I have been trying to come up with a unifying theory of the McCain Camp tactics (yes I'm using the word correctly) of the last two weeks.
For all the discussion of "erratic behavior" on the McCain side, remember that he has had to pay no political price for: Carly Fiorina, Rick Davis, a 26 year history of de-regulation, Phil Gramm, or Sarah Palin's interview.
In the clear light of Monday, September 29, last week's suspension has exacted a toll on his numbers, but the death by a thousand cuts of the above list could have been absolved IF Obama and Congressional Dems were as stupid has McCain believed and he had succeeded. Follow me for the implications for Thursday.
Everyone is now talking about two things:
- McCains next "game changer"
- Palin's Disastrous debate prep.
I do not think McCain will try and cancel the debate. It's too politically risky and his best shot was what he attempted Thursday/Friday. Any Palin family crisis, natural disaster postponement, or legislative emergency would now ring hollow.
So here is the McCain Campaign move:
Palin does nothing but attack Obama.
I know . . . duh.
It not an original thought but I mean she will be over the top. Something akin to jury nullification in court. The debate will devolve quickly. No answers to any questions without trashing Obama. Not statement of any thought from her, just misstatements of Obama's positions. She will memorize 3 or 4 attacks and repeat them ad nauseam.
From tonight’s Kristol article:
She should spend her time making the case for McCain and, more important, the case against Obama. As one shrewd McCain supporter told me, "Every minute she spends not telling the American people something that makes them less well disposed to Obama is a minute wasted."
This yields two benefits;
- Friday morning headlines "Palin Attacks Obama" rather than "Palin not Horrible in Debate"
- It boxes Biden in. The CW is that Biden should ignore her and win by showing confidence/competence.
But I am unsure as to Biden's move if she does this.
Fail to defend Obama - He is weak
Spend all his time correcting her- He is defensive.
Call her a liar- He is disrespectful to women.
I know all of those are untrue, but that media narrative is my worry.
I'll put on my Couric hat and say
"If the over the top attacks come, what one specific thing should Biden say?"