McCain: Point of No Return?
As you know, I have never been a fan of John McCain, but I have been optimistic about his chances to win the presidency. While I am not convinced, as some are, that McCain has already lost the election, my optimism if fading… and rapidly.
What has changed? Many things, but mostly his abysmal performance in the debate last night. His first (and, essentially, only) offering was this $300 billion bailout part 2 (or 3 or 4 or… I’ve lost count), almost in the same sentence that he said he was against big government and earmarks and such. McCain lost all credibility on the government spending/earmarks issues when he voted for the $700 billion of socialism.
The “my friend” crap got downright creepy; in fact, his whole persona was creepy. When he did have a good idea (health insurance), he couldn’t explain it. Every time he had a chance to hammer Obama, he didn’t.
In an unbiased analysis, it was probably a tie, but McCain didn’t need a tie. He needed to do something to turn the tide, but he didn’t. What about taking the gloves off? What about bringing up Obama’s questionable past associations? Nothing… absolutely nothing!
Is it over? Not yet; four weeks is an eternity in presidential politics. But, McCain is going to have to do something drastic to change the direction of this race, and, frankly, I have very little confidence that he will.