WSJ's article on debate preparations had me laughing several times:
The McCain campaign is having some trouble finding the right person for Gov. Palin's practice sessions. Sen. Joe Lieberman was considered, but dropped for being insufficiently fiery and loquacious to do a good Biden impression.
Hang in there Joe! They'll find a use for you someday li'l buddy.
McCain operatives have leaked some insight for us
Advisers have told Sen. McCain to watch out when Sen. Obama uses the phrase, "As I've said before..." One McCain adviser said it is used "when Obama actually changes his position, to pretend it's what he's always said."
You crafty Republicans! We'll all be watching for that now, thanks for the heads up.
Assorted other gems:
- To prep for the debate, McCain will take 'a short nap'.
- McCain's debate coach is from Falwell's Liberty University
- Obama negotiated for longer back-and-forth debate sections, McCain wanted everything short and soundbite-sized
Here's Team McCain's advice to their champion:
To Sen. McCain: Don't be so "brutally honest" that you spell out what you don't know, such as the imploding economy. Don't let early jitters make you come off as "testy." Those superstitious tokens? Make sure they are handy so you aren't thrown if you can't find them. Don't overuse your favorite semantic crutch, "My friends."
Don't be too honest McCain! Being brutally honest is brutal on yourself. Avoid it! And for God's sake don't lose your superstitious tokens! This guy would be such a steady hand at the nation's wheel, providing he never loses track of his superstitious tokens.
Their advice for Gov Palin?
Don't memorize talking points so that you give rote answers rather than showing your own personality and grasp of issues. Don't say that you can see Russia from parts of Alaska
Good luck with that! I'm not sure her handlers realize Sarah Palin is an unstoppable talking point machine and she can see Russia from anywhere she stands.
Bonus hilarity: The article originally reported that Michael Steele was playing Obama in McCain's debate preps. Gotta get some experience talking to black people! McCain's people 'corrected' the WSJ after Chait mocked them here: http://blogs.tnr.com/...