The McCain strategy is now clear: use Palin as a distraction and stay on the offensive all the way to the election to avoid any meaningful debate on the issues.
The Obama camp is responding very well by calling a spade a spade. Next, Obama needs to call McCain out on his dishonorable campaign at the OUTSET of the first debate.
Obama should throw down the gauntlet to McCain during his opening remarks at the debate, describing to the American people what a despicable campaign McCain has been running and WHY he's doing it.
McCain's jaw would drop. My jaw would drop. McCain would be totally flummoxed at the thought of having to defend the way he's conducted his campaign for the ensuing 90 minutes. Ultimately, this could throw McCain off message for the rest of the night, and potentially instigate one of those trademark McCain outbursts that would cost him the election.
McCain has NOTHING. His campaign is a disgrace, Palin a gimmick. "Party first; America last" should be first words out of Barack Obama's mouth. This country is seething with frustration for change. Obama can channel that energy and show the demonstrable toughness we know he has, but many Americans have not yet seen.
Based on the viewership for the conventions, the first debate should exceed 50 million viewers...AND with most states now offering early voting, this is THE debate that could matter more than any of the subsequent encounters.
Barack has all the ammo. McCain has NOTHING.