I think Obama was on the defensive, but McCain could have added more power to his jabs by mentioning some other facts. Before I get into the list of things I think he should have touched upon let me just say this – don’t these people have staff that funnel news articles, etc. to them about various aspects of their opponent. I mean really, why is it that McCain didn’t go more in depth on several issues. Is it because he doesn’t want to? Is it because he doesn’t know it? Or, is it restraints of the format in the debate, etc.? I’d like to know because Obama misrepresents himself quite often and no one seems to call him on it, except for Sarah Palin.

The list that I think McCain should have pounced on more were as follows:

-         Taxes: Perhaps it would interest people that about 30% of that 95% don’t pay taxes into the system, so they would actually just be getting a check from the government. Can we say welfare? Plus, what about the Bush tax cuts? If Obama lets those cuts fade away, won’t most middle income earners have their taxes raised. I’ve seen articles that say those earners making between $30,000-$90,000 will actually have their taxes increase by about $4,000.

-         Associations: Instead of asking about Obama’s relationship with Ayers, McCain should have set the stage for Obama to refute or confirm the relationship he has with Ayers. For instance, picture this question, “Senator Obama, in a recent CNN investigation, it was uncovered that you have worked with Bill Ayers - who's an unrepentant terrorist that bomb the Pentagon and other buildings, and who has proclaimed himself as a 'communist' with a little 'c' - on a number of boards that have to do with education in the city of Chicago, i.e. Annenberg Challenge and the Woods Foundation. This relationship has spanned from the time you launched your state senate campaign in his living room to the time you shared a stage with him at an event planned by your wife discussing education. Also from that CNN investigation, one could see that your relationship with Ayers was not how you first described it, ‘just someone I knew from my neighborhood’, or how you next described him as, ‘I knew him because our kids went to school together,’ which isn’t true since his children are now full grown and your children are not. So, perhaps you could clear up any confusion that those in the American public might have with regards to your relationship with William Ayers and provide them with the true relationship between the two of you.” Next up would be ACORN. “Senator Obama would you please explain how you can say you don’t have any ties to ACORN when in your days as a community organizer you worked as a trainer for the Chicago area chapter. As well as throughout your senate elections and career, you've shown support to that organization. Not to mention that in December 2007 at their conference you said that you would make sure that they were invited to your administration’s White House to set agendas for the country. These are the same people that are now under investigation for fraud. Would you mind explaining the relationship further?” I too would have brought up Reverend Wright because that relationship also illustrates Senator Obama’s judgment. How can you sit in a church for 20 years that preaches hatred towards this country and not agree with what is said? Especially, since one of your memoirs features one of the preacher's sermon titles?

-         Abortion: He could have nailed Obama on the ‘Freedom of Choice Act’ that he promised to NARAL in the first 100 days of his administration. Not to mention that the same legislation that he opposed to give aborted children a fighting chance was supported by those in the US Senate that are pro-choice.

-         Healthcare plan: “Senator Obama, why would any small business keep paying for healthcare plans when they can dump them off and have their employees pick up the government plan. I mean this eliminates competition.

-         Education: “Senator Obama, you tout how the oil companies have such obscene profits and how much they have increased over the years. Sir, would you tax Universities that have increased their costs from 1986 to today by 423%? And, Senator, many colleges and Universities hold numerous endowments in their accounts; would you encourage them to spend those endowments by taxing them hardily? Perhaps the universities and colleges could 'spread the wealth' around.”

I’m just trying to figure out where all this money is going to come from in these two campaigns. Our country is out of money and no one is admitting to that fact. We have to cut spending drastically.

Anyway, I thought McCain did well. I would just encourage him to flush out more by stating the facts and getting them out there and allow Obama the chance to refute or twist them. Even if Obama tries to refute it, McCain still ignites the facts for people to come to their own conclusion. It’s all about making a good argument.