England for Obama

Love Joe the plumber’s hopes and dreams; and McCain’s frequent flying:

…and John McCain *is* The Penguin. This is just brilliant (and uncanny in its prescience. Or were American presidential debates always thus?):

(Thanks to Bob Cesca for posting)

Highly recommended if you didn’t see it all last night:

As highlighted by Bob Cesca:

Three instant polls by the major networks - CNN, CBS and Fox - all give the debate to Obama. In CBS’s case, by the largest majority yet: 53 to 22. Woo-hoo!

And now I’m off to bed…

…well, apart from a Few Good Men moment, natch. (Actually, I suppose  that’s more a ‘hoping for’ than ‘expecting’, isn’t it?)

Yes, it’s the third and final presidential debate tonight - and it’s taking place at Hofstra University in New York at 9pm EST.  And England expects…. well, certainly for John McCain to bring up William Ayers’ name - because not only has he said will, but Obama has forced him to do it (but dontcha see, Jonny? Then you’re just where he wants you!) - and apart from that, who knows?

We do know at least that, according to CNN, the candidates will be drinking from the same water glasses they used at previous debates (no, really) and will be sitting at a table. And I think we can also expect Obama to be calm and considered and gaffe-free, and McCain to be smouldering with anger.

Meanwhile, back at the(ir respective) ranch(es):

“Both candidates are in full preparation mode.

Obama, according to spokeswoman Linda Douglass, is preparing for the debate at a resort in Toledo, Ohio, and staying in touch with his team of economic advisers.

Advisers say that as the debate nears, Obama gets a sense of calm, turns off his cell phone three hours ahead of time and just focuses.

McCain, according to his campaign, will make final debate preparations Tuesday night into Wednesday in New York.

For McCain, the last debate could be a decisive moment in the final stretch of the campaign season.

CNN political editor Mark Preston said the debate is likely to be for McCain, the self-described underdog in the race, a “last chance to reach tens of millions of people with his vision for America.”

“He needs a game-changer,” Preston added.

The key for Obama is to avoid any gaffes. If he comes out of the debate unscathed, political analysts have said, he’ll be in a good position to hold his lead over McCain.”

Cooom onnnnn, Barry! Make him do it!

Obama: “Senator, did you order Saddam Hussein and Freddie Mac lobbyist William Timmons to head your presidential transition team?”

Moderator: “You don’t have to answer that question.”

McCain: “I’ll answer the question. You want answers?”

Obama: “I think I’m entitled.”

McCain: “You want answers?”

Obama: “I want the truth!”

McCain: “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”

It’ll be even better if McCain calls him “a snidey little bastard”. Here’s hoping!

Joe Biden sits down with Chris Matthews to talk about the campaigns - both Obama’s and McCain’s - including the possibility of McCain bringing up the Ayers issue with Obama at the debate tomorrow night. Incredibly gracious and considered throughout, after a long pause, Biden says that he thinks McCain would regret saying such a thing - and doubts he would actually do it:

I heart Joe Biden. Biden for President! No, wait. It’s the other guy. Ah, well. He’s not too shabby.

Love ‘Songs In The Key Of Hope’: