeks.
There are some other excellent debate previews from The Politico, The Washington Post, and ABC News.
Again, check back here for my live-blog of the final presidential debate.