THE FINAL DEBATE

The 3d and final debate between the remaining contenders for the presidency of The United States was a resounding "victory" for the Democratic nominee Barack Obama, who answered the absurd criticisms of The McCain Campaign to the satisfaction of all but the most bitter partisan.

While McCain calls for a "short term fix", Obama seeks to address the issues Washington has ignored for more than 32 years. McCain has adopted the "Drill Here--Drill Now" philosophy sponsored by the major Oil Corporations, while Obama candidly admits, "We can't 'drill' our way out of The Problem". In a nation stunned by the "sudden" financial crisis, the Democrat charged the Republican plan is simply a "give away to banks" and more tax breaks to wealthy corporations as well as individuals. McCain simply seeks to continue the economic policies of George W. Bush. McCain, who as a U.S. Senator voted to endorse the Bush administration over 90% of the time, resented being compared to Bush, and said, "I'm not George W. Bush ... if you wanted to run against him, you should have run 4 years ago!" It was perhaps the only memorable phrase from a Republican candidate desperate to distance himself from Bush while continuing his "legacy".

It is indeed the frustration felt by a candidate who either willingly or by coercion is forced to champion discredited and untenable political positions which came to the fore as McCain's temper was displayed to the entire nation, while Obama maintained his cool in the face of wild Republican accusations. McCain failed to mentioned the "middle" class even once during the debate as he introduced new accusations of "class warfare" against Obama. Indeed, modest Americans are starting to understand McCain and the Republicans are the avid guardians of affluent America, International Banks and Corporations who declared "war" on the less priviledged no later than eight years ago. As expected, McCain accused Obama of having an inappropriate relationship with "'60s 'radicals". McCain did refrain from bringing Obama's religous affiliations into the debate. At the same time, Obama didn't feel it neccessary to remind voters of McCain's ties to the (in retrospect) milder financial disaster of the '80s Savings & Loans scandal.

Among McCain's ad hominem attacks and ad hoc criticisms he became focused with laser beam precision on a fellow he designated as Joe the Plumber. It was McCain's pathetic attempt to link himself to the struggling "everyman" (albeit not unsuccessfully, see the opinions of Joe the Plumber). Obama, however, refused to be distracted. McCain said Obama seeks to "spread the wealth" ... like that is a bad thing. Meanwhile, Obama sought to explain the features of his tax plan on a level even "Joe the Plumber" might understand.

When asked about existing government programs he would willingly "cut", Obama was quick to mention "subsidies to insurence companies" and said any financial "bailout" sponsored by the federal government would have to include protections from CEO enrichment. Obama pledged he would set his budget on a "pay as you go" plan.

In the end, McCain looked like a guilty defendant on trial ... anxious, fidgety, in a word -- desperate. Obama was cool, concise, and collected, like someone who is confident "justice" will prevail. Of the two, he seemed the most capable of being able to deal with the present crisis. He handled all the attacks on his personal character with dignity, and although he couldn't resist smiling during some of McCain's more absurd responses, he did resist the urge to bust out laughing during McCain's more implausable claims.

There is no doubt The Final Debate was the best one of the series. Moderated by perhaps the top news anchor in the business, CBS Washington Bureau Chief Bob Schiefer, it had the style and impact of the Sunday morning show Face The Nation. It is now time for Americans to make up their minds. Do they want more of the same style of leadership as that provided by George W. Bush and greedy corporatists, or is The United Staes finally ready for change?