A weird thing on CNN's post debate coverage. The first comments after Blitzer and Cooper delivered their summary came from Bill Bennett. He reminded us that he had been unhappy with McCain's previous performances, but exuberantly proclaimed McCain the winner of this debate. They went to Paul Begala who gave a less enthusiastic nod to Obama, pointing out that McCain again came across as angry. Then they went to David Gergen who argued for reasons I don't remember that Obama won. The reason I don't remember is that I was distracted by Bennet's rather pronounced head shaking and sarcastic grimacing.

It's not an easy thing to get clear on. 'Cause it involves an acceptance of a denial of our visceral desire to see Obama blast away the long stream of lies coming out of McCain's mouth and Rove's outfit.

But if you want to see why Obama is winning this election, you'll need to see this clearly:

   When Obama ducks opportunities to "score points" on McCain ...

   Obama wins!

On my way home from the gym to the watching the debate, a few
guys decided to slow traffic even further by waving Yes on 8 signs on an overpass.  The middle one read:  "Yes on 8 = Less government."

Less government?  I thought about that.  So how is gay marriage
a buurden on taxpayers?  Or is it more government because schools
will have teach about gay marriage (another lie).

Which brings me to my main point--where's the No on 8 presence?
I've seen no TV ads, no bumper stickers, no yard signs.  What are they afraid of?  Perhaps we're too focused on the presidential race.  

Did you catch John McCain dropping his "g" at 9:20 ET -- "Americans are hurtin'"?  That, his repeated use of the word "angry," and his "Joe the Plumber" (aka Joe Six-Pack?) reference, signal to me that he is channeling Palin's fake populism.

((Cross-posted at Clintonistas for Obama)

The Washington Post is revealing a potential scandal that affects the McCains.  Seems that Cindy thought her ranch in the desert needed cell phone coverage, and fortunately, her husband happens to be "a senior member of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees the Federal Communications Commission and the telecommunications industry."  So what a cellular service provider to do?  

I considered posting this in the live blog, but I think this note is worth its own post simply simply to prevent some folks from missing the debate.

The debate is scheduled to begin at 9pm eastern (8pm central time).  I live in the central time zone.  When I go to Hofstra's debate website, the countdown clock has the wrong time (see screen shot below).  Apparently, whoever set up the website didn't account for anyone living outside the eastern time zone to rely on it.  Anyway, spread the word in case some may be confused.

For me, the countdown clock should read 1 hour, not 2...

Maverick used to mean finding a novel way to solve a problem.  Now, it means ignoring the law, abandoning ethics and screwing everyone to get your way.

I have reached the point now, where if I ever hear someone use the word 'maverick' again, I may resort to uncontrolled sobbing or projectile vomiting.

( Cross-posted at The National Gadfly )

In just three days, Oregonians will be making their choice in the highly contested Senate race. Oregon is a vote by mail state and ballots will begin dropping this FRIDAY. Obama is up 17 points here and there's no question in my mind that he will carry Oregon. The Oregon Senate race is a different story. Follow me below the fold to find out why it's so important that we all come together to elect progressive Democrat Jeff Merkley.

Full disclosure, I am the netroots director for OR-Sen candidate Jeff Merkley