Do you want to know how wonderful last night’s debate was? It was so wonderful that I actually watched part of the re-broadcast. It was that great. I just had to relive some of the highlights. Including, but not limited to, Senator McCain rolling his eyes about eight dozen times.

After getting off to a strong start where he took Obama to task on a few issues, McCain quickly flagged. His story of Joe the simple plumber who wished to fulfill his dream by buying the plumbing business he’d worked for his whole life, soon turned into a corny and repetitive mantra that went nowhere. McCain was unsuccessful in painting Obama as the enemy of small business owners in America, and also at misrepresenting his tax plan.

But McCain’s biggest fumble, the analysts at electoral projection group FiveThirtyEight.com agree, was in blaming Obama for the negative tone of the campaign. THe polls showed that people wouldn’t buy it, and they didn’t disappoint.

He insisted that it was Obama’s job to repudiate statements made by people who weren’t even associated with his campaign. Obama responded with this:

And, now, I think the American people are less interested in our hurt feelings during the course of the campaign than addressing the issues that matter to them so deeply.

You could almost hear millions of voters across the country simultaneously crying, “THANK YOU!”

When McCain brought up ACORN and Ayers, Obama explained clearly and simply what his associations were with them, and it became clear that the “guilt by association” charge was downright silly.

What McCain needed from this debate was to score a clear win over Obama. That’s what he’s needed this whole time, and he just blew his last chance. All Obama needed was to hold his lead. And that, according to network polls, he has done.

Things may change in the next three weeks, but it would take a miracle for McCain to close the gap that is showing in the polls. I don’t forsee it happening. Not that Obama should become complacent - nor should his supporters. No matter who you like in this election, please don’t take a win or loss for granted. The electoral college may have the ultimate say, but you’re a part of this decision too. Go out and vote!

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