[X3pilot]

Advisers worry about ‘grumpy McCain’

But what friends call “grumpy McCain” is showing up regularly on the campaign trail, and several top advisers worry that it’s hurting his campaign by making him appear peevish and hunkered down when the country is looking for a larger and more optimistic brand of leadership.

“McCain can’t appear to be desperate,” the adviser continued. “He’s got to be upbeat and enthusiastic, and he’s really got to channel Reagan. If he goes into this debate and beats the [heck] out of Obama, Obama’s numbers are going to come up.”

To make that switch, McCain will have to overcome an aversion to Obama that he no longer bothers to gloss over. When Obama crossed over to the Republican side of the Senate floor the night of the bailout vote and offered his hand to his rival, “McCain shook it, but with a ‘go away’ look that no one could miss," David Nather reported on CQPolitics.com.

“He tried his best not to even look at Obama,” Nather wrote. “Finally, with a tight smile, McCain managed a greeting: ‘Good to see you.’ Obama got the message ... and quickly beat a retreat back to the Democratic side.”

 

[X3pilot]

Dammit, forgot the obligatory pics..

 

[Secret Squirrel]

1 chili cheese fry away...

 

[jonKranked]

 

[jimmydean]

I hope he blows a gasket, that would be worth watching.

 

[jonKranked]

I hope he blows a gasket, that would be worth watching.

I would pay to see John McCain's entire political career get flushed down the toilet on national television.

 

[jimmydean]

I bet his polls would go up if his head explodes.

 

[DamienC]

I bet his polls would go up if his head explodes.

Better that than the generic-off of their last debate.

 

[X3pilot]

Better that than the generic-off of their last debate.

This one has the town hall format. Not as much chance for canned answers or paid political ads disguised as debate.

On the other hand, this format lends itself more to an opportunity for McCain to lose the temper.

If his head explodes, does this mean that Palin becomes the candidate or do we go with second most delegates from the primaries?

 

[MMike]

I hope he blows a gasket, that would be worth watching.

Hells yeah! He flips and starts calling Obama "Charlie"? THAT's good TV my friend......

 

[X3pilot]

fundamental is the key drinking word tonight...

 

[drkenan]

And the Nashville redneck kicks off the 1st question...

 

[drkenan]

Obama's really on the attack. It should only be a minute before McCain blows his top.

 

[Defenestrated]

Obama is acting like McCain isn't in the room and McCain is acting like Obama is the only one in the room.

lol.

 

[drkenan]

Did Karl Rove tell McCain to get in everyone's face after they ask a question? He even got 2 feet in front of Brokaw a second ago.

 

[Defenestrated]

McCain's responses seem scripted. The same talking points and keywords are popping up, across the isle, pork barrel, reform, maverick?

 

[cannondalejunky]

the next person who talks for more than 1 minute is disqualified from the presidential race

 

[drkenan]

Did McCain just say he was gonna cut the VA's budget?

 

[Defenestrated]

I...think he may have lthumbsdown:

 

[Defenestrated]

McCain is telling me that he isn't in favor of tax cuts for the rich.

 

[cannondalejunky]

that spiel about obamas taxes was a low blow my mcain, i'm betting he knew obama wouldn't be able to defend himself

 

[Defenestrated]

McCain didn't answer the question either! What an asshole....

 

[drkenan]

that spiel about obamas taxes was a low blow my mcain, i'm betting he knew obama wouldn't be able to defend himself

That was pretty sh1tty.

Even Brokaw is getting a little aggressive in this debate. McCain sounds like a crotchety old man and Obama is going for the attack.

 

[BurlyShirley]

"Obama wants safe nuclear or disposable or something like that.... I was on a sub!"

 

[drkenan]

"Obama wants safe nuclear or disposable or something like that.... I was on a sub!"

I lol'd at that.

 

[Defenestrated]

Brokaw is getting antsy.

 

[drkenan]

"You know who voted for it? That one." [points]

 

[Defenestrated]

McCain seems to think that supply and demand applies to oil.

Cute.

 

[N8 v2.0]

i was listening on npr as i was driving home from teh Tues Nite ride...

it was a lot less "Grumpypalooza" and a lot more "Snoozeapalooza"...

anyone that thinks obama or maccain is an exciting debater is nothing but a homer.

 

[Defenestrated]

I'd rather watch Bernie Sanders debate Ron Paul, so in that respect your absolutely right N8.

...

Oh **** McCain thinks healthcare is a responsibility and not a right...

 

[Westy]

I feel back for McCain, he moves around like he is a penguin in a human suit. Nothing that should swing anyone's vote. Well other than the dude is really old and his VP candidate is a mix between Mrs. Poole and Paris Hilton.

 

[N8 v2.0]

that's because it isnt a 'right'.. dork.

unless ur a welfare recipient.. then yes, it is a right.

 

[Defenestrated]

Why shouldn't health care be a human right N8?

Because that would destroy the market for peddling of health care as a commodity for profit by self interested private corporations?

You make me sick.

 

[BurlyShirley]

I like McCain's "jokes."

Man, what a riot.

 

[Defenestrated]

If McCain says that America is the greatest force for good in the world one more time!

 

[drkenan]

Because that would destroy the market for peddling of health care as a commodity by self interested private corporations?

The healthcare system in the US is without a doubt broken. That being said, I'm not convinced that a properly run private system would be detrimental. We need more ethical and patient/consumer-oriented insurance companies and hospitals that aren't milking the system. $30 for aspirin anyone?

 

[Defenestrated]

The healthcare system in the US is without a doubt broken. That being said, I'm not convinced that a properly run private system would be detrimental. We need more ethical and patient/consumer-oriented insurance companies and hospitals that aren't milking the system. $30 for aspirin anyone?

We need to do something like Germany (if I recall the correct example) where health care providers are non-profit.

 

[N8 v2.0]

The healthcare system in the US is without a doubt broken. That being said, I'm not convinced that a properly run private system would be detrimental. We need more ethical and patient/consumer-oriented insurance companies and hospitals that aren't milking the system. $30 for aspirin anyone?

i guess is should have said 'free' gov sponsored healthcare is not a right.

howz about free food? or free government provided sex for teh masses?

 

[Defenestrated]

N8's right, fvck the masses and fvck you cuz I've got mine!

 

[N8 v2.0]

wherez the incentive to work if everyone gets free health care, free food, free homes?

perhaps these are the people who would staff your non-profit hospital system?