I'm calling it as of today, September 26th. And before you flame me out of existence, I'm NOT saying that it is time to stop being vigilent, to stop working, to stop donating, or the like. We need to work like hell. And keep working until all the votes are in.
But from the perspective of John McCain, he might as well pack up and go home. Keep himself on a permenant campaign suspension. Because in the course of the three weeks, he has essentially proven he has nothing to offer as President of the United States that Barack Obama doesn't already have, or have anything that demonstrates why he is a better leader than Obama.
McCain is pretty much toast.
Here's the deal. Obama has consistently run as a change agent, not only changing federal policies to help the 95% of us who are not super-rich, but also changing a Washington culture that promotes partisanship and division and gets nothing done. McCain, in contrast, for awhile ran as the experience candidate, until picking Sarah Palin, then reversed course and said "me too" to the change message, because he is known as a "maverick" that can bring change (even with all evidence the contrary).
Well, in the last 48 hours, we've seen the following:
- McCain "suspending" his campaign in order to look Presidential and step up to help solve the financial crisis.
- McCain return to Washington to attend a meeting of Congressional leaders and the President to help broker the bailout deal.
- McCain say absolutely nothing, or otherwise show no leadership as talks broke down.
- Obama try to bridge the gap between the House Republicans' concerns and Secretary Paulson.
- House Republicans tank the deal for...well, who knows what for?
- General outbreak of civil war within the Republican Party.
- McCain retreat from his "suspension" pledge to attend the debate tonight.
Folks, need any more proof that McCain is not ready to be President?
His leadership style (or lack thereof) is showing something fierce, and Obama looks about as ready on day one as anybody could be. But more importantly, Obama has reversed, and McCain has inherited, the biggest knock Obama had about those who doubted Obama from the beginning.
Trust.
How many times have we heard, "I like Obama, but..." "But" meaning:
*"I'm not sure I can trust him."
*"I'm not sure how he will lead."
*"I'm not sure he is ready."
*"I'm not sure he really means it."
*"I'm not sure he isn't doing this for his own ego, and not the good of the country."
Remember, the American people are a cynical bunch. And they are tired of the cynicism in their politics.
McCain has always had this on his side. Before Obama, he was Mr. Straight Talk. He seemed like Mr. Clean Up D.C., Mr. Above-the-Fray, Mr. Maverick. But his actions, each one of them, is building a huge case against him in this election year, when people are hungry for leaders and not cynical politicians.
Take a look at each cynical move of the McCain campaign: the negative ads. The Palin pick. The campaign "suspension." The return to Washington, but providing no leadership. Each and every one of these actions was a cynical political calculation, and the people are slowly beginning to see that.
Remember, McCain's narrative is based upon "Country First." "Service." "I'd rather lose an election than lose a war."
But the fact remains that the Senator with 20+ years of experience has demonstrated know, with full blown media coverage, that he is nothing more than a cynical politician.
Everyone, that's the new frame until Election Day:
Obama is a leader. McCain is a politician.
McCain lost this election this week. Because those paying enough attention saw him for what he was. An opportunist.
And whatever move his campaign makes next, no matter what the move is, will be seen the same way.
Knock, Donate, and Call. G-O-T-V.
It's time for a leader in the White House again.