As we help Obama hammer McCain over Wednesday's gaffe, let's remember what the real gaffe was. The fact that John McCain couldn't say how many houses he owns was the hook. That's the somewhat shocking and certainly humorous element that gives this things legs. But, it was his other comment--that the economy is fundmentally strong--that makes this thing devastating for the GOP.
Now, I'll admit I haven't seen nor could I find the exact quote. In Obama's commercial it was "the economy is fundamentally strong." In one of his speeches, Obama used the phrase "fundamentally sound." The former is a bit better (for us), but it doesn't much matter. And, since I've seen no denials, I have to assume McCain said one or the other.
Average americans have always been happy to forgive wealth. I doubt they really mind all that much that John and Cindy can afford eight houses or whatever the real number is. They may be a little disturbed that McCain couldn't remember the answer, but I suspect they'll by and large give him a pass on that as well. However, there is no way on God's green earth that voters will put into the White House a man who doesn't seem to understand the problems in the economy ... or worse, that there is a problem. No way. No how. If America thinks John McCain thinks the economy is fundamentally strong (as apparently he does), Obama could win with Jeremiah Wright as his VP.
So, in our rush to hammer McCain over these gaffes, its important to always, always emphasize--as Obama did perfectly--that the real issue is that John McCain thinks the economy is fundamentally strong. That's the ticket.