McCain, Obama Fail To Impress

Trading jabs was evidently the goal of the evening for the first debate between presidential hopefuls, John McCain and Barack Obama. While some of this behavior is expected, I had hoped to hear some real and positive ideas expressed and debated. Instead, McCain repeatedly attacked Obama as "failing to understand" key concepts and Obama made his selling points on McCain's cooperation with the Bush administrations errors over the last 8 years. While I personally believe McCain's track record of voting with Bush 90% of the time is important, the thinking public is already aware of the fact that Bush and McCain are kindred spirits. I'd have much preferred to hear some solutions to the problems our nation faces now and in the future from either opponent.

Obama, for his part, held his own against McCain's deceptive attacks, but then showed his naiveté when openly alluding to aggressive military action in Pakistan. Although this writer, personally, is more forgiving of honest mistakes than the deliberate, deceptive practices so typical of the GOP, I found Obama's comments toward Pakistan offensive, and I suspect this gaff will be replayed heavily over the coming days coverage of the debates.

On the other hand, for anyone who has been following the activities of Mr. McCain over the last several years, it is immediately clear just how often he has changed his positions on key issues. And just lately, (including his pirating and re-phrasing of Obama's campaign slogan,) it is painful to watch as McCain attempts to adjust his own talking points to limit Obama's gains rather than to actually address any serious issues.

In short, I find little to actually write about as regards this unimpressive battle of wits between the two men currently seeking to lead our nation. Barring any brilliant coups by one or the other in the next 39 days, I find my self in the unsatisfied position of casting my vote NOT for the best man (or woman) for the job, but rather for the lesser of the two evils. Yes, my vote will go to Obama, but I have little hope that he or his opponent are the change this nation so desperately needs.