I started working at a new job this past weekend so I haven't had time to update, but what a weekend it was!



1) Sarah Palin is all actin' like her mediocre performance in Thursday's debate has given her a mandate to relentlessly attack Obama and avoid tough, substantive issues. I have no doubt that Bill Ayers will ultimately hurt Obama in the polls. However, the McCain campaign's timing is about a week or two early. This story doesn't have the kind of shelf life to fully realize its potential on election day 4 weeks from now when many undecided voters go behind the curtain and make, as recent history suggests, a shift toward the Republican candidate based on a variety of social issues. I think John McCain got scared by the polls and essentially sold his best stock low.



2) And the polls! Bad news all around for the McCain campaign. Barack Obama, I think, has to actively maintain this lead (contrary to his late primary performance). He's got late breakers working against him and, possibly, a lingering Bradley Effect (or other October surprise).



3) Debate preps for tonight! This debate is wedged between the first debate when the candidates generally introduce their pitch and the last debate when the candidates make their boring, often times safe final sales pitch. And tensions are high. Really high. So the candidates should have their most fiery performance of all three debates. I cautiously say 'should' because the vice presidential debate turned out to be the biggest disappointment in my life since the Backstreet Boys split up.